Cool & Cozy Ohio Cabins

Photo by OHventures

The idea of sleeping under the stars, awaking to birds chirping, and bonding with friends in the great outdoors is my idea of an amazing night. It's difficult to see the stars with bright city lights, and even harder to hear the chirping of birds while traffic whizzes by. A uniquely Ohio lodging getaway can help to remedy this!

If you pick the right cabin in the right place, you can wake up and head out on a hike, embark on a canoe ride, or enjoy a nearby festival. While there are literally hundreds of options out there, below are some of the greatest spots to rent a cabin or overnight in a unique lodging facility in Ohio. For a comprehensive listing of cabins found at all Ohio State Parks, visit this site.

1. Island View Cottages: Why bother planning a vacation to far off places like Florida or Mexico, when you can take a getaway to Ohio's own Put-In-Bay on South Bass Island? Book an overnight stay to maximize your island experience.

2. Mohican Tree House Cabins: If you have ever had a desire to live Swiss Family Robinson style for a day, or if you wanted to bring back childhood memories of the tree house you had in your backyard, now you can!

3. Geneva State Park Campground: Stay in the cedar cabins at this 698-acre state-run park in Geneva (Ashtabula County), which is situated along the Lake Erie coastline, and has thick forested and marshy inlands. 

4. The Hocking Hills Caboose: Have you ever slept overnight in the cabin of a train? This unique location allows you to do just that - but in the middle of the woods! 

5. Nomad Ridge at The Wilds: Located on 10,000 acres of land in Cumberland (Guernsey County) in Southeast Ohio, The Wilds is one of the world's largest and most impressive wildlife conservation facilities. Come to The Wilds and stay in one of the yurts on Nomad Ridge. A yurt is somewhat of a hybrid between a tent and a cabin, and the ones found at Nomad Ridge are all decked out!

READ MORE AT OHIO.ORG!

Best Ohio Overnight Adventures

The back deck of Bodhi Tree Guesthouse in Athens (Photos by OHventures)

Some call it a "stay-cation," but I call it an escape from reality! If you want a unique and exciting place to stay in Ohio, I can not say enough good things about the following list of places. These are not your typical lodging options! Stay overnight high above the ground in a tree house, or in Ohio's oldest historic hotel! Book a room with amazing lakeside views, or in the thick of the woods. Or, get adventurous by staying where you can wake up and experience a float tank or a water slide! Check out our top picks for awesome lodging in Ohio, and consider booking yourself a room!

1. Bodhi Tree Guesthouse & Spa: The Bodhi Tree Guesthouse & Studio in Athens is approaching its one year anniversary of being in business, and is quickly becoming a premier Ohio destination for rest and relaxation. This Buddhist-inspired getaway can be found off the beaten path, hidden among the trees and on four acres of the Appalachian hillsides of Southeast Ohio. Travelers can choose to stay overnight in one of four beautifully furnished guest rooms, each with different sized beds and amenities. In addition to being a cozy wooded bed and breakfast, Bodhi Tree also offers meditative and therapeutic services, such as Thai massages, private yoga classes, and a refreshing and revitalizing flotation tank (an extremely unique and rare experience in the area).

2. Mohican Tree House Cabins: If you ever had a desire to live Swiss Family Robinson style for a day, or if you wanted to bring back childhood memories of the treehouse you had in your backyard, now you can! The Mohicans, located in Glenmont, Ohio in Knox County, have these exciting accommodations available for anyone to stay! Borrowing technology from the zipline industry, the treehouses are constructed upon platforms with heavy-duty bolts and hardware fastened to the trees to ensure safety, and to provide flexibility for when the trees inevitably grow in size over the years. These cabins are nestled in the treetops starting at around 20 feet in the air, allowing for beautiful picturesque views of the Mohican Forest, and providing a peaceful refuge for birdwatching or reading with a mug of coffee.

3. The Lodge at Geneva-On-The-Lake: The romanticism of Ohio's Lake Erie shoreline is encapsulated to perfection at the upscale yet affordable Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake. Immaculate views of the state's northernmost shore and an array of activities and attractions for folks of any age are at your fingertips when staying at the Lodge. Dine at the Horizons Restaurant and take a dip in the outdoor pool, or in the Great Lake itself!

