Things to Do in Portsmouth Ohio

Portsmouth is situated at the confluence of the Ohio and Scioto rivers in Southeast Ohio. Offering the best of traditional, small-town America with a rich past and a promising future. Visitors will discover a warm welcome and many great things to do in Portsmouth Ohio!

About Portsmouth

Portsmouth is the county seat of Scioto County, with rugged, beautiful landscapes on the Western Allegheny Plateau.

Neighborhoods include Sciotoville, sometimes known as East Portsmouth, and the Boneyfiddle District that is a few blocks west of downtown Portsmouth.

Portsmouth is a warm and welcoming city that offers a variety of things to do. We are taking a look at some of the best here.

Map of Things to Do in Portsmouth

Explore Scioto Welcome Center

Before you visit anywhere in Portsmouth, it is worth stopping by the Welcome Center where you can get information, guidebooks and leaflets about things to do and places to visit in the area for your particular requirements. Be sure to enjoy your stay by stopping by here!

• Address: 342 2nd Street, Portsmouth, Ohio 45662
• Phone: 740-353-1116 | Website | Facebook | Instagram

Shawnee State Park

Located in the Appalachian foothills near the Ohio River, the 1,095-acre Shawnee State Park was once the hunting grounds for Native American Shawnee tribes.

Set within the 63,000-acre Shawnee State Forest, the scenic trail system offers a variety of options for nature lovers. There are two lakes and access to the Ohio River.

Activities and Facilities include:

• Address: 4404 State Route 125, West Portsmouth, Ohio 45663
• Phone: 740-858-6652 | Website | Facebook | Instagram
• Check out our article about Shawnee State Park!

Photo credits: Cindy Gordon of VisitOhioToday.com

Shawnee State Park Lodge

Shawnee State Park Lodge is in Shawnee State Park and it is an excellent choice for couples or families, with a variety of room accommodations and two restaurants on-site.

• Address: 4404B State Route 125, West Portsmouth, Ohio 45663
• Phone: 740-858-6621 | Website | Facebook
• Check out our review of Shawnee State Park Lodge!

The Mural Project

The Mural Project is a series of artworks on the floodwall that protects Portsmouth from the Ohio River. This wall is 20 feet high and 2,090 feet along Front Street in the Boneyfiddle District.

Painting began in 1993, and all the art has been produced by artist Robert Dafford. This ongoing project depicts the history of Portsmouth and the surrounding areas for the last two centuries.

Most of the works have a 3-dimensional effect, making viewers feel they can step right into the scene!

• Address: 429 Front St, Portsmouth, Ohio 45662
• Phone: 740-353-7647 | Website | Facebook

Candyland Children’s Museum

The Happy Pot

This is a great fun family time experience! Paint your own pottery from a selection of pottery pieces. Learn about different glazes and techniques to decorate your pot.

There are frequent special painting events hosted here, such as holiday-themed sessions (like Bunny Ears Wine and Canvas), and workshops with guest artists.

Available for individual or group visits. Booking is available online, the facility is open Thursday through Sunday.

• Address: 522 2^nd St, Portsmouth, Ohio 45662
• Phone: 740-370-0193 | Website | Facebook | Instagram

Otway Bridge

Photo credits: Cindy Gordon of VisitOhioToday.com

Otway is a little northwest of Portsmouth – about 20 miles, 30 minutes by car. The bridge is the last remaining covered bridge in Scioto County.

Built in 1874, this historic covered bridge is not only a testament to the architectural styles of the past but also a beloved symbol of the area’s rich heritage. It was fully restored in 2014.

During the holiday season, Otway Bridge is adorned with lights and seasonal decorations. In December there is the ‘Light of the Bridge’ parade and drive-thru. Something everyone can take part in, decorate your vehicle to join in the parade or even pull a float!

• Address: 341 Curtis Smith Rd, Otway, Ohio 45657
• Phone: 740-727-5754 | Website | Facebook
• Check out our article about Otway Bridge!

