Conveniently located off of Exit 33, Portage County boasts a variety of attractions that will intrigue all visitors.
Take time to enjoy some of the many State Parks or one of the lively festivals and concerts, crafts or farmers’ markets, and wineries this summer. Spend the day shopping at one of the local antique stores and enjoy some culture at the unique art galleries. History buffs are catered to at a myriad of well-preserved museums in the area.
The welcoming community of Portage County is ready to greet every visitor with a friendly smile this summer. Read on to discover some of the best attractions you’ll find in Portage County, and make the most of your visit to Ohio.
The 29 Most Popular Things To Do In Portage County, Ohio
29. Mantua Bog State Nature Preserve
3.5 (2 reviews)
This protected wetland is home to beautiful scenery and wildlife. It encompasses three different types of wetland in the same area; cattail marshes, boreal bog, and swamp forest. Because these wetlands are so sensitive, visitors require a special permit to enter.
Credit: Josh Horsfall, Google Maps
Location: Mantua OH
28. Michael J Kirwan Reservoir
3.0 (3 reviews)
This attraction’s primary purpose is to provide flood protection for the surrounding areas. It can also provides downstream relief during dry periods. It can strengthen the Mahoning River as needed.
Credit: Roseohioresident, License, Wikimedia commons
27. Aurora Historical Society
4.0 (3 reviews)
This society is entirely dedicated to preserving the local history. There are many exhibits and artifacts to see that are one of a kind, many of which are on loan from members. They host special exhibits, field trips, and lectures for locals and visitors alike.
Credit: Andrew Komyati Historical Headlines, Google Maps
Location: 115 E Pioneer Trail Aurora OH
Tel: 330 995 3336
Web Address: http://aurorahistorical.org/
26. Portage County Historical Society
4.5 (8 reviews)
Another site that is dedicated to preserving the local history is the Portage County Historical Society. The original purpose of this society was education. There is also a large push for research through the research library. They are open to the public, private groups, and schools.
Location: 6549 N Chestnut Street Ravenna OH
Tel: 330 296 3523
Web Address: https://pchsohio.org/
25. Kent Historical Society
4.8 (10 reviews)
This historical society is dedicated not only to historical sites but also to the natural habitats and flora of Ohio. There are some exhibits that are permanent and others that are seasonal or date-bound. Also keep an eye on their calendar for the time you are visiting so that you can prepare for any special events.
Credit: Travis Brant, Google Maps
Location: 237 E Main Street Kent OH
Tel: 330 678 2712
Web Address: https://kentohiohistory.org/
24. Kelso House Museum
4.8 (12 reviews)
There are five rooms of exhibits that are open to the public, while some parts of the museum can only be viewed by appointment.
Credit: matthew campbell, Google Maps
Location: 4158 OH 43 Kent OH
Tel: 330 673 1058
23. LaPorte Winery
4.9 (12 reviews)
The winemaker at LaPorte Winery has over 25 years experience making boutique wine. All of their wines are handcrafted.
Credit: Kevin Barnard, Google Maps
Location: 10655 Williams Road Diamond OH
Tel: 330 618 5477
22. Sunny Lake
4.7 (31 reviews)
This lake attraction has a special park for dogs, a playgrounds, several nature trails, a multi-purpose walk, bike, and running track, a memorial tree garden, a boat house with several different kinds of boats to rent, the lake is completely open to fishermen, there are pavilions, public restrooms, and sports fields.
Credit: Rick Pollack, Google Maps
21. J. Arthur Herrick Fen Nature Preserve
4.7 (36 reviews)
This is one of the very last boreal fens in Ohio. There are two separate fen communities thanks to the rich clay and silt. The only native Ohio conifer trees also grow here. It is a great place for nature photography, wildlife watching, bird watching, and hiking.
Credit: J. Arthur Herrick Fen Nature Preserve, Google Maps
Location: 8260 Seasons Road Stsboro OH
Tel: 614 717 2770
Web Address: https://nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/places-we-protect/herrick-fen-nature-preserve/
20. Cana Valley Winery
4.6 (39 reviews)
This winery operates on a slightly higher scale and includes a restaurant on-site that serves delicious food.
