BEST Things to Do at Mohican State Park
There are many things to do at Mohican State Park Lodge in winter, so don’t let Old Man Winter keep you locked up at home. Book a stay at the Lodge and get out to explore Mohican State Park and the surrounding area.
Save 15% on Mohican lodge rooms with code Gleason: Click Here to book a room!
This website contains an affiliate link to the book I co-authored, Midwest Road Trip Adventures. I make a small commission from the sales of this book. Thanks for supporting me!
Hiking in Mohican State Park and Mohican-Memorial State Forest
Winter is the perfect time to strap on snowshoes or hiking boots and explore Mohican State Park and the surrounding forest.
Lyons Falls:
This is our favorite and the most popular trail in the park. The trailhead is located at the covered bridge and the dam.
We rank this a moderate to difficult 2-mile round-trip trail.
Read more about our experiences here. Hike to Big Lyons Falls
Hemlock Gorge and North Rim:
Hemlock Gorge trail runs from the front of the main camp area to the covered bridge. We rate this 3-mile one-way walk easy to moderate. (6 miles total out and back)
Hog Hollow Trail:
“This trail starts at the covered bridge and ends at the fire tower. This trail follows up the hillside to the fire tower and is a difficult trail.” Sourced from the Website. We have not done hiked this trail, but when someone says difficult, I believe it.
Pleasant Hill Trail:
We enjoy this family-friendly,1.5-mile (round trip) hike along the river from the covered bridge to the Pleasant Hill dam. You’ll see plenty of wildlife along this trail and maybe even some of the majestic eagles.
Honey Run Falls and Winter Picnic
Winter in Ohio can be bi-polar, and on our most recent hosted stay at Mohican State Park Lodge, we had just come off a polar vortex. The snow was melting, and the sun was out with a high of 50 degrees. That calls for a hike and a picnic, and we recommend Honey Run Falls, a short 20 minute drive from the Lodge.
Where to get your picnic supplies:
Don Leo’s Market:
They offer deli meats & cheeses, sandwiches, baked goods, fresh produce, and bulk foods. You will be able to get everything you need there! Most of the food supplies are Amish-made and delicious.
3 North Market Street
Danville, Ohio 43014
Honey Run Falls:
Honey Run Falls is part of Knox County Parks located at 10855 Hazel Dell Road, Howard 43208. This small 2-acre property includes a stunning, 25-foot high waterfall that is eye-catching and spectacular. You hike across two beautiful bridges and a recently built staircase to the falls viewing area.
Amenities:
- Picnic Tables
- Port-a-Potty
- Parking lot
- hiking trails
- geocaching
- birding
- waterfall
You will be impressed with the beauty and diversity in this small but perfect nature stop in Knox County.
Things to Do at Mohican State Park Lodge
After a day of exploring, come back to Mohican State Park Lodge for dinner in the Bromfield Dining Room and watch the sunset over Pleasant Hill Lake. Enjoy the fantastic appetizers and perfectly paired dinner entrees! You will find many of the options are locally sourced and seasonally appropriate.
After dinner, you can find plenty of things to do for evening fun.
- Heated indoor pool: You’ll find this heated pool a great place to enjoy in the dead of winter!
- Game room: Our kids love to spend the evening competing with one another on the lively games.
- Browse the gift shop: Take home a Mohican State Park souvenir or a snack for the late-night munchies.
If you are ready to really unwind, stop at Boxers Lounge for an evening nightcap before bed.
Ohio’s Amish Country
I could spend 5 paragraphs on things to do in Amish Country, but suffice to say, what I share here is the tip of the ice burg since this is a day trip head out after your breakfast at the lodge and plan for a full day of exploration.
Read our 25 Things to Do in Ohio’s Amish Country
Things to do:
I recommend this for learning about the Amish and Mennonite culture! You won’t be disappointed, and you’ll walk away with a deep appreciation for these people.
Hershberger’s Bakery and Shops:
If there is one place, I would say encapsulated an Amish bakery/Farm experience; this is it. The fry pies are not to be missed.
At Guggisberg, you will find award-winning cheese and the history of how cheese making came to the area.
Berlin Shops: You’ll find Main Street lined with stores where you can shop for days!
Shops at Shrock Heritage Village
- Berlin Antique Mall (Shop booth #8, it’s ours!)
- Berlin Craft Mall
- Berlin Leather and Shoe
- Berlin Pet Supplies
- Streb’s General Store
- Coming in 2021 putt-putt course
Tis the Season, Ohio’s largest year-round Christmas Store,
Places to eat:
This is where the locals eat, and I have NEVER had a bad meal. Check the hours because they vary in winter.
I love coming here without the kids. This charming farm-to-table bistro has some delicious choices and desserts that make your tummy sing with happiness.
If you are looking for the full Amish meal and buffet, Der Dutchman has you covered. I also love the view of the Walnut Creek Valley from the windows.
