Wakeman OhioATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Wakeman, Ohio.
1. Vermilion Valley Vineyards
LOCAL WINE TASTING EXPERIENCE
Vermilion Valley Vineyards offers visitors a relaxing wine tasting experience in a peaceful setting away from busy suburban life. The vineyard welcomes pets, making it an ideal destination for the entire family including furry companions. Visitors can enjoy tours and tastings while taking in the serene landscape of the Vermilion River valley.
2. Matus Winery
CHARMING FAMILY-OWNED WINERY
Matus Winery is a popular attraction in Wakeman offering locally produced wines in a charming atmosphere. The family-owned establishment provides tastings of their handcrafted wines made from locally sourced fruits. Visitors can enjoy the rustic ambiance while sampling various wine selections throughout the year.
3. Wakeman Community Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION HUB
Wakeman Community Park serves as the recreational heart of this small village, offering various outdoor activities for residents and visitors. The park features playground equipment, picnic areas, and open spaces perfect for community gatherings and family outings. Its location along the Vermilion River provides scenic views and opportunities for fishing and nature observation.
4. Muffleheads Brewing Company
CRAFT BEER DESTINATION
Muffleheads Brewing Company brings craft beer culture to the Wakeman area with its selection of handcrafted brews. The brewery offers a comfortable tasting room where visitors can sample their rotating selection of unique beer varieties. Beer enthusiasts appreciate the small-batch approach and attention to quality that defines this local brewing operation.
5. Dalton Park
PEACEFUL COMMUNITY GREEN SPACE
Dalton Park provides Wakeman residents and visitors with a tranquil green space for relaxation and recreation. The park features walking paths, benches, and shaded areas ideal for picnicking or reading a book. Its well-maintained grounds host various community events throughout the warmer months.
6. Cedar Point
ROLLER COASTER CAPITAL
Cedar Point is a world-renowned amusement park featuring over 70 rides, including 17 roller coasters, making it a premier destination for thrill-seekers. The park sits on a peninsula extending into Lake Erie, offering beautiful waterfront views alongside its exciting attractions. Beyond rides, Cedar Point features live entertainment, dining options, and a beach area for a complete family entertainment experience.
7. Summit Motorsports Park
PREMIER DRAG RACING VENUE
Summit Motorsports Park is a nationally recognized drag racing facility hosting major NHRA events and weekend races throughout the season. The venue features a quarter-mile track, grandstand seating, and modern facilities for racing enthusiasts. Visitors can experience the thrill of high-speed competition and meet drivers during special events and national tournaments.
8. Nickel Plate Beach
LAKE ERIE SHORELINE RETREAT
Nickel Plate Beach offers visitors a sandy shoreline along Lake Erie perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. The beach provides amenities including restrooms, concessions, and volleyball courts during the summer season. Its expansive views of Lake Erie create a relaxing atmosphere for those seeking to enjoy Ohio's northern coast.
9. Jackson Street Pier
REVITALIZED WATERFRONT DESTINATION
Jackson Street Pier is a beautifully renovated public space offering panoramic views of Sandusky Bay and Lake Erie. The pier features modern seating areas, a splash pad, and event spaces that host concerts and community gatherings throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy waterfront dining options nearby while watching boats and ferries come and go from this central harbor location.
10. Old Woman Creek State Nature Preserve
COASTAL WETLAND ECOSYSTEM
Old Woman Creek State Nature Preserve protects one of Lake Erie's few remaining natural estuaries, where freshwater from the creek meets the lake. The preserve features hiking trails, observation decks, and a visitor center with educational exhibits about wetland ecology. Birdwatchers and nature photographers particularly appreciate this location for its diverse wildlife and seasonal migrations.
11. Quarry Hill Winery
SCENIC HILLTOP VINEYARD
Quarry Hill Winery sits atop one of the highest points in Erie County, offering spectacular views of the surrounding countryside and Lake Erie. The winery produces a variety of wines from grapes grown in their own vineyard, providing visitors with authentic local flavors. Their tasting room and outdoor patio create a perfect setting for relaxing with friends while enjoying wine and light fare.
12. Milan Historical Museum
EDISON'S BIRTHPLACE AREA
Milan Historical Museum preserves the rich history of this small town known as the birthplace of inventor Thomas Edison. The museum complex encompasses several historic buildings filled with artifacts and exhibits showcasing life in 19th century Ohio. Visitors can explore the town's heritage through interactive displays and guided tours that bring local history to life.
13. Huron County Fairgrounds
ANNUAL FAIR TRADITIONS
The Huron County Fairgrounds hosts the annual county fair and numerous events throughout the year, drawing visitors from across the region. The fairgrounds feature exhibition halls, a grandstand, and spacious grounds that accommodate agricultural displays, carnival rides, and entertainment. Beyond the fair, the venue hosts flea markets, craft shows, and specialized exhibitions that showcase local culture and commerce.
14. Merry-Go-Round Museum
CAROUSEL ART PRESERVATION
The Merry-Go-Round Museum celebrates the art and history of hand-carved carousels in a historic post office building in downtown Sandusky. Visitors can admire meticulously restored carousel figures and watch demonstrations by woodcarvers preserving this traditional craft. The museum's centerpiece is a working carousel where guests can experience the joy of riding these magnificent pieces of moving art.
15. Maritime Museum of Sandusky
GREAT LAKES NAVAL HERITAGE
The Maritime Museum of Sandusky documents the rich nautical history of the Great Lakes region through interactive exhibits and authentic artifacts. Displays highlight shipbuilding, commercial fishing, and the critical role of Lake Erie in American transportation and military history. Visitors can explore hands-on exhibits including boat simulators and learn about shipwrecks that occurred in the sometimes treacherous waters of Lake Erie.