Construction to Begin for Mohican State Park Visitor CenterNew visitor center to include exhibit area and outdoor gathering spaces

Joe Lyons • June 11, 2024

ODNR officials break ground for the new visitor center at Mohican State Park.

LOUDONVILLE, Ohio — The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) today broke ground and will begin construction for a new visitor center at Mohican State Park. “We are thrilled to begin work on the new visitor center at Mohican State Park,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “This facility is designed to blend seamlessly with the park’s natural beauty while providing modern amenities and educational opportunities for our visitors. It will enhance the overall experience for everyone who comes to explore and enjoy one of Ohio’s most cherished parks.”

Strategically located near the park’s main entrance, the new visitor center will be a prominent feature visible from the roadway. Nestled next to the State Scenic Clear Fork of the Mohican River within the floodplain, the site offers a unique blend of natural beauty and accessibility. The building’s design includes an extended, low-slope ramp leading to the entrance, flanked by educational rain gardens and gathering spaces, providing visitors with interactive and educational opportunities.

There will be a grand and inviting entrance to the visitor center with landscaping that will address any flooding issues. The space will also feature exterior porches and a fireplace, encouraging visitors to gather and enjoy the outdoors even more.

The heart of the visitor center will be a central exhibit space, with two wings extending from it. One wing will house restrooms and a merchandise area, while the other will contain staff support, storage, and mechanical spaces. The building will offer entry points at both ends accessible from the parking lot and the campground. The main entrance vestibule will be designed to lock off from the rest of the facility, allowing off-hours access to restrooms and drinking fountains.

Inspired by traditional forest lodges, the new visitor center will feature olive green exterior siding atop a stone base, reflecting the stone outcroppings found throughout the park. A steeply sloped roof with dormers will create a spacious, well-lit interior, accentuated by heavy timber trusses. Shaded porches and stone chimneys will add to the building’s inviting, homey ambiance.

As one of Ohio’s most frequented parks, Mohican State Park is a place where nature’s history meets adventure. Once the hunting grounds of the Delaware nation, it is now a sanctuary for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can hike, bike, ride horseback, or paddle through various landscapes. Naturalist programs offer insights into the diverse plant and animal life native to the area. Guests can stay in the lodge, cozy cabins, or camp under the stars. Whether seeking tranquility or thrills, Mohican State Park invites exploration and relaxation.

“The Mohican area has an amazing story to tell, and we are proud to share that story with Ohioans of all ages in the new visitor center,” said Park Manager Jenny Roar. “This exciting project will inspire future generations and provide a place for visitors to learn about the history, conservation practices, and recreational opportunities of this beautiful region. We hold a valuable piece of Ohio’s history here at Mohican, and it is important to us to showcase this remarkable area in our new facility.”

The new visitor center is expected to be completed in the fall of 2025.

The ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft provides exceptional outdoor recreation and boating opportunities by balancing outstanding customer service, education, and conservation of Ohio’s 76 state parks and waterways.

In 2024, join ODNR as we celebrate 75 years of protecting Ohio’s natural resources and providing outstanding and award-winning recreational opportunities.

ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.