Our 8 Favorite Day Trips To Take In Ohio Before Winter Ends
The cold weather is here and although you might be dreaming of long summer days and springtime flowers, consider making the most of the season while it’s still here. At the very least, doing something fun will take your mind off the lingering cold temperatures and unexpected snowfall. The following are some of our favorite winter day trips in Ohio to take during these cold months. See which ones you can squeeze into your schedule before spring arrives:
During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
The first on our list of destinations for winter day trips in Ohio is Snow Trails. Learn to ski, snowboard, or snow-tube at this winter fun ski resort in Mansfield. This family-favorite destination features the Timberline Trail which is one of the longest in Ohio, some of the longest tubing lanes in the state, a large Snow Trails Ski Shop, a beginner's area, children's programs, and so much more.
Ohio's favorite hiking spot transforms into a magical winter wonderland during the winter months. Frozen waterfalls, snow covered trees, and eerie caves abound along this the Old Man's Cave Trail.
There's nothing quite like a trip to Ma & Pa's, a picturesque log cabin the woods featuring speciality gifts, handcrafted furniture, and old-fashioned sleigh rides. You can take a journey through the wooded area on a two-horse open sleigh all winter long on Saturdays and Sundays. After your ride, warm up at the cabin by the fire with some hot chocolate or coffee and some cookies. (Note: reservations for sleigh rides are required, so be sure to call ahead.) It's one of the best things to do in winter in Ohio.
Cleveland Metroparks features a truly spectacular toboggan chute you need to experience this winter. The Chalet in Strongsville’s Mill Stream Run Reservation is home to the tallest and fastest ice chutes in Ohio. The Chalet is located in Cleveland Metroparks Mill Stream Run Reservation. It's one of the most exhilarating things to do in winter in Ohio.
Taking the Amish Country Scenic Byway during the winter is a special experience. It warms your heart in ways you can’t describe, making you long for home, family and simpler times. That’s why we think it’s the most scenic and enjoyable drive you can take in Ohio during the winter months. Before you end your drive, make a stop at your favorite Amish restaurant.
Although ski resorts and chair lifts are probably some of the last things that come to mind when you think of Ohio, you should know that the state is home to a pretty epic winter resort. The 144-acre Mad River Mountain in Zanesfield, Ohio features all the wintertime fun you could possibly want—and then some. It’s one of the best tubing and ski resorts in Ohio.
Experience a winter wonderland adventure this season at Equestrian Ridge Farm in New Plymouth, Ohio, which features customized horseback riding year-round. During the winter months, this 200-acre Vinton County farm is a true winter wonderland. To schedule a ride, be sure to call ahead.
Ohio's national park is also breathtakingly beautiful during the winter months. Find your favorite waterfalls and photograph them frozen. The scenic railroad still operates during the winter months as well and it's one of the best things to do in winter in Ohio. For a train schedule, click here.
Have you ever visited any of these parks and attractions during the winter season? What are some of your favorite destinations for winter day trips in Ohio? Tell us and share your photos and experiences with us in the comments!
Address: 1000 Snow Valley Rd, Zanesfield, OH 43360, USA
Address: 16200 Valley Pkwy, Strongsville, OH 44136, USA
Address: 3100 Possum Run Rd, Mansfield, OH 44903, USA
Address: Ohio Amish Country, 4843 Valley Dr Box 222, Berlin, OH 44610, USA
Address: 15161 Main Market Rd, Burton, OH 44021, USA
Address: 26711 Pumpkin Ridge Rd, New Plymouth, OH 45654, USA
Address: Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio, USA
Address: 19852 OH-664, Logan, OH 43138, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Winter Day Trips In Ohio
December 19, 2021
Melissa M.
What other things can I do in winter in Ohio?
You’ll feel as though you’re at a ski resort while dining inside a gondola at Market Beer in Rocky River. As one of the most unique dining experiences you can have in the state, just make sure you call ahead for a reservation as gondola seating is limited. An incredibly fun place you can take the family to this winter season is Lock 3 in Akron where you can experience ice skating, ice bumper cars, and even ice bikes! You can find additional winter activities in this post.
What are some of the best ski resorts in Ohio?
The Buckeye State is home to numerous ski resorts for some fun this winter. Brandywine Ski Resort near Cleveland not only offers some awesome skiing during the day but skiing at night as well. Alpine Valley Ski Resort has been open in Chesterland since 1965 and is in the heart of the snow belt so you know the skiing and snowboarding will be great here!
Where can I go snow tubing in Ohio?
Mad River Mountain and Snow Trails both offer some epic snow tubing in the state as does Polar Blast Snow Tubing in Northfield, Avalanche Tubing Park in Zanesfield, and Valleys Edge in New Paris.
Address: 1000 Snow Valley Rd, Zanesfield, OH 43360, USA
Address: 16200 Valley Pkwy, Strongsville, OH 44136, USA
Address: 3100 Possum Run Rd, Mansfield, OH 44903, USA
Address: Ohio Amish Country, 4843 Valley Dr Box 222, Berlin, OH 44610, USA
Address: 15161 Main Market Rd, Burton, OH 44021, USA
Address: 26711 Pumpkin Ridge Rd, New Plymouth, OH 45654, USA
April is the Ohio staff writer for Only in Your State. She is an Ohio native with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from E.W. Scripps School of Journalism. With more than 10 years of writing experience and a background in news reporting for Ohio newspapers, she's published pieces in multiple print and online publications. When she's not on deadline or chasing after her toddler, she's hunting for hidden gems in Ohio or getting lost in a good book.
