Local Attractions
In The Portsmouth Area
Boasting over 60,000 acres of natural beauty and recreation, the Shawnee State Forest is anchored by the Shawnee Resort and Conference Center with its magnificent lodge, restaurant, pools, campground, and areas for outdoor activities including golfing, boating, fishing, and hiking.
Shawnee State Park
Explore the outdoors in one of the most beautiful state parks in Ohio.
Shawnee State University
Fine Arts, athletics, and more!
Enjoy musical and theatrical performances, sports events, and social clubs at Shawnee State University! Home of the Bears as well as the Golden Bear Club for Senior Citizens, Shawnee State features the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts (VRCFA) and Southern Ohio Performing Arts Association (SOPAA), Clark Planetarium, James A. Rhodes Athletic Center, and more.
Painted by Robert Dafford, the murals of Portsmouth’s floodwall depicts the rich history that Portsmouth has. This is also the site for the Bear Run, an annual 5K run hosted by Shawnee State University, and the Portsmouth River Days, a festival held on Labor Day Weekend.
Portsmouth Floodwall Murals
Walk or cruise down Portsmouth’s history
Southern Ohio Museum
Culture and History on display
Southern Ohio Museum and Cultural Center (SOMACC) boasts five galleries and four permanent collections of important cultural heritage, as well as an auditorium, learning center, and a nearby studio for training in performing arts.
SOMACC is located on Gallia Street, near the Roy Rogers Esplanade.
Now it is a quieter section of town popular with visitors and residents for its antique shops, cafes and eateries, parks, and numerous spaces that have been renovated for residential or office use while maintaining their historic, industrial charm.
During the Christmas season, Boneyfiddle transforms into Winterfest, a month-long event that celebrates American traditions during the holidays.
Downtown at Boneyfiddle
Running along the banks of the Ohio River, The Boneyfiddle Historic District was once the bustling downtown center of Portsmouth.