Lake Erie to Ohio River Trail: Call for Submissions

An America 250-Ohio Program

Lake Erie, the Ohio River, and the canals that connect them, move people, products and ideas. Part of the largest freshwater system globally, Lake Erie has been molded by glacial history, ecological processes, and human behavior, and it continues to evolve. Together with the Ohio River and the state’s canal system, these bodies of water laid the foundation for the vibrant cultural and industrial history that deﬁnes us today. To showcase these stories and inspire travel throughout the state, America 250-Ohio (in partnership with the Ohio Travel Association) is curating a driving trail called the Lake Erie to Ohio River Trail. Deadline has been extended to May 15!

Before You Submit:

The scope of the Lake Erie to Ohio River Trail is to create a driving trail connecting the places where visitors can learn more about Lake Erie, the Ohio River and Ohio's canals. As this is a tourism-based project designed to encourage people to spend time in our communities and visit our museums, natural areas and businesses, submitted sites must meet the following criteria. Submissions are evaluated based on their ability to meet the expectations below:

Accessibility – Is the site open to walk-in visitors during consistent and regular hours? Is there parking? Is the schedule posted? If you are relying on call-ahead access, tours must be open to the public and posted on your website with an easy booking process.

Relevancy – Does the site interpret a story that directly relates to how Lake Erie, the Ohio River and the connecting canals shaped (and continues to shape) Ohio's culture and opportunities?

Visitor Experience – Is that story told on-site either through regular tours open to the public or exhibits one can easily find when stopping by the site? Is there signage directing visitors to where they can experience the story? The scope of this project is to create a trail where visitors to and through Ohio can stop and spend an hour or two, learning more while being entertained.

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* 1. Name of Site (Please enter each physical site separately. For example, if you are the managing organization of multiple museums or natural areas, please enter each site separately, as they will be listed on trail materials and itineraries.)

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* 2. Site Physical Address (Address recommended for visitors using mapping and navigation devices)

Address

Address 2

City/Town

ZIP/Postal Code

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* 3. County where your site is located

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* 4. Website

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* 5. General Telephone Number for Visitor Inquiries

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* 6. Please tell us how your site contributes to the story of how Lake Erie, the Ohio River and the canal systems move(d) people, goods and ideas. Consider the following key storylines as you shape your story.

critical transportation routes for goods, people, and resources

lighthouses

helped turn Ohio into an industrial powerhouse

led to westward expansion of the United States

strategic importance during times of conﬂict

importance to livelihoods

cultural contributions as people came to work on the lake, river and canals

signiﬁcant environmental implications for Ohio and the nation

contributions to quality of life through access to outdoor recreation and scenic beauty

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* 7. Highlights of a Visit - What are the must-see exhibits or artifacts that contribute to the Lake Erie to the Ohio River Trail story? Be sure to include any hands-on creativity experiences.

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* 8. As future storytelling efforts will focus on Ohio individuals, please identify the names and contributions of individuals featured in your site's interpretation, exhibits, etc. that made significant contributions to the Lake Erie to Ohio River Trail story (if applicable).

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* 9. Dates/hours of Operation (Open to the Public) - Please provide seasonal variation if applicable.

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* 10. Admission Costs

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* 11. Recommended Time to Spend at Your Site

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* 12. Please check whether or not you provide tools for the following accessibility issues

for visually impaired guests

for hearing impaired guests

for guests with mobility issues

for guests with learning difficulties

for guests with sensory impairment

None of the above

Other and/or Comments:

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* 13. Key Primary Contact Information

Name

Company

Address

Address 2

City/Town

State/Province

ZIP/Postal Code

Email Address

Phone Number

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* 14. Group Tour Contact Information

Name

Email Address

Phone Number

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* 15. Marketing Contact Information

Name

Email Address

Phone Number

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* 16. Public Relations Contact Information

Name

Email Address

Phone Number