Rock Creek Ohio
ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Rock Creek is a village located in Ashtabula County, Ohio. Listed below are the best attractions and things to do in Rock Creek.
1. Paradise Bay
WATERFRONT DINING | ROCK CREEK OH
Paradise Bay is a waterfront bar and grille offering a relaxed dining experience. The restaurant features multi-level decks for outdoor waterfront dining with stunning sunset views. Guests can enjoy a menu of pizzas, ribs, burgers, steaks, and daily food and drink specials. Paradise Bay provides a laid-back atmosphere reminiscent of Florida Keys establishments, where patrons from all walks of life can mingle and enjoy great food.
2. The Pasta Oven
ITALIAN RESTAURANT | ROCK CREEK OH
The Pasta Oven is a local Italian restaurant specializing in pasta dishes and comfort food. The menu features a variety of appetizers, hot subs, wraps, and specialty pizzas. Diners can enjoy classic Italian fare as well as American favorites like burgers and sandwiches. The restaurant offers both dine-in and carryout options, making it a convenient choice for locals and visitors alike.
3. Rock Creek Pizza Shoppe
LOCAL PIZZERIA | ROCK CREEK OH
Rock Creek Pizza Shoppe is a family-owned pizzeria offering delicious pizzas made with fresh ingredients. The restaurant prides itself on superior customer service and treats every customer like family. Rock Creek Pizza Shoppe provides easy, tasty dinners at great prices, with extended hours on weekends for late-night cravings. The pizzeria specializes in carryout service, making it a convenient option for quick meals.
4. The Great Lakes Medieval Faire
RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL | ROCK CREEK OH
The Great Lakes Medieval Faire is a shaded, 13th-century themed family fun park held annually. The faire features continuous entertainment, juried crafts and artisans, interactive games, and period-appropriate food. Visitors can enjoy demonstrations by craftspeople, try their hand at archery or axe-throwing, and watch knights battle for the Queen's favor. The event runs for seven weekends from early July to mid-August, offering a unique step back in time.
5. Walnut Beach Park
LAKEFRONT RECREATION | ASHTABULA OH
Walnut Beach Park is a 28-acre lakefront park offering a variety of recreational amenities. The park features a 1,112-foot swimming beach with a bathhouse and a handicapped-accessible beach-level boardwalk. Visitors can enjoy picnic shelters, playground equipment, sports courts, and a wildlife preserve. The park also serves as the northern terminus of Ashtabula's North Shore Trail, connecting to the Western Reserve Greenway.
6. Lake Erie
GREAT LAKE | ASHTABULA COUNTY OH
Lake Erie is the fourth-largest of the five Great Lakes of North America, offering 28 miles of shoreline in Ashtabula County. The lake provides numerous recreational opportunities including swimming, boating, fishing, and beach activities. Visitors can enjoy scenic views, beautiful sunsets, and a variety of water sports along the coast. Lake Erie's shores in Ashtabula County feature several parks, beaches, and marinas for public access and enjoyment.
7. Historic Ashtabula Harbor
HISTORIC WATERFRONT | ASHTABULA OH
Historic Ashtabula Harbor is a charming district showcasing the city's maritime heritage. The area features late 19th-century commercial buildings, many of which now house shops, restaurants, and galleries. Visitors can explore the Ashtabula Maritime Museum, enjoy waterfront dining, and take in views of the Ashtabula River and Lake Erie. The district is home to the unique Ashtabula Harbor Life Bridge, a bascule-style lift bridge built in 1925.
8. Ashtabula Lighthouse
HISTORIC LIGHTHOUSE | ASHTABULA OH
Ashtabula Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse located at the end of Ashtabula Harbor's north breakwater. Built in 1905 and moved to its current location in 1915, the lighthouse stands as a testament to the area's maritime history. The structure features a rectangular house with a central cylindrical tower, painted white with a red roof and green trim. While not open for public tours, the lighthouse can be viewed from Walnut Beach Park and remains an active aid to navigation.
