One of the most unique vantage points in Mount Vernon, Ohio is the Rastin Observation Tower at Ariel-Foundation Park.
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.
As a significant feature of The Ruins, the observation tower offers guests a beautiful, unique view of Mount Vernon. The tower is 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. It is named for Tom Rastin, Executive Vice President of Ariel Corporation, for his support of this project. The tower is located next to the Urton Clock House on Pittsburg Ave.
Learn more about being a Tower, Footbridge, and/or Viaduct Lighting Partner.
Gallery
Click to view the full size image.
The highest view of beautiful Knox County available!