9 Unforgettable Places In Cleveland That Everyone Must Visit This Winter
As winter encroaches, locals are wondering what kind of season we’re in for. We have already experienced a bit of premature snowfall, and it was an unwelcome reminder that Cleveland can experience brutal winters. However, wintertime can have an entirely different impact on Cleveland, transforming the landscape into something right out of a fairy tale. If you’re fretting about what may be in store for us in about a month, relax! Instead, consider the wonders that the city offers when covered in snow, because these incredible experiences are just around the corner.
1. Warm up far from the wintery chill inside Cleveland's loveliest greenhouse.
Rockefeller Park Greenhouse, located at 750 East 88th Street, is a spectacular horticultural hub that is open to the public year-round. This lovely city-run oasis is overflowing with seasonal displays and specialty plant collections, offering locals a warm escape from the wintertime landscape.
Located off of Upper Edgewater Drive is perhaps one of the most scenic views in Cleveland. When the shoreline is dusted in white, the fiery sunrise reflections over the water look even more vibrant. Early risers will adore the incredible show that takes place over Lake Erie daily.
North Chagrin Reservation becomes a magical landscape when it is covered in a frosting of snow. The park, which is one of the oldest in the Cleveland Metroparks, has a certain charm about it, thanks in part to the abandoned castle shell that watches over its grounds. Pay a visit to hike or to take pictures; either way, snow and Squire's Castle paint an entrancing scene that will leave you mesmerized.
4. Explore the icy grounds of Wade Lagoon, then warm up in the Museum of Art.
Wade Lagoon, tucked away at 1919 East 107th Street, is a beloved park in University Circle. Its charming campus feels vast and open when Old Man Winter has stolen the leaves from the trees, and the snow contrasts beautifully with the off-white of the nearby art museum. The museum is free to the public, so swing inside for some warmth once you are ready to defrost.
5. Take in the wintery splendor of the Old Arcade after a nice, warm drink.
Rising Star Coffee Roasters brew up some of the most delicious coffee in Cleveland, and their bold, nutty flavors are perfect for the season. And, since one of their locations is right at the Arcade, you'll have easy access to one of the dreamiest scenes in the entire city. Plan this trip for the holiday season so that you can witness the majesty of the Arcade overflowing with holiday lights.
6. Go tubing at Boston Mills Brandywine Falls Ski Resort.
Located at 7100 Riverview Road in Peninsula, this charming ski resort isn't too far from home. There is plenty of fun to be had at this quaint getaway, but perhaps the most unforgettable experience comes from snow tubing. Bring the kids, because this wintertime activity offers fun for all ages.
Boston Mills Brandywine Falls Ski Resort isn't quite open for the season yet - it'll need to see a bit more snowfall before the runs are open to explore - but you can keep up with the snow report, as well as find ticket information on their website.
7. Go sight seeing in Public Square, then warm up with some mouthwatering soup.
After the Winterfest kickoff on November 25, Downtown Cleveland will be bathed in a variety of colors thanks to a cornucopia of holiday lights. Take in their splendor, then head into Tower City and pay a visit to Susy's Soup. They have a delicious variety of options that changes daily, and nothing chases away the cold like a hot stew.
8. Go on a sledding tour of the Cleveland Metroparks.
The Cleveland Metroparks span thousands of acres, and in its entirety is a selection of prime sledding hills. For an unforgettable winter, reference this list of incredible sledding hills in the Metroparks. Go down the list and visit one sledding destination per week until you've found the premier sledding destination in Northeast Ohio.
9. Take a road trip to see Greater Cleveland's loveliest lights.
The lights that span Northeast Ohio make the winter truly magical. Nobody knows winter wonder like these incredible towns which are overflowing with beauty and holiday cheer. Experience an unforgettable lighting display in the Carlisle Reservation or in the charming city of Strongsville. There are so many lovely wintertime attractions that one could road trip all season and still not run out of destinations to visit.
With so many wonderful ways to spend your winter in Northeast Ohio, it truly is a wonder that cabin fever ever sets in. Where do you go in Northeast Ohio to make your wintertime memorable?
Nikki is a lifelong Ohioan with a love for literature. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Akron and has enjoyed publishing her written work since 2007. She has a love of travel and does so frequently, though she believes that home is where the heart is - she continues to work in and around Cleveland as a digital content specialist to this day, working on everything from commercial scripts and social media posts to grassroots marketing initiatives.