Ohio University Tours and Activities

Called "The Ridges" currently, this large, looming building that overlooks Ohio University's campus was formerly a mental health hospital called the Athens Asylum for the Insane. There's a small museum inside now, and the rest of the grounds are owned by the university, but there is still certainly a chilling aspect to the building that calls to its past. Take a walk around the grounds or visit the museum, it's something worth seeing. Behind the building is a community park with areas that would be worth visiting in warmer days. Take the road that loops up a hill (to the left of a campus sign) and you can view the cemetery of unnamed, forgotten patients who died and were only assigned a number. There are efforts to find the names of these individuals and give them the attention that is deserved. There's also a beautiful nature walk that I would have taken if it wasn't so cold! #roadtrips #ohio #historic #hospitals #roadtrip
An awesome creepy mental hospital in Athens called "The Ridges." There are great stories about past residents and. Great set of grounds to discover.
The Athens Lunatic Asylum, was a mental hospital operated in Athens, OH. from 1874 until 1993. The area is now known as The Ridges and is owned by Ohio University.
The Athens Lunatic Asylum, was a mental hospital operated in Athens, OH. from 1874 until 1993. The area is now known as The Ridges and is owned by Ohio University.

Plan a trip to see Ohio University

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
The Ohioan Hotel & Event Center

The Ohioan Hotel & Event Center

3.5 out of 5
Price was CA $988, price is now CA $917 per person
CA $917
per person
Apr 24 - Apr 26
found 20 hours ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Calgary (YYC) to Columbus (CMH)
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,016 reviews)
Helpful staff, clean rooms and safe parking

Reviewed on Mar 23, 2026

The Westin Great Southern Columbus

The Westin Great Southern Columbus

4 out of 5
Downtown Columbus
Price was CA $1,240, price is now CA $1,109 per person
CA $1,109
per person
May 1 - May 3
found 20 hours ago
Roundtrip flight included
Montreal (YUL) to Columbus (CMH)
8/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
The hotel is a beautiful old historic building with a pretty grand lobby. Staff were very friendly and attentive. The Italian restaurant and bar was good. Wait staff were very nice. My room was pretty small, but in an older historic building I can’t complain. The bed is very comfortable, the shower was nice.

Reviewed on Mar 16, 2026

DogHouse Columbus

DogHouse Columbus

2.5 out of 5
Price was CA $1,330, price is now CA $1,202 per person
CA $1,202
per person
Apr 24 - Apr 26
found 20 hours ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Calgary (YYC) to Columbus (CMH)
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,008 reviews)
Very pleasant stay was nice to enjoy a couple of beers outside and then going upstairs to our room:)

Reviewed on Mar 23, 2026

Popular places to visit

A quaint town in Southeast Ohio. Definitely worth a stop through. Lots of charming shops and an awesome old theater. #weekendgetaway

Court Street

During your trip to Athens, you can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Court Street. Discover the area's festivals, or seek out its hiking trails.

Court Street
The sun setting and reflecting over Dow Lake at Strouds Run State Park. Strouds Run State Park contains 2,606 acres of uninterrupted hardwood, the 161-acre Dow Lake, a 900-foot sand beach, 6 #hiking trails, 15 mountain biking/hiking trails and 10 bridle/hiking trails.

Strouds Run State Park

You can take time to visit Strouds Run State Park during your travels to Athens. Discover the bars and its festivals while you're in the area.

Strouds Run State Park

John Calhoun Baker University Center

Explore the campus of John Calhoun Baker University Center, during your trip to Athens. Discover the bars and its entertainment venues while you're in the area.

John Calhoun Baker University Center

Convocation Center

Catch an event at Convocation Center during your trip to Athens. Discover the bars and its entertainment venues while you're in the area.

Convocation Center

Peden Stadium

Catch an event at Peden Stadium during your trip to Athens. Discover the bars and its entertainment venues while you're in the area.

Peden Stadium

Hot Dog Museum

You can spend time browsing the exhibits at Hot Dog Museum during your trip to Athens. Discover the bars and its entertainment venues while you're in the area.

Hot Dog Museum

Best Lodging Options Near Ohio University

Ohio University Inn & Conference Center

Ohio University Inn & Conference Center

3.5 out of 5
331 Richland Ave Athens OH
Ohio University Inn & Conference Center
Quality Inn Athens

Quality Inn Athens

2.5 out of 5
20 Home St Athens OH
Quality Inn Athens
The Lodge at Hocking College

The Lodge at Hocking College

2.5 out of 5
15770 OH-691 Nelsonville OH
The Lodge at Hocking College
New & Romantic Couples Cabin with hot tub & fire pit near Athens & Hocking Hills

New & Romantic Couples Cabin with hot tub & fire pit near Athens & Hocking Hills

New Marshfield OH
New & Romantic Couples Cabin with hot tub & fire pit near Athens & Hocking Hills
Beautiful location, private, serene and clean. Near Athens and Hocking Hills

Beautiful location, private, serene and clean. Near Athens and Hocking Hills

New Marshfield OH
Beautiful location, private, serene and clean. Near Athens and Hocking Hills
Postcard Cabins Hocking Hills, Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy

Postcard Cabins Hocking Hills, Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy

2 out of 5
38490 Todd Rd Nelsonville OH
Postcard Cabins Hocking Hills, Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy
Moose Tracks Cabin with Hot Tub on screened in porch!

Moose Tracks Cabin with Hot Tub on screened in porch!

Nelsonville OH
Moose Tracks Cabin with Hot Tub on screened in porch!
Kick Back Cabin - The Original - Hot Tub and Walking Trails

Kick Back Cabin - The Original - Hot Tub and Walking Trails

Nelsonville OH
Kick Back Cabin - The Original - Hot Tub and Walking Trails
The Homestead, at Nine Pines Farm - Hot Tub and Walking Trails

The Homestead, at Nine Pines Farm - Hot Tub and Walking Trails

Nelsonville OH
The Homestead, at Nine Pines Farm - Hot Tub and Walking Trails
See all 1,764 properties in Ohio University
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.