4. Kalahari Indoor Waterpark & Resort: Kalahari Resort is primarily known for its impressive indoor water attractions, which makes it a year-round destination for travelers from near and far alike. To get the most out of your stay (especially if you came a significant distance), it's recommended you reserve a room to stay for a day or two (or three or more)! From world-class spa treatments, to a fitness facility, to a fine selection of adult beverages (including a swim-up bar), you'll be surprised how much fun can be had!

5. Golden Lamb Inn & Restaurant: The legendary Golden Lamb in Lebanon (Warren County) is known across the state (and country) for its extensive history and impressive guest list! Established in 1803 (the same year that Ohio became a state), the restaurant and inn holds the title of the oldest continuously operating business in the State of Ohio! In over 200 years of operation, The Golden Lamb has served up hearty comfort foods and offered overnight stay for such prominent figures as authors Mark Twain (Samuel Clemons) and Charles Dickens, as well as twelve United States Presidents, including William Henry Harrison, Benjamin Harrison, John Quincy Adams, Martin Van Buren, Ulysses S. Grant, Howard Taft, Ronald Reagan, George W. Bush, and more!

6. Mohican State Park Lodge: The Mohican State Park Lodge lies right in the middle of the extremely popular and incredibly massive Mohican State Park, which is 1,110 acres in size and icnldes 5 miles of the scenic Clear Fork Branch of the Mohican River that runs through. The recreational opportunities available to the park visitor include fishing, hiking, picnicking, camping, mountain biking, hunting, horseback riding, backpacking, and boating. There's so much to explore, that you can't possibly do it all in just one day. That's why thousands of people a year choose to stay at the Mohican State Park Lodge by reserving one of its 96 guest rooms. Lodge rooms are available in double, queen, and king size, and are all complete with fantastic amenities to make your stay relaxing and comfortable. flat screen televisions with DVD players, balconies, patios, free wifi, coffee makers, mini fridges, and full baths are just some of these amenities. All rooms are smoke-free, and some are pet-friendly.

Mohican State Park Lodge

Photos by OHventures

Mohican State Park Lodge
3116 OH-3
Loudonville, OH 44842
1 (800) 282-7275

The Mohican State Park Lodge lies right in the middle of the extremely popular and incredibly massive Mohican State Park, which is 1,110 acres in size and icnldes 5 miles of the scenic Clear Fork Branch of the Mohican River that runs through. The recreational opportunities available to the park visitor include fishing, hiking, picnicking, camping, mountain biking, hunting, horseback riding, backpacking, and boating.

There's so much to explore, that you can't possibly do it all in just one day. That's why thousands of people a year choose to stay at the Mohican State Park Lodge by reserving one of its 96 guest rooms. Lodge rooms are available in double, queen, and king size, and are all complete with fantastic amenities to make your stay relaxing and comfortable. flat screen televisions with DVD players, balconies, patios, free wifi, coffee makers, mini fridges, and full baths are just some of these amenities. All rooms are smoke-free, and some are pet-friendly.

Lounging in our room at the Mohican State Park Lodge!

My family and I stayed in two connected double rooms this October, and had an absolute blast! During our visit, we took advantage of several of the many health and recreation facilities available on site. We swam laps in the heated indoor pool (there is an outdoor pool as well that is open during summer months), relaxed in the sauna, strolled on the lighted and paved walking paths on the perimeter of the lodge, played billiards and ping pong in the game room, and enjoyed a campfire on the patio that overlooked the scenic lake (pictured below).

This view can't be beat, and can only be seen at the Mohican State Park Lodge

In addition, we ate some fantastic food at each of the two on-site restaurants. An amazing restaurant, Bromfield's Dining Room, has fantastic views and serves up delicious grub, like the homestyle meatloaf (pictured below), and delicious breakfast dishes (try the quiche or the biscuits & gravy)! We also ate personalized homemade pizzas and tasty sandwiches at Boxers Lounge, which is the more casual dining option at the lodge. Boxers Lounge also offers a full bar with seasonal beers and mixed drinks.

