Posts with tag 'Outdoors'
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18
9 Dog Parks to Visit Around Northeast Ohio
Visiting a dog park with your dog is such a lovely want to enjoy nature. Your dog can socialize with other pups, and you can socialize with other dog owners. If you're in Northeast Ohio, either permanently or to look at homes for sale, then you're in luck. This area has so many lovely dog parks you can visit. Here are a few top options.
City of Mentor Dog Park
6647 Hopkins Rd., Mentor OH, 44060
If you happen to be in Mentor, stop and play in this dog park for a while. Throughout the park, you'll find plenty of benches you can rest on. There's also a water fountain, especially for dogs.
City of Mentor Dog Park offers separate off-leash areas for small dogs and large dogs. Stick throwing and Frisbees are not permitted for safety reasons, and dogs must remain leashed, except for in the designated off-leash areas. With the open field and picnic tables, this could be a great place to enjoy a picnic lunch while your dog plays.
Canine Meadow Dog Park
9038 Euclid Chardon Rd., Kirtland OH, 44094
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This spacious, 9-acre dog park has separate small dog and large dog areas. It's open daily from sunrise until a half hour past sunrise, so you can visit on your own schedule. There's lots of wide-open space for dogs to run, play, and get rid of their excess energy.
Canine Meadows also offers a swimming area for pups, which is really nice during the heat of summer. All dogs ages 4 months and older are welcome as long as they're up-to-date on vaccinations. Portable restrooms are available on-site for human use.
Lakewood Dog Park
1699 Valley Pkwy. Lakewood OH, 44107
This is another smaller dog park, but don't let the size fool you. The space is well-maintained and a great place for dogs to play. There is a separate area for small dogs, although small dogs are welcome in the larger dog area, too, if their owners prefer it.
Lakewood Dog Park does have a water faucet on-site. The footing is sand, so it does not get overly slippery when wet. Dogs must be at least 4 months old and up-to-date on vaccines, and children must be at least 7 years old to accompany their parents.
Tails 'n Trails Dog Park
841 Page Rd., Aurora OH, 44204
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This laid-back little dog park is a great one to stop by for a mid-morning romp. There's a water pump near the entrance where your dog can get a drink, and there are also a few play features, such as a faux fire hydrant. Of course, the park has plenty of comfortable benches for human visitors, too. No pets other than dogs are allowed.
Open during daylight hours, Tails 'n Trails Dog Park has separate small and large dog areas. There's a double-gate setup so owners can safely unleash their dogs prior to entering the off-leash areas. This is a relatively new park, and it's beautifully maintained. Owners are asked to remain in visual sight of their dogs at all times.
Downtown Dog Park
1505 Merwin Ave., Cleveland OH, 44113
If you happen to be in downtown Cleveland, there's no reason to leave the city to find a dog park. This one is a great choice. It has more than 3,500 square feet of fenced-in play space for your dogs. There are even some fun climbing and play structures scattered throughout the space. Waste receptacles throughout the park encourage visitors to keep the space tidy.
Downtown Dog Park is open daily from 8 am - 9 pm. It's open to dogs of all sizes and isn't usually busy mid-day. While your dog plays, you can enjoy a lovely view of the Cuyahoga River, which runs right by the park.
Bow Wow Beach
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Located on the banks of Silver Springs Lake, this dog park offers more than 7.5 acres of space for dogs to run and play. They can even splash around in the water and cool off in the summer. The lake is regularly tested to ensure safety, and the City of Stowe keeps the area well mowed and maintained.
Bow Wow Beach offers on-site dog washing stations and a separate area for small dogs. The park is open from 8 am until sunset, but is closed on Thursday mornings for maintenance.
Schellin Dog Park
427 Maple St., Wooster OH, 44691
Schellin Dog Park, sometimes known as Wooster Dog Park, is one of the smaller parks on this list. However, it is still natural, beautiful, and well worth a visit. There's plenty of shade from the large trees within the park, along with a nice view of the nearby duck pond.
