Paddle, Play, and Enjoy Every Moment
Outdoor recreation in Tuscarawas County offers a refreshing mix of adventure, relaxation, and open-air discovery. Whether you’re paddling, hiking, or enjoying a market stroll, it’s a great way to reconnect with the outdoors.
Begin your adventure on the Tuscarawas River. Launch a kayak or canoe from Dover or New Philadelphia and drift along calm waters. The shoreline is lined with trees, wildlife is active, and peaceful stretches give you time to slow down. Watch for herons, turtles, and maybe even an eagle overhead.
Fresh-Air Activities to Beat the Heat in Tuscarawas County
Hot days call for cool places. Uhrichsville Water Park is a 4.5-acre facility packed with family fun. It features an 18,000-square-foot heated pool, two-story water slides for both tubes and body sliding, and a large water playground in the shallow section.
Kids love the dumping buckets and dancing water fountains. A zero-entry area allows easy access for little ones, and a lap pool gives swimmers room to stretch out. Chairs and umbrellas surround the pool, with grassy areas and natural shade for those who want a break from the sun.
Tuscora Park in New Philadelphia is another favorite for families. It offers a public pool, vintage amusement rides, tennis courts, and a mini-golf course. Shaded picnic areas and a duck pond provide a relaxing backdrop for summer fun. It’s the kind of place where kids can play while adults unwind.
During summer evenings, the park hosts outdoor concerts, adding live music to the mix of family-friendly fun and peaceful surroundings.
Outdoor Fun on the Ohio and Erie Towpath Trail
The Ohio and Erie Towpath Trail stretches through scenic countryside and small towns. Walk, jog, or ride along this historic route, where crushed limestone paths follow the old canal. Interpretive signs, canal locks, and shaded spots add interest and comfort along the way.
Open-Air Experiences in Creative Downtowns
Downtown Dover and New Philadelphia offer a colorful visual experience with murals throughout the city. Artwork brightens alleyways, building walls, and tucked-away corners. Each piece, created by local artists, tells a story through bold color and thoughtful design. Grab a coffee, follow the painted paths, and take time to enjoy each display.
Beyond these downtowns, Dennison features around 20 hand-painted WWII-era murals, while Sugarcreek is home to a striking brick wall sculpture. Throughout the county, the LoveTusc Sculpture Tour offers even more creative outdoor stops—and they make great selfie backdrops, too.
Outdoor recreation in Tuscarawas County also includes a taste of the season. Local farmers’ markets pop up weekly in New Philadelphia, Dover, and Uhrichsville. Shoppers browse tables stacked with produce, homemade jams, fresh bread, and flowers ready for the garden. Music, friendly vendors, and community spirit make it more than a market.
The Tuscarawas Valley Farmers Market, the county’s largest, kicks off its 2025 season on Wednesday, June 4, at the Tuscarawas County Fairgrounds. The market runs every Wednesday evening through mid-October and features food trucks, live entertainment, and a wide variety of locally grown goods. New this year, the market has partnered with Lehman’s, located in Kidron, to sponsor weekly cooking demos inside the Clover Café. Every Wednesday at 5:00 p.m., you can learn practical recipes and techniques using fresh market ingredients.
Dining Outdoors with Local Flavor in Tuscarawas
After a day outside, grab a patio table and unwind. Park Street Pizza serves up wood-fired pies with outdoor seating, while Uncle Primo’s offers pasta and cold drinks with a breeze. Dining outdoors keeps the day going without missing a moment.
From paddling and biking to mural walks and market mornings, outdoor recreation in Tuscarawas County invites you to stay active, stay local, and enjoy the season. Visit Travel Tusc and start planning your trip.