The lodge also offers up adventure packages, or help and guidance in finding what adventures you can embark on in the area. Our group took a challenging hike on the nearby Lyon Falls Trail to see the iconic covered bridge (see below). We were surprised with just how difficult the paths were, so be sure to come prepared with plenty of water and appropriate hiking gear should you choose to go!

Loads of tourist attractions are located just minutes away from the Mohican State Park Lodge, including Tree Frog Canopy Tours (the state's tallest, fastest and longest zip line course), Loudonville Canoe Livery (the Mohican area is Ohio's canoe capital), and Mohican Adventures, to name a few.

To soak in the beauty of Ohio at its finest, the Mohican State Park Lodge is a no-brainer. Book your room now to breathe in the fresh air for yourself and to bring out your adventurous side!

Explore Mohican Country

Photos by OHventures

Mohican Country is located halfway between Cleveland and Columbus. It is an adventurer's paradise, an outdoorsman's dream, and home to some of the most unique attractions in the state! Mohican Country is primarily in Knox County, with parts of Ashland and Richland Counties as well. The hub of most of the action is Loudonville and Glenmont within Knox County.

1. Mohican Wilderness: For a family atmosphere and 1,000 campsites to choose from (the largest campsites in Ohio), head over to the 600-acre Mohican Wilderness. It's a quiet refuge where you can play by day (with a 2-mile horseback riding trail, canoes, kayaks, and tubing), and sleep by night (just you, the stars, moon, and some fireflies)! Enjoy the ever-popular Bluegrass Festival that takes place here annually over a 3-day weekend in September. 

2. Mohican River Swinging Bridge: Located on site of the Mohican Wilderness, be sure to visit the Mohican River Swinging Bridge (pictured above). This will lead you to hiking trails and a nature reserve, all scattered with educational historic markers!

3. Mohican Tree House Cabins: f you ever had a desire to live Swiss Family Robinson style for a day, or if you wanted to bring back childhood memories of the treehouse you had in your backyard, now you can! The Mohicans, located in Glenmont, Ohio in Knox County, have these exciting accommodations available for anyone to stay! Borrowing technology from the zipline industry, the treehouses are constructed upon platforms with heavy-duty bolts and hardware fastened to the trees to ensure safety, and to provide flexibility for when the trees inevitably grow in size over the years. These cabins are nestled in the treetops starting at around 20 feet in the air, allowing for beautiful picturesque views of the Mohican Forest, and providing a peaceful refuge for birdwatching or reading with a mug of coffee.

4. Trail's End Restaurant: Trail's End is a family owned and operated restaurant located literally at the Trails End! After a long day of hiking (or any other adventures in Mohican Country), I recommend coming to Trail's End for one of their signature pizzas made from their homemade dough. You can also come for a lunch buffet, or try one of the great hiking & camping themed foods, such as the "Sleeping Bag" (cheesy garlic bread), "Walking Sticks" (fried pickle spears), and the "Melted Paddles" (mozzarella sticks).  

5. Mohican Adventures: This place has everything an outdoor adventurer could ever imagine or hope for: canoes for rent, cabins, campsites, and an awesome family fun center with go-karts, and best of all, a massive aerial obstacle course (think a small-scale "American Ninja Warrior)! The Aerial Adventure Park opened for the first time in 2014. You pay by the hour, and you have the chance to attempt one of three courses: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced. Obstacles include cargo nets, ziplines, climbing obstacles, swing bridges, and more - all suspended high above the ground!

6. Mohican River Inn: An affordable, relaxing, comfortable, and cozy way to spend time in Mohican Country is the Mohican River Inn! Here, you can reserve in one of 46 homey rooms starting at just around $159 a night. You can even try a more romantic suite, complete with a heart shaped jacuzzi (pictured above). Come for the friendly party-like atmosphere on Fridays and Saturdays, and visit the old native Smoke Signal mound located at the highest point of the property on Eagle Ridge, overlooking the confluence of the Lake Fork Tributary into the Mohican State Scenic River.

