One of the most unique vantage points in Mount Vernon, Ohio is the Rastin Observation Tower at Ariel-Foundation Park. As a significant feature of The Ruins, the tower offers guests a beautiful, unique view of Mount Vernon. It is located next to the Urton Clock House on Pittsburgh Ave.
The observation tower is a steel, spiral staircase that coils around the tallest structure in Knox County, PPG’s industrial smoke stack built in 1951. The historical chimney served PPG from 1951 until its closing in 1979 and was constructed of reinforced concrete by the slip form method. The tower is a remarkable 280 feet high, with the observation deck at 140 feet above 224 steps.
Ted Schnormeier, the park project director, along with Custom Cutters of Mount Vernon, designed the tower’s concept. This tower was made possible through a generous donation by Tom Rastin.
Learn more about being a Tower, Footbridge, and/or Viaduct Lighting Partner.
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The highest view of beautiful Knox County available!
