Beat the Winter Blues with a Trip to This Stunning Ohio Lake

Lake Erie is the fourth largest of the five Great Lakes and the 11th largest lake in the world by surface area. Pretty cool, right? I sure think so, and best of all, those of us lucky enough to live in (or visit) Ohio get a front-row seat to all the wonders this place holds, even when it's... well, a bit frigid out, to say the least. Winter on Lake Erie is especially magical, and I've set out to prove it.

I mean, look at it, for one.

The Marblehead Lighthouse is astonishingly gorgeous no matter what time of year you visit, but when surrounded by (and coated in) a couple of layers of ice, it's especially wondrous. Ohio's segment of Lake Erie's shores is about 316 miles long, and every last mile is worth exploring.

The possibilities for adventure are only as limited as your imagination; I love exploring Lake Erie in various ways, and the scenic Lake Erie Drive is an awesome way to do this. It's short and sweet, taking under two hours (unless you stop a bunch, which I do) and covering just under 40 miles of shoreline. There are numerous iconic stops and views along the way, so take your time and enjoy every moment. It's the only way to do it!

If you're a lover of scenic drives and you'd like to embark on an adventure that's a bit longer, the Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Scenic Byway is waiting. Coming in at 293 amazing miles long, this one's worthy of a whole road trip!

Another one of my favorite things to do in Ohio in the winter is exploring the Lake Erie Islands. While most folks flock to these Midwest treasures in the summer, wise ones know that winter is the time to show up, thanks to a lack of crowds and tourists.

If you'd rather explore on foot, I understand: I love a good, solid winter hiking adventure, no matter how chilly it gets here. Bundle up with your favorite finds from our friends at The North Face, and you'll be ready for anything! Hiking the Princess Ledges Nature Loop is always a great idea, offering wonderful views of the legendary Ohio wilderness.

Lake Erie is an incredibly beautiful place, and it becomes especially awe-inspiring in the winter. Where most folks would opt not to get outdoors and enjoy the season, we're a little different around here; we like to get out in it, no matter what time of year, and immersing ourselves in winter wonder is a delight, especially when you live in a veritable wonderland.

Need a little more inspiration? Check out all the coolest things to do in winter in Ohio. Get it? Coolest things to do? Okay, I'll show myself out. For the history buffs who prefer to stay indoors, learn about the nine craziest winters in Cleveland's history.

Ready to create your next incredible Ohio winter vacation? Try our new Travel Planner!