7. Mohican State Park: This extremely popular state park is a massive 1,110 acres with 5 miles of the scenic Clear Fork Branch of the Mohican River running through it. The recreational opportunities available to the park visitor include fishing, hiking, picnicking, camping, mountain biking, hunting, horseback riding, backpacking, cottages and a resort lodge. The lodge has an amazing restaurant, Bromfield's Dining Room, which has fantastic views and serves up delicious grub, like the homestyle meatloaf (pictured above). The lodge also offers up adventure packages!

8. Treehouse Canopy Tours: Zip lining is not for the squeamish - especially when you're talking about the tallest, fastest, and longest zip line in all of Ohio! Tree Frog Canopy Tours in Glenmont, Holmes County, holds that title with its highest point at 120 feet, its fastest clocked speed at 52 miles per hour, and over 4,000 feet of pure fun and adrenaline (the individual cables ranging from 145 feet to 1,100 feet long).

9. Mohican Reservation: The Mohican Reservation is popular for its semi-annual Native American Pow Wows that take place in July and September. There are over 10,000 people who come to enjoy dancing, food (Indian tacos and gator bites), drum circles, and camaraderie! The atmosphere is fantastic on this 75 acre campground with over 200 campsites (including 11 large cabins). Come any time of the year, but definitely make a visit to the Pow Wow!

10. Loudonville Canoe Livery: This is Ohio's oldest canoe leasing business, so you know that they are doing something right! You can try the scenic 9-mile canoe ride, or the popular "Lazy Overnighter" which includes 23 miles of canoeing and one night of camping under the stars! 

Top 10 OHventures of 2014

Out of any other year, I feel that 2014 put the most miles on my odometer. I drove to every corner of the state - Toledo to Athens to Geneva to Cincinnati visiting friends, attending weddings, working, and of course adventuring. In doing so, I definitely had a year full of unique experiences. As with every year (see 2012 and 2013), I give to you the Top 10 OHventures of 2014. There were many to choose from, but if you needed to see the best of the best, here they are (in no particular order)!

Use this list to start planning some awesome bucket list items to do in 2015.

1. The Lodge At Geneva-On-The-Lake: The romanticism of Ohio's Lake Erie shoreline is encapsulated to perfection at the upscale yet affordable Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake. I stayed here for a weekend in June and saw for myself all the fantastic pleasures that can be unearthed while staying at this hot vacation spot.

2. Mohican Tree House Cabins: Halfway between Cleveland and Columbus is an adventurer's paradise, an outdoorsman's dream, and one of the most unique attractions found in all of Ohio: The Mohican Treehouse Cabins. I stayed overnight in these AWESOME accommodations!

3. Bon Appetit Appalachia!: I had the privilege to witness a glimpse (and sample a taste) of this innovative farm-to-fork concept on a visit to Athens - the setting for a large number of these culinary destinations in the state. Follow me as I eat - and drink - my way through Appalachia!

4. Tree Frog Canopy Tours: Another year where a zipline locale makes the list! This time, we made our way BACK to Mohican Country for the tallest, fastest, and longest zip line in all of Ohio! Pictures say 1,000 words.

5. Tough Mudder Ohio: If you think that a 3-mile obstacle course like Warrior Dash is crazy, then you ain't seen nothing yet! The Tough Mudder was 12 miles of muddy mayhem in Mansfield, trumping anything I've ever done before! And how can I EVER forget the arctic enema and the electroshock therapy?! I must be a masochist.

6. Akron Birthday Bash Dash 5K: This was a very special 5K walk/run for me, because it was the first time ever that - instead of running the course -  I ran the ENTIRE event as the race director! The 5K in Stow was a TON of work, but proved to be a success, raising money for Muffins For Mammograms & celebrating the 100th "birthday" of the health system. 

7. Columbus Pedal Wagon: My family & friends hopped aboard this contraption that required us to use our man-power to wheel the wagon from bar to bar to bar in the streets of the Short North one football Saturday in October. Check it out in Cincinnati as well.

8. Kayak The Bay at PIB: Between drinking wine and barhopping on 4th of July weekend in Put-In-Bay, a group of college friends decided to get a workout in and kayak the beautiful waters of Lake Erie surrounding South Bass Island. 

