MANSFIELD—A weekend packed with unforgettable Bigfoot experiences, hunts, and workshops welcomes travelers to Mansfield and Richland County, Ohio this fall. Taking place at Pleasant Hill Lake Park, events include one-on-one meet-ups with Matt Moneymaker, founder, and president of the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization (BFRO), and host of Animal Planet’s wildly popular “Finding Bigfoot” series. Famed Bigfoot Field Researcher and Organization Investigator Charles Kimbrough, author of “Squatchin’ 101,” will also be on hand. A $15 per car charge gets visitors entry to most events. Some others are ticketed with an additional charge.

Ticketed events include an exclusive dinner at nearby Mohican Lodge & Conference Center where Moneymaker will speak about his bigfoot encounter and sightings in Ohio, demonstrating for visitors how the most advanced HD thermal imaging technology is used to track Bigfoot. Open to the public, tickets, and details on the family friendly weekend, which is expected to sell out, are found at mwcd.org/bigfoot Complete traveler information, including on lodging, dining and other attractions is available at DestinationMansfield.com.

Ohio ranks fifth in the nation with more than 315 reports of Bigfoot sightings. With at least 13 recent sightings in Richland and Ashland Counties, the north-central region of the Buckeye State is a mecca for Bigfoot followers. The nation’s first park ranger to report a Class A Bigfoot sighting detailed his experience in 2020 at Pleasant Hill Lake Park in Richland County. A qualified encounter with Bigfoot is characterized as a Class A encounter. With Class A accounts, the reporter saw Bigfoot clearly and misinterpretation is unlikely. To be categorized as a Class B encounter, the reporter has to have discovered clear evidence of Bigfoot in the area. Class C represents a hearsay account of a Bigfoot sighting. In 1899, Cyrus Gatton reported the first sighting in Ohio in the nearby Clear Fork area on the Mohican River.

Bigfoot calls are described as ape-like howls, whoops, wood knocks, screams, moans, and chatter.  In 1994, Matt Moneymaker recorded a loud, eerie moan along the Ohio River near Wellsville, Ohio. Now known as “The Ohio Howl,” the original recording, which can be heard in the link, is being used for Bigfoot call blasting. Call blasting is when the sounds are played to encourage a response from Bigfoot in the wild.

Bigfoot Weekend Events include:

Friday, Sept. 9

  • 3-7 p.m. ($75/person) Welcome Center Nature Room with life-sized Bigfoot, animal, and history
  • 6-11 p.m. ($) VIP reception, dinner, keynote, and autograph session with Matt Moneymaker
  • 9:30-11 p.m. Never-before-seen HD thermal imaging bigfoot research technique live-streamed via drone

 

  • 8:30-10:30 p.m. (Free) “Harry and the Hendersons” family movie screening; Bring chairs and blankets; Refreshments available for purchase
  • 11 p.m. (Free) Naturalist- and volunteer-led Bigfoot Night Hike recounting area Bigfoot sightings with wildlife detection tips; Registration required at Welcome Center

 

Saturday, Sept. 10

  • 8-11 a.m. (Free) The Welcome Center Nature Room is open where visitors can see a life-sized Bigfoot, animal displays, and history exhibits.
  • 9-10 a.m. (Free) Bigfoot Field Researcher and Author Charles Kimbrough demonstrates Bigfoot basics and equipment requirements (Registration required; seating is limited; book signing follows program.
  • 10-11 a.m. (Free) Bushcraft workshop teaches survival skills including matchless fire starting and key tools; Meet at the Welcome Center.
  • 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (Free) Mohican River Volunteer clean up the by boat; Register via email: irvoslin@gmail.com
  • 11 a.m.-2 p.m. (Free) Be like Bigfoot; Leave No Trace activities, education, and adventure; Meet at the Welcome Center
  • 11 a.m.-11 p.m. ($) Bigfoot-themed food truck offers hot food, drinks, and ice cream at Marina and Swim Beach area
  • 1-2 p.m. (Free) Free kids survival bracelet kit; Welcome Center
  • 2-4 p.m. ($10/youth, $15/adult; Cash only) Tie die your own Bigfoot T-shirt; Welcome Center, while supplies last
  • 4-5 p.m. ($15) Guided history and Bigfoot sighting pontoon boat tour and learn about the local history
  • 7-10 p.m. Community Town Hall with Matt Moneymaker and other Ohioans who’ve encountered Bigfoot; VIP tickets also offered for preferred seating and Matt Moneymaker meet and greet with photographs following Town Hall
  • 10-11 p.m. (Free) Bigfoot documentary screening “The Back 80” (PG) at the Welcome Center
  • 11 p.m. (Free) Naturalist- and volunteer-led Bigfoot Night Hike recounting area Bigfoot sightings with wildlife detection tips; Registration required at Welcome Center

 

Sunday, Sept. 11

  • 8 a.m.-10 a.m. (Free) Welcome Center Nature Room open; life-sized history Bigfoot and animal displays
  • 10 a.m.-11 a.m. (Free) Ohio’s wildlife tracking workshop with free footprint casting kit (supplies limited); Welcome Center
  • 11 a.m.-12 p.m. (Free) Wildlife tracking hike; Welcome Center