New Gateway to the Outdoors: Mohican State Park Unveils Stunning New Visitor Center
LOUDONVILLE, OH — On a hot summer morning in the heart of Ohio’s woodlands, community members, park staff, state officials, and outdoor enthusiasts gathered beneath the shade of a large shelter to witness a milestone moment for one of the state’s most treasured natural escapes. Mohican State Park — long known for its deep gorges, rugged trails, and serene river bends — officially opened the doors to its brand-new visitor center, a project years in the making and designed to serve as both a launching point and a living tribute to the park’s history and future.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Director Mary Mertz celebrated the grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, joined by Ashland County Sheriff Kurt J. Schneider, Ohio State Highway Patrol Ashland Post Commander Lieutenant Brad Bishop and other local leaders.
“Ohio truly is the Heart of Adventure, and we want everyone to have a first-class experience when visiting one of our state parks,” said Governor DeWine. “Mohican State Park has so much to offer, and the new visitor center serves as a perfect welcome point for guests to learn about the region’s natural history.”
The governor, joined by First Lady Fran DeWine and three of their grandchildren, spoke warmly of his lifelong connection to Ohio’s parks, recalling boyhood camping trips and his ongoing mission to make all 76 free state parks the best in the nation. Under his leadership, Ohio has invested heavily in outdoor recreation, wetland restoration through the H2Ohio program, and visitor amenities to enhance public access.
Director Mertz echoed that sentiment, calling the new building “both a gateway and a gathering place.”
“This new visitor center serves as both a gateway and a gathering place, helping guests discover the natural wonders of the park while offering comfort, accessibility, and education,” Mertz said.
A First-Class Welcome to a Premier Outdoor Destination
The new visitor center strengthens Mohican’s reputation as one of Ohio’s premier outdoor getaways. The park’s 1,100 acres feature miles of hiking trails, the winding Mohican State Scenic River, abundant fishing, a historic lodge, and mountain biking on the state’s only “epic-rated” trail. These attractions draw visitors from across Ohio and beyond, and now they have a new front door to begin their adventure.
At 5,205 square feet, the building was designed with both beauty and functionality in mind. A central exhibit hall showcases the park’s natural and cultural history, while two wings house restrooms, a retail shop, an indoor fireplace and seating area, and an interactive children’s space. The design includes entry points at both ends, connecting easily to the campground and main parking area, and a secure vestibule for off-hours restroom and drinking fountain access.
From the outside, guests approach along a gently sloped entrance ramp that opens onto inviting porches. The layout and landscaping create a seamless arrival, ensuring accessibility for visitors of all abilities. Inside, interpretive displays bring to life the park’s ecology, wildlife, and heritage. Children can explore interactive exhibits, while adults relax by the fireplace or browse the retail area for mementos.
“This project truly reflects our commitment to creating meaningful, memorable experiences for every visitor,” said Park Manager Jenny Roar. “From the interpretive displays to the outdoor gathering spaces and welcoming porches, everything here was built with purpose — to inspire, educate, and welcome.”
Speakers Highlight Partnerships and Pride
Roar opened the ceremony by praising her staff for their tireless behind-the-scenes work — painting, landscaping, building displays, and preparing the grounds for the big day. She called it “teamwork toward a common goal” and drew warm applause from the crowd.
Governor DeWine spoke of his deep personal ties to state parks, while Director Mertz highlighted the many partner organizations — from trail clubs and historical groups to local law enforcement — that keep Mohican vibrant.
Ohio State Parks and Watercraft Chief Glen Cobb noted that in 2024, Ohio parks hosted more than 1.1 million overnight stays and that the new center will serve as a hub for exploration, whether visitors are paddling the river, hiking the gorge, or cycling forest trails. He also shared that Ohio is one of just three national finalists for the prestigious National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Parks and Recreation Management.
ODNR Division of Engineering Chief Jeremy Wymer explained how the new center’s stonework and timber were inspired by Mohican’s historic lodge, CCC-era structures, and the park’s recently upgraded suspension bridge. The project, he said, was made possible through close collaboration between designers, construction teams, and park staff.
Following the ribbon-cutting, guests streamed inside to explore.
For some, the new visitor center was the first stop before a day of adventure. For others, it was the newest chapter in decades of memories.
Mohican State Park’s visitor center is now open seven days a week, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. — ready to welcome the next generation of hikers, paddlers, campers, and dreamers to the magic of Ohio’s outdoors.
