The Ridges

Description

The Ridges, a fascinating piece of Athens, Ohio history, has transformed from its origins as the Athens Lunatic Asylum into an intriguing cultural landmark that’ll definitely catch your attention. I’ve gotta tell you, this place gives me goosebumps every time I visit – but in the best possible way! The sprawling grounds feature gorgeous Victorian-era architecture that’s honestly jaw-dropping, with its sandstone buildings and those iconic high towers that seem to touch the sky.

What really gets me excited about The Ridges is how it’s evolved. Today, it’s home to Ohio University’s Kennedy Museum of Art and various academic facilities. The surrounding grounds? Absolutely stunning. You’ve got these incredible hiking trails that wind through about 700 acres of land, perfect for when you wanna clear your head or just take in some fresh air.

The cemetery on the grounds tells its own powerful story – it’s a sobering reminder of the building’s past life as a mental health facility. But ya know what? That’s part of what makes this place so special. It’s not trying to hide its history; instead, it’s embraced it and grown into something new.

Key Features

• Historic Victorian architecture that’ll make architecture buffs swoon
• Kennedy Museum of Art featuring rotating exhibits and permanent collections
• Miles of nature trails perfect for hiking and bird watching
• Historic cemeteries with unique circle-shaped markers
• Panoramic views of Athens from the hilltop location
• Original landscaping features including old-growth trees
• Educational panels describing the property’s history
• Guided tours available by appointment

Best Time to Visit

Listen, I’ve been here in all seasons, and lemme tell you – fall is absolutely magical at The Ridges. The combination of those gorgeous historic buildings with the changing leaves? *chef’s kiss* Perfect for photos! But spring ain’t bad either, when the grounds burst with wildflowers and everything feels fresh and new.

Summer mornings are great for hiking the trails before it gets too hot, while winter offers a different kind of beauty – especially when snow blankets those Victorian towers. Just avoid visiting during heavy rain because some of the trails can get pretty muddy and slippery.

For the best experience, try to plan your visit during daylight hours, preferably between 9am and 5pm. The buildings themselves have limited access, so if you’re hoping to check out the Kennedy Museum, make sure to verify their operating hours beforehand.

How to Get There

Getting to The Ridges is pretty straightforward, especially if you’re already in Athens. It’s perched on a hill overlooking the city, and y’know what? The drive up there is part of the experience. From downtown Athens, you’ll head up Richland Avenue – you really can’t miss it, those towers are like a beacon guiding you home!

If you’re coming from out of town, GPS is your friend, but here’s a pro tip: some mapping apps might get confused about which entrance to use. The main entrance is clearly marked, and there’s usually plenty of parking available near the Kennedy Museum. Just keep an eye out for the signs – they’ve done a good job marking everything.

Tips for Visiting

Ok, so here’s the deal – I’ve been here enough times to know a few tricks that’ll make your visit way better. First off, wear comfortable shoes! Those grounds are extensive, and trust me, you’re gonna want to explore every nook and cranny. I learned this the hard way when I wore fancy shoes on my first visit… big mistake!

Bring a water bottle and maybe a small snack, especially if you’re planning to hike the trails. There aren’t any convenience stores nearby, and you might end up spending more time here than you planned – it’s that interesting!

Photography is allowed outside, but if you’re planning to take pictures inside the Kennedy Museum, double-check their policy first. And speaking of the museum, try to time your visit with one of their new exhibits – they’re always putting on something fascinating.

During summer months, bug spray isn’t a bad idea if you’re hitting the trails. And hey, if you’re into paranormal stuff (no judgment!), there are authorized ghost tours available through local organizations – much better than trying to sneak around on your own.

Finally, remember this is still partially a functioning university facility. Some areas are off-limits, and it’s important to be respectful of both the current use of the space and its historical significance. But don’t let that stop you from enjoying this amazing piece of Athens history – it’s truly one of the most unique places you’ll ever visit!

Location

Places to Stay Near The Ridges

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