Location: 5665 Waterloo Road Atwater OH
Tel: 330 596 3017
Web Address: http://canavalleywinery.com/
19. Shaw Woods Park
4.7 (39 reviews)
This is the perfect place for outdoor adventures like primitive camping. There are picnic facilities, horseback riding, hiking, and cross-country skiing. The restrooms on-site are open to the public but do not have flush toilets. The park does not allow motorcycles or bicycles on the premise and does expect visitors to clean up after themselves.
Location: 7075 Berry Road Ravenna OH
Tel: 330 297 7728
Web Address: https://portagecounty-oh.gov/portage-county-park-district/parks-maps/pages/shaw-woods
18. A.C.C. Moebius Nature Center
4.8 (41 reviews)
The Nature Center has summer programs for children, festivals, and craft centers. The venue on the premise is also available for events hire.
Credit: Sam Goodman, Google Maps
Location: 929 E Mennonite Road Aurora OH
Tel: 216 402 4361
Web Address: https://mymnc.org/
17. Seneca Ponds
4.3 (52 reviews)
Seneca Ponds is great for picnicking, appreciation of the natural surroundings, hiking, catch & release fishing.
Credit: Leo Lewis, Google Maps
Location: 515 Mondial Pkwy Stsboro OH
Tel: 330 297 7728
Web Address: https://portagecounty-oh.gov/portage-county-park-district/parks-maps/pages/seneca-pond
16. Round-up Lake
4.6 (73 reviews)
Round-up Lake is a popular camping spot. There are about 350 campsites along with cabins and lodges. The lake is spring-fed and is great for boating, fishing, and swimming.
Credit: Joseph Cwiklinski, Google Maps
15. Eagle Creek Nature Preserve
4.5 (77 reviews)
There are several forested areas and water-based regions in the preserve. The wildflowers and some wildlife around the park. The preserve has no toilets, and pets are not allowed even when on a leash.
Credit: Eric Pregi, Google Maps
Location: Garrettsville OH
Tel: 330 527 5118
14. Morgan Park
4.5 (80 reviews)
This attraction has some fun activities for the whole family, including ADA accessible trails. In the winter there is cross-country skiing. Picnic facilities are also available.
Location: 8828 OH 44 Ravenna OH
Tel: 330 297 7728
Web Address: https://portagecounty-oh.gov/portage-county-park-district/parks-maps/pages/morgan-park
13. Thomas Heritage Park
4.5 (80 reviews)
A relatively new attraction specifically dedicated to dogs. There are designated areas depending on the size of your pet. Dogs may be let off their leash within park grounds if they are properly trained to facilitate this safely.
Credit: Laurie Weber, Google Maps
Location: 1050 Streetsboro Road Streetsboro OH
12. Trail Lake Park
4.7 (86 reviews)
Trail Lake has some great hikes, picnicking spots, canoeing & kayaking, fishing spots, biking, and cross-country skiing in the winter. Some of the park, including certain trails, are ADA accessible.
Location: 605 Ravenna Road Streetsboro OH
Web Address: https://portagecounty-oh.gov/portage-park-district/parks-maps/pages/trail-lake-park
11. Tinkers Creek State Nature Preserve
4.6 (132 reviews)
This area is full of wetlands and woods. It is ideal for birding and quite a few beautiful hikes. There are no restrooms in the park and pets are not permitted.
Credit: Monica Marovich, Google Maps
Location: 1230 Old Mill Road Aurora OH
Tel: 614 265 6565
Web Address: https://ohiodnr.gov/wps/portal/gov/odnr/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/tinkers-creek-state-nature-preserve
10. Triangle Lake Bog State Nature Preserve
4.6 (146 reviews)
The main part of this preserve is the plant life. There are even fruiting plants and shrubs to view. Although there is also a warning to look out for and be cautious of the poison sumacs.
