Posts with tag 'Things to Do'
10
9 Places for Rock Climbing No Matter What the Weather
You don't have to live in the mountains to enjoy rock climbing, and you don't need warm weather either! While the state of Ohio offers some amazing outdoor rock climbing destinations for spring, summer, and fall, the colder months force us to look indoors.
Luckily, there are also some incredible indoor rock gyms all over the Buckeye state! If you're searching for the best indoor rock climbing in Ohio, look no further.
Nosotros Rock Climbing Gym
2020 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115
With two Northeast Ohio locations in Cleveland and Lakewood, Nosotros Rock Climbing Gym offers some of the best climbing facilities in this part of the state. The Cleveland location features 2,000 square feet of climbable space and a Kilterboard with around 8,000 training routes. Beginner, intermediate, and private climbing classes are available, plus a weight room and yoga classes. Affordable day passes and first-timer tours of Nosotros Rock Climbing Gym are available, helping to make it more accessible to those who might be new to climbing.
Cleveland Rocks Climbing
2831 Franklin Boulevard, Cleveland, OH 44113
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Offering lead climbing, top rope, and bouldering, Cleveland Rocks is a world-class indoor climbing facility that spans 18,000 square feet. The gym is located inside Cleveland's renovated Ohio City Masonic Temple, a historical structure providing a unique climbing venue. Cleveland Rocks offers three separate climbing areas, with roped walls up to 54 feet, and also hosts a wide range of climbing classes and programs for youths and adults. It's one of the best spots for beginner and advanced climbers in Northeast Ohio.
Rock Mill
677 Carroll Street, Akron, OH 44304
Akron's Rock Mill is a great place to climb, but it's also much more. Yoga classes are taught almost every day of the week, and traditional fitness facilities are also open to members and visitors alike. That includes a weight training area and cardio equipment. Rock Mill also offers a well-stocked coffee bar that serves locally sourced coffee, beer, and food. For those just here to climb, you'll find a 6,000-square-foot bouldering hall with 80-plus bouldering problems that are reset every week to consistently provide new challenges.
Chambers Purely Boulders
1165 Chambers Road, Columbus, OH 43212
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A cheery indoor bouldering gym near the OSU Campus in Greenview, Chambers Purely Boulders is one of the best places in Columbus for aspiring climbers. With a wide range of weekly programs that teach bouldering and climbing fundamentals, Chambers Purely Boulders makes it easy to get on the wall, even if you've never climbed before. The gym hosts a variety of classes and clinics as well, including weekly yoga classes that are free for members.
Vertical Adventures
6513 Kingsmill Court, Columbus, OH 43229
Open since 1994, Vertical Adventures has been providing an amazing indoor rock climbing experience in Columbus since long before rock gyms became hip or trendy. A staple of the Columbus climbing community, this facility offers over 16,000 feet of terrain that caters to a wide range of climbing styles, including lead, top-roping, and bouldering. Beginner and climbing fundamentals classes are available for anyone who wants to gain some rock climbing experience.
Bloc Garten
512 Maier Place, Columbus, OH 43215
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With a welcoming environment and supportive community, Bloc Garten is one of the best bouldering gyms in Central Ohio. With new bouldering problems reset every week on Tuesdays, the gym's dynamic bouldering walls constantly provide new challenges to climbers of all skill levels. Free gear rental is available for your first visit, and the gym offers a 90-minute fundamentals class that helps new climbers find their footing. Regular climbing clinics also provide new insight and instruction for experienced climbers to up their game, both physically and mentally.
Climb Cincy
1708 Blue Rock Street, Cincinnati, OH 45223
Opened in 2020, Climb Cincy is one of the newest indoor rock gyms in the Cincinnati area. The facility is nestled in the beautiful Northside neighborhood of Cincinnati, and the folks who run it make a point of catering to climbers of all experience levels to create an environment where all are welcome. Climb Cincy is a bouldering facility, which means participants climb over padded floors with no ropes or harnesses involved. Walls range from 11 to 14 feet tall, and many routes are beginner-friendly, while others will challenge even the most seasoned climbers.
