Photos © Leslie Dellovade, ODOT

Byway Description

Traveling through the "Welsh Hills" of Gallia and Jackson Counties for 34 miles along U.S. 35 in the cities of Rio Grande and Jackson, this byway continues for 26 miles along S.R. 325 and 233. The rolling hills along S.R. 325 provide glimpses of rural life, along with many horse and buggy Amish who have recently migrated to this area. The area along Raccoon Creek is where Daniel Boone hunted and trapped.

• Elizabeth Evans Waterfowl and Bird Sanctuary, a 60-acre refuge situated along the Chickamauga Creek in Gallipolis

• Bob Evans Farm on S.R. 588, features the homestead, canoeing, horseback riding, farm museum, log cabin village, camping and backpacking.

• The city of Gallipolis, commonly known as the "City of Gauls," bears the vestiges of French culture through architectural design.  Gallipolis is the eastern gateway to the Welsh Scenic Byway.  Visit the historic district, located downtown, which is comprised of over 30 buildings that follow the Ohio River.    

• The Madog Center for Welsh Studies, at the University of Rio Grande, is the home of the North American Association for the Study of Welsh Culture and History.  This center supports the scholarly study of Welsh culture, arts, history and humanities.  

• The Our House State Memorial, a restored river tavern, is famous for being visited by Marquis de Lafayette.  Early life in Gallipolis was centered around the tavern as it is located at 432 First Avenue.  

• The Welsh-American Heritage Museum in the village of Oak Hill (412 Main Street) was originally a Congregational Church (1869).  The museum is home to a collection of rare books, family albums, framed of Welsh-American and Welsh ancestors, an organ, piano, dolls, pictures, dishes and memorabilia

• THE BOB EVANS FARM - S.R. 588, Rio Grande. (740) 245-5305, (800) 994-FARM -Things to see and do on this working farm include a log cabin village, small animal barnyard, the Farm Museum and Craft Barn. In addition to its many weekend special events, visitors enjoy canoeing, horseback riding, hayrides, overnight trail and canoe rides, hiking and camping from Memorial Day to Labor Day and weekends in September. Hours are 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily. 

• 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. 

• 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.

• CANTILEVER BRIDGE - Adamsville Road, Raccoon Township
  This bridge is a distinctive form of concrete construction created by the state's highway department in the early 1920s.

• WELSH CHURCHES - Two of these remain. Tyn Rhos Congregational Church, Tyn Rhos Road, Perry Township, was organized in 1838 with the present church being built in 1851; open for special occasions. Nebo Congregational Church, Nebo Road, Perry Township, organized 1854 by members of Tyn Rhos, has Sunday and special services.

Additional Points of Interest

Gallia County Chamber of Commerce and Tourist Information