Cabin FAQ

Who built the cabin? What is the history of Art Park?

The original section of the cabin was built by the sculptor David Hostetler and was later expanded. It sits on a portion of what was originally the Art Park project. Read more about the story of Art Park.

Is there dangerous wildlife?

There are coyotes, snapping turtles (pond), and birds of prey. Please do not leave children unattended.

Black bears have not been sighted in Athens, though there have been sightings in Wayne National Forest.

Ticks are present here, as they are anywhere in the Ohio woods. Check yourself and your pets after time on the trails. We keep bug spray at the cabin.

Why are the showers warm, not hot?

Please run the showers on hot when you first arrive to replenish the hot water heater with hot water for your showers.

What about bonfires or the fireplace? Wood?

Please feel free to collect fallen kindling, sticks, and downed wood from the property. Please keep bonfires limited to the SoloStove fire pit. Please use the indoor wood stove responsibly, keeping the stove temperature within the thermometer's yellow dial limits.

Firewood itself needs to be purchased locally — there are many options at local stores, roadside stands, and Facebook Marketplace. Please do not bring firewood from outside the local area due to harmful insect risk. Moving wood moves invasive pests, and the woods here are worth protecting.

How do we use the wood stove indoors?

We recommend keeping the flue fully open and beginning the fire with the left-hand door closed. Keeping the right door cracked open initially prevents heavy smoke from coming in. The handle is what controls airflow when the doors are shut. Please do not overload the wood stove.

Can we swim in the pond?

No. The pond is shallow and home to Stewart the Snapper. Stewart is rarely seen, but it's best to enjoy the pond on land.

What do we do with the trash?

Please remove all trash from the cabin and place it inside the bear safe box at the gate.

Do I need a 4WD vehicle to get to the cabin?

The cabin driveway does not require 4WD. When wet or snowy, a 2WD vehicle will have issues on the driveway accessing the back door. Please park by the front stairs if your vehicle cannot get up the back door driveway.