This dog park has one off-leash area for dogs of all sizes. You can also walk your dog, on a leash, in the larger surrounding area. The trail passes soccer fields and other play spaces.
Cooperation Station Dog Park
1439 OH-305, Cortland OH, 44410
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This mid-sized dog park is a great one for dogs who want to run, as there is a lot of open space. There are lots of benches in the open fields, so you can sit and observe your dog's play.
Cooperation Station Dog Park has a pond where dogs can swim, but it is in a separate, gated area, so your dog won't get wet if you don't want them to. There's also a dog washing station, along with water fountains for both dogs and humans. The cleanup area is always well-stocked with poop bags.
Portage Lakes Dog Park
Located within Portage Lakes State Park, this dog park includes an off-leash area that is partially fenced and bound on the other side by water. Dogs can run, play, and cool off in the water on a hot day. Many love jumping off the docks and into the water! Dogs of all sizes share this same space.
This park offers lovely views of boats out on the lake. There are plenty of shade trees, and breezes coming off the lakes also helps keep things cool. After playtime, you can do some more hiking around the state park.
Bark On Over
Which one of these Northeast Ohio dog parks do you plan to visit with your canine companion?
16
Celebrate Great Outdoors Month at These 9 Ohio Destinations
June is Great Outdoors Month, and Ohio is a particularly beautiful place to spend some time outside in June. In every corner of the Buckeye State, an endless array of parks, lakes, rivers, and trails are just waiting to be explored. If you're looking for an outdoor adventure this month, be sure to check out these wild destinations in Ohio!
Geneva State Park
4499 Padanarum Rd., Geneva, OH 44041
Overlooking the vast expanse of Lake Erie in Northeast Ohio, Geneva State Park is one of the state's true gems when it comes to summer fun and relaxation. Geneva State Park includes a sandy swimming beach, beautiful picnic areas, and a campground with nearly 100 sites for tents and RVs. But one of the park's greatest attractions is fishing. Lake Erie provides some of the best fishing in America for walleye, perch, smallmouth bass, and other species. You'll find a marina and boat launch facilities along with a fishing pier and ample open shoreline in Geneva State Park.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
5793 Boston Mills Rd., Peninsula, OH 44264
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Cuyahoga Valley National Park feels worlds away from civilization despite being less than an hour from major cities like Cleveland and Akron. It is, without a doubt, one of the most spectacular outdoor attractions in Northeast Ohio. Spanning more than 50 square miles, the park follows the course of the Cuyahoga River through its namesake valley, providing a haven for native plants and wildlife. You can explore more than 125 miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails within the park, including the beautiful Towpath Trail, which follows the historic route of the Ohio & Erie Canal. If you're experiencing Cuyahoga Valley National Park for the first time, the Boston Mills Visitor Center is a great place to start.
Rocky River Reservation
Valley Parkway, North Olmsted, OH 44070
One of 18 reservations that make up Cleveland's extensive Metroparks system, Rocky River Reservation is a long, narrow park that follows the meandering course of the Rocky River. Trails and other attractions draw visitors to both sides of the river, which is a prime waterway for fishing and paddling. But what makes the Rocky River Reservation really stand out is its equestrian trails, which stretch for miles through the riverside forests. It's one of the best destinations in Northeast Ohio for horseback riding. Rocky River Stables offers riding lessons and guided horseback riding trips.
Alum Creek State Park
3305 S. Old State Rd., Delaware, OH 43015
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A popular destination for boating, fishing, and water sports of all kinds, Alum Creek Lake is one of Ohio's largest reservoirs and is located just minutes from Columbus. The lake is long and narrow, making it ideal for water skiing and personal watercraft, but it also has plenty of secluded coves and shorelines perfect for canoeing and kayaking. Campgrounds, picnic areas, fishing access, and a swimming beach are located within Alum Creek State Park. Alum Creek Lake can get a little busy on summer weekends, so it's always a good idea to visit mid-week if you want to beat the crowds.
