ODNR begins construction of new Appalachian Hills Wildlife Area visitor center

MCCONNELSVILLE – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) recently held a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of construction for a new visitor center for the Appalachian Hills Wildlife Area. 

The visitor center will serve as the gateway to the great outdoors, providing an education experience that celebrates southeast Ohio’s incredible wild spaces.

ODNR held a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the start of construction of the Appalachian Hills Wildlife Area Visitor Center.

“Ohio’s Appalachian region is rich with natural beauty, history, and opportunity,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “A new visitor center will enhance what this area has to offer including a variety of outdoor activities for all Ohioans to enjoy.

The visitor center will be a two-story timber building boasting indoor and outdoor space for visitors. Inside, educational and interactive displays will highlight the history of the region. Floor-to-ceiling windows will showcase a spectacular view from atop the hillside. The outdoor spaces, a 360-degree scenic ramp and an observation deck, will be a highpoint for visitors observing wildlife.  

“One aspect of this visitor center that will be unique are the spectacular views,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “Visitors will be able to see across the landscape and will be able to catch a glimpse of wildlife in their natural environment, including a herd of bison that we plan to introduce to a nearby site."

Bison were native to Ohio but wiped out in the 1800s. The Appalachian Hills bison herd will represent Ohio’s wildlife history and the importance of conserving land and habitats to prevent other species from being eradicated or extinction.

Wild turkey and white-tailed deer hunting are among the region’s best prospects. Muskingum and Guernsey counties, two of the counties encompassing Appalachian Hills Wildlife Area, ranked in the top 10 statewide for deer harvest in the 2023-24 season. Muskingum County also ranked in the top 10 for wild turkey harvest in spring 2024.

“This facility will highlight the wildlife area’s important grassland, woodland, and aquatic habitats,” said Division of Wildlife Chief Kendra Wecker. “This new space invites the public to enjoy the area’s beauty and explore further hunting, fishing, birding and trapping opportunities.” 

The Appalachian Hills Wildlife Area is unique as it surrounds and serves as a connection to Jesse Owens State Park. All these properties combined are approximately 60,000 acres of public land for visitors to explore.

Along with the new visitor center, there are several updates taking place that will benefit all three ODNR properties. Jesse Owens State Park will feature an updated campground with RV hook ups, new cabins, regional waterline installation, as well as a wastewater treatment plant. These upgrades, coordinated by the Division of Engineering, will allow for improved access and additional overnight stay opportunities for visitors.

“These projects are all about improving access and providing amenities for Ohioans,” said Division of Engineering Chief Jeremy Wenner. “We want people to enjoy these wonderful spaces and want to provide places and upgrades that make a day trip or even a weekend comfortable for anyone who wants to spend time at the park and wildlife areas.”

Appalachian Hills Wildlife Area contains 54,525 acres of land in Guernsey, Morgan, Muskingum and Noble counties.

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