Mosaic Climbing
9501 Union Cemetery Road, Loveland, OH 45140
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No matter what your preferred style of climbing may be and how much experience you may have, Mosaic Climbing offers something for you. Located in the small city of Loveland within the Cincinnati metro area, Mosaic Climbing offers one of the most impressive, wide-ranging climbing facilities in Ohio. In addition to bouldering terrain, Mosaic offers top-rope, auto-belay, and lead climbing, plus a variety of climbing-related training equipment and a complete fitness facility with yoga rooms. Private and group instruction is available for youths and adults.
RockQuest Climbing Center
3475 East Kemper Road, Cincinnati, OH 45241
Located in a renovated industrial space in Sharonville, just north of Cincinnati, RockQuest Climbing Center is one of Ohio's longest-running indoor climbing gyms and a staple of the local climbing community in the Cincy area. RockQuest offers around 15,000 square feet of climbing surface, with roped climbing as well as bouldering. Belay classes are available, teaching essential top rope climbing skills, including knots and techniques.
View From the Top
Where's you're favorite place to climb around Ohio?
8
8 Sports Bars to Watch the Big Game in Northeast Ohio
No matter who you root for, early February is when all sports fans come together to celebrate the biggest event of the year. With football's game of the year just around the corner, now is the time to figure out where you'll be watching.
Many sports bars across Northeast Ohio offer a comfortable viewing experience, a fun atmosphere, and of course, all the wings and beer you need, an essential part of any game-day experience. If you're looking for some great places to check out, here are some of our top recommendations.
The Clevelander Bar & Grill
834 Huron Rd. E, Cleveland, OH 44115
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One of the most popular sports bars in Cleveland, The Clevelander Bar & Grill is a lively and fun place to watch any sporting event. You'll find more than 10 flat-screen TVs, so you can get a great vantage point from anywhere in the house. Happy hour is from 8 to 9 p.m., and almost everything is $2. An excellent beer list and plenty of creative cocktails complement upscale bar food and classic American fare. This place fills up quickly on game days, so be sure to get there early.
Characters Sports Bar & Grill
6007 Brookpark Rd., Parma, OH 44129
If you're looking for a sports bar with some personality, you'll definitely want to try Characters Sports Bar & Grill. This friendly neighborhood hangout has some of the best wings in town and a huge draft beer selection. The bartenders are very friendly, and the service is great. There is a large, comfortable bar area and plenty of TVs. Enjoy numerous drink specials throughout the week and great deals for the big game. This is the sports bar for you if you want to have a nice dinner and watch the game.
Barley House
222 S. Main St. #1B, Akron, OH 44308
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Located near Canal Park, Barley House is a popular sports bar downtown. The bar and restaurant has more than 30 big TVs, a rotating list of 30 craft beers, and some of the best service in town. The restaurant is large, so there will be lots of space available on Feb. 12. Order some wings, nachos, or pretzel sticks to snack on during the game. You'll want to come back during warmer months and take advantage of their patio!
The Score Draft Room
426 E. Exchange St., Akron, OH 44304
An excellent sports bar on the University of Akron Campus, Score Draft Room is the place to be. One of the best parts about this place is the atmosphere. With a younger crowd and plenty of drink specials, the atmosphere is a lot of fun. Cheap but delicious bar food is available to order. If you're planning to go for the big game, get there early. The place fills up quickly, especially for popular events.
The Third Place
3314 Warren Rd., Cleveland, OH 44111
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If you're looking for a laid-back game day spot, try Third Place. With some great bar food, craft beer, several big-screen TVs, and plenty of space, you won't find it hard to make yourself right at home. Pool tables and arcade games are available to play during halftime. While Third Place serves some good pizza, it's the wings that are the highlight of the menu. Make sure to check their website for food specials throughout the week.
69 Taps
370 Paul Williams St., Akron, OH 44311
Those who love sports and beer will love watching the game at 69 Taps. Named after its impressive draft beer system (which features 69 different beers), this place is a great option on any game day. Beers are available by the pitcher, and the food menu features some great burgers and bar food. The Big Jake Burger is definitely worth a try. It's a classic cheeseburger loaded with Jake's Secret Sauce. Grab some friends and play pool, darts, or a variety of other games upstairs. This bar and taproom draws an energetic crowd on game days!
