Serpent Mound
A monumental prehistoric effigy earthwork - honored as a sacred American Indian site - with a walking path around the serpent and wooded trails nearby.
Ohio History Connection →Things to do
Adams County,
at your pace.
Murphin Ridge sits on 142 acres in the hills of Adams County - some of the least-developed country in Ohio. Ancient earthworks, wooded preserves, a working Amish community, and small-town antique shops all lie within the surrounding area, an easy day's wandering from the ridge.
Hours, admission, and trail conditions change, so we point you to each place for the current word. We don't run these places ourselves. We just love having them as neighbors.
Ancient earthworks
Ancient ground,
open sky.
Seip Earthworks
One of the largest Hopewell burial mounds in the Ohio Valley, part of the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks - a UNESCO World Heritage site - just east of Bainbridge.
Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks →Fort Hill
A Hopewell hilltop enclosure wrapped in old-growth forest and miles of hiking trails, cared for by the Arc of Appalachia.
Arc of Appalachia →Outdoors & trails
Room to roam,
water to follow.
Edge of Appalachia Preserve
More than 21,000 protected acres in Adams County - forests, prairie openings, overlooks, and streams, laced with some of the finest hiking trails in the region.
The Nature Conservancy →Davis Memorial Nature Preserve
A state nature preserve known for its dramatic exposed geologic fault and cliffs, with a trail winding through rare woodland.
Ohio History Connection →Ohio Brush Creek
The creek winds through the county's forested hills and past the Edge of Appalachia - quiet water for a paddle, a fishing line, or an afternoon by the bank.
Adams County visitor guide →
Amish Country
Neighbors
by the road.
Adams County is home to a thriving Amish community. Just up Wheat Ridge Road, our friends at Miller's keep three shops under separate roofs. Go see our good friend Marvin at the bakery, stop by and see James at the bulk-food store for the best pretzel sandwich around, and take your time among the solid hardwood pieces in the furniture shop. Along the same county roads you'll find family greenhouses, cheese shops, and produce stands. Share the road gently with horse-drawn buggies, and know that many families keep Sunday for rest.
Adams County Amish guide →
In Peebles
The Makery
at Buckeye Place.
It's an art and maker space, owned by Ann, Sara's mom, and Ashley, Sara's sister. You'll also find their artwork on display in our gift shop.
1490 Strait Creek Road, Peebles, OH 45660. Open Fridays from 9 AM to 5 PM, and all other days by appointment.
The Makery at Buckeye Place →Local finds
Shops worth
the wander.
Raber's Boots & Saddlery
An Amish shop on the same country roads - Red Wing and Rocky boots, custom saddles, and leather repair. Boots for you, tack for the horse.
Adams County Amish guide →The Owl's Nest
A local favorite here in Adams County - ask us at check-in and we'll point you their way.
Adams County Farmers Market
Saturdays in season - produce, baked goods, plants, and makers from around the county, all in one place.
Adams County visitor guide →House of Phacops Rock Shop
If you're headed toward Serpent Mound, House of Phacops is about three miles on, in Peebles, at the corner of State Route 41 and State Route 73. It's a rock shop and a trilobite gallery. Tom Johnson has kept it since 1978. The gallery was built by the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History to show his collection, and it holds the largest known Isotelus, Ohio's state fossil. You'll find fossils, minerals, handmade jewelry, art, and carvings. Open daily from 12 to 5, at 29894 State Route 41, Peebles, OH 45660. Call 937-205-3810.
House of Phacops →Peebles antiques
The shops around nearby Peebles reward an unhurried afternoon - old glass, farm tools, furniture, and the kind of finds you weren't looking for.
Tactical Defense Institute
If a class brings you to West Union, we're a comfortable place to stay. Tactical Defense Institute is a firearms and self-defense school at 2174 Bethany Ridge, on 186 acres. They train civilians, law enforcement, military and federal agencies, and corporate security teams. Call 937-901-6900.
Tactical Defense Institute →Plan your visit
For current hours, seasonal events, and the full directory of things to do across the county, the Adams County visitor bureau keeps the most up-to-date guide.
And come Sunday, if you'd like a place to worship, you're warmly welcome to join us at Foothills Reformed Church.