Raccoon Creekside Cottage

04/23/2026

Raccoon Creekside Cottage’s “Meade-Me-at-the-Dam” cottage rental is open for the remainder of the spring season, as well as the summer and fall seasons. In honor of our country’s 250th birthday, we are decorated in patriotic red, white, and blue!

04/23/2026

A bit of history about our county seat of Gallipolis.

In 1790, nearly 500 French aristocrats fleeing the chaos of the French Revolution landed on the banks of the Ohio River and founded a colony they called Gallipolis — "City of the Gauls." 🇫🇷🌊

They arrived expecting a finished settlement. What they found was raw wilderness. These were painters, musicians, and noblemen who had never swung an axe in their lives — and yet they built one of Ohio's oldest cities right here on the river's edge. The story of the "French 500" is one of the most extraordinary and overlooked founding chapters in the entire state.

Today, Gallipolis still carries that old-world charm in its tree-lined streets, its Federal-style architecture, and the quiet dignity of Our House Tavern, which has stood since 1819. Have you ever visited Gallipolis? Drop a comment below — we'd love to hear your connection to this remarkable Ohio River city. 👇

12/24/2025

Flem & I would like to wish everyone the happiest of holidays and many blessings in 2026! We will be closed beginning Christmas Day until late spring. We appreciate each of you and cherish the friendships we have made along the way! Hope to see all of you next year at Raccoon Creekside Cottage “ Meade-Me-at-the-Dam” cottage rental. Enjoy another snowy scene of Miracle on Main lights at the Vinton Community Park as seen from our cottage deck.

12/19/2025

Gallipolis and Gallipolis in Lights is a Hallmark Christmas town!

12/06/2025

Miracle on Main Light Display in Vinton Community Park - Raccoon Creekside Cottage’s “ Meade-me-at-the-Dam” cottage rental has the perfect viewing option of Miracle on Main

11/25/2025

A sneak peek of the lighting in progress at the Vinton Community Park for Miracle on Main from our cottage deck as the crew works to put up and test the lights. Love the lights on the Morgan’s Raiders Swinging Bridge.

11/24/2025

Plan your visit now for the amazing Gallipolis in Lights and enjoy a carriage ride around the park!

We are so excited to be offering carriage rides around the park this year!! They will be available on weekends!! Stay tuned for more information!🎄😉🎄

11/23/2025

Water over the dam and fall color reflecting on the water.

11/21/2025

If you can’t attend the Opening Lighting Ceremony next Wednesday of Gallipolis in Lights thanks to Big Buck Country and Gallipolis in Lights pages, you will be able to watch Live from anywhere in the world.

The Big Buck Country page and the Gallipolis in Lights page will stream this year's Gallipolis in Lights opening ceremony on Nov. 26! Live stream coverage starts at 5:30pm! Join the fun and tradition from anywhere in the world!

11/16/2025

Make plans now for this annual park and tree lighting event for the kick-off of Gallipolis in Lights!

Gallipolis In Lights begins each year with the Official Park Lighting, which will be held on Wednesday, November 26th in the Gallipolis City Park. Beginning at 5:30 PM, entertainment on stage, along with LIVE reindeer, and FREE hot chocolate and cookies! Then the lighting ceremony starts at 7:00ish PM at the Bandstand with the flipping of the lights switch. Following will be the annual fireworks display!

11/15/2025

When you get a 70 degree day in November it is a great time to put up lights in the park for “Miracle on Main” and to take a boat ride on Raccoon Creek Ohio Scenic River at the Vinton Community Park.

11/11/2025

Be sure to visit The Lil’ Holiday Market when you visit Gallipolis-in-Lights. 🎄