City Tap Cleveland
750 Prospect Ave. E, Cleveland, OH 44115
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Forty draft beers, 60 cans, and plenty of big-screen TVs make this popular bar in downtown Cleveland a great place to watch any sporting event. You'll love the vibrant atmosphere at City Tap Cleveland, especially during a big game. If you're hungry, we recommend The Viking Burger, grilled in garlic parmesan wing sauce and topped with house-made guac, mayo, and swiss cheese. Or opt for one of nine different flavors of wings.
Dive Bar
1214 W. 6th St., Cleveland, OH 44113
This sports bar/entertainment center in the Warehouse District is a prime destination on weekends, and watching football's biggest event here will be a blast. A whopping 32 big-screen TVs, 24 draft beers, skeeball, and other arcade games make Dive Bar a great time. An all-request DJ hosts the evenings on Fridays, Saturdays, and during select special events.
First and Goal
Where will you watch the big game around Northeast Ohio this year?
11
9 Places to Lace Up Your Ice Skates in Ohio
Whether you're a beginner or an expert—or anywhere in between—it's fun to visit one of the many Ohio ice rinks that offer public ice time. Indoor and outdoor rinks are available, and with some, you can also have a snack or cup of hot chocolate to help you warm up and refuel.
Check out the following nine places to lace up your ice skates in Columbus, Cincinnati, and Northeast Ohio.
The Ohio State University Ice Rink
390 Woody Hayes Dr., Columbus, OH 43210
Skate on the same rink as the hockey Buckeyes at The Ohio State University Ice Rink, located east of St. John Arena and north of Ohio Stadium. The facility has a warming room with vending machines, benches, lockers, and a pro shop where you can buy hockey equipment and skating apparel. Its surface area is 200 feet long and 85 feet long, and it hosts open skating most days. Cost for the general public is $12, discounted to $5 on weekday afternoons, and includes free skate rental with the cost of admission.
OhioHealth Chiller Ice Rinks - OhioHealth Ice Haus
200 W. Nationwide Blvd., Columbus, OH 43215, plus 4 additional locations
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OhioHealth Chiller Ice Rinks are conveniently located throughout the area, and you don't need a reservation to hit the ice. Prices start at $8 and up, and depending on the date and time you select, skate rentals are either free or cost $4. Noon skates are popular with families who have young children since the ice is less crowded then. Ice skating and ice hockey lessons are also offered, along with camps and clinics for athletes, and you can also schedule birthday parties at Chiller locations.
Blendon Woods Metro Park
4265 East Dublin Granville Rd., Columbus, OH 43230
Blendon Woods is part of the Columbus Metro Parks system, and if you'd like to skate on an outdoor rink, it's a great place to go. The pond is about .4 acres in size and is about 18 to 24 inches deep. The park has restrooms but doesn't rent skates, so you'll need to bring your own. While you're there, look out for birds and other wildlife since the park is also home to the 118-acre Walden Waterfowl Refuge and 11-acre Thoreau Lake. You can also look for birds from the park's two elevated observation towers equipped with spotting scopes.
UC Health Ice Rink
38 Fountain Sq Plaza, Cincinnati, OH 45202
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UC Health Ice Rink has a unique combination of bumper cars on one side of the rink and skating on the other, with the two sides divided by a barrier. For $15, you can enjoy both sides. If you'd rather attend a skating-only session, you'll pay $10. When you need a break, head to the warming tent, where you'll have a view of the rink. Stop by concessions first and grab a hot or cold drink and snack to enjoy while relaxing in the warming tent.
Sports Plus Cincinnati
10765 Reading Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45241
You'll have your choice of multiple ice rinks at Sports Plus Cincinnati, which packs countless activities into its over 250,000 square feet of space. It has several ice rinks and is home to Cincinnati's largest adult hockey league as well as its largest youth hockey association and the Figure Skating Club of Cincinnati. Bring the entire family to lace up their skates and come back another day to have fun with other activities like basketball or volleyball.