ZipZone Outdoor Adventures
7925 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43235
We hope you aren't afraid of heights! ZipZone Outdoor Adventures offers one of the most thrilling, adrenaline-fueled outdoor adventures in Ohio, and you can experience it all without leaving the Columbus city limits. ZipZone provides a wide range of aerial thrills, including zip line tours high in the forest canopy, and an exciting treetop obstacle course with five routes and over 60 challenge elements. There's a ground-level kids' park as well, making ZipZone a great option for the entire family.
Hocking Hills State Park
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The entire Hocking Hills region has a reputation as one of Ohio's great outdoor playgrounds, a haven for everything from hiking and paddling to camping and fishing. Hocking Hills State Park, just over an hour southeast of Columbus, is one of the region's great destinations to enjoy all of the above. The park's rugged landscape includes towering cliffs, tumbling waterfalls, and dense, shady groves of hemlock trees crisscrossed by hiking trails. Campsites and cabins are available too.
Little Miami National Scenic River Trail
211 Railroad Ave., Loveland, OH 45140
Flowing between Dayton and Cincinnati, the Little Miami River was one of the first streams in America to be designated a National Scenic River. It's one of Ohio's most beautiful paddling destinations, meandering through mile after mile of forests and farmland. The community of Loveland, OH is a popular place to begin paddling trips on the river. Guided trips and gear rentals are available through Loveland Canoe & Kayak. For anyone who prefers to stay on dry land, the river is paralleled by the 78-mile Little Miami Scenic Bike Trail.
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
3400 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45220
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Always one of Cincinnati's biggest summer attractions, the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is operated with a commitment to inspiring visitors and helping preserve wildlife. One of the oldest zoos in the U.S., it's been open since 1873 and is currently home to the world-famous hippo Fiona. The adjoining botanical gardens are just as impressive, displaying a spectacular variety of Ohio native plants and trees, as well as non-native plants from around the world. The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is frequently ranked among the best Zoos in America, although the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium gives it a run for its money!
Mt. Airy Forest
5083 Colerain Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45223
At 1,500 acres. Mt. Airy Forest is Cincinnati's largest park. It was also, at the time of its establishment in 1911, one of the earliest urban reforestation projects in U.S. history. Today, the park offers some of the best opportunities for Cincinnati residents to get off the grid and enjoy some time in the great outdoors. Mt. Airy forest is home to many miles of multi-use trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, as well as picnic areas, playgrounds, a dog park, disc golf course, and Ohio's only wheelchair-accessible public treehouse.
Share Your Adventure
Ohio is filled with incredible destinations where you can immerse yourself in the natural world. Be sure to tell us all about your Great Outdoors Month adventures in the comments section!
7
Catch a Sunset at These 9 Stunning Ohio Destinations
Musician Carlos Santana once said no sunsets are ever the same. Thanks to nature's infinite variety, sunset-watching is an endlessly fascinating activity that never grows old. The varied landscapes around Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati provide these wonderful spots to see the sun go down.
Lorain Lighthouse
1 W. Breakwater, Lorain, OH 44052
Once you see Lorain Lighthouse at sunset, with a backdrop of cotton candy clouds, you'll understand why it's known as the "Jewel of the Port." Its iconic outline has come to symbolize the city, and reproductions have been featured on everything from paintings and postcards to sweatshirts and needlework projects. Celebrate a special occasion with a romantic sunset wine dinner, held each Tuesday from June 15 through September 14. Tours are available for $20 per person, including the boat ride to and from the lighthouse.
Edgewater Park
4101 Fulton Pkwy., Cleveland, OH 44144
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With 147 acres of land, including 9,000 feet of shoreline, you'll have little trouble finding your own sunset-viewing spot at Edgewater Park. As the westernmost location of the properties that make up the Lakefront Reservation, Edgewater Park affords majestic sightlines of the sunset as well as stunning views of Cleveland. Pack a picnic lunch and make a day of it by hiking or biking the all-purpose trails or taking Fido for a splash in the dog-friendly beach. Park hours are 6 a.m. - 11 p.m. daily.
