Here in Ohio, there’s probably more to do than you think during the dog days of summer. From swimming in sapphire quarries to taking a wildlife safari in your state’s backyard, the following are 11 unmissable experiences you must have in Ohio before summer is over. See how many you can add to your summer bucket list:
- Visit a beach town.
City of Huron/Facebook Just because Ohio doesn’t have any seaside towns, that doesn’t mean it’s void of beach towns. The Great Lakes are home to some of the best small town beaches. Here in Ohio, the small town of Huron is a gorgeous lakeside town that’s somewhat of a hidden gem to Ohioans not from the area. If you find yourself in northern Ohio this summer, you need to take a day and visit this quaint Lake Erie town. For more information and directions, read our full article here.
- Take a dip in a blue-water quarry.
whitestarquarry.com 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. (And if you’d rather not scuba dive, you can always check out the designated swimming area in the summer months or have a picnic by the quarry.) For more information and directions, read our full article here.
- Dine at a beachfront restaurant.
The Lakehouse Inn & Winery/Facebook Most people are surprised to know that Ohio is home to several beachfront restaurants. Along the shores of Lake Erie, you’ll find several restaurants that are perfect for an evening out watching the sun set over the water. There’s one lakefront restaurant, winery and inn that’s downright magical year-round though. The LakeHouse Inn and Winery at Geneva-on-the-Lake is a must-visit you’ll want to check out this summer. For more information and directions, read our full article here.
- Stay in a floating cabin.
rentalsonlakeerie.com Did you know you can rent a floating home along Lake Erie in Port Clinton, Ohio? It’s the ultimate summer getaway that will take your vacation to a whole other level. Lake Erie Vacation Rentals features multiple Coastal Floating Homes within the marina setting of Coastal Marine II that you can rent. Each unit can accommodate up to six guests and features 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.For more information and directions, read our full article here.
- Go on a scenic riverboat cruise.
BB Riverboats/Facebook Even though you can’t embark on a week-long oceanic cruise form the state of Ohio, you can take a scenic dinner cruise down the Ohio River for an afternoon. If you cross the state line in Cincinnati over to Newport, Kentucky, you’ll find a riverboat cruise option that’s the picture perfect end to a day in the city. BB Riverboats features several different cruise options. From romantic dinners to sightseeing cruises, there’s something for everyone aboard these gorgeous riverboats. For more information and directions, read our full article here.
- Swim in the world’s largest recirculating pool.
Coney Island Amusement Park/Facebook Coney Island Amusement Park in Cincinnati is home to the world’s largest recirculating pool in the world. Sunlite Pool is truly massive. In fact, it’s larger than a football field. Sunlite Pool is fun for the whole family you don’t want to miss out on. For more information, read our full article here.
- Tube (or canoe) down a lazy river.
Mohican Adventures/Facebook
Summer days were meant to be spent on the water. Here in Ohio, we’ve got several lakes and rivers that are perfect for just that. Tubing is a relaxing way to catch some rays and embrace the summer season.
For more information, read our full article here.
- Take a spontaneous camping trip.
MissMessie/Flickr Sometimes, it’s fun to be spontaneous, pack up the car with your camping gear and retreat into nature for a few days. That’s why it’s important to know where the Ohio campgrounds are that don’t require reservations. From remote campsites tucked away in national forests to towpath campsites along the Ohio Erie & Canalway, you’ll find several campgrounds in Ohio where no reservation is required. For more information, read our full article here.
- Visit an adventure park.
management photo/Trip Advisor
Most people don’t know there’s a pretty epic adventure park hiding in the woods of northeast Ohio. Go Ape Treetop Adventure at Mill Stream Run Recreation Area in Strongsville, Ohio features a really unique treetop course that gives Ohio explorers and nature lovers a whole new perspective. Part of the Cleveland Metroparks, this little-known gem is located just minutes from downtown Cleveland.
For more information, read our full article here.
- Go on a wildlife safari.
The Wilds/Facebook Although Ohio is full of several impressive zoos, The Wilds in Cumberland offer a unique way to observe exotic animals. Depending on the tour option you choose, you can get an up-close encounter with the animals or board a Safari Transport so you can observe them (from a safe distance) roam freely while learning all about the rare and endangered species the facility conserves. For more information, read our full article here.
- Explore a massive farmers market.