Ice Skating at Fifty West
7605 Wooster Pike, Cincinnati, OH 45227
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Fifty West has transformed into a winter wonderland destination with its outdoor ice skating rink. It's open daily, and for $10 per person, which includes skate rental, you can skate for an hour. Large, heated tents and small fire pits are available to help you warm up, along with hot chocolate and cider, with the option to add alcohol to either one. You can also head into Fifty West for a burger and brew to refuel after your skating session.
Ice Rink at Summit Park
4335 Glendale Milford Rd., Blue Ash, OH 45242
Take a spin on the ice at Ice Rink at Summit Park, located underneath the park's glass canopy. Skate sessions cost $7, which includes skate rentals. Theme nights and activities add to the fun with a popular Chuck-A-Duck game and on-ice games. And if you're inexperienced on the ice, the rink provides free skating aids to help. To extend your fun when it's snowed, bring a sled and zoom down the sledding hill behind Observation Tower. And when you're done, grab a hot chocolate or a meal from one of the four on-site restaurants.
Mentor Ice Arena
8600 Munson Rd., Mentor, OH 44060
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Mentor Ice Arena is Lake County's only indoor ice skating complex, offering open skating year-round. It has two regulation-size ice rinks, and you'll find a wide range of lessons available to suit a broad range of abilities. Learn-to-skate lessons are offered, along with youth and adult hockey and figure skating. Rates are $9 for adults, $7 for youths under age 18 or seniors age 65 and over, with an additional $4 for skate rentals.
Alice Noble Ice Arena
851 Oldman Rd., Wooster, OH 44691
The Alice Noble Ice Arena offers a 200-feet by 85-feet rink to enjoy, along with bleacher seating or an enclosed warm room when you'd like to take a break. Open skate times—along with accompanying music—are held throughout the week. And if you have a beginning skater in your group, look into the Learn to Skate USA program that they can take part in at the arena. It's the introductory skating program that U.S. Figure Skating, USA Hockey, and U.S. Speedskating recommend.
Where the Ice is Nice
Which Ohio ice rinks are you looking forward to visiting?
4
8 Places to Play Pickleball Indoors in Ohio
Pickleball is such a fun game for people of all ages. It gives you a great way to get out and be active with friends. Swinging the racket is much easier than in tennis, yet there's more movement involved than in ping pong. Whether you've been playing pickleball for years or are completely new to the game, there are several awesome indoor courts in Ohio. Here are some of the top ones we recommend visiting this winter.
North Ridge Racquet & Paddle
5475 Mills Creek Lane N, North Ridgeville, OH 44039
If you're in Northeast Ohio, then one of the best places to play indoor paddleball is North Ridge Racquet & Paddle. They offer several pickleball leagues for adults of all ages. A Tuesday Evening Beginner Pickleball League is perfect for those new to the sport. Or, if you have more experience, consider the Sunday Morning Advanced Pickleball League.
You can see a complete schedule of league play times on the club's website. Or, you can visit during Open Play hours and hit the ball around with a few friends. Open play is just $8 per day, and it's $100 to join a league for six weeks.
Cleveland Racquet Club
29825 Chagrin Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44124
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The Cleveland Racquet Club is a great place to play indoor racquet sports all year. They have several indoor pickleball courts that are always clean and well-maintained. The club is open Monday - Friday from 6:00 a.m. - 10:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 6 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. Contact the club to find out their latest open-court hours for pickleball.
The Cleveland Racquet Club has a lot to offer in addition to pickleball. If you become a member, you can work out in their fitness center, take a dip in the outdoor pool, or even lunch at the onsite restaurant, The Pub. Of course, there are also tennis and ping pong courts if you need a change of pace.
Mandel Jewish Community Center
26001 S. Woodland Rd., Beachwood, OH 44122
The Mandel Jewish Community Center has two basketball courts set up into four pickleball courts during certain open play hours. They also have several pickleball classes and clinics for players of all abilities. Their Pickleball Skills and Drills Clinic is 90 minutes long and only $25 for community members. Visitors also enjoy their three-week Intro to Pickleball class.