9. Covered Bridge Tour
SCENIC DRIVE | ASHTABULA COUNTY OH
The Ashtabula County Covered Bridge Tour showcases 19 historic covered bridges along a 67-mile scenic drive. This self-guided tour allows visitors to explore the county's rich architectural heritage and picturesque countryside. The bridges vary in size and style, with some dating back to the 19th century. Highlights include the Smolen-Gulf Bridge, the longest covered bridge in the United States, and the shortest covered bridge in the country, the West Liberty Street Bridge.
10. Ashtabula Arts Center
CULTURAL VENUE | ASHTABULA OH
The Ashtabula Arts Center is a multi-arts nonprofit organization offering year-round programming in theater, dance, music, and visual arts. The center features both indoor and outdoor performance spaces, including the 13th Street Theatre and Straw Hat Theatre. Visitors can enjoy theatrical productions, art exhibitions, dance performances, and summer concerts on the lawn. The Arts Center also offers workshops and classes, making it a hub for cultural enrichment in the community.
11. Indian Trails Park
SCENIC RIVERSIDE PARK | ASHTABULA OH
Indian Trails Park is a picturesque riverside park offering scenic views of the Ashtabula River. The park features a network of hiking trails that wind through lush forests and along the riverbank. Visitors can enjoy fishing, picnicking, and wildlife watching in this tranquil natural setting. The park also includes a playground area for children and several benches for relaxation.
12. Grand River Canoe Livery
RIVER ADVENTURE OUTFITTER | ROCK CREEK OH
Grand River Canoe Livery is a family-owned business providing river adventure experiences since 1966. They offer canoe and kayak rentals for scenic trips along the beautiful Grand River in northeast Ohio. Visitors can enjoy activities such as fossil hunting, fishing, and wildlife observation during their river journey. The livery also offers special trips, including overnight stays in a Native American Tipi, and welcomes large groups.
13. Western Reserve Greenway Trail
SCENIC TRAIL | ASHTABULA COUNTY OH
The Western Reserve Greenway Trail is a 41-mile paved rail trail stretching through Ashtabula and Trumbull counties. The trail offers a scenic route through rural landscapes, farms, and wooded areas, with a thick tree canopy providing shade. Visitors can enjoy activities such as biking, hiking, rollerblading, and cross-country skiing, depending on the season. The trail features benches, well-marked intersections, and interpretive signs detailing the history of the Underground Railroad in Ashtabula County.
14. Laurello Vineyards
BOUTIQUE WINERY EXPERIENCE | GENEVA OH
Laurello Vineyards is a boutique winery nestled in the heart of the Grand River Valley. They specialize in creating Old World-inspired blends and single-varietal wines using Northeast Ohio-grown grapes. The winery offers a diverse selection, including off-dry Riesling, Pinot Grigio, and award-winning ice wines. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, participate in their wine loyalty program, and purchase wines online with curbside pickup or shipping options within Ohio.
15. Morgan Swamp Nature Preserve
WETLAND WILDLIFE SANCTUARY | ROCK CREEK OH
Morgan Swamp Nature Preserve is a 1,400-acre protected forested wetland, one of the largest in Ohio. The preserve is home to diverse ecosystems including swamps, bogs, beaver ponds, and vernal pools, supporting a rich variety of plant and animal life. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, fishing, and river access, with two separate areas open to the public. The preserve offers year-round access from dawn to dusk, with wheelchair accessibility available in the northern section.
16. Day Dream Farm Winery
FAMILY-OWNED ESTABLISHMENT | ROCK CREEK OH
Day Dream Farm Winery is a family-owned establishment offering a diverse collection of handcrafted wines. Visitors can enjoy tastings of both mead (honey wine) and traditional grape wines in a rustic tasting room or on a serene backyard patio. The winery features live music and food trucks every weekend, enhancing the guest experience. Their wine selection includes varieties such as Riesling, Chardonnay, and unique blends, as well as traditional and fruit meads.
