There are several ways you can experience The Ridges, including historical walking tours, hiking trails, and public telescope nights in the Ohio University observatory. There are even self-guided tours that anyone with a cell phone can do, by following GPS instructions while learning about each stop along the way. Browse the educational experiences available at The Ridges!
The Ridges
The Ridges
The Ridges is a historic, approximately 700-acre property located across the Hocking River from Ohio University’s Athens Campus. Owned by OHIO since 1993, many of the iconic buildings at The Ridges have been renovated in recent years for a variety of uses, including classrooms, research labs, cultural facilities and more.
More recently, Ohio University has partnered with a private development group and the City of Athens to form the Ridges New Community Authority, which will provide guidance and direction on a development strategy to help transform unused portions of The Ridges into mixed-use spaces that will benefit the larger community, leverage an external investment strategy and preserve The Ridges’ rich history.
As part of these ongoing efforts, all buildings currently occupied by the University will continue to be owned and maintained by OHIO, and more than 500 acres will be placed under a conservation easement – preserving and protecting this acreage from future development – for hiking, birdwatching, research and recreational use.
The Ridges Development Strategy
The future of The Ridges is being guided by the Ridges New Community Authority, which will provide guidance and direction for the private development of unused land at The Ridges and historic buildings that have yet to be renovated.
Ohio University at The Ridges
The Ridges currently houses the Ohio Museum Complex and Kennedy Museum of Art, the child development center, an observatory and other academic programs inclusive of classrooms, labs, art studios, an auditorium, offices and more.
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