4 Destinations for Winter Travel in Ohio

Standing Rock Farms (pictured above)
Experience the magic of winter at Standing Rock Farms, located in Madison in the heart of the Grand River Valley, where glowing sunsets, snow-dusted fields and cozy moments bring families together. With 12 unique lodging options, from spacious homes for multigenerational trips to charming cabins for intimate getaways, visitors will find the perfect retreat to suit every family.

Wake up to crisp winter mornings, sip coffee on a quiet porch while taking in the quiet serenity of the countryside or enjoy breakfast before exploring the property’s more than 450 acres. Roam through scenic pastures and say hello to the fluffy, friendly Highland cattle. Wander the walking trails, including the Historic White Trail and the famous Mill Creek, which takes hikers through the breadth of natural beauty found at Standing Rock Farm.

After a long day of exploring the property, surrounding area wineries and other seasonal attractions throughout the Grand River Valley, visitors can unwind in the wood-fire heated outdoor sauna for a simple, soothing end to the day or head inside to relax with movies, puzzles or family games.

Visitors will find that a visit to Standing Rock Farms during the winter months isn’t just a getaway, it’s a chance to reconnect, unwind and make memories that last long after the snow melts. For more information, visit standingrockfarms.com.

Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District
Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District’s lakes and forests are the perfect setting for outdoor adventure all year long, including during the winter months. Year-round cabins and camping options make it easy to enjoy the region’s natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere. When colder weather settles in, the lakes and surrounding parks transform into quiet, snow-draped landscapes that invite exploration and offer a refreshing escape.

Across 10 picturesque lakes nestled in southeastern Ohio, winter recreation opportunities abound. Visitors can enjoy scenic hikes, cross-country skiing, ice fishing and snowshoeing along forested trails. Bring your own skis and snowshoes or take part in pop-up snowshoe programs offered when snowfall reaches three inches or more.

Warm up after your outdoor adventure with a cozy winter cabin getaway. Choose from luxury log cabins with private hot tubs at Pleasant Hill Lake or stay in cozy vacation cabins at Atwood and Clendening lakes, each offering the comforts of home with easy access to the outdoors. For those eager to embrace the crisp winter air, several MWCD parks offer winter camping with frost-free sites for added adventure.

Whether you’re seeking a family-friendly outing, a peaceful retreat for two, or a new cold-weather adventure, MWCD is the perfect destination to explore, unwind and make lasting memories. For more information and to plan your next winter escape, visit MWCD.org.

Shores & Islands Ohio 
Winter cabin fever will surely have you wanting to get out, but colder weather may have you looking for indoor activities. Why not try a taste of regional flavor? You can do so by visiting breweries, cideries, wineries and distilleries throughout the coastal region between Cleveland and Toledo known as Shores & Islands Ohio.

But how do you manage to find them all, let alone plan a visit to each one? Explore what the region has to offer along the Shores & Islands Cheers Trail, which provides a fun way to locate local craft beverage makers, as well as an easy-to-use guide to help you taste your way through the region.

The Cheers Trail makes it simple to find brews, ciders and cocktails made with local ingredients. Available as a free, exclusive mobile pass experience, the Cheers Trail takes you across more than 25 of the best brewers, distillers and winemakers that Ohio has to offer. Using your mobile pass, check in while visiting participating businesses and earn points toward exciting prizes that can be redeemed at Shores & Islands Ohio welcome centers. 

Good food, good drink and good company with the Shores & Islands Ohio Cheers Trail will make your getaway one to remember. To get started and sign up for your mobile pass, visit shoresandislands.com/things-to-do/trails.

Hocking Hills
A winter visit to the Hocking Hills is a magical experience and offers a departure from the busy season. Winter reveals the region’s soft seasonal beauty, transforming its famous landscapes into quiet, frost-touched sanctuaries. The waterfalls at Old Man’s Cave, Cedar Falls and Ash Cave form delicate ice sculptures, creating scenes that feel straight out of another world. Long-range views and the soft winter light that filters through the hills gives photographers and nature lovers endless inspiration.

The quieter months also mean more solitude on the trails. Popular routes that buzz with activity in summer become tranquil paths where visitors can move at their own pace, listen to the hush of the forest and experience the parks with fewer distractions. While winter hiking requires proper layers and traction — especially after snowfall — the reward is a deeper sense of connection to the landscape.

Cozy lodging enhances the seasonal charm. Cabins with fireplaces and hot tubs provide a warm retreat after a day outdoors. Indoor attractions, including locally owned eateries, wineries, distilleries, breweries and wellness spas, add comfort and variety to a cold-weather getaway. The John Glenn Astronomy Center provides spectacular star shows in the clear winter night sky.

Whether you’re seeking serene hiking, romantic seclusion or a restorative break after the holidays, January and February in the Hocking Hills deliver a uniquely calm, scenic and rejuvenating escape. For more information, visit explorehockinghills.com.