Winter weather arrives with mixed emotions here in Cleveland. While it’s closely tied with seasonal festivities and the first snowy days make the city feel like it was pulled straight from a fairytale, the unrelenting cold and cloudy skies start to wear us down. While we were delighted by the idea of curling up on the couch with a warm blanket and a mug of cocoa just a few months ago, the monotony of the season has settled in and we’re feeling cabin fever coming on. The winter blues can be consuming, but don’t allow yourself to be trapped indoors – be it at home or at a boring spot like the mall – when Cleveland has so many epic wintertime activities to make this season a blast.
- Build a snowman at Squire’s Castle.
Tim Evanson/Flickr Do you wanna build a snowman? You and the kids will feel like you’re in a fairy tale at this castle in North Chagrin Reservation. Squire’s Castle was constructed in the 1890s, but its interior has been hallowed out and opened to the public. Bundle up - it can be a bit of a wind tunnel! It’s well worth it to spend a day in a storybook setting, however.
- Celebrate a second Christmas at a year-round Christmas shoppe.
Tis the Season Christmas Shoppe/Facebook The pleasures of holiday gift giving never have to end at this year-round shop in Amish Country. Located in Millersburg, ’Tis the Season Christmas Shoppe is always a winter wonderland. No matter the time of year, its 20,000-square-foot campus is always decorated in gorgeous fairy lights and dreamy trees.
- Go snow tubing in Cuyahoga Valley.
Boston Mills / Brandywine / Alpine Valley Ski Resorts/Facebook Gorgeous and frigid, the snowy landscapes at Brandywine and Alpine Valley become a haven for winter sports enthusiasts. Skiers and snowboarders are hooked to these lovely sites, but visitors of all ages love tubing here too. You can find more information about this family-friendly activity here.
- Go ice skating at Public Square.
Erik Drost/Flickr Downtown Cleveland is something of a winter wonderland. This year, the ice rink is open through February 28th and is arguably the coolest destination in Cleveland. This outdoor rink is surrounded by historic beauty, even though it’s still a new attraction. You can buy tickets here.
- Take a hike through history at Deep Lock Quarry Metro Park.
Google/Jon Slayton The historic Ohio & Erie Canal connected the region like never before at the height of its operation, and the deepest lock in the entire system is still accessible along Quarry Trail at Deep Lock Quarry Metro Park. Remnants of this former quarry are evident all along the hike, offering an unrivaled glimpse back in time at the region’s former economic life.
- Visit the ice gardens of Lake Erie.
Jen Goellnitz/Flickr As Lake Erie churns and splashes under the force of winter winds, the landscape seems to become that of an alien planet. Debris on the shoreline becomes strange ice structures, which are typically visible through mid to late spring.
- Fly down the ice chutes at Hinckley Reservation.
Cleveland Metroparks/Facebook As the southernmost Cleveland Metropark, one might think that Hinckley Reservation is somewhat forgettable. The truth, of course, is that it’s a small but mighty park. It’s full of interesting hiking opportunities, but The Chalet attracts thousands to their ice chutes each year. These frosty toboggan chutes are family friendly, and all ages adore a visit. For more information, click here.
- Embark on a winter waterfall road trip.
Jeff Burcher/Flickr Need some incentive to brave the cold? Greater Cleveland’s gorgeous waterfalls become natural ice sculptures each winter. Some are accessible with very little hiking, but all are well worth the trek to their scenic and icy beauty.
- Take a train ride through the national park.
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad/Facebook The only national park in the state is located super close to Cleveland, and locals can’t help but take advantage of it. Clevelanders love to hike this site all year round, but many still have yet to take a ride on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. You’ll find all sorts of upcoming rides on their calendar of events, many of which come with a theme to bring you more fun than you can imagine.
Wintertime is anything but boring in Greater Cleveland. Which of these wintertime activities are you most excited to check out?
Tim Evanson/Flickr
Do you wanna build a snowman? You and the kids will feel like you’re in a fairy tale at this castle in North Chagrin Reservation. Squire’s Castle was constructed in the 1890s, but its interior has been hallowed out and opened to the public. Bundle up - it can be a bit of a wind tunnel! It’s well worth it to spend a day in a storybook setting, however.
Tis the Season Christmas Shoppe/Facebook
The pleasures of holiday gift giving never have to end at this year-round shop in Amish Country. Located in Millersburg, ’Tis the Season Christmas Shoppe is always a winter wonderland. No matter the time of year, its 20,000-square-foot campus is always decorated in gorgeous fairy lights and dreamy trees.
Boston Mills / Brandywine / Alpine Valley Ski Resorts/Facebook
Gorgeous and frigid, the snowy landscapes at Brandywine and Alpine Valley become a haven for winter sports enthusiasts. Skiers and snowboarders are hooked to these lovely sites, but visitors of all ages love tubing here too. You can find more information about this family-friendly activity here.
Erik Drost/Flickr
Downtown Cleveland is something of a winter wonderland. This year, the ice rink is open through February 28th and is arguably the coolest destination in Cleveland. This outdoor rink is surrounded by historic beauty, even though it’s still a new attraction. You can buy tickets here.
Google/Jon Slayton
The historic Ohio & Erie Canal connected the region like never before at the height of its operation, and the deepest lock in the entire system is still accessible along Quarry Trail at Deep Lock Quarry Metro Park. Remnants of this former quarry are evident all along the hike, offering an unrivaled glimpse back in time at the region’s former economic life.
Jen Goellnitz/Flickr
As Lake Erie churns and splashes under the force of winter winds, the landscape seems to become that of an alien planet. Debris on the shoreline becomes strange ice structures, which are typically visible through mid to late spring.
Cleveland Metroparks/Facebook
As the southernmost Cleveland Metropark, one might think that Hinckley Reservation is somewhat forgettable. The truth, of course, is that it’s a small but mighty park. It’s full of interesting hiking opportunities, but The Chalet attracts thousands to their ice chutes each year. These frosty toboggan chutes are family friendly, and all ages adore a visit. For more information, click here.
Jeff Burcher/Flickr
Need some incentive to brave the cold? Greater Cleveland’s gorgeous waterfalls become natural ice sculptures each winter. Some are accessible with very little hiking, but all are well worth the trek to their scenic and icy beauty.
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad/Facebook
The only national park in the state is located super close to Cleveland, and locals can’t help but take advantage of it. Clevelanders love to hike this site all year round, but many still have yet to take a ride on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. You’ll find all sorts of upcoming rides on their calendar of events, many of which come with a theme to bring you more fun than you can imagine.
Are you new to Cleveland? You’ll appreciate this list of things nobody tells you about winter in Cleveland.
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