By Diane Lautenschleger
Spring is the perfect time to explore the great outdoors throughout Tuscarawas County. The bright sun calls us outside even if the air is still a bit chilly. Dress in layers and grab your sunglasses, your friends or family, then head on out.
Start your adventure on the Ohio & Erie Canalway trailhead in Bolivar at the Fort Laurens State Memorial which offers plenty of parking, picnic shelters, and restrooms. The site of Ohio’s only Revolutionary War fort, take the time to tour the Fort Laurens Museum and the surrounding grounds before heading south on the Ohio & Erie Canalway trail. The trail meanders through pasture land and vegetation beginning to green and blossom from the warming sun. This portion of the trail treats the user to benches and even the remains of an original canal lock once used to change the water level in the canal so that boats could easily travel from Cleveland to the mighty Ohio River in Marietta. The interpretive signage provides the story about this lock. For more information, check their website at https://www.ohioanderiecanalway.com/Main/TuscarawasCountyHiking.aspx.
Next up, load your mountain bikes and pack your camping gear before heading to Camp Tuscazoar. Located a short distance from I-77 in Bolivar, this historic camp traces its roots to the early 1900s when it was established as a Boy Scout Camp. The carefully maintained rustic camp is now home to nearly 20 miles of exciting mountain bike trails. The 3 miles of beginner’s mountain bike trails recently opened and these areas are designed for new riders to develop their skills. The primitive cabins or camping areas will be a welcome resting spot after a day spent biking and exploring the forested Tuscazoar. The maple syrup runs throughout the early spring, so time your visit with an annual pancake breakfast at the camp and enjoy some of the freshest maple syrup you will ever taste! You can find more information available at http://www.tuscazoar.org.
Nothing relaxes us like time spent on the water. Dover Riverfront Park features a new boat launch offering easy access to the Tuscarawas River. Spend the afternoon paddling up and down the river. Children of all ages will enjoy the swings, picnic tables, and riverside benches this park offers after time on the water. The website http://www.doverohio.com has more information.
Are you ready for a little indoor exploring? The Dennison Railroad Depot Museum shares the history of the railroad and how the depot came to be known as “Dreamsville” during World War II. Children will delight in learning about Bingo, the dog who went on to become a WWI war hero. Outdoor enthusiasts will be fascinated with the museum’s new exhibit opening in April 2018. Did you know that Ohio once was home to over 50 amusement parks or how the history of the amusement park is related to the railroad? Offering amusement park style games, everyone in your group will enjoy this fascinating new exhibit, “Put Your Hands in the Air, Railroads and Amusement Parks!” Learn more about this exciting location from their website http://dennisondepot.org/.
Featuring fresh ingredients from the great outdoors of local farms, Park Street Pizza in Sugarcreek is a welcome respite in your springtime, outdoor adventure! With a Pie-losophy of “Enjoy your slice of life,” and “You are what you eat so it oughta be good,” Park Street Pizza shares offerings from traditional pepperoni (Primo Pepperoni), to seasonal specials, wings, and salads; families and friends alike will enjoy the industrial feel of the dining room while delighting in the best pizza ever! Check them out at http://www.parkstreetpizza.com/.
Tuscarawas County for Spring