9. Polar Plunge: A polar plunge (also known as a polar bear jump) is for the bravest of brave and the craziest of crazy! I participated in the Polar Plunge at Mosquito Lake State Park in Cortland on January 18 as a benefit for the Special Olympics of Ohio. Even the photos make me shiver.

10. Dragon Boat Festival at Portage Lakes: I competed with my friends Chelsie and Craig in the annual Dragon Boat Festival at Portage Lakes on July 12 in Summit County. We learned just how hard it is for 20 people to paddle in unison to power a dragon boat - but Team Morgan Stanley made it to the FINALS!

Tree Frog Canopy Tours Photo Blog

Who: You and up to seven others in a group!
What: Tree Frog Canopy Tours

Where: Glenmont, OH

When: Spring, Summer, and Fall - day OR night!

Why: To zoom through the foliage up close and personal!
How: Save up about $75 and ignore that fear of heights - you'll be safe!

Photos by OHventures and Tree Frog Canopy Tours

Tree Frog Canopy Tours

Photos by OHventures and Tree Frog Canopy Tours

Tree Frog Canopy Tours

21899 Wally Road

Glenmont, OH 44628

(740) 599-2662

Zip lining is not for the squeamish - especially when you're talking about the tallest, fastest, and longest zip line in all of Ohio! Tree Frog Canopy Tours in Glenmont, Holmes County, holds that title with its highest point at 120 feet, its fastest clocked speed at 52 miles per hour, and over 4,000 feet of pure fun and adrenaline (the individual cables ranging from 145 feet to 1,100 feet long). 

The only zip lining complex in the northern part of the state (others available being Ozone Zipline Adventures in Lebanon, Valley Zipline Tours in Lancaster, and Hocking Hills Canopy Tours in Rockbridge to name a few), Tree Frog Canopy Tours treats visitors as they are led through the forest via seven ziplines, two sky bridges, and two 50-foot rappels. It was certainly an adventure I could not turn down.

A group of six of us (me, Greg, Steve, Ryan, Marc, and Stacey) arrived on Labor Day weekend ready and roaring to go. Driving through the winding roads of the Mohican Country, we lost all phone service (something to keep in mind if you are trying to find your way with a GPS). The main office for Tree Frog were in a large lodge directly down the street from the famous Tree House Cabins.

You must make reservations prior to your zipline tour in order to ensure your spot. Groups can be as large as 8 individuals, all of whom must be at least 10 years in age and between 75-250 pounds in weight. 

Our tour took place at 1:30 PM, but we were required to arrive a half an hour early so that we could sign waivers and get suited up in our harnesses and helmets. Our tour guides were named Matt and Dan, two hilarious guys that eased any fears or hesitations we might have had, by cracking jokes and calming our nerves.

Not only were they personable, but the guides were extremely professional as well. All of the guides were trained to meet the standards of the Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT), a rigorous certification program to ensure that they are equipped with the essential knowledge when taking guests like us on our treetop treks.  

We were soon taken to the start of the zip line course by riding an ATV to the top of a large hill in the thick woods. There, we discovered a mini zipline that was no more than 8 feet off the ground and a few yards in length. This is where we did our practice runs so we could get used to sitting in the harness and practice the braking techniques. 

After this crash course, it was time to ZIP! I will admit, I was a bit shaky on the first platform. It is only natural to be afraid of being up so high with nothing but a cable holding you up. But, I just had to remind myself that we were 100% safe. Once I had that in my head, it was smooth sailing! One by one, we each stood at the edge of the platform, lifted our legs and off we went, zooming to the next platform! One of the guides would stand on the other platform to let you know when to put the brakes on so you didn't go barreling into the tree. It was a good system!

This is the ONLY zipline tour in Ohio that uses a dual cable system for faster speeds and smoother rides. This was evident as we progressed through the course, zipping on longer and longer cables along the way. The group became more comfortable as we went along, and we started incorporating fun moves in the mix, such as the cannonball! 

Another added touch at Tree Frog Canopy Tous that you can't find at most other zip line establishments was the rappelling platforms! Here, we had to lower ourselves from the 50-foot and 60-foot platforms down to the ground by using a rope attached to our harness and a pulley system. Again, the hardest part is trusting that you can dangle over the edge of the platform. Once you conquer that fear inside your head, you can let go and enjoy the ride! The rappelling might actually have been my favorite part of the tour.

