STEUBENVILLE — Historic Fort Steuben has partnered with the America 250-Ohio Commission to be an official stop on its new Lake Erie to Ohio River Trail.

This experiential driving trail of more than 150 sites across Ohio showcases the role that water has played in moving people, goods and ideas across the state. It is the third of six planned experiential trails for America 250-Ohio’s signature Trails and Tales program. The Lake Erie to Ohio River Trail sites are grouped into seven categories: Boat rides and ferryboats; Lake Erie lighthouses; Lake Erie museums and historic sites; Ohio canal museums, locks and natural areas; Ohio River museums and historic sites; natural areas and overlooks; and aquatic science and research sites.

It’s all a part of the lead-up to America’s 250th anniversary.

The original fort was built in the winter of 1786-87 by the First American Regiment to protect surveyors who were mapping out the first Seven Ranges of the Northwest Territory. Visitors to Historic Fort Steuben are able to take a trip back in time to visit the reconstructed fort, see exhibits in the gallery, learn about the Lewis and Clark Expedition that stopped in Steubenville and stop at the museum shop.

“We are so excited to be partnering with the America 250-Ohio Commission on this trail,” said Paul Zuros, executive director of Historic Fort Steuben. “The Ohio River is such an important part of our history, not only of the fort, but of the city of Steubenville and of Ohio. The river made it possible for Native Americans to move through the area, in addition to providing transportation to early explorers and settlers and for industrial uses. It really is the major highway through history. Our communities are tied to the river, and we are fortunate at Historic Fort Steuben to be part of this trail and to celebrate that past.”

“The fort is a critical part of telling the story about how water literally and figuratively helped shape Ohio into the state we know today,” said Melinda Huntley, executive director of the Ohio Travel Association, America 250-Ohio commissioner and co-project leader for the Trails and Tales program. “We are proud to partner with Historic Fort Steuben to share the story of Ohio’s waterways through America 250-Ohio’s Trails and Tales program and look forward to celebrating with them throughout 2025 and 2026.”

For information about Historic Fort Steuben, visit oldfortsteuben.com. To learn about the America 250-Ohio Trails and Tales Program and the Lake Erie to Ohio River Trail, visit america250-ohio.org/lake-erie-to-ohio-river/.