When you visit Morgan County, you will experience an array of excellent food, intriguing history and unique lodging options. Your stay will be topped off with down home hospitality and charm. Nature encompasses the entire county, and its benefits will leave your heart, mind, and soul wondering why you didn’t come here sooner.
Restaurants
Let’s talk food. Homecooked + inexpensive – you can’t go wrong with that combination. This is exactly what you’ll get when you visit Morgan County. Now for the savory details.
The Boondocks BBQ & Grill
What I love about this restaurant is their creativity on the menu. My unique platter was a loaded cheeseburger with fried mac & cheese loaves used as buns. My side of sweet potato fries came with a cup of caramel sauce. The entire entrée was incredibly delicious. Come hungry, leave happy.
If you are REALLY hungry, Boondocks offers a limited time (through February 2021) Sasquatch Burger: Four 8oz beef patties, 8 slices of cheese, 8 slices of bacon, slab of smoked ham, and a fried egg stacked on a Brioche Bun. And yes, there’s a t-shirt waiting for you if you can eat the whole thing.
The Boondocks BBQ & Grill 4651 N. State Rt 60 NW McConnelsville, Ohio
Maxwell’s Pizza
I have eaten at this restaurant several times and every time the food has been excellent. Their pizzas are great, but I’d have to say their Stromboli is even better. Something else I love about Maxwell’s is their rooftop dining. Whether you opt for the super fun swinging chairs or the comfy seating looking out at the Muskingum River, you’re sure to love it.
Maxwell’s Pizza 975 W. Riverside Dr. McConnelsville, Ohio
Old Bridge Brewing Co.
If you enjoy craft beer, this place is a must. With 12 drafts consistently on the menu, and surprise brews always being served, you’ll find multiple drinks that will please your palette. The brewery has taken a lot of McConnelsville’s history and maximized it to create a wonderful ambiance. Be sure to notice the base of the large table in the overflow room. It’s a locally made replica of the bridge that sits across the street. MISDIY currently has a set up on the table and in the surrounding area so you can shop while you’re there as well.
The brewery has partnered with El Palenque, Maxwell’s Pizza, MoCo’s Dip-In-Sip, and Chatter Box Tavern to deliver food right to your table. Call in your order when you arrive and it will be ready within a few minutes. Weekends almost always have a food truck on site as an option as well.
Old Bridge Brewing Co. 281 W. Main St. McConnelsville, Ohio
Riviera Pizza
Pizza, subs and homecooked meals are served made to order at this local favorite. The thicker the crust the better in my opinion, so I was in pizza heaven enjoying the soft warm crust on my pickle pizza. Yep, it’s on the menu as a standalone item!
Riviera Pizza 3300 Water St. Stockport, Ohio
CJ’s Family Restaurant
“Where everybody knows your name” is what comes to mind when I think of this restaurant. Owned and operated for over 31 years, Caroline serves practically everyone on a first name basis. The food is made from scratch and the prices can’t be beat. $1.70 for breakfast?? – you better believe it. Sandwiches are in the $2-3.00 range and dinners are generally in the $6.00 range.
CJ’s Family Restaurant 1920 Broadway St. Stockport, Ohio
Both CJ’s and Riviera are in Stockport and are conveniently located near the Stockport Mill Inn and Hardware Inn.
Unique Destinations
Twin City Opera House
An iconic building which has held a steadfast role in Morgan County’s communities, sits on the town’s square as majestically as when it was built back in 1890. The opera house has been in continuous use for over 130 years hosting live performances and movies. Currently, the public can take in a movie on a weekly basis, very often offered for free. Sit back with your soda and popcorn and enjoy the grandeur.
I was able to go into the basement and when I did, I was wowed by the stacked sandstone pillars. Folklore says there was a tunnel that ran underground to the hotel across the street. This allowed the performers to leave after the show without being mobbed by the media and guests. The owl engraved into the entrance’s arch is a pretty funny political story. Be sure to ask about it!
Twin City Opera House 15 W. Main St. McConnelsville, Ohio
Morgan County Historical Society Museum
Morgan County has so much amazing history and through generous community donations, they are able to showcase much of what makes this county so interesting.
Natives of Morgan County who have acquired both national and international fame include:
- Howard Chandler Christy: known for his WWII posters along with the painting of the Signing of The Constitution, which hangs in the Capitol of the US
- McDonald Birch: famed magician, known to have made his pony disappear
- Lelia Naylor Morris: famous writer of over 1500 hymns
Open by appointment only.