In all, the experience at Tree Frog Canopy Tours was unlike any other zip line adventure I have ever embarked on. If you are looking for something a little different, Tree Frog Canopy Tours also offers Night Zips with glow-in-the-dark and moonlit elements. You also can purchase a photo CD of your experience, or rent a GoPro camera to fasten to yourself and record the trip from a one-of-a-kind vantage point! 

If this is on your bucket list, I highly suggest you book your tour NOW. Don't let the fear of heights get in your way of enjoying this exciting, safe, and unique thrill.

Discover Mohican Treehouse Cabins

Photos by OHventures

Halfway between Cleveland and Columbus is an adventurer's paradise, an outdoorsman's dream, and one of the most unique attractions found in all of Ohio: The Mohican Treehouse Cabins. If you ever had a desire to live Swiss Family Robinson style for a day, or if you wanted to bring back childhood memories of the treehouse you had in your backyard, now you can! The Mohicans, located in Glenmont, Ohio in Knox County, have these exciting accommodations available for anyone to stay!

Two treehouse cabins are located on site all year 'round, with many more in the works, according to The Mohicans owner, Kevin Mooney. For those who are more comfortable staying closer to the ground, four luxury cabins can also be rented. No matter which option you choose, you will be treated with suprising features, such as granite countertops, expensive linens, and flat screen TVs with DVD players. All cabins (including the treehouse cabins) have indoor plumbing with restrooms and fully functional kitchens, complete with coffee pots, mini refrigerators, and microwaves.

Borrowing technology from the zipline industry, the treehouses are constructed upon platforms with heavy-duty bolts and hardware fastened to the trees to ensure safety, and to provide flexibility for when the trees inevitably grow in size over the years. These cabins are nestled in the treetops starting at around 20 feet in the air, allowing for beautiful picturesque views of the Mohican Forest, and providing a peaceful refuge for birdwatching or reading with a mug of coffee.

The first of the treehouse cabins to be built at The Mohicans is the White Oak Treehouse, which was erected in 2012 and sleeps four campers comfortably. The rails of the White Oak Treehouse (both inside and out) are taken from vines that were removed from trees in the area, and add a beautiful and rustic feel.

The Grand Barn

The scene stealer, however, is the Brew Haus Treehouse, a two guest cabin built in 2013 and featured on the Animal Planet television program "Tree House Masters." Originally intended as the beer brewing site for the Mooney family, it was soon transformed into a place to sleep due to the growing demand of those wishing to stay in the White Oak Treehouse. The beer-brewing equipment was relocated to The Grand Barn at the entrance to The Mohicans, which serves as a spot for corporate retreats, weddings, and other events. 

The Brew Haus Treehouse stands out amongst the canopies due to its striking red exterior (an ode to the red barns dotting the Amish countryside) and its enormous head-turning stained glass window. The gothic-inspired structure is accessed via a 30-foot long extension bridge with a staircase ascending from a nearby tree. The inside is equally impressive, with a vaulted ceiling and cozy feel!

When staying at The Mohican cabins, there is certainly not a shortage of fun activities to keep you occupied! Try ziplining at Tree Frog Canopy Tours, canoeing with the Loudonville Canoe Livery, hiking the Mohican State Park, or attending a pow wow at the Mohican Reservation.

READ MORE AT DISCOVERING OHIO

Mohican Treehouse Cabins Photo Blog

Who: Alone, with your significant other (in the Brew Haus Treehouse), or with a group (in the White Oak Treehouse)
What: Lodging at the Mohican Treehouse Cabins
When: Any season of the year, depending on how many leaves you want to see out your window.
Where: The Mohicans located in Glenmont, OH in Knox County.
Why: To relive memories of your childhood treehouse and to have some prety cool stories to tell.
How: Book a stay by visiting www.themohicancabins.com and prepare yourself for fun!

Photos by OHventures

Brew Haus Treehouse

Brew Haus Treehouse

Brew Haus Treehouse

Brew Haus Treehouse

Brew Haus Treehouse - Kitchen