Tourism

Conneaut, Ohio offers visitors a diverse selection of activities to choose from, a rich history and a beautiful backdrop. Located on Lake Erie, home to one of the world’s best sunsets… You can relax as you enjoy the perks of small town. We invite you to preview some of Conneaut’s best activities and we look forward to welcoming you to our city of Conneaut, Ohio!

Conneaut, Ohio Covered Bridge
Photography by Joy Cobb

17 Covered Bridges Ashtabula County

Ashtabula County is home to 17 covered bridges, including the longest covered bridge in the US – which spans 613 feet and stands 93 feet above the Ashtabula River. You can tour all of the bridges or enjoy the Annual Covered Bridge Festival – each October.

Lake Erie, Conneaut Ohio Beach

Conneaut,Ohio offers public access to the picturesque waters of Lake Erie. Conneaut is also home to Ashtabula County’s largest public beach!

Enjoy a relaxing evening on the beach, overlooking on of the world’s best sunsets or take your children for an afternoon of fun and laughter at Conneaut’s beautiful park overlooking the lake. Conneaut Community Park is equipped with pavilions to accommodate large groups, and a large playground, with plenty of room to run!

Turkey & Deer Hunting

Acres of rich forest and rolling farmlands make Conneaut, Ohio a superior choice for Deer and Turkey Hunting.

Outdoorsmen can also take a scenic drive and watch wild turkey, foxes, coyote and while tailed deer in their natural habitat.

In addition, there is an 86 acres Conneaut Wildlife Area that provides abundant hunting oppottunities for white tailed deer, wild turkey and squirrels. The area was aquired to protect the rare hemlock harwood forest in our area.

Photography by Joy Cobb

Conneaut’s Hiking and Scenic Trails

For more than two decades, Conneaut Ohio has been the recipient of the Tree City USA Award.

Our city is dedicated to preserving our beautiful forestry. You can take a hike along scenic trails and enjoy relaxing views of rolling farmload or go for a bike ride and enjoy the sun overlooking the breathtaking views of Lake Erie from Conneaut.

Conneaut History

Conneaut Historical Tours – History comes back to life in Conneaut. Take a tour of The Conneaut Historical Railroad Museum, located in the New York Central Station in Conneaut. The Museum offers railroad artifacts and local history. The highlights include model engines, steam locomotives, freight cars, and other railroad equipment

Conneaut Ohio Wineries

We are home to 15 local wineries. Taste some of the world’s best wines at one of Ashtabula County’s fifteen local wineries. Lake Erie’s effect on our local climate makes Northeastern Ohio one of the best places in the eastern United States for grape farming.

Ashtabula County produces nearly two-thirds of the grapes in all of Ohio. Several Conneaut wineries also offer exceptional meals to compliment their diverse, local wine menu.

Walleye Fishing Lake Erie
Photography by Joy Cobb

World Class Fishing in Conneaut

Calling all Anglers, Conneaut Ohio is known for their world class steelhead and walleye fishing. Conneaut is known as the “Walleye Capital of the World” and the “Steelhead Capital of Ohio.” Cast your rod and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Lake Erie as you wait for the “big catch”. You can fish for walleye, perch, musky and bass in Lake Erie or Conneaut Creek – Featured Nationwide.

Connneaut Harbor Lighthouse

The Conneaut Harbor Lighthouse, has become the icon often associated with Conneaut, Ohio. In 1835, the port of Conneaut was marked by a lighthouse on a pier. 50 years later, that pier was severely deteriorated and in the 1890’s a new lighthouse was built to serve Conneaut.

In the 19th century, Conneaut was a rich shipping port for grain, whiskey and forestry products and a lighthouse was important to our economy.

The lighthouse built in the 1890’s lasted until 1917, when a new lighthouse was erected.

That lighthouse was replaced again for a final time, in 1935 with a new sleek tower – state of the art at the time. The Conneaut Harbor Lighthouse still stands strong today, as a symbol of Conneaut’s rich past with a few modern updates. If you visit Conneaut, make sure stop by this local landmark.

Scenic Train Rides, Conneaut Ohio

Take a one hour, 12 mile round trip over the last remaining portion of the New York Central’s Ashtabula to Pittsburgh “High Grade” passenger mainline.

The Ashtabula, Carson & Jefferson Scenic Line travels through scenic woodlands and farmland between the quaint village of Jefferson to Carson, a staging yard for Norfolk Southern’s coal operation in historic Ashtabula Harbor.

The AC&J Scenic Line operates from Father’s Day weekend in June through the last weekend in October.

Reservations for small groups of under 20 persons are not necessary. We operate a full-size train with passenger cars built in the mid 1920s. One is a former long-distance car with air-conditioning. Two others are commuter cars having openable windows and ceiling fans. Several can be heated for cooler weather. There is one on- board lavatory.

The round trip lasts one hour and covers approximately twelve miles. Travel is through back farm country, crossing over two bridges, through woods and ending at Carson Yard. Many areas seen are undisturbed in over a century of railroading.

On board snacks and souvenirs are available in our club car.

Due to the age of our equipment, the AC&J is not handicap accessible.