Location: Conneaut
Top Things to do in Conneaut
- 1. Conneaut Township Park
- 2. Markko Vineyard
- 3. Conneaut Historical Railroad Museum
- 4. Creek Road Covered Bridge
- 5. Port of Conneaut Bird Observation Platform Area
- 6. Lakeview Park
- 7. Conneaut Area Historical Society Museum
- 8. Root Road Covered Bridge
- 9. State Road Covered Bridge
- 10. Middle Road Covered Bridge
What to do and see in Conneaut, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Conneaut (/ˈkɒniɔːt/ KON-ee-awt) is a city in Ashtabula County, Ohio, United States, along Lake Erie at the mouth of Conneaut Creek. The population was 12,841 at the 2010 Census. Conneaut is located at the far northeastern corner of the state.
Restaurants in Conneaut
1. Conneaut Township Park
Overall Ratings
5 based on 82 reviews
Reviewed By FirstAlaskantrip - BC, MI
Conneaut is a small town on Lake Erie. As a child we lived within walking distance to the water. It was a tourist town and many people would visit on the weekends. The beautiful beach in Conneaut Township Park was always filled with sunbathers. It was hard to find a place to put your blanket in the sand on the weekends. When I visit Conneaut now, I always take a ride to the park to recall my pleasant past.
Conneaut is a town filled with many fine people.
2. Markko Vineyard
Overall Ratings
4 based on 33 reviews
Reviewed By Jo_and_Tom - Anna, Ohio
Markko Winery originated in 1968 and it has made fine Dry Wines ever since. This winery has been listed in Wine Spector with a 90 rating. It makes only 4 varieties of wine - Chardonnay, Riesling (dry), Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon. It is not unusual to have the wines rest 3 years before they are bottled. Arnie, the owner & vintner, is known for helping and advising fellow vintners and getting them started with the fine wines. His latest experiment will be aging wines in lightly charred American Oak barrels vs. the Bourbon/Whiskey barrels that other have used. I have been to Markko's 4 times since 2012. You have to want to go to Markko's since it isn't on the regular route of the other wineries in Madison area. It is about 25 miles east of their. The first time there, a guide brought me there and I said OMG what is this place. The tasting and production facilities aren't new and pretty. He has cheese which he makes and bread for eating. He also has his own breed of dogs called Markko's. His wine for the Vintage runs $25+ to his own Sparkling which is $48. We became addicted to his dry riesling which seems to sell out as soon as he makes it. He may or may not have a NV wine, this time we bought a Riesling to try since we bought one each of the Cab, Chardonnay and Pinot. This isn't a place to put a notch on your belt to say you were there. If you like FINE Wines, go and enjoy. If you are lucky enough you can talk with him and enjoy his knowledge as well as places he will suggest in Madison area which are either up and coming or are good bets.
3. Conneaut Historical Railroad Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By SailorBoy55 - New York
We were passing through on the way from Columbus, OH to western NY and literally stumbled upon this museum as we were going through Conneaut and saw the locomotive sitting along the road. Amazing size of the train cars, particularly the locomotive itself when you stand right next to it. Wonderful display of historical train paraphernalia and memorabilia. It's clear that any train buff would be in heaven while touring this small, free museum. Plenty of detail and even had gone to the lengths of wax figures located in various places in the museum and on the train to give it a further air of authenticity. Bravo for having, and keeping, this museum available as an historic landmark. Donations recommended and no admission fee is charged.
4. Creek Road Covered Bridge
Overall Ratings
5 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By Cuz39 - Mechanicsville
A trip to this area would not be complete without stopping at the Creek Road Covered Bridge spanning Conneaut Creek. The bridge is one of currently 16 drivable bridges in the county and is located approximately 3.4 miles southwest of Conneaut. The bridge’s date of construction is unknown, but it was renovated in 1994. A Covered Bridge Festival is held in October. When you’re driving through the bridge, remember to blow your horn to alert a vehicle from coming the other way. What a treat!
5. Port of Conneaut Bird Observation Platform Area
Overall Ratings
5 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By pollyjean23 - Charlotte, North Carolina
The Conneaut Harbor's marsh and sandbar area is the setting for the bird observation area. It is rich with grasses, saplings, and other greenery. All around you, there is the vast expanse of water, framed by the breakwall and lighthouse. Add to that birds and other wildlife, and you have yourself an bonafide attraction!
