Since its settlement in 1788, Cincinnati has dazzled residents and visitors alike with its wintertime landscape. The metropolitan area is home to over two million residents, yet many are still blissfully unaware of some of the finest places to visit in winter in Cincinnati. Fortunately for visitors and locals alike, our local landscape is overflowing with gorgeous outdoor destinations that will keep your cabin fever at bay. Bundle up and prepare for adventure, because these destinations for winter in Ohio are irresistibly beautiful. Cincinnati is certainly one of the best winter towns in Ohio.

1. Burnet Woods

Warren LeMay/Flickr
Burnet Woods, 3251 Brookline Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45220, USA
Warren LeMay/Flickr
Burnet Woods has a sort of otherworldly beauty in the winter. Since 1872, it has delighted visitors all year round. Its iconic man-made lake is nearly as old as the park itself, dating back to 1875. With stunning stonework dating back to the Works Progress Administration and an intriguing landscape full of fascinating features, this park truly is a winter wonderland.

Dig into the history of Burnet Woods:

2. Mount Airy Forest

5083 Colerain Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45223, USA
frymap/TripAdvisor
Mount Airy Forest is unlike any other park in Ohio... and possibly in the nation. It was perhaps the first urban reforestation project in the nation, as its roots stretch back to 1911. Its 1,500 acres were originally cleared for agriculture, though its soil degraded over time. Nowadays it is one of the largest parks in Cincinnati, and it features many historical landmarks added by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

Get an aerial view of Mount Airy Forest:

3. Sharon Woods

11450 Lebanon Rd, Sharonville, OH 45241, USA
Great Parks of Hamilton County/Facebook
Sharon Woods' 730 acres enchant visitors daily from dusk until dawn. With three distinct trails to hike and an indoor playground, there's something for everyone here... even in the winter!

4. Winton Woods

Great Parks of Hamilton County/Facebook

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10245 Winton Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45231, USA
Posnov/Moment via Getty Images
With 2,555 acres to explore, this gorgeous winter wonderland is worth the trip from home. Winton Woods could arguably be named Winter woods, as its landscape is transformed by the presence of snow. With nearly 5.5 miles of trails and cozy picnic areas, you'll absolutely adore a hot cocoa and hiking session in this park.

5. Spring Grove Cemetery

5073 Gray Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45224, USA
David Ohmer/Flickr
Spring Grove Cemetery is the third-largest cemetery in the United States, and it is also an absolute winter wonderland. This incredible destination is a US National Historic Landmark, and it offers much to discover. Its landscape houses the eternal resting place of prominent people including Louise Taft (mother of President William Howard Taft), William Procter, and James Gamble (co-founders of Procter and Gamble), as well as a number of politicians and Civil War veterans.

Take a look at the beauty of this cemetery:

6. Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

3400 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45220, USA
Eric Kilby/Flickr
Is anything more enchanting than a visit to the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden? As the second oldest zoo in the nation, this 75-acre winter wonderland is consistently recognized as one of the finest zoos in the United States. A few of its residents absolutely adore the winter, and it is truly rewarding to catch a glimpse of their snow-white coats.

7. Smale Riverfront Park

166 W Mehring Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202, USA
Smale Riverfront Park/Facebook
Smale Riverfront Park is one of the finest urban discoveries awaiting winter visitors. This dreamy park on the Ohio River is only 45 acres in size, but it is endlessly enchanting when coated in a light frosting of snow.

8. Mount Storm Park

700 Lafayette Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45220, USA
Chaun Matayen/Google Images
Robert Bowler's estate occupied this site following his purchase of the plot in 1845. His house still stood when Mount Storm Park was established in 1912, though it was razed a mere five years later. Today, all that stands of the grand structure is The Temple of Love gazebo-pavilion, an architectural relic from 1850 that is enchanting when coated in snow. This 59-acre site that once hosted the likes of Charles Dickens and the Prince of Wales is now a coveted wintertime destination, boasting some of the best sledding hills in Cincy.

There’s so much to do during winter in Cincinnati! The local landscape is enhanced by the presence of snow, and our historic architecture is downright dazzling when surrounded by frost. Which of these pretty places is your favorite? Let us know in the comments.

Craving more winter fun? Check out these cool spots for a family-friendly day of adventure.

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More to Explore

Fun Things To Do In Ohio

Will Suphan | December 06, 2023

What are some bucket list adventures in Ohio?

Bucket list adventures in Ohio include:

  • Cuyahoga Valley National Park. This is perhaps the most beautiful park in the state of Ohio with the gorgeous Brandywine Falls.
  • Rocky River Reservation in Cleveland. This is a great place for jogging, cycling, skating, and so much more.
  • Shawnee State Forest. There are over 60 miles of hiking trails across this park that span over 60,000 acres.
  • Old Man’s Cave in Hocking Hills State Park. This beautiful hike leads to a sandstone cave with a lovely waterfall.

Discover more about these bucket list adventures in Ohio. 

What are the best day trip destinations in Ohio?

The best day trip destinations in Ohio include:

  • The Akron Zoo. This is a wonderful zoo with a lot of different animals but not a lot of people crowding it.
  • Land of Illusion Aqua Adventures in Middletown. This waterpark has an inflatable obstacle course and lovely sandy beaches.
  • Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve in Rockbridge. This is a gorgeous area with a short hiking trail that’s a must-see. 
  • The Book Loft in Columbus. If you want a bookstore you could browse all day in, this vast collection is the place.

Learn more about the best day trip destinations in Ohio. 

What are the best free things to do in Ohio?

The best free things to do in Ohio include:

  • Velvet Ice Cream Factory in Utica. Take a tour to see how the ice cream is made and sample all kinds of unique flavors.
  • Olander Park System's Fossil Park in Sylvania. Dig for fossils at this intriguing place without spending a dime. 
  • Lake Erie. Just because you’re in the Midwest doesn’t mean you can’t visit the beach. Have a beach day right here.
  • The National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton. See planes from every era of aviation history. 

Find out more about the best free things to do in Ohio. 

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