Ohio Will Unveil New Big Muskie Site Amenities
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony for site improvements on October 16.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in National Parks
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State officials are set to open new visitor amenities at the Big Muskie bucket site in Jesse Owens State Park on October 16, 2026. The update introduces educational displays and facilities to enhance the experience for those visiting the landmark.
Why it matters
These infrastructure additions are designed to expand the visitor experience surrounding the massive historical dragline machine. By integrating new interpretative tools, the park aims to better preserve the narrative of the region's industrial past.
The site now features eight new kiosk panels and a dedicated restroom facility. Visitors can explore the 28-mile Straker Ridge Trail while accessing park information through a newly installed large-scale map.
The players
Ohio Department of Natural Resources
This state agency is responsible for the management and development of Ohio's state parks and natural resources.
The details
The project includes the installation of eight kiosk panels detailing the history of the Big Muskie, which weighed 27 million pounds and stood 240 feet tall. Visitors can also utilize the Ohio State Parks Virtual Explorer technology to visualize the machine, which moved 325 tons of earth in a single scoop during its peak operations.
Timeline
Construction of the Big Muskie dragline began in May 1969.
Big Muskie was shut down and dismantled in 1999.
ODNR dedicated a historical marker to Big Muskie in June 2025.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony for site improvements will occur on October 16, 2026.
Travel Outlook
The park improvements build upon the 2025 dedication of the Big Muskie historical marker to cement the site as a permanent educational destination. This trajectory reflects a broader push by state park systems to transform retired industrial sites into accessible historical attractions.
Visitors heading to Jesse Owens State Park should prepare for the addition of new restroom facilities and kiosk panels at the Big Muskie site. Guests can now utilize the Virtual Explorer technology to view the history of the machine while hiking the 28-mile Straker Ridge Trail.
The takeaway
Visitors are encouraged to use the new interpretive displays to better understand the scale of the 480-foot-long dragline machine. Integrating these physical and digital tools offers a practical way for park guests to engage with regional industrial history.
What happens next
A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new site improvements is scheduled to take place on October 16, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about local site access and preservation efforts by visiting our National Parks section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Zanesville Times Recorder.
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