These 6 Ohio Quarry Lakes Are Perfect For A Day Of Fun In The Sun
There’s something about deep blue water, sand between your toes and the summer sun shining down on you. Here in Ohio, we have several swimming holes and beaches that make summer fun for the whole family. If you want to travel more off the beaten path though, consider visiting a deep-water Ohio quarry. With spring-fed water and deep blue pools, the following are 6 of our favorite quarry lakes in Ohio where you can swim, scuba dive and more. (Please note: To stay up to date on when each quarry opens for the season this year, check out the website or Facebook page link beneath each photo.)
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Nelson Ledges Quarry Park in Garrettsville, Ohio is a family-owned and operated park that features a stunningly beautiful quarry where you can swim, scuba, snorkel, camp and more. Swimming is available from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. to the public throughout the summer season if it's above 70 degrees, sunny and a festival isn't scheduled. On non-festival weekdays, day passes to swim are $5 for ages 4-14 and $10 for ages 15 and up. Ages 0 -3 are free. During non-festival weekends, day passes are $6 for ages 4-14 and $12 for ages 15 and up.
This deep-water, spring-fed swimming hole is a hidden gem for visitors and a best kept secret for locals. For just $6 per person, you can swim at the quarry's sandy beach, which features diving platforms, water toys, a slide, log roller, swim rafts, sand volleyball courts and even a basketball court.
What was once Stone Quarry is now a family fun destination in southwest Ohio. The gorgeous spring-fed lake makes a fun swimming hole for visitors and campers alike. You can also rent a canoe, kayak or paddle boat. Right by the beach, you'll also find a heated swimming pool and two water slides.
If you're from northeast Ohio, you might be familiar with this swimming hole. Daily swim passes at The Peninsula Quarry are $9 per person and $5 per person after 5 p.m. Visitors can enjoy cliff jumping and springboard diving, but flotation devices are not permitted.
This northwest Ohio limestone quarry is popular among scuba diving and snorkeling enthusiasts, but it's also a neat place to swim. For just $6 a day, you can swim at Gilboa Quarry. Camping, RV hookups and cottage rentals are also available if you want to make an overnight adventure out of your visit.
Most people don’t know there’s a stunning, sapphire quarry in Sandusky County. Tucked away in the small town of Gibsonburg, Ohio, you’ll find White Star Quarry. It’s a little-known diving resort that Ohio explorers will fall in love with. In the summer months, there is a designated swim area and beach available to visitors for a fee. The fee for ages 3-12 is $2 per person. Swimming for ages 13 and up is $4.
Have you ever explored any of these Ohio quarries before? If so, we want to know what your experience was like!
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.
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