Home to historic landmarks like the Great Serpent Mound in Adams County, the fascinating Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historic Park in Dayton, and the vibrant Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio provides plenty of things to see and that are sure to captivate visitors seeking memorable and family-friendly experiences.
Here are seven more of the best places to visit in Ohio in winter 2023:
Snow Trails Winter Resort in Mansfield
Just a short drive north of Columbus or south of Cleveland, Snow Trails Winter Resort is one of the most popular places to visit in Ohio, even when there is little to no snowfall. Located off I-71 in Possum Run Valley, Snow Trails utilizes snowmaking technology to ensure there is always adequate snow coverage for skiers, snowboarders, and snow tubers. The resort features a lodge where visitors can warm up, grab a bite to eat, or rent equipment to have fun on the slopes.
The Christmas Ranch in Morrow
About 50 miles northeast of Cincinnati lies The Christmas Ranch, a magical place that makes for the perfect family holiday getaway. In addition to six Christmas shops, Santa’s Bakery and Café, and train and wagon rides, The Christmas Ranch is famous for its elaborately decorated Christmas trees and Santa’s Workshop, where kids get to meet Santa and have their pictures taken with him.
The Brite Winter Festival in Cleveland
A winter and holiday celebration happening every year in Cleveland, the Brite Winter Festival is an outdoor event featuring live music, innovative art displays, food and drink vendors, and fun activities. It’s a family-friendly event that began over a decade ago as a way to bring the Cleveland community together to celebrate human creativity and ingenuity.
Christmas Lights Display in Clifton
Starting in Columbus, OH, take I-70 east until you reach Route 72, turn right, and you will soon be viewing the most spectacular display of holiday lights you’ve ever seen. The Clifton Mill, a historic grist mill on the banks of the Little Miami River, is transformed into a dazzling winter wonderland every November and December. The mill, surrounding buildings, and gorge are adorned with millions of twinkling lights and feature a synchronized music and light show called “Legendary Lights of Clifton Mill”.
Dickens Victorian Village of Cambridge in Cambridge
An annual holiday-themed attraction that transforms downtown Cambridge into a Victorian-era village, Dickens Victorian Village features life-sized mannequins dressed in the latest fashions of the late 19th century, thousands of twinkling lights, and beautifully adorned Christmas trees. This year, Dickens Victorian Village offers trolley tours through the village on November 18, December 2, and December 19. Cambridge is a city in southeastern Ohio near the Appalachian Plateau of the Appalachian Mountains.
Winter Sports Center at Kendall Lake in Peninsula
Located between Akron and Cleveland in northern Ohio, Kendall Lake Park is part of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Peninsula, Ohio. The Winter Sports Center offers popular winter activities such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking trails around Kendall Lake, and ice fishing when the lake freezes. Kendall Lake also has a diverse bird population that attracts winter bird watchers.
Conkles Hollow Nature Preserve in Rockbridge
Just south of Columbus is the Conkles Hollow Nature Preserve in Hocking County, OH. Hikers can follow a trail that goes through a deep, rocky gorge surrounded by large cliffs and ends with breathtaking views of unique rock formations. Gorge trail hikers are also rewarded with a scenic overlook providing panoramic views of the Hocking Hills region.