Home to historic attractions such as 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 offers many things to see that are sure to captivate visitors looking for 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 snow. Located off I-71 in Possum Run Valley, Snow Trails uses snowmaking technology to ensure there is always plenty of snow cover for skiers, snowboarders and snow hunters. 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
Located approximately 50 miles northeast of Cincinnati The Christmas Farm, a magical place that makes for the perfect family holiday. In addition to six Christmas shops, Santa’s Bakery and Café, and train and wagon rides, The Christmas Ranch is known for its lavishly decorated Christmas trees and Santa’s Workshop, where children meet Santa Claus and have their pictures taken with him.
The Brite Winter Festival in Cleveland
The Brite Winter Festival, a winter and holiday celebration that takes place every year in Cleveland, is an outdoor event with live music, innovative art exhibits, food and drink vendors, and fun activities. It is a family-friendly event that began more than a decade ago as a way to bring the Cleveland community together to celebrate human creativity and ingenuity.
Christmas lights in Clifton
Starting in Columbus, OH, take I-70 east until you reach Route 72, turn right and soon you will see the most spectacular display of holiday lights you have 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 decorated with millions of twinkling lights and offer a synchronized music and light show called “Legendary Lights of Clifton Mill”.
Dickens Victorian Village Cambridge in Cambridge
A annual holiday-themed attraction Transforming central Cambridge into a Victorian-era village, Dickens Victorian Village features life-size mannequins dressed in the latest fashions of the late 19th century, thousands of twinkling lights and beautifully decorated Christmas trees. This year, Dickens Victorian Village is offering trolley tours of the village on November 18, December 2 and December 19. Cambridge is a city in southeastern Ohio, near the Appalachian Plateau of the Appalachians.
Winter sports center at Kendall Lake on the peninsula
Kendall Lake Park is located between Akron and Cleveland in northern Ohio and is part of 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 over. Kendall Lake also has a diverse bird population that attracts winter birdwatchers.
Conkles Hollow Nature Reserve in Rockbridge
Just south of Columbus is Conkles Hollow Nature Preserve in Hocking County, OH. Hikers can follow a trail that passes through a deep, rocky gorge, surrounded by large cliffs and ends with breathtaking views of unique rock formations. Hikers on the canyon trails are also rewarded with a scenic overlook that offers panoramic views of the Hocking Hills region.