Credit: JM Miller, Google Maps
Location: Ravenna OH
Tel: 240 727 3330
Web Address: http://naturepreserves.ohiodnr.gov/trianglelakebog
9. Berlin Lake
4.5 (190 reviews)
The main purpose of this lake is flood control. While motorized boats are allowed on the lake, there is a speed limit of 10 mph. Fishing is their most popular pastime.
Credit: Margaret Luzier, U.S., License, Wikimedia commons
8. Plum Creek Park
4.6 (325 reviews)
This site used to be a landfill, now its a nature lovers paradise in Northeast Ohio. There are indoor and outdoor shelters and some of them are climate controlled. The site has two ponds where visitors can fish. The trails in the park are open to bikers and hikers as well.
Credit: Alexandra Graves, Google Maps
Location: 590 Plum Street Kent OH
Tel: 330 673 8897
Web Address: http://kentparksandrec.com/parks/city-wide-parks/plum-creek-park
7. Boulder Creek Golf Club and Event Center
4.1 (556 reviews)
Boulder Creek has been voted one of Ohio’s top 10 public golf courses. It is one of the best things to do in Ohio if you love gold. The venue can also be hired for weddings, events, etc.
Credit: Boulder Creek Golf Club and Event Center, Google Maps
Location: 9700 Page Road Stsboro OH
Tel: 330 626 2828
Web Address: http://bouldercreekohio.com/
6. West Branch State Park Beach
4.4 (559 reviews)
This state park is great for a weekend getaway with miles of trails that are suitable for horse riding, biking, and walking. Some of them are also suitable to kids. The reservoir here also has boat ramps. You can also camp within the park and there are facilities for adults and kids of all ages.
Location: Esworthy Road Ravenna OH
Our Top picks
5. Kent State University Museum
4.7 (113 reviews)
The museum is packed full of more things than we can count. It is a true gem in Portage County and is full of fashion related exhibits to explore.
Credit: Hope Wallace, Google Maps
Location: 515 Hilltop Dr Kent OH
Tel: 330 672 3450
4. Cooperrider-Kent Bog State Nature Preserve
4.6 (200 reviews)
Portage County has a number of bogs, but this one has the most wildflowers during the summer. It is also great for birding and going on a hike.
Credit: Benjamin Jentes, Google Maps
Location: 1028 Meloy Road Kent OH
Tel: 614 265 6561
Web Address: https://ohiodnr.gov/wps/portal/gov/odnr/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/cooperrider-kent-bog-state-nature-preserve
3. Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park
4.8 (1,316 reviews)
This attraction is known for its rock formations. Hikes will take you through many of these formations and different attractions within the park. There are also great picnic spots around where you can sit around and eat a meal with your family or a friend.
Credit: Matthew.kowal, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: 12440 OH 282 Garrettsville OH
Tel: 330 235 0030
Web Address: https://ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/nelsonkennedy-ledges-state-park
2. Wingfoot Lake State Park
4.7 (1,633 reviews)
Disc golf, picnicking, paddling, and walking along the vast expanses of trees and lakeshore is popular. You can also play some games with friends, sit around the firepit with family, and explore nature’s garden on paved trails.
Credit: Jimmy Emerson, DVM, License, Flickr
Location: 993 Goodyear Park Blvd Mogadore OH
Tel: 330 628 4720
Web Address: https://ohiodnr.gov/wps/portal/gov/odnr/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/wingfoot-lake-state-park
1. West Branch State Park
4.6 (2,199 reviews)
Horse riding, biking, and walking through this park’s attractions in Portage County is a popular pastime. There is also a reservoir where visitors can swim, rent boats, and enjoy the marina. Even your pets are welcome in the dog park.
Credit: Roseohioresident, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: 5570 Esworthy Road Ravenna OH
Tel: 330 235 0030
Web Address: https://ohiodnr.gov/wps/portal/gov/odnr/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/west-branch-state-park
Final Words:
Thank you for reading our list of the best things to do in Portage County, Ohio! We hope it helped you plan the perfect itinerary for your next trip to this fantastic destination. Happy travels!
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