Morgan County Historical Society Museum 142 E. Main St. McConnelsville, Ohio
Evelyn True Button House
Mrs. Button was not your typical housewife of the day. She was an author and world traveler who brought back many ornate treasures from lands near and far. You can learn all about her life as you go through her meticulously decorated home.
Open by appointment only. Contact the Morgan County Historical Society
Morris Hardware
Making a go of a business is no easy feat, continuing that business for 175 years by the same family is astonishing. The Morris Hardware in McConnelsville is the oldest continually family run hardware in Ohio and the 6th oldest in the United States. As you walk along the streets of McConnelsville, be sure to pop in and look around. Oh, and don’t forget to look up – the various tin ceiling patterns are beautiful.
Big Muskie Bucket & Miners Memorial
When you visit Morgan County, you just HAVE to go see the Big Muskie Bucket. It’s hard to fathom its size until you stand beside it. There is a very nice pavilion next to it that has all sorts of astonishing facts about its size and use.
Big Muskie Bucket 3850 E. State Route 78 NE McConnelsville, Ohio
Locks and Dams
When you visit Morgan County, be sure to hop out of your car and check out at least one of the four working locks that are located along the Muskingum River. An even better experience is to go through the locks during the summer months as you cruise up and down the river in your boat or kayak. #7 in McConnelsville and #6 in Stockport are two that are easily accessible by car.
Big Bottom Massacre
A solemn event in Ohio’s history, this riverside location provides a space for solitude and reflection.
2201 E. SR-266 Stockport, Ohio
Ohio Art Corridor
The Ohio Art Corridor is an art exhibit that runs through multiple counties throughout southeastern Ohio. Commissioned artists have put together murals and amazing sculptures for everyone to enjoy. The huge orange fish pay homage to the county’s long lived connection to the Muskingum River.
Across from the fairgrounds in McConnelsville on Riverside Dr.
Covered Bridges
Morgan County is home to five covered bridges. My favorite is the Helmich Mill Covered Bridge. You can still drive across it and, when the weather is acceptable, you can walk the cascades underneath and check out all the graffiti. The others include: Adams/San Toy, Milton Dye, Rosseau/Fairgrounds, and Barkhurst Mill.
Ohio Bicentennial and Mail Pouch Barns
Morgan County’s Bicentennial Barn is located between McConnelsville and the Big Muskie Bucket. The barn’s homestead is the childhood home of the famed artist, Howard Chandler Christy. As you drive the country roads, you will come across multiple Mail Pouch tobacco barns.
Smallest Kroger
Ohio holds some crazy records, but did you know America’s smallest Kroger is located in McConnelsville?
One Room Jail and Dungeon
It’s no wonder the crime rate in Morgan County is so low! Obviously, these two locations are no longer being used, but even in their day they were crude. Fun to visit, nevertheless.
The jail is in Stockport and the dungeon is in Malta.
Captain Hook’s tomb @ Brick Church & Cemetery
Captain Hook was a revered boatsman during the late 1800s. The great flood of 1898 was in his mind as he made plans for his elaborate tomb. There is a predominant line on the front stating where the water level would have been during 1898. He never would have guessed that seven years after his death an even larger flood would occur, wiping off the sailing boat he had erected on top of his cement tomb.
Watering hole
I never gave it much thought, but horses would have gotten very thirsty on their routes as the farmers tended to their daily business. With a lot of Amish still in the area, this watering hole is still here to help a thirsty horse or two. These little pieces of history are what I find so intriguing as I travel.
Todds Community Church
Located on Route 377 between Stockport and Chesterhill, sits this stunning country church. Services are held on Sundays at 10:30am.
Morgan County Visitor’s Center
If your visit occurs during normal business hours, be sure to stop by the Visitor’s Center to pick up maps, your pizza trail passport and many other brochures that tell about the region. There is a fantastic, hand-made model of a lock that kids and adults alike can work. It provides a great way of understanding all the intricacies of how the locks function each time they are opened and closed.
Morgan County Visitor’s Center 21 W. Main St. McConnelsville, Ohio
Pizza Trail
With ten different destinations, conquering the Morgan County Pizza Trail is going to be a delicious endeavor. Pick up your passport at one of the participating locations or at the Visitor’s Center. A free t-shirt will be given upon completion.
Jesse Owens State Park
Located right beside the Big Muskie, this park provides camping, archery and miles of hiking.
Luke Chute Conservation Area
For even more hiking, be sure to stop by and enjoy the preservation that is in place.
