The OES visited the I-71 Rest Area on August 1, 2004. This abandoned rest area was in far southern Franklin County along I-71 South. Not many facts are known about this rest area. We noticed the gravel path as we drove down I-71 one day and wondered where it went. Upon our return, we found old cement curbs, a sewer grate, asphalt pavement, and numerous remains of animals. We were not sure what exactly this area was until a topographic map was found naming it a rest area. As of the early 1980s, the rest area appeared to still be in use. The map also showed another rest area on the other side of the freeway as well. It looked like they were abandoned long ago, although we're not sure when. Website visitor Mark Finster wrote in with some more information about this rest area. Mark grew up nearby and remembered when the rest areas were still in use. He recalled that a girl was raped and beaten to death at one of the rest areas, although he wasn't sure on which side. A couple of other girls were found raped and murdered at various other rest areas, including the scenic view rest area near the bridge over the Little Miami. Several secluded rest areas, including this one, were closed and destroyed after the murders. If anyone has more detail about this area, the murders, or photos from when it was still an active rest stop, please email .