You can find more detailed information on where to go in the Ohio chapter of the book Midwest Road Trip Adventures. Order your copy here.
Visit Malabar Farm State Park
Malabar Farm State Park is a short 3.1-mile drive from Mohican State Park Lodge, and this should make your shortlist! It is has been a historic landmark since 1939 and was the home of Louis Bromfield. When you’re here, you will see the homestead and house, shop the gift shop, and enjoy the innovative exhibits.
What can you do at Malabar Farm?
Hike the trails: If you don’t want to hike the more laborious trails in the state park, you will enjoy these short, family-friendly trails located here.
- Butternut Trail: a short .83 mile loop trail offers a small cave to explore, outcroppings, and plenty of mature trees! (This is my favorite trail here!)
- Doris Duke Woods Trail: This 1-mile loop trail is easy and beautiful.
- Jungle Brook Trail: You’ll enjoy this short .70 mile loop trail where you will traverse over boardwalk over the wet areas on the trail
Maple Syrup: Every winter, they have the sugar shack going, and you can come to see the way that maple syrup is made.
Visitor Center and Exhibits:
You’ll find the visitor center filled with local and farm products. Plan on 30 minutes-1 hour to explore.
Historic Loudonville Area
Things to Do in Historic Loudonville, Ohio
If you have taken advantage of the many outdoor winter activities, you might be ready for a trip to historic downtown Loudonville. Their well-preserved main street has shops, local eateries, and historical stops that make this charming town a great place to spend some time while you are staying in Mohican State Park Lodge.
Stela’s Ice Cream and Coffee House:
Don’t miss some sweet deliciousness while stopping in Loudonville. They have something for everyone.
Stores on Historic Main Street
You can stroll the streets and visit the local shops along the street. We popped into a few and bought some hand sanitizer.
I don’t normally add things that I have not experienced into the blog; however, the locals were raving about this joint, and I wanted to mention it. We will come here sometime in the future to make sure it is as good as they say.
We enjoyed learning fo the local history here and saw the OLDEST sidecar in America.
Open on weekdays from 10 am-4 pm, and if you call, they will try to accommodate your visit.
Catch a movie or a show while you are staying in the area! They have live theatre and movies all year long. One bonus while enjoying a show here is seeing the beautifully restored venue.
Snowtubing or Skiing at Snow Trails
No winter trip to Mohican State Park Lodge is complete without a trip to Snow Trails located a mere 9 miles down the road. You’ll want to pack your gear for a day or night on the slopes or tubing hill.
Things you can find at Snow Trails.
- ski and snowboard rental
- lessons for beginners
- plenty of places to eat and bars for a warm-up drink
- shop for any gear you want to use or take home
“We’re happy to be Ohio’s Winter fun destination for skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing! As the only family-owned and operated Winter Resort in Ohio, it is truly a pleasure to offer unique outdoor recreation experiences for families and friends.”
Nate Wolleson, Marketing Manager
Things to do in Mount Vernon, Ohio
Feeling like a day trip? Take a 30-mile drive to historic MoutnVernon, Ohio, where you will find shops, eateries, and a historic Ariel Park.
If you know anything about me, you know I love nature, restoring the earth, and repurposing old things. When I learned about Ariel Foundation Park, I had to get there. They have taken what was once a booming industrial park and turned it into a beautiful place to explore.
Things to see:
- The Tower
- The Ruins
- Terraces and River of Glass
- The Woods
- The Lakes
- The Tree of Life Labyrinth
- The Meadows
- Wild Flower Garden and Arboretum
Before leaving the area, grab a bit at the Stein Brewing Company located by the Woodward Opera House. You can get a great meal and tour the opera house.
Visit the Bridge of Dreams
Bridge of Dreams
This 4.5-mile trail begins in Danville and stretches to Brinkhaven, and ends at the Holmes County line.
Location of the Bridge of Dreams: 16606 Hunter Road in Brinkhaven, Ohio 43006
While this is a shortstop, it is a great place to grab a photo and take in the beauty of one of Ohio’s longest-covered bridges. If you’re lucky, you can see an Amish buggy go whizzing by while you are there.
The Bridge of Dreams is located along the Mohican Valley Trail and connects the Kokosing Gap Trail and the Holmes County Trail in Knox County. Notable: Unlike other bike trails in Ohio, this trail allows non-motorized vehicles, including horse-drawn Amish buggies.
Pro-tips:
- Ample parking is available under the bridge and at the trailhead.
- The trailhead is not marked so go under the bridge to the dirt road that goes uphill on the left.
- No bathrooms
Don’t let winter keep you home, get out and explore. Mohican State Park Lodge is the perfect place for a winter getaway or spring break destination!
Happy Adventures,
Brandy
Full Disclosure: We have stayed here on our own dime and have been hosted. This blog is an outpouring from all the stays, past, and present.
Pin for LATER!
