The charm of the community, through the subtle influence of French culture, is obvious when you wander through the quaint Historic Central Business District and the beautiful Historic Residential District of Gallipolis. A primary focus in this community is on education, including the presence of the University of Rio Grande, Gallipolis Career College, and Buckeye Hills Career Center. Attention to the importance of the arts provides an enrichment that is not always available within a community. Many fine dining establishments grace Gallia County, including those with a specialty in oriental and Mexican cuisine.

Gallia County truly provides an unequaled opportunity for business, industry, and social climate to flourish and succeed.

Attractions

• SYMMES CREEK & MORGAN SISTERS TRAILS, WAYNE NATIONAL FOREST
  Access to Symmes Creek Trailhead from S.R. 141 to Woodside Road and Symmes Creek Road. Access to Morgan Sisters Trailhead from S.R. 233 to Gallia Road and Pumpkintown Road
  Symmes Creek and Morgan Sisters trails are separate trails on either side of Symmes Creek linked together by a short connector trail. The two trails offer hikes ranging from two, four, six and eight miles for day hikes or a 14-mile overnight hike when the trails are combined.
• ROBERT C. BYRD LOCKS AND DAM
  Route 2, Apple Grove, WV
  Fifteen miles south of the Silver Memorial Bridge. Operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the former Gallipolis Roller Dam was the first of its kind built in the United States. Ongoing major construction has included recently completed replacement locks and new rollers for the dam.
• THE HOMESTEAD
  The Bob Evans Farm, S.R. 588, Rio Grande
  Built in 1820 with bricks made on the farm, the property remained in the Wood Family through four generations. At one time, it was a stagecoach stop. Bob Evans purchased the property in 1953 and came to live there with his family for many years.
• SILVER BRIDGE MEMORIAL
  S.R. 7, O.D.O.T. Rest Area, Addison Township
  The bridge was the first of its design built in the United States, second in the world. It fell December 15, 1967, due to a crack in one of the eyebars, causing 46 people to lose their lives. In 1969, exactly two years later, the Silver Memorial Bridge was opened.
• UNIVERSITY OF RIO GRANDE
  218 N. College Avenue, Rio Grande. (740) 245-5353
  The campus has recreational facilities, meeting rooms and a catering service available. The Alphus R. Christenson Theatre offers outstanding musical and dramatic performances and the Esther Allen Greer Museum showcases student and regional artists works. Gallery hours are Tuesday to Sunday from 1 - 5 p.m. Closed Mondays.
• JEWEL EVANS GRIST MILL
  S.R. 850/Rodney-Bidwell Road, Bidwell. (740) 245-5654
  Situated on the 2,600-acre Hidden Valley Ranch, it's the largest grist mill of its kind in the United States. The mill is no longer open for business.
• GALLIA COUNTY JUNIOR FAIRGROUND
  189 Jackson Pike, Gallipolis. (740) 446-4120
  Site for the largest junior fair in Ohio, facilities include both indoor and outdoor exposition areas, and a campground. The fairground also hosts many other activities such as the French 500 Flea Market.
• CORA MILL
  Cora Mill Road, Cora
  The mill was built in 1835 by Charles Giles. No longer in operation, it is the last remaining of 13 grist mills on Raccoon Creek in Gallia County. The waterfall below the dam has always been a favorite spot for area visitors.
• DANIEL BOONE'S CAVE
  Along Raccoon Creek, Raccoon Township
  Daniel Boone, along with Robert Safford, one of the area's first settlers, occupied the shelter during the winters of 1791 - 92.

• Mainstreet Events

  Main Street Gallipolis along with the Gallia County Chamber of Commerce and the Gallipolis Retail Merchants Association host many events within the Historic Central Business District of Gallipolis each year. Most of the special events that take place offer entertainment, food, atmosphere, and a variety of attractions that appeal to all ages and income groups.

  "Potpourri by the River" - an annual festival held in August/September, along the Riverfront and City Park in the heart of the downtown. The Historic Delta Queen Sternwheeler docks in Gallipolis each fall during this festival. Other key features of the festival include "Breakfast with Bob and Jewel Evans"; a day-long music extravaganza featuring various types of musical talent; arts and crafts festival; the Delta Quest (a scavenger hunt for the Delta Queen passengers, which requires their exiting the boat and exploring the downtown businesses to locate their cabin number displayed within the shop); historic re-enactments and many other activities for the entire family.

  Annual River Recreation Festival - three to four day Fourth of July celebration held annually in the City Park featuring an independence day parade, sidewalk sales, fireworks, kids games, musical entertainment and many other activities appealing to all age groups. (July 1,2,3 & 4, 2000)

  Ole' Car Club's Old Car Show - held annually in the City Park each August, featuring a car display with 100's of antique and unique automobiles and trucks. Combined with the car show are sidewalk sale promotions.

  Civil War Re-Enactment - sponsored by the Gallia County Chamber of Commerce, this event is held annually in the City Park. Businesses are encouraged to hold sidewalk sales in conjunction with this historic event.

  Parades - three annual parades are held in the Historic Central Business District of Downtown Gallipolis. The Fourth of July Parade is held in conjunction with the Annual River Recreation Festival, the Christmas Parade kicks off the Christmas shopping season and the Annual Veterans Day Parade honors the many veterans who have served our country selflessly throughout the years.

  Founders Day Fun Festival - held annually in October to celebrate the landing of the first French Settlers in Gallipolis. This Court Street Festival includes musical entertainment, a server Olympics, liar's contest and many other activities. Merchants are encouraged to hold sidewalk sales during this event.

  O.O. McIntyre Park District's Criterium Bike Race - held annually with the City Park as the focus. This event has, in the past, been conducted in a two-block area of the downtown using the First Avenue side of the City Park as start and finish line. The 1997 event was held in conjunction with the Greater Ohio Bike Association's Ride through Gallia County. In 1998 the Criterium began at the same City Park location and continued on a journey to Vinton County.

  Bass Tournament - held annually at the Riverfront area, attracts anglers from across the State and from several adjoining States.

   

Our House Tavern

Bob Evans Homestead Museum