The first official local event for the upcoming 250th anniversary of the founding of the nation will encourage healthy exercise, starting at a Ross County park in a week and a half.
The local “kick-off party” for America 250 – the national program to celebrate July 4th, 1776 and the Revolutionary War – will be “Tour 250.”
The event will be 11am to 2pm on Saturday, September 6th, 2025 at the Don Coppel Athletic Complex on the west edge of Chillicothe. The Ross County Park District operates the recreational and nature park at 134 Star Drive off Western Avenue / U.S. Route 50.
After a hot dog and snack there, you can start walking, hiking, cycling, paddling, or jogging a total 250 miles before Independence Day next year for a healthy commemoration of the Revolution…plus prizes for reaching milestones.
The DAR notes that “Ross County has 10 County parks / trails; 2 city parks; 5 Ohio State parks; 1 national park (5 sites); 1 World Heritage Site; 5 downtown walking tours; and miles of trails and bike paths. Every one of the park systems listed above, plus others, are supporting this project.”
Terressa Reep, regent of the Nathaniel Massie Chapter of the DAR, chatted with me about this upcoming event, and others – hear her in her own words below.
The History Store at 99 North Paint Street is serving as the headquarters for the local American 250 effort, and has information there. The Ross-Chillicothe Convention and Visitors Bureau also has an official page for the local American 250 effort.
Various local events have been gearing up to the main celebration of America 250, many of them by the Daughters and Sons of the American Revolution – search for my reports on some of them on the Scioto Post.
From the news release by the DAR:
“From forested trails and rolling hills to riverside paths and scenic parks, Ross County’s landscape offers more than just natural beauty – it tells a story. TOUR250 is a chance to get moving and explore the rich land we call home.
“As we mark the semiquincentennial of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, we invite you to connect with your community, your environment, and the enduring spirit of the American experience – one mile at a time.
“The TOUR250 challenge is simple: complete 250 miles between September 6th 2025 and Independence Day 2026!
“There’s no wrong way to complete your miles. Whether you walk, hike, bike, paddle, roll, or jog – track your miles using any fitness app or method you prefer and win some fun swag and prizes.”
Find the article on the Scioto Post.
Kevin Coleman covers local government and culture for the Scioto Post and iHeart Media Southern Ohio. For stories or questions, contact Kevin Coleman or the iHeart Southern Ohio Newsroom.