Serving as the seat of Ohio’s Hocking County, Logan lies on the banks of the Hocking River to the south-east of Columbus. It is named after a chief of the Mingo tribe who lived in the area when a European-American community was established here in 1816.
Things to do in Logan
On the city’s western edge is Lake Logan State Park, which centres around an artificial reservoir created with the damming of Clear Fork Creek. In the summer months, it’s a popular destination for boating, fishing and swimming before attracting ice fishers in the wintertime. You can explore along one of the three marked hiking trails while keeping your eyes peeled for migratory bird species.
Occupying a colourful shed alongside the Hocking Hills Regional Welcome Center is the Paul A. Johnson Pencil Sharpener Museum, which boasts the largest collection of pencil sharpeners in the United States. It was established by Reverend Paul Johnson in 1989 and now houses more than 3,400 pencil sharpeners made from not only metal and plastic but also glass.
Travelling with kids? Spend an afternoon at Mingo Park, which is home to a huge wooden playground inspired by a castle fortress. There are plenty of benches for parents to relax on, as well as sporting fields where you can throw a ball around. Mingo Park lies on the banks of the Hocking River, just to the north of Scotts Creek Falls and the treacherous waters of Death Hole.
Getting around Logan
Logan is around 45 minutes’ drive from Columbus and just under an hour from John Glenn Columbus International Airport, which has flights to destinations across North America. Buses connect to Logan, although renting a car is the most convenient way of getting around the area. The centre of Logan can easily be explored on foot.