LOGAN, Ohio -- Officials with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and Governor Mike DeWine officially opened the new Hocking Hills Visitor Center on Monday.
The building is 8,500 square feet with an additional 5,000 square feet of lower and upper outdoor platforms. Inside, are exhibits with information on each trail and how to stay safe while hiking.
A spokesperson for ODNR told us the building cost over $6 million.
The center provides space to learn, explore and plan a visit to Hocking Hills State Park.
“All of our state parks are truly wonderful and unique, and they are free for families to enjoy,” Gov. DeWine said. “Hocking Hills is among the most scenic. The region attracts millions of visitors each year, and the new visitor center is a place where people can come to learn, explore, and plan their time here.”
The center features interactive exhibits to help guests learn about the unique nature and history of the Hocking Hills region.
“We are proud to welcome more than 4 million visitors annually to the Hocking Hills region and showcase the true beauty and majesty of this area,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “Hocking Hills State Park is stunning year-round, and this new visitor center will highlight the wonders for everyone to see.”
Inside the new visitors center:
Displays located on the upper level of the building focus on helping visitors: plan their day; navigate the Hocking Hills State Park, the Hocking State Forest, and nearby state nature preserves; learn about the trails systems; and how to stay safe while hiking the trails.
The lower level of the building takes visitors through the history and ecology of the Hocking Hills region. A large-scale cave built into the center of the room gives visitors a one-of-a-kind experience learning about the unique geology of gorges in the area.
Restrooms and water bottle filling stations are also located on the lower level, and a visitor information desk and gift store are located on the upper level.
