Cleveland, Ohio, boasts big city cultural attractions, an enviable location on the banks of Lake Erie, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The Greater Cleveland area also offers a number of resort getaways for those seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. From upscale lakefront lodges to rustic camping retreats, you'll find a variety of relaxing and secluded resorts bursting with amenities within two hours of Cleveland.
Less than two hours northwest of Cleveland, the Maumee Bay State Park Lodge sits on the far end of Lake Erie. This outdoor-focused resort has standard and loft guest rooms overlooking the lake, as well as cottages ideal for large groups. Enjoy amenities such as the 2-mile boardwalk, an indoor and outdoor pool, a lending library and cozy fireplace lounges. The resort also features upscale and casual dining options, hiking trails and the Trautman Nature Center, where you can learn about the local Native American history. Lush forests, rolling hills and a large lake surround the Mohican State Park Lodge, roughly 90 minutes south of Cleveland. A year-round destination in the Mohican State Forest, the lodge impresses with modern guestrooms that all have a private balcony. Amenities include indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, hiking trails and wild bird presentations in the summer. Nearby, explore the culture of Amish country or zipline through the forest at Tree Frog Canopy Tours.
Stay on one of the several small islands in the western end of Lake Erie. Kelleys Island, about two hours from Cleveland, features the all-suite Kelleys Island Venture Resort. Premium suites have small kitchenettes, washer and dryer units, and balconies. The resort includes a large outdoor pool and hot tub, volleyball courts, and access to golf carts to explore the island. The island itself offers visitors plenty of hiking and biking trails, fishing, lake swimming, and shopping in the downtown area. To the east of Kelleys Island is Put-in-Bay Island, home to the Caribbean-themed Put-In-Bay Resort. Palm trees and colorful decor add to this spacious resort's tropical island feel. Whirlpool suites, luxury suites and private waterfront condos are among the resort's accommodation options. The resort's amenities include continental breakfast, an outdoor pool with a swim-up bar and live entertainment during the summer season. Access to the islands are via ferry from Lakeside Marblehead or Sandusky, Ohio.
Just an hour south of Cleveland, Clay's Park Resort is a camper's haven, with tent and RV sites available, and several cabins that can sleep up to six people. You must bring your own linens, toiletries and kitchen supplies, however. Amenities include an indoor pool, an 8,000-square-foot skate park, and a man-made lake with inflatable slides, zip lines, ring swings and barrel rolls. Clay's Park also organizes activities for children and features live musical entertainment in the summer. Another resort is the Indian Creek Camping Resort, an hour northeast of Cleveland, on Lake Erie. It offers RV and tent camping sites, and two-bedroom cottage rentals. Each cottage comes with bed linens, a full kitchen with dishes, flat-screen televisions and screen-in porches. The resort is packed with attractions for the whole family to enjoy, such as an outdoor pool, sand volleyball courts, three playgrounds, a dog park and an 18-hole mini golf course.
The Quail Hollow Resort and Conference Center is just 30 minutes northeast of Cleveland, near many of Ohio's major wineries. This upscale resort boasts two championship golf courses, an indoor and outdoor pool, a sauna, and a steakhouse restaurant. Guestrooms feature plush goose down bedding and some include whirlpool hot tubs. Nearby wineries that offer tours and tastings include Ferrante Winery and the Maple Ridge Vineyard. The Lodge at Geneva On The Lake is a lakefront resort less than an hour from Cleveland. This picturesque retreat impresses with its cathedral-style lobby and romantic getaway feel. Guestrooms and suites have pine post beds and a country-themed decor. Select guestrooms include whirlpool hot tubs. The lodge also has a fine dining restaurant and an outdoor grill restaurant open in the summer. Amenities include an outdoor pool, a children's splash pad, a massage spa and a wine shuttle to take guests on tours of various wineries in the area.
