Portsmouth Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Located in the southern part of Ohio, Portsmouth is a charming city that offers a mix of natural beauty, rich history, and a vibrant arts scene. Nestled along the banks of the Ohio River, this city is known for its picturesque landscapes and warm hospitality.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Portsmouth is a haven. Shawnee State Park, just a short drive away, boasts over 65,000 acres of lush forests, serene lakes, and meandering trails. Hiking, camping, fishing, and boating opportunities abound, providing a great escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The park also offers breathtaking views of the Ohio River, making it the perfect spot for a picnic or a leisurely stroll.

History buffs will find themselves captivated by Portsmouth's rich past. The city played a significant role in the early development of the Midwest, serving as a gateway to the West. The Portsmouth Floodwall Murals, a series of vibrant paintings depicting the city's history, are a must-see. Take a walk along the floodwall and immerse yourself in the stories of Native American tribes, explorers, and settlers that shaped the region.

Art enthusiasts will be delighted by the vibrant arts scene in Portsmouth. The Southern Ohio Museum is a treasure trove of American art, featuring a collection of over 15,000 pieces. From traditional paintings to contemporary sculptures, there is something to suit every taste. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions and educational programs, making it a hub of cultural activity.

No visit to Portsmouth is complete without experiencing its local cuisine. The city boasts a diverse range of dining options, from family-owned diners to upscale restaurants. Indulge in mouthwatering barbecue, fresh seafood, or traditional Ohio favorites. Don't forget to try the local specialty, a delicious slice of Buckeye Pie, a sweet treat made with chocolate and peanut butter.

Alternative names: Founded: 1803 (221 years ago)Population: 20.4 thous.Area: 11.07 mi²Elevation: 528 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 38°44'11"N, 82°59'39"W

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OhioUnited States

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Portsmouth Top Attractions

Portsmouth Attractions - What to See and Explore

Portsmouth offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Southern Ohio Museum, Second Presbyterian Church, Shawnee State University, Portsmouth Public Library. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Specialty museum • Art museum • Museum
Southern Ohio Museum
The Southern Ohio Museum is located in Portsmouth, Ohio, and serves the south and southeastern parts of the state. It is located in the former Security Central Bank Building, which was built in 1918 in the Beaux Arts style. It has been open as a museum since 1979.
Church • Gothic Revival architecture
Second Presbyterian Church
The Second Presbyterian Church in Portsmouth, Ohio is a historic church at 801 Waller Street. It was built in 1911 and was a work of architect George W. Kramer. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1996. As of 2012 the congregation is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church.
Universities and schools • 2nd Ward
Shawnee State University
Shawnee State University is a public university in Portsmouth, Ohio. Established in 1986, Shawnee State is an open admissions university. It is the southernmost member of the University System of Ohio.

Library • 2nd Ward
Portsmouth Public Library
The Portsmouth Public Library is a public library located near downtown Portsmouth, Ohio, United States. It has served the city since 1879. The library has four branch locations in Scioto County: Lucasville, New Boston, South Webster, and Wheelersburg.
Church • 1st Ward
All Saints Episcopal Church
All Saints Episcopal Church is a historic building in Portsmouth, Ohio.
Church • Greek Revival architecture
First Presbyterian Church
First Presbyterian Church is a historic church at 221 Court Street in Portsmouth, Ohio. The Greek Revival church building was constructed in 1849. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.
Church • 1st Ward
Evangelical Church of Christ
Evangelical Church of Christ is a historic church at 701 Fifth Street in Portsmouth, Ohio. It was built in 1886 and added to the National Register in 1987. On January 11, 2020, strong winds knocked over the church's steeple causing damage to its roof.
Church • 1st Ward
St. Mary's Catholic Church
St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church is a historic church in Portsmouth, Ohio. It was built in 1870 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
Church • 1st Ward
Bigelow United Methodist Church
Bigelow United Methodist Church is a historic Methodist church in Portsmouth, Ohio. It was built in 1858 in an Early Romanesque Revival style and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1987.
Italianate architecture • 1st Ward
Portsmouth Fire Department No. 1
Portsmouth Fire Department No. 1, at 642 Seventh St. in Portsmouth, Ohio, was built in 1895. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987. It is a two-and-a-half-story brick building, built on the site of Portsmouth's first fire station. It operated as a fire station until 1977.
Archaeological site • Native American architecture
Portsmouth Earthworks
The Portsmouth Earthworks are a large prehistoric mound complex constructed by the Ohio Hopewell culture mound builder indigenous peoples of eastern North America.
38°44'3"N • 83°0'2"W
Odd Fellows Hall
The Odd Fellows Hall in Portsmouth, Ohio is an Odd Fellows building. It was built in 1871 in Italianate style. It served historically as a meeting hall. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987.
Neighbourhood • 1st Ward
Boneyfiddle Commercial District
Boneyfiddle Commercial District is a neighborhood and historic district in Portsmouth, Ohio, United States. Also known as the Historic Boneyfiddle District, it is located at the confluence of the Scioto and Ohio rivers on Second Street and is bounded roughly by Front, Washington, 3rd and Scioto streets.

Day trips

Portsmouth – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Portsmouth, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Serpent Mound (Peebles), Joan C. Edwards Stadium (Huntington), Kyova Tri-State Mall (Ashland).

31 milesNW
Ruins, Historical place, Museum
Serpent Mound, Peebles
The Great Serpent Mound is a 1,348-foot-long, three-foot-high prehistoric effigy mound on a plateau of the Serpent Mound crater along Ohio Brush Creek in Adams County, Ohio.
38 milesSE
Arenas and stadiums, Sport, Football
Joan C. Edwards Stadium, Huntington
Joan C. Edwards Stadium, formerly Marshall University Stadium, is a football stadium located on the campus of Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia, United States.
28 milesSE
Shopping, Shopping centre, Department store
Kyova Tri-State Mall, Ashland
Camp Landing Entertainment District is an enclosed shopping mall located outside the city of Ashland, Kentucky, United States, in Cannonsburg. Opened in 1988 as Cedar Knoll Galleria, the mall struggled to keep tenants for several years, eventually becoming a dead mall.
38 milesSE
Museum, History museum
Heritage Farm Museum & Village, Huntington
Heritage Farm Museum and Village is an open-air living history museum in Huntington, West Virginia that focuses on Appalachian history and culture. Originally conceived as a location to house and display the private collection of A.
46 milesE
Museum, State park, Regional park
Tu-Endie-Wei State Park, Point Pleasant
Tu-Endie-Wei State Park is located at the confluence of the Kanawha River and the Ohio River in downtown Point Pleasant, West Virginia.