Morgan County Courthouse
The architectural elements used to create Morgan County’s courthouse is worth noting. Be sure to stand back and admire all the fine details that went into making this a stand out beauty on the town’s square.
30+ Ohio Historical Markers
If you are a history buff, then you’ll be in 7th heaven while visiting Morgan County. Be sure to visit the Ohio Connection website to learn the whereabouts of all of these markers. They are a wealth of Ohio History information.
Where to Stay When You Visit Morgan County
When you visit Morgan County, you won’t find a single chain hotel, but what you will find are the quaintest, most intimate lodging facilities you could ask for. There are rooms perfect for individuals, couples and families. I stayed at Burr Oak and Stockport Mill Inn, but I did tour through each of the places mentioned below. They are all very clean and the owners are all as nice as can be.
Antler Ridge Cabin
Located on a hillside with a great view of the rolling terrain and wildlife, this facility has both a cabin and a cottage that can be rented. As the name eludes to, the cabin has a rustic and country charm.
Antler Ridge Cabin 6025 S. State Route 377 Chesterhill, Ohio
Burr Oak Lodge
Ohio State Parks have some wonderful lodges and Burr Oak is one of them. Rocking chairs and cushiony leather sofas make a perfect spot to unwind and relax as you look out the mammoth picture windows to take in the view of the lake. Sitting by the huge fireplace, by the pool, or on the outdoor patio are all pleasing options as well.
Putt-putt golf, disc golf, basketball courts, miles of hiking trails, tennis courts, a beach and of course the lake all provide outdoor options depending on the weather. The lodge offers a full-service restaurant that is known for its delicious pizza. Individual cabins can also be rented which are just a few minutes down the road from the lodge.
Burr Oak Lodge and Conference Center10220 Burr Oak Lodge Rd. Glouster, Ohio
Hardware Inn
As the name leads you to imagine, the current inn was once the home to Stockport’s hardware for years and years. The building has been converted into multiple rooms, many which have full kitchens. Access to a washer and dryer make this an ideal option for hunters and families who are staying in the area for several days.
Hardware Inn (Air BnB) 3320 Market St. Stockport, Ohio
Milk House Cottage
The old homestead’s milk house and silo still stand, and they have been artistically transformed into a blissful nature sanctuary by the current owners. Whether you choose to have your morning coffee in the cozy sunroom, on the outdoor patio, or while walking the nature trails, you’ll be surrounded by tranquility and peaceful solitude. Numerous birdfeeders on the property attract a multitude of flight activity to sit and enjoy. The cottage is graced with flower beds that burst with color during the summer months which are beautifully designed as you would expect from a Master Gardener.
Milk House Cottage (Air BnB) 1820 Mill St. Chesterhill, Ohio
Stockport Mill Inn
Historical experiences continue as you lodge at the old Stockport Mill. The Muskingum River used to be lined with various mills, but now, this is the last remaining one. Converted to lodging accommodations in 1999, this five-story historical site boasts spectacular views of the dam and river.
Each room has a balcony view, and many have either a whirlpool or hot tub as well. The dining room is currently closed, but many local restaurants are only a few minutes away. Captain Hook’s Suite, on the top floor, is a great option for families or groups as it has two bedrooms, a living room, a dining room, a kitchenette, and a hot tub. Guests have full access to the library room which has books, games and movies. You can pre-arrange a massage to be held on site.
Stockport Mill Inn 1995 Broadway St. Stockport, Ohio
The Inns at 8th and Main (Stone House)
Located in the heart of McConnelsville, the Stone House Bed & Breakfast offers spectacular lodging in a beautifully restored historic home. Each room has its own remodeled bathroom and there are two common areas to relax in or talk with fellow guests.
Be sure to follow their Facebook page as the Innkeepers offer monthly teas and such. These give locals and travelers alike the opportunity to enjoy the home and get to know new and old acquaintances.
The Inns at 8th and Main 214 Main St. McConnelsville, Ohio
Ready to Visit Morgan County?
Morgan County has everything you need for a restful and restorative vacation. The choices are many and the options are excellent. Have a wonderful trip, and as always, be sure to tell the owners I said HI.
A huge thank you goes out to Wendy at the Morgan County Visitor’s Center for taking time out of her busy schedule to show me all that Morgan County has to offer. If you need any advice or guidance during your stay, Wendy is your go-to person. She is a wealth of knowledge for not just destinations, but for folklore and history pertaining to the entire county.