Ledges Overlook
405 Truxell Rd., Peninsula, OH 44264
Lake Erie may be Mother Nature's main event in Northeast Ohio, but she left a spectacular mark in several inland spots as well. Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a popular destination because of features such as Ledges Overlook, a rock outcropping with unimpaired views of the western vista. Plan some extra time to hike the 2.2-mile loop trail to see the unusual rock formations. Many people love to visit Ledges Overlook during fall when the changing colors of the leaves and the pastel colors of the sunset make you feel as though you're in a painting. Cuyahoga Valley National Park is open 24 hours, but Ledges Overlook closes from dusk until dawn. Admission is free.
Smale Riverfront Park
166 W. Mehring Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202
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A spot that was once nothing but parking lots between the two stadiums is now one of the most beloved locations in Cincinnati. Even though Smale Riverfront Park has been open only since 2012, many residents can't remember what Cincinnati was like without it. Sunset is considered the best time to visit the park when the fading rays cast a glow across the already impressive Roebling Suspension Bridge. Filled with walking and biking paths, a splash pad and playground, fountains, gardens, pergolas, and a carousel, Smale Riverfront Park has plenty of family-friendly attractions to keep you entertained as you wait for the sun to go down.
Primavista
810 Matson Place, Cincinnati, OH 45204
How many restaurants have a section on their website dedicated to their view? Even the name, Primavista, translates to, "first sight." Readers of Cincinnati Magazine voted Primavista as the city's best Italian restaurant, and the views are cited as frequently as the food. Dine on traditional Italian favorites such as veal Marsala and spaghetti and meatballs as you take in breathtaking views of the city, enhanced by the day's last rays of sunlight. Planning a romantic sunset dinner at a local park? Everything on the menu is available for carryout. Hours are 5 - 9 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 5 - 10 p.m. Friday, 4:30 - 10 p.m. Saturday, and 4:30 - 8 p.m. Sunday. Reservations are recommended.
Ault Park
5090 Observatory Circle, Cincinnati, OH 45208
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A bronze plaque on the terrace of Ault Park pays tribute to the legacy of former park commissioner Levi Addison Ault, who donated the property in 1911. Adopt-A-Plot Garden, with 39 sections developed and tended by volunteers, has earned national awards and acclaim for its innovative concept. One of the more popular spots in the dog-friendly park is Heekin Overlook, where sweeping views of the Little Miami River make it a prime spot for sunset-watching. Ault Park is open seven days a week from 6 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Park of Roses
3923 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43214
Park of Roses is like a scene out of a dream any time of day, but it reaches a greater level of grandeur at sunset. Founded in 1953, this 13-acre space within Whetstone Park is covered with 11,000 roses of more than 350 different types. The park features several individual gardens, including the Heritage Garden and the Herb Garden, that showcase specific variations. Visit the park in summertime to see the flowers in full bloom. Hours are dawn to dusk daily, and there is no charge to enter the park.
Scioto Mile
233 S. Civic Center Dr., Columbus, OH 43215
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Enjoy an urban sunset in the heart of the city at Scioto Mile. More than 175 acres of scenery are surrounded by the downtown skyline, resulting in a beautiful juxtaposition as the sun goes down. Scioto Mile is comprised of nine individual parks, each with its own attractions, so every visit is different. Admire the public artworks, do some bird watching, tackle a climbing wall, or just relax on one of the swinging benches. All parks along the Scioto Mile are open 7 a.m. - 11 p.m. daily and there is no admission fee.
