Summer In Greater Cleveland Isn’t Complete Without A Road Trip To This Beach With An Inflatable Wonderland

Is there anything sweeter than sunshine? Here in Northeast Ohio, sunlight is a coveted natural resource. It either comes in sporadic bursts or beats relentlessly upon our landscape, but locals love it either way. In the warmer months, it's customary to spend as much time as possible drinking in its golden goodness in the great outdoors. But where can a Clevelander go to do this when our nearby parks start to feel bland? There's one beach in particular that outshines the rest, and it offers the perfect destination for a weekend trip.

Atwood Lake is the perfect place to spend the day soaking in the golden rays of summer.

This lake is actually a man-made feature. It was created to combat flooding in the 1930s, but it has since evolved into a feature that both humans and wildlife can't resist.

This little slice of paradise can be found in Tuscarawas and Carroll Counties, and it abounds with outdoor adventure.

Fishing, boating, hiking, and sunbathing bring countless visitors to this reservoir each and every season. In additional to outdoor fun, annual festivals at this lovely lake have become a cherished tradition among locals and visitors alike.

There are opportunities to go kayaking or hiking on and around the 1,540-acre lake...

Never been kayaking? You can take a class instructed by expert instructors, or pass on kayaking altogether in favor of pursuing beachfront yoga or seeing a movie.

...But the lake's lovely beaches are doubtlessly vacationers' favorite attraction in the park.

Many Clevelanders love the water but still have qualms about swimming in our own Lake Erie. Atwood Lake is fed by a tributary of Conotton Creek, so its breathtakingly blue waters beckon in a way the green-brown waters of Lake Erie seldom do.

In the warmer months, the lovely lifeguard-monitored swimming beach is adorned with inflatables.

Prepare to embrace your inner child, because even adults find it difficult to resist the allure of these inflatables!

Visitors are charged admission by vehicle at the gate, and it includes access to the beach and hiking trails.

Admission is $5 per single occupant or $10 for two or more passengers. After entering, the entirety of the park is your oyster! The beach, trails, picnic areas, and activities are all open to you, and you just might find it hard to leave once the day comes to an end. You can find more information on daily rates here.

If you find it difficult to leave this little slice of paradise, you just might want to book a campsite in advance.

More than 500 campsites are available throughout Atwood Park. With 28 miles of shoreline, public boat ramps, and tons of things to do, it's no wonder vacationers flock to this pretty park. You may choose to bring your RV or tent or rent a cabin to enjoy the comforts of home before and after your outdoor adventure.

You may be heading to Atwood Lake for the beach, but you may also find yourself wandering onto the shuffleboard court, playing with your pup in the dog park, or swinging by the nature center.

There's so much to do at this breathtaking lake that it almost seems like one could spend an entire summer here without getting bored.

Prepare to fall in love, because this pretty place just may become your new favorite warm weather attraction.

Address: 9500 Lakeview Road, Mineral City, OH, 44656

This man-made slice of paradise is just 80 minutes away from home, making it a destination perfect for a day trip or a weekend-long camping adventure. Who will you be taking with you?

For more information about Atwood Lake Park and all it has to offer, visit its website and follow along on Facebook here.

If you love waterfront wonders but don't want to travel far, you'll love these gorgeous beaches in and around Cleveland.