11 Best Towns in Ohio for a Winter Getaway

When the fall season draws to a close and the temperatures begin to decrease, most people in the Midwest typically remain behind closed doors. But this does not always have to be true if you are in the Buckeye State. Something special about small-town Ohio makes you want to go against the grain and venture outside. There is always something to explore, from fun winter festivals and stunning natural landscapes to exciting snow sports. Luckily, numerous quaint towns spread across the state will make you fall in love with the cold season. Whether embarking on a solo trip, going for a romantic escape, or taking a family vacation, these charming towns in Ohio have all the hallmarks of a remarkable winter getaway. 

Loudonville

Loudonville may be known as a summer hotspot, but you will be surprised by just how much there is to do during the winter. The “Canoe Capital of Ohio” has diverse outdoor opportunities beyond the canoeing activities along the Mohican River. For winter enthusiasts, Mohican State Park houses beautiful woodland scenery with lovely trails, perfect for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and hiking when it snows. Besides exploring the gorgeous scenery, you can try ice fishing in the frozen waters of Clear Fork Gorge and Lyon’s Falls. 

If it proves too cold for comfort, you can drive along the Wally Road Scenic Byway to enjoy the scenes from the comfort of your car. The route runs along the Mohican State Scenic River, traversing several campgrounds and the Mohican Reservation, so keep your camera on hand for all the photo opportunities. After the adventure, check into Landoll’s Mohican Castle to enjoy luxurious accommodation in a secluded location about 3.5 miles from Mohican State Park. 

Clifton

Clifton’s tiny population of just over 100 multiplies several folds come the cold season as tourists descend upon the town to revel in its winter delights. This small village was named among the “30 Best Christmas Towns in the USA for a Magical Winter Getaway” by House Beautiful. Clifton is only 2 minutes from Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve, which houses picturesque trails surrounded by a lush forest and stunning dolomite gorges that become ideal snowshoeing routes during winter. 

Clifton is also home to the Historic Clifton Mill, a major tourist draw around the year. It was built in 1802 and remains one of the largest water-powered mills still in use. Come the holidays, the Christmas Lights Display brings the sleepy town to life, attracting tourists around the state to witness the legendary lights. For a good night’s sleep, you can check into Hearthstone Inn and Suites. 

Sandusky

This scenic Lake Erie winter escape delights visitors with both indoor and outdoor attractions. One of the best activities in the town during the cold season is to snowshoe on Lake Erie and admire the water views from the shore. But if you can not bear the cold, opt for a tour of the Maritime Museum of Sandusky to glimpse the town’s rich maritime history by browsing interactive exhibits. 

Although it would seem unusual to go to a waterpark in winter, Ohio’s Waterpark Capital remains a go-to destination all year round. You can join other tourists at the town’s top venue, Kalahari Resorts, to enjoy 173,000 square feet of unadulterated fun. The summer-like fun continues with no regard for the frigid temperatures outside, from water slides and splash pads to swim-up bars. Conveniently, you can book a room at the resort to remain close to all the action. 

Peninsula

The winter season offers an amazing experience for those in the Cuyahoga Valley area. Luckily, this hidden gem lies in the middle of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, allowing easy access to all the winter pursuits inside the park. The region houses an array of terrains, from nature preserves and farmland to forests. It presents magical winter scenery you can explore by snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and hiking through the blanket of snow. 

Peninsula has many trails with picturesque surroundings for those who love the outdoors. A snowshoeing adventure along the Salt Run Trail or Stanford Trail is an excellent way to spend time in the town. Also, you can check out the Everett Covered for a feel of Peninsula’s history. To spend the nights, you can check into the Inn at Brandywine Falls. 

Mansfield

Mansfield’s strategic location between Cleveland and Columbus makes it one of the best small towns in Ohio for a winter getaway. This small town promises a jam-packed experience thanks to its numerous outdoor pursuits. For one, you can slip into your snowshoes and head to the Gorman Nature Center, where 150 acres of forests, streams, and prairies transform into stunning scenery when covered in snow. Another beautiful venue to check out is Kingwood Center Gardens, which houses woodland trails, gardens, and historic mansions you can explore for a remarkable sightseeing session. Finally, if you want a luxurious lodging experience, you can sleep at TownePlace Suites by Marriott.

Strongsville 

Sledding might be one of the most fun winter activities, and Strongsville arguably offers the region’s best experience. For winter enthusiasts in Ohio, it does not get better than The Chalet, home to the highest and tallest ice chutes in the state. This makes Strongsville a busy hub throughout the winter season. If you are not at The Chalet, you can go hiking or snowshoeing at Mill Stream Run Reservation. This almost 5-mile trail passes through forests, ravines, and creeks that look spectacular when snowing.