Katie F./Yelp Here in Ohio, we certianly don’t have a shortage of incredible farmers markets. There’s one year-round farmers market that’s truly massive though. North Market in Columbus is full of delcious produce, homemade goods and exceptional prepared food from around the world. It makes a great day trip destination when you’re looking for something different to do in central Ohio. For more information, read our full article here.
Have you been to any of these places before? If so, we want to know what your experience was like!
City of Huron/Facebook
Just because Ohio doesn’t have any seaside towns, that doesn’t mean it’s void of beach towns. The Great Lakes are home to some of the best small town beaches. Here in Ohio, the small town of Huron is a gorgeous lakeside town that’s somewhat of a hidden gem to Ohioans not from the area. If you find yourself in northern Ohio this summer, you need to take a day and visit this quaint Lake Erie town. For more information and directions, read our full article here.
whitestarquarry.com
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. (And if you’d rather not scuba dive, you can always check out the designated swimming area in the summer months or have a picnic by the quarry.) For more information and directions, read our full article here.
The Lakehouse Inn & Winery/Facebook
Most people are surprised to know that Ohio is home to several beachfront restaurants. Along the shores of Lake Erie, you’ll find several restaurants that are perfect for an evening out watching the sun set over the water. There’s one lakefront restaurant, winery and inn that’s downright magical year-round though. The LakeHouse Inn and Winery at Geneva-on-the-Lake is a must-visit you’ll want to check out this summer. For more information and directions, read our full article here.
rentalsonlakeerie.com
Did you know you can rent a floating home along Lake Erie in Port Clinton, Ohio? It’s the ultimate summer getaway that will take your vacation to a whole other level. Lake Erie Vacation Rentals features multiple Coastal Floating Homes within the marina setting of Coastal Marine II that you can rent. Each unit can accommodate up to six guests and features 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.For more information and directions, read our full article here.
BB Riverboats/Facebook
Even though you can’t embark on a week-long oceanic cruise form the state of Ohio, you can take a scenic dinner cruise down the Ohio River for an afternoon. If you cross the state line in Cincinnati over to Newport, Kentucky, you’ll find a riverboat cruise option that’s the picture perfect end to a day in the city. BB Riverboats features several different cruise options. From romantic dinners to sightseeing cruises, there’s something for everyone aboard these gorgeous riverboats. For more information and directions, read our full article here.
Coney Island Amusement Park/Facebook
Coney Island Amusement Park in Cincinnati is home to the world’s largest recirculating pool in the world. Sunlite Pool is truly massive. In fact, it’s larger than a football field. Sunlite Pool is fun for the whole family you don’t want to miss out on. For more information, read our full article here.
Mohican Adventures/Facebook
Summer days were meant to be spent on the water. Here in Ohio, we’ve got several lakes and rivers that are perfect for just that. Tubing is a relaxing way to catch some rays and embrace the summer season.
For more information, read our full article here.
MissMessie/Flickr
Sometimes, it’s fun to be spontaneous, pack up the car with your camping gear and retreat into nature for a few days. That’s why it’s important to know where the Ohio campgrounds are that don’t require reservations. From remote campsites tucked away in national forests to towpath campsites along the Ohio Erie & Canalway, you’ll find several campgrounds in Ohio where no reservation is required. For more information, read our full article here.
management photo/Trip Advisor
Most people don’t know there’s a pretty epic adventure park hiding in the woods of northeast Ohio. Go Ape Treetop Adventure at Mill Stream Run Recreation Area in Strongsville, Ohio features a really unique treetop course that gives Ohio explorers and nature lovers a whole new perspective. Part of the Cleveland Metroparks, this little-known gem is located just minutes from downtown Cleveland.
For more information, read our full article here.
The Wilds/Facebook
Although Ohio is full of several impressive zoos, The Wilds in Cumberland offer a unique way to observe exotic animals. Depending on the tour option you choose, you can get an up-close encounter with the animals or board a Safari Transport so you can observe them (from a safe distance) roam freely while learning all about the rare and endangered species the facility conserves. For more information, read our full article here.
Katie F./Yelp
Here in Ohio, we certianly don’t have a shortage of incredible farmers markets. There’s one year-round farmers market that’s truly massive though. North Market in Columbus is full of delcious produce, homemade goods and exceptional prepared food from around the world. It makes a great day trip destination when you’re looking for something different to do in central Ohio. For more information, read our full article here.
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