The 1930s Great Depression had left millions unemployed and desperate. In response to the crisis, President Franklin D. Roosevelt established the Civilian Conservation Corps, or CCC. The Ledges Shelter is a product of this back-to-work program.

The men employed by the CCC often came with no skills and little work experience. The CCC provided employment, education, and training. At the same time, it left the nation with new parks, forests, roads, and facilities for outdoor recreation. Locally, the sweat and effort of those young men created this retreat for all to enjoy.

Today, the Ledges Shelter may be reserved at recreation.gov by groups and families with up to 75 people for a fee. The shelter includes an enclosed area with two fireplaces, eight picnic tables, and an area to serve food. Electrical outlets for normal, two-pronged household appliances such as coffee pots and crock pots are available. It does not have centralized heat. The building’s open pavilion has eight additional picnic tables and a large grill. Drinking water is available at a fountain from May 1 to September 15. Restrooms with flush toilets are available year-round.

Ledges Shelter is constructed from local Berea sandstone and wormy chestnut, wood from American chestnut trees that had been killed by a blight. The CCC paid attention to the placement of buildings, as well as their design. A large grassy playfield sits next to and in harmony with Ledges Shelter. It invites people to run around, toss a ball, and enjoy the expansive outdoors.