25 Thing to Do When the Thrill is Gone
Sorry, Cedar Point but some people are just not that into you. Or maybe after a day of roller coasting, they’re just ready for something else.
Last week, we put Hayley, our Main Street intern on the hunt for other activities and attractions in and around Vermilion to satisfy when you’re in adventure mode. Put a few together and you’ll have a day of fun. Add more and make it a weekend or a week’s worth of activities, destinations or places to explore in and close to Vermilion. Some are hidden gems....others have been right under your nose! Happy discovering!
First, let’s just agree that these destinations are sidebars to what’s happening right here in Vermilion. Click here to find out what’s you can do on or near the water and throughout the community,
Vermilion
Brown’s Lake Road Cemetery
Liberty Avenue just west of Baumhart Road, 8 minutes from downtown
Once referred to as “The Forgotten Cemetery.” Through years of dedication and many challenges, the cemetery was reclaimed and the BHA has re-established its honor and historical significance. It’s named after Col. Henry Brown, founder of Brownhelm. There’s also a Revolutionary War Soldier buried here.217 Woodside Avenue, Vermilion, 7 minutes from downtown
This place is truly a hidden gem. It is a small, secluded park tucked away just beyond Showse Park. Stop here if you want to meditate, lake watch or simply relax!·Vermilion Skatepark
5355 Devon Drive, 2 minutes from downtown Vermilion
Our skatepark is the perfect spot to meet up with friends and skate! It is accessible for those who have bikes and skateboards. Located 2 minutes from downtown Vermilion.Mill Hollow/Bacon Woods Park
51211 North Ridge Road, 10 minutes from downtown Vermilion
Located right on the Vermilion River, this park is another great place for family picnics and nature lovers (it is pet friendly as well). Mill Hollow is on one side of the river, and Bacon Woods on the other. Other highlights include Picknicker’s Paradise, The Carriage Barn & Museum, Disc Golf, and the Vermilion-Lorain Water Trail. A “Summer Concert” series is also offered every Sunday evening.Vermilion History Museum
727 Grand Street in the heart of downtown Vermilion
Vermilion is not short of an interesting history. In fact, the history museum stands where the Vermilion News (Vermilion’s first newspaper) once did. Here you will see not one, but two linotypes (our museum is the only museum in the nation to house two linotypes)! Upstairs, you will see a faithful replication of an early 1900’s home. If you are into learning about early newspapers or want to learn more about Vermilion, the History Museum is the place for you! Groups and buses are welcome.Ritter Public Library
5680 Liberty Avenue, in the heart of downtown Vermilion
Did you know you can borrow specialty items from Ritter Public Library? Look for birding kits with binoculars, folding table and benches, even a Go-Pro camera, fishing poles, bug collecting kicks, kites and other things that add to your vacation…without packing it in your car.
Birmingham
Schoepfle Garden
11106 Market Road, 11 minutes from downtown Vermilion
This 70-acre botanical garden is a must-see for flower and tree enthusiasts! The garden has rhododendrons, roses, cannas, hosta, shade plants and a variety of shrubs, topiaries, and trees. Natural woodland also borders one side of the Vermilion River if you would prefer to take a walk through the woods. You can go either on a guided tour or at your own pace!
Amherst
Amherst HealthPlex on Hollstein Reservation
47160 Hollstein Road, Amherst, 13 minutes from downtown Vermilion
A place oriented toward physical fitness, the facility is open to members and non-members; it is also a Silver Sneakers facility! Amenities include an eight-lane swimming pool, therapy pool, indoor walking track, workout facility, splash pad, inclusive playground, and meeting rooms.Back Roads &Beaches Bike Route
8025 Leavitt Road, Amherst, 18 minutes from downtown Vermilion
Perfect for outdoor lovers! This multisport route provides the lowest traffic cycling through Ohio’s rolling landscape. You can also kayak, hike and mountain bike. For non-sports lovers, Underground Railroad history, healthy food stops, and wineries will prove to be tempting!
Wakeman
Riverdog Music
13818 Gore Orphanage Road, Wakeman, 18 minutes from downtown Vermilion
A wonderful place to hear Americana and folk music with unique twists! Bring your own seating, food, and drink...and favorite people! Pet the pooches when you’re there.