Antrim Park
5800 Olentangy River Rd., Columbus, OH 43085
A scenic quarried lake is the centerpiece of Antrim Park, named for the owner of the company that once quarried the 120 acres of property. Once a year, the waters are stocked with rainbow trout for fishing along the banks or off the dock. Bring your dog along for a brisk walk or run along the beautiful trails. Afterward, let your pet cool off with a swim in the lake. Antrim Park is open seven days a week from 7 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me
Experts say sunsets have a positive effect on mental and emotional well-being. What's your favorite reason to watch the sun go down?
5
9 Ohio Trails to See Wildflowers in Bloom
Spring is in the air, which means Ohio's wildflower season has just begun. In parks and preserves all over the Buckeye State, the first flowers of the year have already started to bloom.
But the great thing about wildflowers in Ohio is that they don't all appear at once. We get to experience a rainbow of color that changes with the seasons. These wildflower hikes offer opportunities to see a dazzling array of native wildflowers throughout the spring and well into summer.
California Woods Nature Preserve
5400 Kellogg Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45230
Southern Ohio parks tend to see the state's earliest spring wildflower blooms, and California Woods Nature Preserve is a prime spot to see early spring flowers in Cincinnati. This Hamilton County preserve encompasses 113 acres of forests, with steep ravines and shady woods that harbor diverse spring bloomers. Visit in May to see Virginia spiderwort and fire-pink in bloom, along with the yellow blossoms of cinquefoil and trout lilies. California Woods is home to an extensive trail system, and the 1-mile Junction Loop is a great place to start. Stop back in summer to explore the preserve's butterfly and hummingbird garden!
Three Creeks Metropark
3860 Bixby Rd., Groveport, OH 43125
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One of the several picturesque Metroparks in the Columbus area, Three Creeks Metropark has a reputation as one of the most beautiful destinations for wildflower hikes in Central Ohio. This 1,053-acre park takes its name from the spot where Alum, Big Walnut, and Blacklick creeks meet, and the area around the confluence of these three streams offers a diverse bounty of spring blooms. The 1-mile Confluence Trail meanders along the creek banks, and you may spy flowers including yellow and white trout lily, Dutchman's breeches and spring beauty, among others. The nearby Bluebell Trail abounds in its namesake flowers, and the small maroon blossoms of sessile trillium are also a common sight.
Wilson Nature Preserve
4082 OH-132, Batavia, OH 45103
Less than 30 minutes from Cincinnati in the small town of Batavia, OH, the James L. and Frances Wilson Nature Preserve spans 145 beautiful acres along the banks of the Little Miami River, including a 25-acre river island. Three miles of trails traverse this picturesque woodland, the ground often carpeted in spring wildflowers. Eagle-eyed hikers can spot several different species of trilliums here. Picnic areas and additional trails, including the aptly named half-mile Wildflower Trail, are available in the neighboring Sycamore Park.
Wildcat Hollow Trail (Wayne National Forest)
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Few places in Ohio offer a more immersive nature experience than Wayne National Forest, which spans a quarter of a million acres among the Appalachian foothills in the southeastern part of the state. There are endless wild experiences to be had here, but if spying spring and summer wildflowers is your goal, head to the Wildcat Hollow Trail. This 17.5-mile loop meanders through diverse woodland and meadow habitats, including carpets of the endangered running buffalo clover, and dense thickets of native rhododendrons in full bloom. The trail is about a 90-minute drive from Columbus, and worth every second of the journey.
North Kingsville Sand Barrens
A stone's throw from the shores of Lake Erie, the North Kingsville Sand Barrens represents a unique landscape of fossilized dunes that supports many plants and animals seen almost nowhere else in Ohio, including the endangered blue bead lily. The spectacular blooms of native blue lupine, which appear in late May and early June, are especially enchanting. This 174-acre property is managed by the Cleveland Museum of Natural History and offers some of the most spectacular wildflower blooms in Northeast Ohio.