White Gravel Mines

Photo credits: Cindy Gordon of VisitOhioToday.com

White Gravel Mines in Minford are just a short distance northeast of Portsmouth – about 14 miles, 20 minutes by car. This is not just a wander through crystal caves, it is a complete production!

With two annual events, The Christmas Cave and The Easter Cave, this free-to-visit destination tells stories through lights and displays. The Christmas Cave tells the story of the birth of Jesus, and the Easter Cave tells the story of the life of Jesus.

The journey through the cave is on a path of approximately ¾ of a mile and will take around 45 minutes.

• Address: 4007 White Gravel McDaniel Road, Minford, Ohio 45653
• Phone: 740-820-6161 | Website | Facebook
• Check out our article about White Gravel Mines Christmas Caves!

Deadbolt Escape Rooms and Mysteries

With a choice of six rooms, fans of this popular pastime can have great fun here! Each room has a one-hour time limit. The location is an abandoned historic shoe factory in the Boneyfiddle District of Portsmouth.

The rooms include Murder at Boddy Mansion, Precinct 740, and Castle Dracula. Book online, where you will need to sign a waiver. Gift cards are also available online.

• Address: 309 Jefferson St, Portsmouth, Ohio 45662
• Phone: 740-354-2658 | Website | Facebook | Instagram

Southern Ohio Axe Throwing

Axe throwing is another popular pastime these days. It may sound like a dangerous day out, but it really isn’t. Your party will have guidance throughout your visit, and you will be taught how to throw an axe into the target.

Children must be over the age of 8, and no open-toed shoes should be worn. Online booking is necessary.

Southern Ohio Axe Throwing also has a location in Chillicothe.

• Address: 412 2nd Street, Portsmouth, Ohio 45662
• Phone: 740-370-1966 | Website | Facebook | Instagram

Oddfellows

Photo credits: Cindy Gordon of VisitOhioToday.com

Oddfellows is an eatery with a difference – sure, the food is great, but there are also four duckpin bowling lanes and ten arcade games. There is a bittersweet back story to this place in the form of the dream of two people that went south due to circumstances, then continued to fulfill the dream! Discover the story on their About Us page.

• Address: 526 2^nd St, Portsmouth, Ohio 45662
• Phone: 740-529-2470 | Website | Facebook | Instagram

Lofts Coffee Company and Roastery

Lofts Coffee Company and Roastery roast their own coffees, have a full bakery, and serve food, wine, and cocktails.  They also make K-cups, which are filled with fresh roasted and fresh ground coffee.  Their coffee pods are 100% recyclable and filled to order.

You can also purchase coffee from Lofts online, from a pack of 12 pods to a 5lb whole bean bag, and you can even create your own blend by choosing the percentage of Dark Roast, Medium Roast, and Light Roast beans.

• Address: 842 Gallia St, Portsmouth, Ohio 45662
• Phone: 740-354-3597 | Website | Facebook | Instagram

Portsmouth Festivals

There are two main annual festivals held in Portsmouth.

River Days

River Days – held over Labor Day weekend with family fun and live music on the riverfront in Portsmouth and the surrounding area.

Winterfest

Photo credits: Cindy Gordon of VisitOhioToday.com

Winterfest – mid-November through the end of December, Winterfest takes place in Boneyfiddle’s Market Square. With millions of lights, an ice skating rink, carriage rides, and much more seasonal fun!

Let’s Discover Things to Do in Portsmouth Ohio

Have you visited Portsmouth yet? What was your favorite thing to do there? We would love to know! Leave a comment below and share your experience.

Southeast Ohio has a lot to offer visitors. Here are some of our suggestions: Things to do in Athens, Things to do in Chillicothe, and Things to do in Logan. If you are visiting Hocking Hills, be sure to check out our Ultimate Guide to Hocking Hills!