American Beech
ParkOhio, US
Athens Lunatic Asylum
Discover a profound blend of history, art, and nature at The Ridges in Athens, Ohio.
About
Discover a profound blend of history, art, and nature at The Ridges in Athens, Ohio. This captivating former Athens Lunatic Asylum, now owned by Ohio University, offers a sprawling landscape of Victorian Gothic architecture, vibrant cultural centers, and serene hiking trails. Once a pioneering mental health institution, The Ridges has been thoughtfully transformed into a multifaceted destination, inviting visitors to explore its complex past and dynamic present.
Wander through the historic grounds and immerse yourself in the diverse offerings. The main Kirkbride building, an architectural marvel, now houses the esteemed Kennedy Museum of Art, featuring impressive collections, including significant Southwest Native American textiles and contemporary prints. Nearby, the Dairy Barn Arts Center, originally the asylum's dairy, presents a lively calendar of art exhibitions and educational programs, such as the internationally recognized Quilt National biennial. Beyond the buildings, over 500 acres of protected land beckon with picturesque hiking trails, historic cemeteries, and the highest point in Athens County, Radar Hill, offering panoramic views.
A visit to The Ridges is a journey through time and culture, where the echoes of history meet contemporary artistic expression and natural beauty. Whether you're drawn to its architectural grandeur, the thought-provoking art, the tranquil walking paths, or the poignant cemeteries, this unique venue promises a memorable experience that engages both mind and spirit. It's a place where every corner tells a story, making it an essential stop for anyone seeking depth and discovery in Southeast Ohio. Wondering what that bird or insect is? Find out on your visit using the Snappit nature app.
The Athens Lunatic Asylum, now known as The Ridges, opened its doors in 1874. Designed under the progressive Kirkbride Plan by architect Levi T. Scofield, the imposing High Victorian Gothic main building was intended to provide a humane and therapeutic environment for mental health patients, emphasizing natural light, fresh air, and a calming landscape. The original facility spanned 141 acres, eventually growing to over 1,000 acres and 78 buildings by the 1950s, becoming a largely self-sufficient community with farms, orchards, and dairies. Operating until 1993, the asylum, which saw many name changes over its history, treated tens of thousands of patients, including Civil War veterans and children. While initially a model for mental health care, it later faced overcrowding and, like many institutions of its era, became associated with more controversial treatments like lobotomies and electroshock therapy. In 1993, the state of Ohio transferred the property to Ohio University, which embarked on a mission to repurpose and preserve its historic structures and grounds, renaming the complex "The Ridges" following a community contest in 1984.
What to do here
Take a historical walking tour to learn about the asylum's past, explore current art exhibitions, enjoy a self-guided tour using the mAppAthens app, or attend a public telescope night at the Ohio University Observatory.
Seasonal info
Fall brings vibrant colors to the landscape, perfect for photography and a distinct ambiance. Spring and summer are excellent for hiking and enjoying the natural surroundings. Special events, like the Quilt National, occur biennially at the Dairy Barn Arts Center.
Accessibility
Many buildings occupied by Ohio University, including the Kennedy Museum of Art, have been renovated and are accessible. The grounds feature a mix of paved walkways and hiking trails with varying levels of difficulty. The Kennedy Museum of Art is wheelchair accessible.
Don't miss
1
Kennedy Museum of Art
Housed in the historic main Kirkbride building (Lin Hall), showcasing diverse art collections and rotating exhibitions.
2
Dairy Barn Arts Center
Experience contemporary art, regional exhibitions, and the renowned Quilt National in this beautifully repurposed historic barn.
3
Historic Cemeteries
Explore the three poignant cemeteries, including those with numbered gravestones, offering a solemn reflection on the asylum's past.
4
Hiking Trails
Traverse over 500 acres of scenic paths, including the Loop Trail which takes you past historical points of interest and offers views from Radar Hill.
Wildlife you might spot
12Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.
Snap map for this place
Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.
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Good to know before you go
Wear comfortable shoes
Many areas, especially the hiking trails and historic cemeteries, require walking on uneven terrain.
Check operating hours
Verify the current hours for the Kennedy Museum of Art and the Dairy Barn Arts Center before your visit, as they may vary.
Consider a guided tour
For a deeper understanding of the asylum's history, consider booking a historical walking tour offered by the Southeast Ohio History Center.
Download mAppAthens
This self-guided app offers various tours around The Ridges, allowing you to explore at your own pace while learning about each stop.
Visit the cemeteries with respect
The three historic cemeteries are solemn sites where many former patients are buried, some marked only by numbers.
Explore the natural areas
Don't miss the extensive hiking trails, offering beautiful views and a chance to experience the "healing landscape" envisioned by the asylum's founders.
Frequently asked questions
- Today, The Ridges is owned by Ohio University and serves as a multi-use complex. It houses the Kennedy Museum of Art, various Ohio University offices, classrooms, research labs, and a child development center. The extensive grounds also feature hiking trails and the independently operated Dairy Barn Arts Center.
- While the interiors of the main administrative building (now Lin Hall) house the Kennedy Museum of Art and other university facilities, most vacant or unrestored asylum buildings are not accessible to the public due to safety and liability concerns. However, historical walking tours led by the Southeast Ohio History Center provide insights into the asylum's architecture and history, and visitors are welcome to explore the exterior grounds and trails.
- The Ridges has a reputation for being a haunted location, and "ghost stories" are part of its lore. While the Athens County Historical Society and Museum used to offer limited ghost tours around Halloween, their regular "Asylum Tour" focuses on the historical aspects, not paranormal events. Visitors interested in the "spooky vibes" often visit in mid-late October.
Recent snaps at this place
Jun 6, 2026
i
Photo attribution
no rights reserved
License: CC0 1.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
Jun 5, 2026
i
Photo attribution
(c) Anna Hess, some rights reserved (CC BY)
License: CC BY 4.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
Jun 6, 2026
Jun 5, 2026
Jun 5, 2026
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