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Welcome to Ohio's
Lake Erie Circle Tour

       - a scenic driving tour along Ohio's north coast / Lake Erie


Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Visit Lake Erie Coastal Ohio, a journey through the history of Lake Erie. From its geological foundation to its role in building America, its lure for early settlers to its near-demise by industrial run-offs, Lake Erie is a shining example of ecological restoration and hope. Learn about more than 250 Discovery Sites where you can experience the natural beauty, historical tales and outdoor recreation available along Ohio's Lake Erie shoreline.
Circle Tour Map

Follow the signs!

Lake Erie is Ohio's greatest natural resource, and the Lake Erie Circle Tour is your best bet for planning exciting, carefree vacations along the lake's shore! Follow the signs, and enjoy the scenic 200-mile Ohio tour along Lake Erie.

	Toledo/Lucas County Toledo is tops with families offering COSI - a fun hands-on science museum for all ages, The Toledo Zoo - nationally-ranked, and The Toledo Museum of Art - internationally-ranked. Take in a game at the NEW home for the Toledo Mud Hens at Fifth Third Field, or sip a cool drink at The Docks overlooking the beautiful Downtown Toledo skyline. Combine with your visit river cruises, plenty of historical sites, a beautiful array of Metroparks, great restaurants, affordable hotels, just to name a few! Don't be surprised if you have to plan a return trip in order to pack in all the FUN! Toledo...Just Look at Us Now!
Ottawa County If it's adventure you're seeking, visit the Lake Erie Islands-Ottawa County Region. From historic landmarks to bustling island villages, Ottawa County makes memories! Drive through scenic farmlands dotted with quaint nautical villages and all-American towns. Wander through beautiful gardens, stroll sandy beaches, or explore one of Ohio's top nature preserves. Head to the lake for a day of boating or fishing, or create nostalgia with a visit to the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the Great Lakes. Take a quick ferryboat ride from the Ohio mainland to the village of Put-in-Bay on South Bass Island and the other Lake Erie Islands for unique island adventures.
	Sandusky/Erie County From mild to wild Erie County is the Choice for generations! Enjoy a relaxing day touring the Lake Erie Islands or challenge some of the world's wildest roller coasters at the greatest amusement park in the world - Cedar Point amusement park/resort. Shop nautical towns and country villages, marvel at natural wonders, explore miles of trails and waterways, celebrate grape and orchard harvests, take the helm of a Great Lakes steamer, visit lighthouses and exotic gardens, or tour Thomas Edison's birthplace. The choice is yours...the pleasure is ours!
Lorain County Begin your Lorain County adventure at Lakeview Park where there are perfect views of the “Jewel of the Port” Lighthouse. Drop a line from a city pier or go fishing with one of the dozens of expert charter captains. While in Lorain stop in for a history lesson at the Black River Historical Society in the Moore House or stay for a show at the richly restored Lorain Palace Theater. Drive East to Avon Lake to enjoy a glass of wine at John Christ or Klingshirn Winery, both offer tastings and tours. Stop at Miller Road Park for a picnic lunch overlooking Lake Erie. Take time to view the Peter Miller House and walk through the beautiful garden. Just south of Lorain is Oberlin, known as the “Town that started the Civil War.” Highlights include the Underground Railroad Sculpture and Quilt, Oberlin Heritage Center and Westwood Cemetery. Take a stroll through Oberlin’s downtown and stop into the Allen Memorial Art Museum, Bead Paradise II, Dave’s Army/Navy, Ginko Gallery, New Union Center for the Arts and Campbell’s Antiques.
	Cleveland/Cuyahoga County With world class attractions, unparalleled sports and entertainment venues, rich culture, great shopping and more, Greater Cleveland has something for everyone! From the renowned Cleveland Orchestra and Cleveland Museum of Art to the splendor of the Playhouse Square Theatres, Cleveland's culture ranks second to none. A trip to the Greater Cleveland area can offer you hands-on fun at science centers and museums, extraordinary shopping excursions, panoramic lunch and dinner sunset cruises along Lake Erie, or take you back in time to an Amish village. One visit and you'll discover why people across the nation are talking about Cleveland!
Lake County The Lake County Getaway Renaissance offers $50 million in new/renovated hotels, B&B's and unique dining on the east side of Lake Erie. Renaissance Quail Hollow Resort, pictured at right, is Ohio's newest premiere retreat. Unique, stylish, eclectic lakefront/riverfront and gourmet dining, European style tea rooms, Ohio's second largest winery, and a microbrewery restaurant, are coastal samples of a delightful, fresh, relaxing getaway. USA's largest arboretum, Holden at 3400 acres, is part of 15,000 acres. Nature preserves, beaches, sand dunes, bird watching, a high caliber park system, and two Ohio designated scenic rivers add credence to Lake County's claim as Lake Erie's last frontier. Lake County also features the Fairport Lighthouse & Marine Museum, a National Historic Site.
	Ashtabula County Nestled along 27 miles of Lake Erie shoreline, Ashtabula County, Ohio is a haven for travelers looking for affordable family vacation sites. Discover the harbor district of Ashtabula with quaint shops, Maritime and Underground Railroad Museums and views of the Ashtabula Harbor Light. Conneaut offers exceptional wildlife viewing along the shoreline and the Conneaut Lighthouse. Geneva-on-the-Lake features summertime fun at this historic resort district, featuring amusement park rides, miniature golf, go-karts, waterslides, nostalgic dinners and more. Inland discover the 16 covered bridges, both historic and new, AC&J train ride and other historic buildings synonymous with the Western Reserve architectural style. Ashtabula County also produces over 65 percent of Ohio's grapes and has developed a hard-earned reputation for developing some outstanding domestic wines; sample them at our 17 wineries. When visiting stay at one of many bed & breakfasts, motel, hotels, a lakeshore cottage or one of 18 campgrounds.

Lake Erie Journal
A Guide to the Official Lake Erie Circle Tour
Award-winning Author, Scott Carpenter, takes the reader on a 700-mile journey around Lake Erie, from the small towns of southern Ontario to the big cities of Buffalo, Cleveland, and Detroit. Along the way he paints a thoughtful portrait of our "Little Great Lake."

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e-mail: joan@buckeyenorth.com