Oberlin
Allen Memorial Art Museum
87 North Main Street, Oberlin, 23 minutes from downtown Vermilion
Located on Oberlin College’s campus, this museum has been recognized as one of the best academic art museums in the nation. Come enjoy 6,000 years of art from a variety of cultures. An access ramp is located on the north side of the museum (through the courtyard tunnel on Lorain Street), and service animals are welcome. Admission is free.Oberlin Heritage Center
20 West Vine Street, Oberlin 25 minutes from downtown Vermilion
Find out about Oberlin’s history and its interesting characters here! Take a walking tour of the Monroe House and the Little Red Schoolhouse. History walks are also available (topics include Oberlin’s leadership in race relations and women’s history).57 Rosa Street, Oberlin, 21 minutes from downtown Vermilion
This beautiful park has everything that you can ask for. It is family and pet-friendly, has a lot of trash cans, and it houses a well-loved bike/walking trail! The trail is part of the North Coast Inland Bike Trail, a route that stretches across northern Ohio.Common Ground Canopy Tours
14240 Baird Road, Oberlin, 18 minutes from downtown Vermilion
Looking to do something different? If you are into ziplining, Common Ground is where you can get high...tree climbing is also available!
Huron
1 Nickel Plate Drive, Huron, 16 minutes from downtown Vermilion
An expansive, sandy beach with scenic views of Lake Erie sunrises, sunsets, and the Huron Lighthouse (bring your camera for some sweet shots). No lifeguard on duty, swim at your own risk.Lake Front Park & Beach
310 Park Street, Huron, 19 minutes from downtown Vermilion
A swimming beach with picnic tables, grills, a play area, gazebo, restrooms and fishing available. Leashed dogs are permitted.9009 Huron Avery Road, Huron, 19 minutes from downtown Vermilion
This is the home of Farmer Lee Jones, a bestselling author and pioneer of the sustainable agriculture movement. Come check out the best of the season’s vegetables (examples include English peas, squash, and zucchini). You can also choose to have his products shipped to your residence!Osborn Park
3910 Perkins Avenue, Huron, 21 minutes from downtown Vermilion
nce the home of the Osborn Prison Honor farm, this family-friendly park includes two playgrounds, a 2-acre dog park, three picnic shelters, a facility with restrooms and two meeting rooms and a Children’s Forest in the back. Soccer fields, disc golf and tennis courts are also available.Sawmill Creek
200 Sawmill Creek Drive West, Huron, 17 minutes from downtown Vermilion
A state of the art golf course awaits to challenge amateur and professional players alike. The Tom Fazio-designed golf course provides natural scenery unlike any other. If you’re more of a shopper, Sawmill Creek also has shops enclosed in a beautifully restored barn that was built in 1887, as well as a marina!Sheldon Marsh State Nature Preserve
2715 Cleveland Road West, Huron, 17 minutes from downtown VermilionThis area, with its contiguous wetlands, comprises some of the last undeveloped stretches of shoreline in the Sandusky Bay region. Known to attract nearly 300 bird species and wildflowers, spring is one of the best times to visit! Summer brings great blue herons, red-tailed hawks, woodcocks, great horned owls, wood ducks and numerous songbirds.Old Woman Creek
2514 Cleveland Road East, Huron, 1 minutes from downtown Vermilion
A 574-acre park, which has an estuary as a centerpiece that includes eagles’ nest. Walk on the barrier beach and enjoy the waves. Kayaking is also available by appointment.
Sandusky
Sandusky Segwave
107 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky, 31 minutes from downtown Vermilion
Learn about registered historic sights, local attractions, city parks, bike paths and well-groomed gardens as you gain a new perspective!Cedar Point Lighthouse
1 Cedar Point Drive, Sandusky, 31 minutes from downtown Vermilion
This 38-foot lighthouse was built in 1862. The light, which was used for navigation until 1909, is located atop the lighthouse keeper’s six-room limestone home at the top of the Cedar Point peninsula. Lighthouse Point was voted one of the 9 most beautiful RV Campgrounds in the U.S. by Travel and Leisure Magazine.Jackson Street Pier
233 W Shoreline Drive, Sandusky, 32 minutes from downtown Vermilion
A relaxing place to view Lake Erie. Bring your sweetheart, family or pets and treat yourself to a view of Cedar Point.Merry-Go-Round Museum
301 Jackson Street, Sandusky, 32 minutes from downtown Vermilion
Go to the Merry-Go-Round Museum for an interesting twist on your typical antique road tour. Features a vintage working carousel, a collection of carved animals and a gift shop.