Steubenville Travel Guide

Explore Steubenville with our guide to the best attractions, things to do, where to eat and stay, and more.


Introduction to Steubenville

Steubenville is a charming city located in Southeast Ohio, in the Midwest region of the United States of America. It is known for its rich cultural heritage, scenic beauty, and outdoor recreation opportunities. Whether you are a history buff, a nature lover or an adventure seeker, Steubenville has something for everyone. In this comprehensive tour guide, we will explore the best places to visit, things to do, and where to stay and eat in Steubenville.

List of Places to Visit in Steubenville

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Steubenville is steeped in history and home to many significant historic sites and museums. The following are some of the must-visit historical places in the city:

  • Fort Steuben: This reconstructed 18th-century fort is a great place to learn about the history of the Ohio Valley and the American Revolutionary War.
  • Jefferson County Historical Museum: This museum showcases the history of Jefferson County and includes exhibits on the region’s military history, industry, transportation, and famous residents.
  • Birthplace of Dean Martin: This small storefront museum celebrates the life and legacy of the famous crooner and actor, Dean Martin.
  • Ohio Valley Frontier Museum: This reconstructed Native American village and early Western Pennsylvania frontier fort is a place to learn about the history and culture of the region’s early inhabitants.

Natural Attractions of Steubenville: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Steubenville is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery and offers many outdoor activities for visitors. Here are some of the best:

  • Jefferson Lake State Park: This beautiful park offers swimming, fishing, boating, hiking, and camping opportunities for visitors. The highlight of the park is the serene 117-acre lake that is perfect for fishing and boating.
  • Memorial Park: This lovely park provides breathtaking views of the Ohio River and the city of Steubenville. Visitors can relax in the park’s picnic areas or enjoy a peaceful walk along the riverfront.
  • Beatty Park: This park is a popular spot for outdoor activities like soccer, baseball, and basketball. The park also offers nature trails for hiking and biking, a playground for children, and a splash pad to cool off during summer.
  • St. John Byzantine Church: This beautiful church boasts stunning Byzantine architecture and an interior adorned with intricate mosaics and artwork.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Steubenville

Steubenville is blessed with many scenic trails and paths that provide excellent opportunities for hiking and biking. Here are some of the best routes in the area:

  • Panhandle Trail: This 29 miles long trail runs from West Virginia through Pennsylvania and finally ends in Steubenville. The trail provides magnificent views of the Ohio River and is perfect for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
  • Ohio River Trail: This trail starts at the Ohio River Museum in Marietta and follows the river to the Pike Island Lock and Dam in West Virginia. The trail offers spectacular views of the river and is ideal for hiking, biking, and jogging.
  • Tomlinson Run State Park: The park offers over 15 miles of trails that run through dense forests and along the scenic lake. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, or horseback riding on the park’s many trails.

Best Things to Do in Steubenville: Activities and Tours

Steubenville offers plenty of things to do and see for visitors of all ages. Here are some of the best activities and tours to enjoy in the city:

  • Historic Fort Steuben Tours: Take a guided tour of the reconstructed 18th-century fort and learn about the rich history of the Ohio Valley and the American Revolutionary War.
  • Dean Martin Festival: Celebrate the life and legacy of Dean Martin at the annual festival held in Steubenville every June. The festival features music, food, and entertainment for the whole family.
  • Holly Jolly Trolley Tour: This festive tour takes visitors around Steubenville to see the city’s Christmas lights and decorations. The tour ends with hot chocolate and cookies.
  • Harmonium Project Walking Tour: This guided walking tour takes visitors through the history of segregation, integration, and struggles for justice in Steubenville.

Week-Long Itinerary for Steubenville

Here is a week-long itinerary to make the most out of your visit to Steubenville:

Day 1: Visit the Jefferson County Historical Museum, Fort Steuben, and Dean Martin Birthplace Museum.
Day 2: Go hiking or biking on the Panhandle Trail or the Ohio River Trail.
Day 3: Spend a day at Jefferson Lake State Park.
Day 4: Take the Harmonium Project Walking Tour and explore the city’s civil rights history.
Day 5: Enjoy the scenic views from Memorial Park and visit St. John Byzantine Church.
Day 6: Go shopping for souvenirs and local products at the Steubenville Farmers’ Market and the Ohio Valley Mall.
Day 7: Relax and unwind with food and drinks at one of Steubenville’s many restaurants and bars.

Food and Drink Scene of Steubenville

Steubenville cuisine is a mix of American, Italian, and Greek influences. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Pizza Margherita: Thin crust pizza topped with fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella cheese.
  • Chicken Alfredo: Grilled chicken served with creamy Alfredo sauce and pasta.
  • Greek Gyro: A classic Greek dish made with seasoned meat, fresh veggies, and Tzatziki sauce, wrapped in a warm pita.
  • Pierogies: A local specialty made with potato and cheese or sauerkraut filling.