17. Smolen Gulf Covered Bridge
RECORD-BREAKING BRIDGE | ASHTABULA COUNTY OH
The Smolen Gulf Covered Bridge is the longest covered bridge in the United States, spanning 613 feet across the Ashtabula River. Constructed in 2008, the bridge features walkways on both sides and can accommodate two lanes of legal-weight traffic. The structure is built with massive pieces of Douglas fir or yellow pine, with hemlock or yellow poplar siding. Visitors can enjoy scenic views from the bridge, which rises 93 feet above the river, and explore the nearby visitors' pavilion added in 2010.
18. Ashtabula County Antique Engine Club
VINTAGE MACHINERY | WILLIAMSFIELD OH
The Ashtabula County Antique Engine Club hosts annual events showcasing vintage machinery and engines. Their flagship event, the Big Show, features displays, food vendors, flea markets, crafts, and museums. The club organizes various activities throughout the year, including garden tractor pulls and special themed shows. Members and visitors can participate in monthly meetings, work days, and enjoy the club's extensive grounds which include multiple facilities for events and displays.
19. Ashtabula County Covered Bridge Festival
BRIDGE CELEBRATION | ASHTABULA COUNTY OH
The Ashtabula County Covered Bridge Festival is an annual event celebrating the county's historic covered bridges. The festival features local food, crafts, live entertainment, and activities for all ages at the Ashtabula County Fairgrounds. Visitors can explore 19 historic covered bridges through scenic driving tours, with additional activities at many bridge locations. The event showcases Ashtabula County's rich heritage, including the longest and shortest covered bridges in the United States.
20. Lights on the Lake
HOLIDAY LIGHTS | ASHTABULA COUNTY OH
Lights on the Lake is a spectacular holiday light display at Lakeshore Park in Ashtabula. The event features over 70 professional light displays spread across 54 acres of rolling hills with Lake Erie as a backdrop. Visitors can enjoy a driving tour through the illuminated park, creating memorable family experiences during the holiday season. The event runs from late November through December, with special hours on select dates and affordable admission prices.
21. Conneaut Township Park
COMMUNITY RECREATIONAL PARK | CONNEAUT OH
Conneaut Township Park is a community recreational area offering various amenities for local residents and visitors. The park typically features playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic areas, providing a space for family gatherings and outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy walking trails, fishing spots, and scenic views depending on the park's layout. The park often hosts community events and sports leagues throughout the year.
22. Ashtabula County Metroparks
PARK SYSTEM | ASHTABULA COUNTY OH
Ashtabula County Metroparks is an extensive park system featuring over 45 miles of trails and numerous parks across the county. The parks offer activities such as birding, fishing, hiking, picnicking, kayaking, cycling, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. Visitors can explore diverse landscapes, including forests and wetlands, and enjoy scenic views of Lake Erie. The system includes several unique parks like Red Brook Metropark, which offers hiking trails and wildlife habitats.
23. Geneva State Park
LAKE ERIE BEACH RESORT | GENEVA OH
Geneva State Park is a scenic resort located on the shores of Lake Erie, offering stunning views and diverse ecosystems. The park features a natural beach, freshwater marshes, and mature woodlots, with rare plant species found along its shores. Visitors can enjoy overnight accommodations in a lodge or cabins, and engage in activities like hiking, fishing, and birdwatching. The park's unique geology reflects its varied history, having been both underwater and miles from the lake in the past.
24. Pymatuning State Park
LARGE RECREATIONAL PARK | ANDOVER OH
Pymatuning State Park is a large recreational area known for its excellent fishing opportunities and family-friendly facilities. The park features a swim beach, multiple playgrounds, and a dock for fishing and boating. Visitors can enjoy spacious campsites with picnic tables and fire rings, as well as a camp store for basic supplies. The park offers scenic views and opportunities for biking and wildlife observation.
25. Ashtabula County Historical Society Museum
LOCAL HISTORY PRESERVATION | JEFFERSON OH
The Ashtabula County Historical Society Museum is dedicated to preserving local history through exhibits and educational programs. The society operates several historical sites, including the Giddings Law Office and the Blakeslee Log Cabin, which serve as educational centers. Visitors can explore exhibits on local history topics during summer months and participate in special events like the Heritage Homes Tour. The museum also provides research facilities by appointment.