CONNEAUT, Ohio — Various Ohio officials gathered Monday to cut the ribbon of the “newly reimagined” Ashtabula County I-90 Welcome Center.

What You Need To Know

  • Various Ohio officials gathered Monday to cut the ribbon of the “newly reimagined” Ashtabula County I-90 Welcome Center

  • A press release states that the center features the state’s agritourism and fishing industries, the North Coast WWII museum, Ashtabula Arts Center, the Geneva State Park and much more

  • The release states this is part of the governor’s plan to enhance the experience of travelers passing through the state

  • The release states that the Ohio rest area project will build 33 rest areas and upgrade dozens through 2026

A press release states that the center features the state’s agritourism and fishing industries, the North Coast WWII museum, Ashtabula Arts Center, the Geneva State Park and much more.

“Ohio is the heart of it all - whether you’re visiting a Lake Erie beach, fishing for walleye, or touring a lighthouse or covered bridge, we want travelers to find their next vacation inspiration when they stop at our Ashtabula Welcome Center,” Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said in the release. “Outside the Ashtabula Welcome Center, families can stroll through the Ohio native plants and trees or the Storybook Trail, which features a Dolly Parton Imagination Library book.”

The release states this is part of the governor’s plan to enhance the experience of travelers passing through the state.

“By reimagining our rest areas, we’re creating a better experience for everyone and inspiring future travel plans,” DOD Director Lydia Mihalik said. “Our hope, ultimately, is that travelers, having caught a glimpse of what they can experience in Northeast Ohio, will be inspired to explore more, extend their stay, and hopefully one day return!”

The center will also feature a model of the Gunter’s State Road Covered Bridge by a local artist. Additionally, the departments of transportation and development partnered with the Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Viusually impaired to “provide the stunning signage throughout the Ashtabula Welcome Center.”

“The new rest area improvements and ongoing maintenance are a testament to our commitment to supporting the independence of people with disabilities," ODOT Director Jack Marchbanks said in the release. “These types of partnerships and contracts embody our core values to ensure all Ohioans have the opportunities to thrive.”

The release states that the Ohio rest area project will build 33 rest areas and upgrade dozens through 2026. It also notes that the state saw $56 billion in visitor spending in 2023, supporting 436,000 jobs.