Ohio University Tours

Called "The Ridges" currently, this large, looming building that overlooks Ohio University's campus was formerly a mental health hospital called the Athens Asylum for the Insane. There's a small museum inside now, and the rest of the grounds are owned by the university, but there is still certainly a chilling aspect to the building that calls to its past. Take a walk around the grounds or visit the museum, it's something worth seeing. Behind the building is a community park with areas that would be worth visiting in warmer days. Take the road that loops up a hill (to the left of a campus sign) and you can view the cemetery of unnamed, forgotten patients who died and were only assigned a number. There are efforts to find the names of these individuals and give them the attention that is deserved. There's also a beautiful nature walk that I would have taken if it wasn't so cold! #roadtrips #ohio #historic #hospitals #roadtrip
Called "The Ridges" currently, this large, looming building that overlooks Ohio University's campus was formerly a mental health hospital called the Athens Asylum for the Insane. There's a small museum inside now, and the rest of the grounds are owned by the university, but there is still certainly a chilling aspect to the building that calls to its past. Take a walk around the grounds or visit the museum, it's something worth seeing. Behind the building is a community park with areas that would be worth visiting in warmer days. Take the road that loops up a hill (to the left of a campus sign) and you can view the cemetery of unnamed, forgotten patients who died and were only assigned a number. There are efforts to find the names of these individuals and give them the attention that is deserved. There's also a beautiful nature walk that I would have taken if it wasn't so cold! #roadtrips #ohio #historic #hospitals #roadtrip
An awesome creepy mental hospital in Athens called "The Ridges." There are great stories about past residents and. Great set of grounds to discover.
The Athens Lunatic Asylum, was a mental hospital operated in Athens, OH. from 1874 until 1993. The area is now known as The Ridges and is owned by Ohio University.
The Athens Lunatic Asylum, was a mental hospital operated in Athens, OH. from 1874 until 1993. The area is now known as The Ridges and is owned by Ohio University.

Reviews of Ohio University

4.8
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
167
5 - Excellent 81%
4 - Good
36
4 - Good 18%
3 - Okay
2
3 - Okay 1%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

BrendaWJones

Played basketball. Nice arena.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

The Ohio Showcase was very informative

4/5 - Good

MW

South of the University.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Great golf course at Ohio University

Popular places to visit

There are 1,930 people buried at the three cemeteries on the grounds of the former Athens Lunatic Asylum. Most graves are marked only with a number. After 1943, the state began putting names, births, and deaths, on the markers of the patients who died. 

Court Street

During your trip to Athens, you can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Court Street. Discover the area's festivals, or seek out its hiking trails.

Court Street
The sun setting and reflecting over Dow Lake at Strouds Run State Park. Strouds Run State Park contains 2,606 acres of uninterrupted hardwood, the 161-acre Dow Lake, a 900-foot sand beach, 6 #hiking trails, 15 mountain biking/hiking trails and 10 bridle/hiking trails.

Strouds Run State Park

You can take time to visit Strouds Run State Park during your travels to Athens. Discover the bars and its festivals while you're in the area.

Strouds Run State Park

John Calhoun Baker University Center

Explore the campus of John Calhoun Baker University Center, during your trip to Athens. Discover the bars and its entertainment venues while you're in the area.

John Calhoun Baker University Center

Convocation Center

Catch an event at Convocation Center during your trip to Athens. Discover the bars and its entertainment venues while you're in the area.

Convocation Center

Peden Stadium

Catch an event at Peden Stadium during your trip to Athens. Discover the bars and its entertainment venues while you're in the area.

Peden Stadium

Hot Dog Museum

You can spend time browsing the exhibits at Hot Dog Museum during your trip to Athens. Discover the bars and its entertainment venues while you're in the area.

Hot Dog Museum

Best Lodging Options Near Ohio University

Ohio University Inn & Conference Center

Ohio University Inn & Conference Center

3.5 out of 5
331 Richland Ave Athens OH
Ohio University Inn & Conference Center
Quality Inn

Quality Inn

2.5 out of 5
20 Home St Athens OH
Quality Inn
Hampton Inn Athens

Hampton Inn Athens

2.5 out of 5
986 East State Street Athens OH
Hampton Inn Athens
The Lodge at Hocking College

The Lodge at Hocking College

2.5 out of 5
15770 OH-691 Nelsonville OH
The Lodge at Hocking College
Postcard Cabins Hocking Hills, Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy

Postcard Cabins Hocking Hills, Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy

2 out of 5
38490 Todd Rd Nelsonville OH
Postcard Cabins Hocking Hills, Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy
Cherry Ridge Retreat

Cherry Ridge Retreat

3.5 out of 5
22097 Cherry Ridge Rd New Plymouth OH
Cherry Ridge Retreat
Worthington of Logan

Worthington of Logan

2.5 out of 5
72 West 2nd Street Logan OH
Worthington of Logan
Baymont by Wyndham Logan

Baymont by Wyndham Logan

2.5 out of 5
12819 State Route 664 S Logan OH
Baymont by Wyndham Logan
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