Pleasant Hill OhioATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Pleasant Hill, Ohio.
1. Pleasant Hill Lake Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Pleasant Hill Lake Park features an 850-acre unlimited horsepower lake surrounded by 1,350 acres of land for various recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy camping, boating, fishing, hiking, swimming, and kayaking in this beautiful natural setting. The park offers special themed events, fireworks, nature programs, and live music from late April to mid-October.
2. WhoaZone at Pleasant Hill Lake
INFLATABLE LAKE OBSTACLE COURSE
The WhoaZone is an exciting inflatable obstacle course on Pleasant Hill Lake where kids can jump, slide, and climb while splashing into the water. Each 60-minute session includes a 10-minute safety orientation with life jackets provided for all participants. Children must be at least 7 years old and 45 inches tall to participate in this popular summer attraction.
3. Pleasant Hill Welcome Center
EDUCATIONAL WILDLIFE DISPLAYS
The Welcome Center at Pleasant Hill Lake Park houses numerous educational and historical displays about the local area and wildlife. Visitors can view the Fish Mural Wall featuring mountings of local fish species and other native Ohio animals on display. The center also offers a 6-minute orientation video about the history of the area and includes a Bird Observation Window for wildlife viewing.
4. Idle-Hour Ranch
FAMILY FRIENDLY ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS
Idle-Hour Ranch is a popular family attraction where visitors can interact with a variety of animals in a farm setting. The ranch offers hands-on experiences with both domestic and exotic animals in a relaxed countryside environment. Visitors can feed animals, take guided tours, and participate in seasonal events throughout the year.
5. Brukner Nature Center
WILDLIFE EDUCATION CENTER
Brukner Nature Center is a wildlife rehabilitation facility and educational center with extensive hiking trails through diverse habitats. The center features live animal exhibits, wildlife viewing areas, and interactive displays about local ecosystems. Visitors can explore the trails, attend educational programs, and observe rehabilitating wildlife in naturalistic settings.
6. Ludlow Falls
SCENIC NATURAL WATERFALL
Ludlow Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in Miami County offering a peaceful natural retreat. Visitors can enjoy the short walking trail that leads to viewing areas of the cascading water flowing over limestone ledges. The falls are particularly beautiful during spring runoff and after heavy rains when the water volume increases dramatically.
7. Old Mason Winery & Vineyard
LOCAL WINE TASTING
Old Mason Winery & Vineyard offers visitors a chance to sample locally produced wines in a charming rural setting. The family-owned vineyard produces a variety of wines using both estate-grown and regionally sourced grapes. Guests can enjoy wine tastings, vineyard tours, and special events throughout the year in this relaxing countryside destination.
8. West Milton Cascades
HISTORIC NATURAL WATERFALLS
West Milton Cascades features a series of beautiful waterfalls along the Stillwater River in a small community park. The limestone cascades create a serene natural environment with viewing platforms and walking paths for visitors to enjoy. This hidden gem offers excellent photography opportunities and a peaceful spot for nature appreciation just minutes from downtown West Milton.
9. Mohican State Park
SCENIC OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Mohican State Park encompasses over 1,000 acres of stunning forests, scenic river valleys, and diverse recreational opportunities near Pleasant Hill. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, mountain biking, canoeing, fishing, and camping in this beautiful natural setting. The park is known for its hemlock forests, Clear Fork Gorge, and connections to the larger Mohican-Memorial State Forest system.
10. Malabar Farm State Park
HISTORIC WORKING FARM
Malabar Farm State Park preserves the former country estate of Pulitzer Prize-winning author Louis Bromfield, now operating as a working farm with educational programs. Visitors can tour the historic Big House where Hollywood celebrities Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall were married in 1945. The park offers hiking trails, wagon tours, a restaurant featuring farm-to-table cuisine, and seasonal events highlighting sustainable agriculture.
11. Wolf Creek Pine Run Grist Mill
HISTORIC WATER-POWERED MILL
Wolf Creek Pine Run Grist Mill is a restored 19th-century water-powered grist mill showcasing historical milling technology and rural industry. Visitors can observe the functioning mill machinery and learn about the importance of mills in early Ohio communities. The picturesque setting along Pine Run Creek provides both historical education and natural beauty for guests exploring Mohican Country.
12. Cleo Redd Fisher Museum
LOCAL HISTORY COLLECTION
The Cleo Redd Fisher Museum preserves and displays the rich history of the Loudonville area and Mohican region. Exhibits feature artifacts, photographs, and documents showcasing local industries, Native American history, and pioneer settlement in the area. The museum offers rotating special exhibitions, educational programs, and research opportunities for those interested in regional history.
13. Equestrian Trails
EXTENSIVE HORSEBACK RIDING NETWORK
Pleasant Hill Lake Park connects to nearly 88 miles of equestrian trails linking the park with Malabar State Farm and Mohican State Forest. The trail system offers varied terrain through forests, meadows, and along scenic waterways for horseback riders of all experience levels. A dedicated equine camping area with 37 lots provides facilities specifically designed for visitors traveling with horses.
14. Bald Eagle and Osprey Viewing
BIRD WATCHING OPPORTUNITIES
Pleasant Hill Lake Park is home to nesting bald eagles and osprey that can be viewed from various points throughout the property. The park has installed five osprey nesting platforms, making these magnificent birds easier to spot for wildlife enthusiasts. Early mornings and evenings provide the best viewing opportunities as these raptors actively hunt for fish in the lake.
15. Bluebird Trail
NATURE WALK WITH NESTING BOXES
The Bluebird Trail at Pleasant Hill Lake Park features nine bluebird nesting boxes along a scenic hiking path. This dedicated trail allows visitors to observe these colorful native birds in their natural habitat during nesting season. The trail is part of the park's conservation efforts to support bluebird populations while providing educational opportunities for nature lovers of all ages.