Holden Arboretum
9550 Sperry Rd., Kirtland, OH 44094
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The Holden Arboretum is a 3,600-acre wonderland for anyone interested in unique plants and flowers. Home to diverse gardens, collections, and ecologically sensitive habitats, it's one of the largest arboreta in the state and home to a vast network of walking paths. Keep an eye out for native beauties like marsh marigolds, trilliums, and Virginia bluebells. Just 30 minutes from Cleveland, the arboretum is one of the best places to see native wildflowers in Northeast Ohio. They even have an annual plant sale in early May, where you can purchase native wildflowers reared at the arboretum to transplant into your own garden.
Edge of Appalachia Preserve
4274 Waggoner Riffle Rd., West Union, OH 45693
A 16,000-acre preserve dedicated to restoring Southern Ohio's Appalachian landscape, the Edge of Appalachia Preserve's dense forests and vibrant meadows are home to many plant species that are found almost nowhere else in the state. It's a truly unique and beautiful place to go looking for native wildflowers. Be sure to explore the Lynx Prairie Trail, which offers a glimpse at rare species like Indian paintbrush, western sunflower, and the endangered scaly blazing star.
Bigelow Cemetery State Nature Preserve
600 Rosedale Rd, Irwin, OH 43029
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Although it spans just half an acre, Bigelow Cemetery Nature Preserve is a unique and special place. This small park 30 minutes outside Columbus has never been grazed or plowed, a fact that becomes all the more striking when one looks out at the cultivated farmlands that surround it. This small plot of land was first used as a cemetery in pioneer times, and the grave markers dating back to the 1800s still stand among the tall prairie grasses and blooming wildflowers, giving it an almost dreamlike appearance. The blossoms are frequented by hummingbirds and butterflies and reach their peak in July and August.
Brecksville Reservation
9000 Chippewa Rd., Brecksville, OH 44141
The largest of Cleveland's 18 Metroparks, the Brecksville Reservation is home to the striking Chippewa Creek Gorge, as well as a section of the 1,400-mile Buckeye Trail, which forms a circular loop through the entire state of Ohio. The Brecksville Reservation is a great place for a spring wildflower hike, with prolific blooms of trout lily, great white trillium, marsh marigold, spring beauty, Jack-in-the-pulpit, and many other species. The 0.75-mile Wildflower Loop Trail packs a lot of great flora into a short, sweet hike.
Walk on the Wild Side
Ohio has hundreds of amazing parks and trails where you can see blooming wildflowers throughout the spring and summer months. If we forgot to mention your favorite place, be sure to let us know in the comments below!
28
Journey Back in Time When You Visit These 8 Historic Ohio Mills
The earliest water-powered mills date back to the Roman Empire. As farming became an increasingly important part of Ohio's economy, mills were so vital to the industry that communities frequently grew around them.
In the 21st century, several mills remain as monuments to the development of agriculture around Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati. Step back in time for a fascinating look at our state's past with a trip to these picturesque historic mills.
Historic Clifton Mill
75 Water St., Clifton, OH 45316
With its red-sided building, giant wheel, and cascading water, picture-perfect Historic Clifton Mill could have been pulled from a movie set. In reality, the authentic 19th-century grist mill is the only one of six mills in the immediate area that remains standing. After touring the mill, stroll across the adjacent 90-foot covered wooden bridge for some spectacular views of the grounds and stop in at the 1940s Gas Station Museum next door. Complete your day with a fresh-cooked meal at the onsite restaurant, serving breakfast and lunch seven days a week. During spring and summer, the mill itself is open weekdays from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Admission is $3. Call ahead to confirm.
Wolf Creek Mill
St. Rt. 3 South, Loudonville, OH 44842
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Just over 20 years ago, Mark Smith and his family were camping in nearby Mohican State Park when they discovered Wolf Creek Mill. Sadly, this once-impressive grist mill had fallen into severe disrepair after years of neglect. As a historic restoration contractor, Mark was inspired to form the non-profit Friends of the Mill Group to restore the site's original glory. The mill itself is now back in operating condition, and the group's ultimate goal is to create a historic village, preserving tradition for future generations. Visit the website for hours as well as the schedule of fundraisers, trade fairs, and other events.