If you're more serious, the JCC also has pickleball leagues you can join. They're divided into beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels.
Pickle & Chill
880 W. Henderson Rd., Columbus, OH 43214
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Do you want to play pickleball in a relaxed setting? Then Pickle & Chill is the place to go in Columbus. This indoor pickleball facility offers league play plus plenty of open play hours. There are even designated open play hours for those ages 60+.
Pickle & Chill offers "Dink and Drink" open play night and College and Young Professionals nights. If you're new to the sport, consider signing up for their Learn to Play clinic.
Olympic Indoor Tennis
3480 Indianola Ave., Columbus, OH 43214
Olympic Indoor Tennis is a beautiful indoor facility that allows both members and non-members to use their pickleball courts for group play. The charge for members is just $7 per person, and non-members pay $10. Courts are available Monday - Friday between 7 and 9 a.m. and also between 1 and 3:15 p.m.
If you plan on playing pickleball a lot, consider a pickleball-only membership, which is $75. Members can reserve courts privately at a discount. Members also get access to the pro shop, locker rooms, and lounge area. The lounge area is a lovely place to relax and meet other pickleball fans.
Pickle Shack
3218 US Route 42, Delaware, OH 43015
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Pickle Shack is one of the newest pickleball facilities in the Columbus area. Visitors like their relaxed approach and open concept. They make it easy to reserve courts online through their app, and with 10 courts, there is almost always one available.
Pickle Shack also offers lessons. You can purchase a five-week, five-lesson pack for $150 as a non-member. Learn basic techniques such as how to grip the racquet, how to dink, and how to serve. The final lesson even goes into drop-shot techniques.
Five Seasons Sports Club
11790 Snider Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45249
Five Seasons Sports Club has 16 indoor pickleball courts open all year. They're also known for their Pickleball in Five classes, which teach the basics of pickleball in five lessons. Adults are welcome, but there are also specific programs for kids ages 7 to 15.
This innovative club offers free, one-day passes for those who want to check out their facilities and learn more. Their pickleball courts have hard floors, similar to those typically used for tennis courts. You can book courts in advance, and members get a substantial discount on fees.
The Pickle Lodge
7373 Kingsgate Way, West Chester Township, OH 45069
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If you're in the Cincinnati area, then pickleball is about to become even more exciting. The Pickle Lodge is slated to open in early 2023 at the former Court Yard Sportsplex site. This state-of-the-art facility will feature 17 stunning indoor courts, along with its own bar, restaurant, and group party space. The playing surface will even be cushioned to reduce the impact on your joints during gameplay.
The Pickle Lodge will be the second-largest pickleball facility in the U.S. when it's completed. The owners plan on hosting tournaments, teaching lessons, and bringing more attention to this growing, all-ages sport.
Serving Up Fun
Playing pickleball is a great way to exercise, relax, and clear your mind. Which one of these indoor pickleball facilities will you visit first?
21
9 Places for Cross-Country Skiing Around Ohio
The weather is growing colder, and that means cross-country skiing season is almost here! Whether you're an experienced skier or looking to ski for the first time, Ohio has many beautiful trails to explore. You can zip through pine forests, alongside frozen ponds, or past stands of oak trees. Here are nine of the best places for cross-country skiing this winter.
Punderson State Park
11755 Kinsman Rd., Newbury, OH 44065
Punderson State Park is one of the region's most scenic parks and a lovely one to visit in the winter. The Tudor-style lodge looks lovely against a backdrop of snow and pine trees. Visitors will find three cross-country skiing trails in the park. Huron Trail is a 1.3-mile trail with a moderate difficulty rating. Mohawk trail is 1.1 miles and moderate, and Cayuga is a 2-mile, easy trail.
Punderson is right in Ohio's snow belt, so conditions for skiing tend to be good. There are several picnic shelters, and if the weather is nice, you may want to enjoy lunch or some hot chocolate at one of them.