The observation area features a small deck that allows visitors to get out over the marsh area. It's a great position for photography, getting a better view of the birds, or just relaxing. There is also plenty of grass-covered area lining the marsh. It could be nice to bring a lawn chair, relax, and watch the birds.
Most of all, the Conneaut Bird Observation Platform is a birders' paradise. You'll see shorebirds, waterfowl, songbirds, and other wildlife. In fact, The Ohio State Department of Natural Resources states that Conneaut's Harbor consistently has an unusual number of rare bird species (http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/Home/LakeErieBirdTrailIndex/trailandloop/ashtabulaloop/tabid/21987/Default.aspx)
Another nice thing about the bird observation area is that it's a quick walk to Township Park, the marina, public dock, restaurant, beach, and breakwall. Overall, the Port of Conneaut Bird Observation Area is a very enjoyable attraction in Conneaut.
6. Lakeview Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By pollyjean23 - Charlotte, North Carolina
Lakeview Park is a small patch of green on Conneaut's shoreline. It is mostly used for Slo-Pitch softball, as it has a nicely maintained field, concession stand, and bleachers. In addition, the annual Fourth of July festival is held here. It's a great place from which to watch the fireworks!
One unique thing is, during the winter holidays, a colorful display of holiday greetings is erected temporarily along the curved road that runs through the park. The greetings are painted onto large pieces of wood and lighted for evening viewing. They're a welcomed site during the long, cold winters.
The park was very quiet on a recent afternoon visit, but I knew that in a few hours it would be bustling with ball players and their friends and families.
The park has an old tennis court that is not in service at this time. If I recall correctly, it was once converted into and used as a roller hockey surface. I wish the city would either rip it out or equip it properly.
One additional thing to note about Lakeview Park is that it is a very short walk to the Conneaut Arts Center, the Bird Observation Area, the Conneaut Harbor (where visitors will find several restaurants), Conneaut Township Park, and the Public Dock/Marina area. Lakeview Park is in a great location.
7. Conneaut Area Historical Society Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By pollyjean23 - Charlotte, North Carolina
Wow! I learned so much during my short visit to the Conneaut Area Historical Society Museum (CAHSM). So many photos and artifacts to view. I learned about many different companies that used to operate in Conneaut (most of them gone before my time), saw pictures of places and people I remember, and caught a glimpse of what life was like in my hometown at different points in history. Such a rich collection. There is a lot here, so plan to spend a bit of time.
I don't know if it has changed since, but I worry about the security and integrity of the contents of this museum. When I was there, the building had no air conditioning. It was hot and humid, and all of the artifacts and photos were subjected to that climate. I would love to see this stuff moved to a location with better climate control (or improvements made on the current building, which exudes a ton of character). Also, no one was able to answer my questions. For example, there was an interesting painting in the back, and I asked who was featured in it. The volunteers working there did not know. Volunteers were there just to make sure items were secure. The museum and its visitors would be better served by a knowledgeable staff. All these things require money, which I imagine is in short supply. Despite the small disappointments, I appreciated having the chance to view the impressive collection.
I have one tip for getting to this attraction more easily. The official street address of the museum may not get you to its location easily. The museum shares a parking lot with a restaurant. Use the address for the restaurant's building (restaurant is out of business, as of this writing). The address is 518 Mill Street, Conneaut, OH 44030. You can easily see the museum from Mill Street. All you have to do is just pull in and park.
8. Root Road Covered Bridge
Overall Ratings
5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By Mark M - Cleveland, Ohio
Visited 10 covered bridges in Ashtabula county, a few wineries, and the Western Reserve Greenway Trail (bicycling). An outstanding combination. I was surprised at how much we loved the covered bridges. When in the Conneaut area, make sure to visit Markko winery, which is between 2 of the Conneaut covered bridges.
9. State Road Covered Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By TryppAdams - Minneapolis, Minnesota
While not as old as many, the State Road Covered Bridge was built in 1983 across Conneaut Creek. Spanning 152 feet it is impressive and very photogenic. I encourage you to take your shoes of and walk through the creek a bit to truly enjoy this beauty.
10. Middle Road Covered Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By TryppAdams - Minneapolis, Minnesota
The middle road covered bridge is so close to many other bridges that it's worth the short drive to see. This wooden structure spans the Conneaut creek and there is some parking on both sides that allow you to hop out, walk across and take a picture.
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