But if you want a greater thrill, Go Ape Zipline and Adventure Park has just the experience. Exploring the powdered forest canopy from a zipline above makes for a breathtaking experience. However, the venue offers other activities like horseback riding, archery, and hiking. After spending the day discovering the winter delights in Strongsville, you can enjoy a deserved rest at the Best Western Plus. 

Carroll

This small community in Fairfield County welcomes some of the biggest crowds during winter thanks to its many parks with endless outdoor opportunities. Carroll is home to the Chestnut Ridge Metro Park, one of the most charming nature areas in Central Ohio. The park has numerous trails that draw skiers and snowshoers to explore. There is also a small pond for those interested in ice fishing. Another popular site during the cold season is Lockville Canal Park, which has a chill atmosphere with long picnic tables that can accommodate over 20 people. This makes it the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the blanket of snow. 

Alternatively, you can head to the small but beautiful Rock Mill Park, just 12 minutes away in Lancaster. Here, you will encounter one of the dozen mills in the region powered by the Hocking River, built in the 1800s. However, you would not be able to get inside as it is only open between May and October. Finally, stay at the Hampton Inn for a modern lodging experience. 

Mason

Mason is an excellent winter escape for families looking to spend quality time and indulge in unparalleled fun. The biggest draw in the town is the Great Wolf Lodge, which houses 15 waterslides and many other attractions. Luckily, the water is a toasty 84 degrees year-round, so you need not worry about the winter chill. 

Away from the lodge, you can still find more winter opportunities at the nearly 48-acre Cotell Park. Besides offering a serene green space, it has various facilities to help you stay warm. These include sports fields and courts, slides, picnic shelters, a playground, and even a pond if you fancy fishing. Alternatively, you can head indoors and learn about the town’s history at The Mason Historical Society. One of the best accommodation options in the town is Comfort Suites Mason. 

Swanton

Swanton might be small in size and population, but it packs a punch of winter delights. This tiny village of about 4,000 boasts a raft of outdoor adventures, highlighted by the Oak Openings Preserve Metropark. Spanning almost 5,000 acres, it’s among the largest nature parks in the region, and come the snow season, it becomes the ultimate winter playground. The winter scenery is spectacular, and over 70 miles of trails welcome hikers, cross-country skiers, and snowshoers to explore Ohio’s beautiful natural features. 

Another exciting site to see is the Kitty Todd Nature Reserve, comprising a mix of wetlands, sand dunes, woodland, prairie, and forest. The atmosphere is delightfully calm, and the air clean, perfect for sightseeing native flora and fauna. Also, you can tour the Johnston Fruit Farms and sample a freshly picked apple, chosen from the 60 varieties grown on the farm. While in the town, you can spend your nights at cozy Baymont Inn & Suites. 

Granville

Experience a taste of New England charm in this little village in Licking County. Granville is surrounded by rolling hills with lush vegetation, harboring scenic trails that look even better when covered in snow. For outdoorsy travelers, Wildwood Park is a nice space to experience winter in Granville, offering facilities like picnic tables, a barbecue grill, a playground, and manicured gardens. Meanwhile, Sugarloaf Park is an excellent option for snowshoers and features multiple nature trails winding up and down a hill. More winter fun awaits at the Racoon Valley Park, which hosts a range of recreational activities tailored to stave off the winter chill, including a baseball field, soccer field, and batting cages. The park also hosts the vibrant Granville Farmers Market, the perfect place to spread some winter cheer. Finally, you will love the retro charm while staying at the Historic Buxton Inn, which dates back to the early 1800s. 

Oregon

A fantastic winter escape on Lake Erie, Oregon, is a small suburb in Lucas County with a population of approximately 20,000. The town takes great pride in its crowning jewel, Maumee Bay State Park, which borders the lake. During winter, the mix of beach, wetland, forest, and cliffs inside the park culminates into dreamy scenery when it snows. Winter enthusiasts converge here to hike on the snowy shore and admire dramatic ice formations on the frozen beaches. 

Another charming venue worth touring is the Pearson Park Ballfield Shelter House, which hosts well-kept gardens and a large gazebo to relax with family and enjoy the idyllic winter scenery. Alternatively, you can take a lazy stroll while soaking the winter wonderland on Erie Beach before spending the night at the Hampton Inn. 

The Takeaway

Winter is not a season to stay confined in your home; it is a time to get out and explore. These small towns in Ohio prove there is a lot to see and do during the cold season, with an opportunity to discover magical sceneries and make lasting memories. Any of them will make for a promising getaway when planning a winter trip to small-town Ohio.