About the Sampler

• Estimated Time: Day trip

• Travel Components: Americas Byway

• Special Interest: Families, Kids, History Buffs

• Starting Point: Tuscarawas

• Ending Point: Tuscarawas

• Cost: About $150 for a family of four (includes fees, souvenirs and lunch)

• Submitted By: Claire George, Canalway Questing Intern, Cuyahoga Valley National Park

In 1817, a group of about 200 separatists left Germany to seek religious freedom on the frontier. They left everything familiar behind to raise families in a communal society. As parents farmed and practiced trades, children ages 3 and older lived in dormitories, attended school and had their own responsibilities. How times have changed!

Step by Step

From Canal History...

Begin at the Zoar Store & Visitor’s Center, where you can pick up a Growing Up in Zoar Quest and stroll across the street to the Zoar Hotel parking lot. The Quest’s rhyming clues will tell the village’s story through the eyes of a young man from the late 1840s. During this 40-minute self-guided hike, you’ll discover a hidden box, where you can sign a log book. To learn about Canalway Questing, visit our Questing page.

Once you finish, return to the Zoar Store & Visitor’s Center for a quick soda and some souvenir shopping. Then purchase your wristband for a guided or self-guided tour of Historic Zoar Village, depending on the time of you visit. The tour takes you to some of the historic buildings on the quest route. Highlights may include the Number One House, Tin Shop, Bakery, Dairy, Garden House and Ohio & Erie Canal Museum in the Town Hall.

...and food...

Time for the “rest” in “restaurant.” Grab lunch next door at the Firehouse Grille and Pub. If you prefer to picnic, there are tables and grassy lawn further down the road. Find other suggested local restaurants here.

...to Revolutionary War History...

Next, jump even farther back in time to 1778. The United States was battling for independence. Shoot on over to nearby Fort Laurens State Memorial, Ohio’s only Revolutionary War fort, and tour the museum and grounds to learn more about this historical site.

...and adventure on the River

The last chapter of today’s adventure is summer fun on the Tuscarawas River! Drive to Bolivar’s Canoe Livery to float by inner tube down 2.5 miles of the lazy river. Call ahead to reserve your spot. Bring sunscreen, water shoes, towels, drinks (no glass bottles or styrofoam!) and swimsuits.

Close the book on this day by packing everyone into the car for the journey home. Hopefully your family made some history of their own during your day out in Zoar!

Traveler’s Tips

• Combination tickets for Fort Laurens and Historic Zoar Village are available for purchase upon arrival at either site. The cost is $10 per adult (18+) and $5 per child (4-17).

• During busy weekends, book your village tour in advance by calling the visitor center. Also make your reservation with the canoe livery. Allow two hours for the Historic Zoar Village tour.

• Bring a pencil for the Quest. It’s extra fun (but optional) to use rubber stamps to sign into the logbook.