Chapin Forest Reservation
10381 Hobart Rd., Kirtland, OH 44094
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If you need to rent skis, Chapin Forest Reservation is one of your best options for cross-country skiing in Northeast Ohio. They rent classic and skate skis at their Pine Lodge Ski Center. Each rental includes skis, boots, and poles. Fees are $10 per hour for the first hour plus $5 for each additional hour. Or, for $30, you can rent the skis all day.
The forest reserve maintains several kilometers of groomed trails near the entrance. You can also ski in the ungroomed areas if you are looking for a challenge. There's some elevation change within the reserve, but also plenty of flat terrain.
Swine Creek Reservation
16004 Hayes Rd., Middlefield, OH 44062
Swine Creek Reservation is a 400+ acre park situated among rolling hills and sugarbush farms. There are miles of trails weaving through the park, and several are groomed for cross-country skiing.
Meadowlark Trail is a great choice for beginners. It's a 0.4-mile grass trail with very little elevation change. For a bit more of a challenge, try the 1.2-mile Gray Fox Trail, which offers many wildlife sightings. Or, try the Squaw Root Trail, a 0.6-mile, primitive trail that is mostly single-track.
Great Seal State Park
4908 Marietta Rd., Chillicothe, OH 45601
Great Seal State Park is a spacious 1,800-plus-acre state park with patches of dense forest, rolling hills, and open fields. If you prefer to cross-country ski in more open spaces, there are many opportunities here. You can download a map of the park's trails on their website.
Spring Run Trail is a favorite for cross-country skiing at Great Seal State Park. It's 1.9 miles long and studded with training stations you can use for a more balanced workout.
Delaware State Park
5202 U.S. Highway 23 North, Delaware, OH 43015
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If you're in the Columbus area, then Delaware State Park is a good place to go cross-country skiing. The park offers more than 1,300 acres of gorgeous natural land. Cross-country skiing is allowed on any of the hiking trails, weather permitting.
Big Foot Trail is a good choice for beginners. It's about 1.5 miles of easy terrain and offers lovely views of wetlands and meadows. You might even see a beaver.
John Bryan State Park
3790 OH-370, Yellow Springs, OH 45387
John Bryan State Park is centered around a huge gorge cut into the limestone. Most trails offer views of this gorge and the surrounding forested land. Cross-country skiing is allowed on the hiking trails, weather permitting.
If you're cross-country skiing with kids, consider taking the Poplar Trail. It's only 0.1 miles long but offers some nice views. Storybook Trail is another short one. For a real challenge, take the 2.7-mile rim trail.
Stonelick State Park
2895 Lake Dr., Pleasant Plain, OH 45162
Stonelick State Park is another large park nestled in the hills outside Cincinnati. The park's trails wind through woodlands and pass over large, grassy hills. Cross-country skiing is permitted on the Red Fox Trail, rated easy. Visitors also love the moderate, 1.6-mile Beechtree Trail and the 0.35-mile Southwoods Trail.
In addition to cross-country skiing, Stonelick State Park offers ice skating, ice fishing, and ice boating. If you visit earlier in the winter, you can still see birds among the trees.
East Fork State Park
3294 Elklick Rd., Bethel, OH 45106
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East Fork State Park is located just outside Cincinnati and is a lovely place for cross-country skiing on more open terrain. You can catch great views of Harsha Lake, its shore, and a winding river.
In addition to cross-country skiing, East Fork State Park offers ice skating and fishing in the winter as weather permits. The Storybook Trail presents a children's storybook one part at a time and is perfect for youngsters.
Cowan Lake State Park
1750 Osborn Rd., Wilmington, OH 45177
Cowan Lake State Park is centered around a water reservoir. The reservoir levels are lowered in the winter, creating a unique opportunity to look deep into the reservoir. There are several densely wooded areas throughout the park. Birds of prey, including eagles, reside here.
Cowan Lake State Park has 8 miles of hiking trails, and cross-country skiing is permitted on all of them as weather allows. The Lakeview Trail is a pretty choice and convenient as it's a loop. Oldfield is another 0.8-mile loop trail with a moderate rating. For something easier, try the 0.5-mile Beechnut Trail.
Ski Away
Which of these cross-country skiing areas will you visit this winter? Enjoy the views, and treat yourself to hot chocolate when you're done.
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