Local Beverages

  • Red, White and Blue Beer: A signature Steubenville brew that’s made with red raspberries, white wheat, and blueberries.
  • Mountain Dew: A highly-caffeinated soda originally made in the region and still very popular with the locals.

Where to Stay in Steubenville: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Steubenville offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. Here are some of the best:

  • Hampton Inn Steubenville: A comfortable and affordable hotel located near downtown Steubenville.
  • Franciscan Square Bed and Breakfast: A charming bed and breakfast located in the heart of Steubenville’s historic district.
  • Microtel Inn and Suites: A modern hotel that offers great value for money and is conveniently located near major attractions.

What to Buy in Steubenville: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Steubenville offers many unique souvenirs and local products that make perfect gifts for family and friends. Here are some of the best:

  • Dean Martin Memorabilia: You can find a wide range of Dean Martin souvenirs, including T-shirts, mugs, and posters, at the Dean Martin Birthplace Museum.
  • Pierogies: Frozen or freshly cooked pierogies are available at the Steubenville Farmers’ Market.
  • Local Wines: The region is home to several wineries that offer unique blends of high-quality wines.

Local Culture and Customs of Steubenville

Steubenville is known for its friendly and welcoming residents who take pride in their cultural heritage and traditions. Visitors are expected to be respectful of the local custom and dress appropriately for the weather and occasion. The locals are known to be generous and hospitable, so don’t be surprised if someone invites you over for a home-cooked meal.

Best Time to Visit Steubenville

The best time to visit Steubenville is between May and September when the weather is pleasant and many outdoor activities and events take place.

Do’s and Don’ts of Steubenville

Do:

  • Explore the city’s rich history by visiting its museums and historical sites.
  • Take advantage of the many outdoor activities and scenic trails in the area.
  • Try the local cuisine and beverages.
  • Respect the local customs and traditions.

Don’t:

  • Leave trash or litter on the trails or parks.
  • Disrespect the local culture or customs.
  • Enter private property without permission.

Safety and Health

Safety in Steubenville

Steubenville is a safe city, and visitors are unlikely to face any significant safety issues. However, it’s essential to exercise caution and common sense while traveling. Avoid carrying large sums of money and valuables and stay in well-lit and busy areas after dark.

Health in Steubenville

Steubenville has many excellent healthcare facilities, and visitors can rest assured that they can receive quality medical care if needed. It’s recommended to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies to have peace of mind while traveling.

Getting to Steubenville: Transportation Options and Logistics

Steubenville is easily accessible by car, bus, or plane. Here are some transportation options:

Airports Near Steubenville

  • Pittsburgh International Airport: Located approximately 40 miles from Steubenville, it’s well-connected to major U.S. cities and international destinations.
  • Akron-Canton Regional Airport: Located approximately 75 miles from Steubenville, it’s a regional hub for domestic flights.

Bus Stations Near Steubenville

  • Greyhound Bus: Offers daily bus service to and from Steubenville.
  • Megabus: Offers daily bus service to and from Steubenville.

Other Options

  • Car Rental: Several car rental companies offer services at the airport and downtown Steubenville.
  • Taxi and Ride-Sharing Services: Several taxi and ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the city.

How to Get Around in Steubenville

The best way to get around Steubenville is by car, but visitors can also use bikes, taxis, and ride-sharing services. There are no public transportation options in the city.

Where to Go Next from Steubenville: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Steubenville is a great starting point for exploring the scenic and cultural attractions of Southeast Ohio and the surrounding areas. Here are some nearby destinations and excursions to consider:

  • Columbus: Located approximately two hours from Steubenville, Columbus is the capital of Ohio and home to many attractions, such as the Ohio Statehouse, the Columbus Zoo, and Botanical Garden.
  • Pittsburgh: Located approximately 45 minutes from Steubenville, Pittsburgh is a vibrant city known for its museums, parks, and sports venues.
  • Wheeling: Located approximately 20 miles from Steubenville, Wheeling is a charming town known for its historic buildings, casinos, and Victorian-era-style carriage rides.

Conclusion

Steubenville is a hidden gem that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, history, culture, and outdoor adventures. From scenic trails and parks to museums and historical sites, from local cuisine and wines to friendly and welcoming residents, Steubenville has something for everyone. We hope this comprehensive guide has inspired you to visit Steubenville and explore all it has to offer.

Stubenville, with the now-demolished Fort Steuben Bridge Stubenville, with the now-demolished Fort Steuben Bridge Route 22 Bridge Route 22 Bridge One of the many murals of Steubenville One of the many murals of Steubenville