Bear's Mill
6450 Arcanum-Bears Mill Rd., Greenville, OH 45331
While the name may sound like a wildlife sanctuary, Bear's Mill is named for Gabriel Baer, the man who constructed the building in 1849. Incredibly, the framework consists of hand-hewn timber beams that are close to 50 feet long without a single splice. But this still-functioning grist mill is about more than commerce. It also houses the Clark Gallery, a space devoted to showcasing a rotating selection of works from local artists, including pottery made by Bear's Mill potters. Admission is free. Hours are 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 1 – 5 p.m. Sunday.
Gaston's Mill
12021 Echo Dell Rd., East Liverpool, OH 43920
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Travel back in time with a visit to Pioneer Village at Beaver Creek State Park. In addition to Gaston's Mill, a fully restored grist mill dating back to 1837, the village is home to a blacksmith shop, chapel, schoolhouse, and a canal-era lock, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Beaver Creek State Park and Pioneer Village are open to the public daily at no charge, while Gaston's Mill may be viewed in operation on select weekends during the summer.
Bieber Mill
4919 Chapman Rd., #4801, Delaware, OH 43015
Tucked away on the banks of the Olentangy River, the ruins of the Bieber Mill might resemble one of the castles from Game of Thrones. In 1848, only a few years after its construction, George Bieber and his son James purchased the original wooden grist mill. James later built a towering stone mill, but lost ownership when he couldn't afford to run the business. Sadly, a fire in the early 1900s destroyed the frame mill and part of the stone mill. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources currently owns the property. They have stabilized the remains and hope to obtain financing for a complete restoration. In the meantime, Bieber Mill's beauty still shines through, making it a popular spot for sightseers and photographers.
Rock Mill
1429 Rockmill Pl. NW, Lancaster, OH 43130
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The current Rock Mill, which is the stunning centerpiece of Stebelton Park, is actually the third structure to bear the name. In the mid-2000s, the building underwent a major restoration, including the creation of a 26-foot all-wood waterwheel, which is the largest one in the state. Across from the waterwheel is a breathtaking 14-foot waterfall, where the Hocking River flows through the gorge. A quaint white covered bridge completes the nostalgic scene. The park is open daily from dawn until dusk, while tours of the mill are offered from noon - 4 p.m. each weekend from May through October.
Sauder Village
22611 State Route 2, Archbold, OH 43502
If a history book came to life, it would be Sauder Village. Back in 1976, Erie Sauder built his namesake village as a living tribute to the pioneering spirit that shaped Ohio. Among the 75 historic structures and 50,000 artifacts is a working grist mill, which is used to grind corn into meal for their cooking demonstrations. Visitors also get a chance to try their hand at grinding corn with stones and replicate the method used by Native Americans. Other points of interest include Erie's Farm Shop and the Cabinet Shop, where you can learn more about Erie's other legacy, Sauder Woodworking. Sauder Village opens for the season on May 6. Visit the website for information about hours and admission prices.
Garrett's Mill & Brewing Company
8148 Main St., Garrettsville, OH 44231
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"Reuse, repurpose, recycle" is today's mantra of environmental awareness, and it's clearly what owners Shelli and Brian Buchanan had in mind when they founded Garrett's Mill & Brewing Company. When it was constructed in 1804, Garrett's Mill served a radius of 20 miles, leading to the development of the town that bears the same name. Shelli and John kept the essence of the mill in creating their brewery and gastropub. In addition to inventive house brews such as Garrett's Gold and Ma Barker Birch Beer, the restaurant serves elevated pub fare. Signature dishes include the "Brewben," with bratwurst subbing for corned beef, and BBQ chicken gouda mac. Hours are noon - 8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, noon - 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon - 7 p.m. Sunday.
Down by the Old Mill Stream
Grist mills produce flour, which is the foundation for many of our favorite foods. Donuts, cakes, bread, pie ... what's number one on your list of baked goods?
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