If you love hiking in the Buckeye State, a little dose of history and exploring abandoned places, then there’s one Ohio trail you’ll definitely want to take if you haven’t already. The North Shore Loop Trail at Kelley Island State Park leads you to some truly extraordinary abandoned ruins. This is one state park trail that belongs at the top of your Ohio bucket list.
Check it out:
Kelleys Island State Park is one of Ohio’s most scenic state parks with excellent camping options.
Steve 1362/Trip Advisor You’ll find it at at 920 Division St., Kelleys Island, OH 43438.
With absolutely stunning views of Lake Erie, public beaches and several hiking trails, it makes a picture perfect getaway in nature.
Gryfudd/Trip Advisor (There are even a few yurts you can rent close to the lake.)
The North Shore Loop Trail within Kelleys Island State Park weaves through much of the the island’s quarry history and ruins.
Gryfudd/Trip Advisor It’s a 1-mile trail with so much to see along the way. You’ll find the trailhead near the boat ramp parking lot.
What was once a two-story loading dock is now a crumbling ruin that makes a fascinating sight to see.
Gryfudd/Trip Advisor Please note: Several signs are posted advising hikers to stay out of the ruins, as they are crumbling and can be dangerous.
Although it can be tempting to wander inside the ruins, we strongly advise observing them from a distance.
Gryfudd/Trip Advisor It’s fascinating to imagine what the quarry ruins were once like in the 1800s. The loading dock was once used to transport crushed limestone to ships on the lake.
Near the public swimming beach, you’ll also find some historic limestone structures.
Gryfudd/Trip Advisor Pictured above is a beehive oven that was once used to bake bread for the quarry workers.
There are even some remains of the old dining hall for the quarry workers.
Gryfudd/Trip Advisor Some other ruins you’ll want to check out before you leave the island are Inscription Rock and the Glacial Grooves Geological Preserve.
As an added bonus, there are also some winery ruins near the park, but both are located on private property and trespassing is prohibited.
Gryfudd/Trip Advisor (According to atlasobscura.com, the remains of the Monarch Wine Company can be seen from Division Street at the north end of the island, directly across from the cemetery.)
Kelleys Island State Park is located at 920 Division St., Kelleys Island, OH 43438. Have you ever been here before? If so, have you taken this trail before? Share your photos and experiences with us!
Steve 1362/Trip Advisor
You’ll find it at at 920 Division St., Kelleys Island, OH 43438.
Gryfudd/Trip Advisor
(There are even a few yurts you can rent close to the lake.)
It’s a 1-mile trail with so much to see along the way. You’ll find the trailhead near the boat ramp parking lot.
Please note: Several signs are posted advising hikers to stay out of the ruins, as they are crumbling and can be dangerous.
It’s fascinating to imagine what the quarry ruins were once like in the 1800s. The loading dock was once used to transport crushed limestone to ships on the lake.
Pictured above is a beehive oven that was once used to bake bread for the quarry workers.
Some other ruins you’ll want to check out before you leave the island are Inscription Rock and the Glacial Grooves Geological Preserve.
(According to atlasobscura.com, the remains of the Monarch Wine Company can be seen from Division Street at the north end of the island, directly across from the cemetery.)
For more ruins in Ohio, check out our previous article: These 16 Unbelievable Ruins In Ohio Will Transport You To The Past.
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