Here is Part 2, for Summer Bucket List fun in Ohio! Read Part 1 Here
In this outline, we have another 10 suggestions on what to do in Ohio this Summer, 2024. This Summer Bucket List includes a castle, many places to hike and swim, and some great entertainment stops. Let’s see what Ohio has to offer!
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1. Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park
This rugged natural landscape is located in a remote area between Cleveland and Warren, Ohio. The Delaware, Shawnee, Miami, Seneca, Mohawk, and Cajuga tribes were said to have lived in this area. Today, Nelson Ledges is a popular spot for picnicking and hiking. There are four scenic hiking trails in the parks 167 acres. Waterfalls, caves, an abundance of wildflowers, wildlife, and plant life, make these trails exciting and fun. It can be dangerous as there are many steep cliffs and gorges. On your adventure through the park, you will discover geological features such as the Devil’s Icebox, Goldhunters Cave, and Old Maid’s Kitchen. The paths can be muddy and they vary in difficulty. Make sure that you have some good hiking boots when you venture out into these woods. There are picnic areas with tables and grills. Please keep in mind that there are no garbage cans, and you will need to take your trash out of the park when you leave. The park offers free entry and free parking.
There is something for everyone in Ohio. If you’re more into “glamping;” book an enchanting stay in a designer treehouse! Located right in Northeast Ohio’s Mohican State Park. Reservations should be made at least 3 months in advance. Some of these private getaway treehouses have been featured on the show Treehouse Masters. Visit their website to see what they have to offer. They also have cabins or country homes to choose from if you have a bigger party.
3. Amish Country
Driving through Amish country provides gorgeous views of rolling hills, and plenty of fresh air. Visit the world’s largest cuckoo clock in the “Little Switzerland of Ohio”; Sugarcreek. There are covered bridges, vintage homes, and charming downtowns with antique shops. Visit Baltic and Sugarcreek Ohio for delicious food, cheese, and wine! You can’t go wrong with Amish pies! Amish cooking is some of the best comfort food you will ever taste. I recommend staying at the picturesque Carlisle Inn, in Sugarcreek, Ohio. Visiting Amish country for any amount of time is sure to be a peaceful getaway from everyday life.
4. West Side Market
The West Side Market is a must-see historical tradition in Cleveland, Ohio. The market is Cleveland’s oldest public market. There are over 70 vendors offering an array of fresh and diverse local foods. Check out the markets impressive Vendor List. The market is open all year, and closed on Tuesdays and Thursdays. On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday they are open 8am to 5pm. Saturday from 8am to 5pm, and Sunday from 10am to 4pm.
The 2024 Great Lakes Medieval Faire runs Saturdays and Sundays from July 6th through August 11th. With dazzling entertainment and exciting themed weekends, this get-together is fun for all. Dress up and experience uniquely beautiful music, food, and shops!
6. Cesar Creek State Park
This is a wonderful spot for a fun day on the water and for revealing natural features of the past. There is a campground and a marina, making this park prefect for hiking, fishing, mountain biking, horseback riding, etc. Southwestern Ohio was home to Woodland Tribes such as the Wyandot, Miami, and Shawnee until their removal in the 19th century. Old Chillicothe, now Oldtown, Ohio was one of the largest Shawnee towns during the American Revolution.
This is Ohio’s downtown theater district, and the largest preforming arts center outside of New York City. Built in 1921, the theaters became a major entertainment hub in the 20th century. There are some great shows playing this summer including In The Heights, Les Miserable, and Come From Away, to name a few. Look at their website to see what shows are playing. They have a variety of shows including comedy, music, and entertainment for kids. Playhouse Square is one of Broadway’s premier touring partners, and host shows in their historical and gorgeous theaters.
8. Headlands Beach State Park
What summer bucket list is complete without swimming and picnicking? Mentor Headlands is the largest natural sand beach in Ohio. This is a favorite summer destination for generations of Clevelanders. Great for swimming, sunbathing, and searching for sea glass! Don’t forget your sunscreen! Headlands Beach is the perfect spot to view breathtaking sunsets. Make sure to take your trash with you when you go, and leave nothing behind. This area is also home to bald eagles, red tail foxes, and monarch butterflies.
9. Squire’s Castle
This beautiful old gatehouse from the 1890s, was modeled after German and English baronial castles. Squire’s Castle is located in the Cleveland Metroparks in Willoughby Hills, Ohio. It was built by Feargus B. Squire and was part of a grand plan for a 525 acre country estate for him and his wife. It was to serve as the gatehouse for the residence, but the estate was never actually built. The “castle’s” rooms had white plaster walls and elegant woodwork. It had beautiful glass windows. The gatehouse has been seriously vandalized over the years, and is now a shell of it’s former self. Stone and brick walls, that you can see today as interesting ruins. Squire’s Castle is free to tour, and open to the public. The park around these picturesque ruins offers a footpath, riding trails, cooking grills, and a large field. You can often see a wedding taking place at this location. You can reserve it for free!
Ohio Caverns is the largest cave system in Ohio, discovered in 1897. This cave system is almost 3 miles of narrow damp pathways that open up to underground streams and wide chambers showing off many crystal formations. Tours are first come, first serve, so be sure to get there early for a guided tour. There is an admission fee, and reservations are recommended for groups of 20 or more. Tours last one hour, showcase underground beauty, and are educational. Photography is allowed but be mindful; there are bats living in the cavern. This impressive natural attraction is open every day of the year rain or shine, except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Thank you so much for reading! I hope that this article helps you fulfill your Summer Bucket List goals. Ohio is considered America’s Heartland, and is lush with beautiful landscapes and recreational outdoor activities. Look out for more posts like this, coming soon. I try to post twice a week, and if you liked this article, you may enjoy:
