The Belmont County Heritage Trail to feature the Historic Ohio National Road
Join us on Saturday, April 26th from 11 am – 4 pm for the annual Belmont County Heritage Trail/Rubberneck Tour. Every mile tells a story along this self-guided, family-friendly driving tour that explores the heritage and history of Belmont County.
Spend the day enjoying stunning views, historical sites, and Belmont County heritage while driving along the Historic National Road Scenic Byway. The Ohio National Road is celebrating its 200th anniversary this year, so join us to pay homage to “the road that built America” and its significance in Belmont County. This event is free to the community, and stops along the route will feature food trucks, activities, and more!
Stop #1: Belmont County Heritage Museum
101 E. Main Street, St. Clairsville
Step into history at the Belmont County Heritage Museum–celebrating its 10 year anniversary–located in the beautifully restored 19th-century sheriff’s residence and jail designed by renowned architect Joseph W. Yost. Inside, explore exhibits showcasing local stories of transportation, industry, coal mining, innovation, and government. It’s a must-see for anyone curious about how Belmont County helped shape Ohio and the nation.
Stop #2: Historic Downtown St. Clairsville
108 W. Main Street
St. Clairsville
Begin your stop by checking in at the St. Clairsville Public Library. Enjoy light refreshments, explore a special National Road display, and do a fun make-and-take activity. Then, stroll along Main Street
to browse the local shops and admire the stunning 1886 Belmont County Courthouse,
with its ornate stonework, Corinthian columns, and central clock tower.
Also featured at this stop:
• Antique car display
• Learn about the Ohio National Road Association
• Learn about the First Landowners of Belmont County presented by Crystal Lorimor, Jason Garczyk and Anthony Atkins
• Hungry? Enjoy a meal from Newellstown Diner, Giacinta’s, Audrey’s Ave., So Simply Sourdough, Gringos Tacos Food Truck or Ideal Provisions Food Truck
Stop #3: Belmont County Fairgrounds
45420 Roscoe Road, St. Clairsville
Dive into hands-on fun at the Fairgrounds! Managed by the Belmont County Agricultural Society, the grounds are home to the county fair, Belmont County Soil & Water, and the OSU Extension Offices. At this stop, get your hands wet with the Interactive Stream Table — a fun way to learn about aquatic ecosystems, biodiversity, and water quality.
Also featured at this stop:
• Petting zoo sponsored by the Jr. Fair Board
• Seed starting, soil sampling, and nutrition demos
• Tai Chi demonstrations at 11:30am & 12:30pm
Stop #4: Great Western School House
45101 National Road, St. Clairsville
Relive the past in a one-room school with building tours that include the school’s history and stories, as well as viewing historic archives. Visitors can enjoy looking through the McGuffey Readers, practicing their cursive writing skills on the slate boards, and playing period-games such as Drop the Handkerchief or Graces in the school yard.
Also featured at this stop:
• Learn about Eagle Scout, Ethan Kyer’s, wishing well project (unveiling at 11 am), honoring his great-grandmother, who attended the school in the 1940s
• Experience living history narrated by historical interpreters
• Listen to the musical talents of Dr. Greenley
Stop #5: Morristown Black Horse Inn
320 Main Street, Morristown
Built in 1807, the Black Horse Inn is one of the last surviving inns and taverns along the original National Road and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Vacant for years, the building was saved in 2013 by the Morristown Historic Preservation Association.
Now, exciting changes are ahead—thanks to a $3.9 million Appalachian Community Grant, the Inn will soon become the new home of the Underground Railroad Museum. Believed to have been a stop on the Underground Railroad, the Inn will be fully restored to share powerful stories of freedom and resilience.
Also featured at this stop:
• Pay homage to the transportation of the past with a free horse and carriage ride from noon – 2:00 pm.
Don’t forget your passport!
Check in at each location and get a stamp on your passport for a chance to win one of five “Belmont Prize Baskets” (valued between $50-$200). Passports are also available at the Belmont County Tourism office and at every stop along the route.
