Ashtabula OhioATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Ashtabula, Ohio.
1. Walnut Beach
SCENIC LAKE ERIE SHORE
Walnut Beach is a popular destination offering wide, sandy shores perfect for sunbathing, beach sports, and building sandcastles. The park is renowned for its stunning sunsets, making it a favorite among photographers and romantics alike. Visitors can enjoy picnic areas with grills and tables for a delightful beachside barbecue.
2. Historic Bridge Street
CHARMING HARBOR DISTRICT
Historic Bridge Street is located in the heart of Ashtabula Harbor, where the city's past and present meet in a charming district. Once the hub of the Great Lakes shipping industry, this area is now dotted with unique shops and restaurants that showcase local flavor. The street regularly hosts events and activities that bring the community together.
3. Hubbard House Underground Railroad Museum
FREEDOM'S HISTORIC PATHWAY
The Hubbard House Underground Railroad Museum preserves an important piece of American history as a station on the Underground Railroad. Though small in size, the museum houses invaluable contents that tell the story of those who sought freedom and those who helped them achieve it. Visitors should not miss this opportunity to explore this significant historical site that played a crucial role in American history.
4. Smolen-Gulf Bridge
IMPRESSIVE COVERED SPAN
Smolen-Gulf Bridge stands as a magnificent covered bridge with a nearby park offering excellent views and photo opportunities. The bridge represents part of Ashtabula County's claim to fame as home to 19 covered bridges scattered throughout the region. Visitors can explore the structure and enjoy the surrounding natural beauty of the area.
5. Brant's Apple Orchard
FALL HARVEST DELIGHT
Brant's Apple Orchard offers a quintessential autumn experience with apple picking, fresh cider, and homemade donuts. Visitors can enjoy the spectacular fall foliage while exploring the orchard grounds during harvest season. Despite being busy during peak season, the farm's authentic atmosphere and quality products make it well worth the visit.
6. Lake Shore Park
LAKEFRONT RECREATION AREA
Lake Shore Park provides visitors with expansive views of Lake Erie and various recreational opportunities along its scenic shoreline. The park features amenities for picnicking, walking, and enjoying the natural beauty of the Great Lakes region. Families and outdoor enthusiasts alike will find plenty of activities to fill a day by the water.
7. Ashtabula Lighthouse
HISTORIC LAKE GUARDIAN
The Ashtabula Lighthouse stands as a historic beacon guarding the shores of Lake Erie and offering visitors a glimpse into maritime history. Best viewed from the shore, the lighthouse makes for stunning photographs, especially during sunrise or sunset. Seasonal events centered around the lighthouse provide opportunities to connect with this important piece of local heritage.
8. Ashtabula River Railroad Bridge
ENGINEERING MARVEL
The Ashtabula River Railroad Bridge ranks as one of the longest and most impressive railroad bridges in the world, standing as a testament to the city's industrial past. Completed in 1877, this architectural marvel played a crucial role in the transportation of goods and people during the 19th century. The bridge represents an important piece of American engineering history and Ashtabula's significance in the development of national infrastructure.
9. Ashtabula History Center
LOCAL HERITAGE MUSEUM
The Ashtabula History Center, housed in the historic Columbia Castle, offers exhibits and programs that explore the region's rich and diverse past. Visitors can examine artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays highlighting key events and figures in Ashtabula's history. The center serves as an educational resource preserving the cultural heritage of this Lake Erie community.
10. F.R. Marvin House
VICTORIAN ARCHITECTURAL GEM
Built in 1873, the F.R. Marvin House stands as a beautiful example of Victorian architecture in Ashtabula. This historic home provides visitors with a glimpse into the lives of the area's early settlers and their contributions to the community. The house showcases the craftsmanship and design elements characteristic of its era, offering a window into 19th-century life in northeastern Ohio.
11. Geneva State Park
LAKESIDE NATURAL RETREAT
Geneva State Park offers 698 acres of recreational opportunities along the shores of Lake Erie just a short drive from Ashtabula. Visitors can enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, and camping amid beautiful natural surroundings. The park's marina, beach, and trail system make it a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking lakefront activities.
12. Harpersfield Covered Bridge
HISTORIC RIVER CROSSING
Harpersfield Covered Bridge spans the Grand River as one of the most picturesque covered bridges in Ashtabula County. Built in 1868 and later renovated, this historic structure combines functionality with rustic charm and traditional construction techniques. The surrounding Harpersfield Covered Bridge Metropark provides picnic areas and fishing spots for visitors to enjoy the natural setting.
13. The Lakehouse Inn & Winery
VINEYARD DINING EXPERIENCE
The Lakehouse Inn & Winery combines lodging, dining, and wine production in a scenic Lake Erie setting near Ashtabula. Guests can enjoy wine tastings featuring locally produced varieties while taking in panoramic views of the vineyards and lakefront. The establishment's farm-to-table restaurant showcases regional ingredients paired perfectly with their estate wines for a complete culinary experience.
14. The Strip at Geneva-on-the-Lake
NOSTALGIC ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT
The Strip at Geneva-on-the-Lake offers a nostalgic entertainment district filled with arcades, restaurants, shops, and attractions reminiscent of classic American summer resorts. Dating back to the 1940s, this mile-long stretch maintains its vintage charm while providing modern entertainment options for visitors of all ages. During the summer season, the area comes alive with activities, events, and the energy of vacationers enjoying Ohio's first summer resort.
15. Conneaut Township Park
HISTORIC LAKEFRONT RECREATION
Conneaut Township Park features one of Lake Erie's finest sand beaches alongside historic pavilions and recreation facilities just east of Ashtabula. The park hosts the annual D-Day Conneaut event, one of the largest World War II living history events in the country. Visitors can enjoy swimming, picnicking, and stunning lake views while appreciating both natural beauty and historical significance.