Things to do near Mitiwanga
Thrill rides, river towns and Lake Erie sunsets. Here are our favorite ways to spend the day, all within easy reach of our front doors.
The big days
Worth a full day. Most of our guests plan at least one.
Sandusky · about 20 minutesCedar Point
One of the world's great roller coaster parks, with live shows, a frontier town, a top-rated beach and personal watercraft rentals. In the fall, don't miss HalloWeekends.
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Next to Cedar PointCedar Point Shores Waterpark
Eighteen acres of water slides, splash zones for little ones, cabanas for the grown-ups, and the four-capsule drop slide for the brave. A great way to beat the summer heat.
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SanduskyKalahari Indoor Waterpark
Sandusky is known for more than Cedar Point. Kalahari's entertainment complex goes well beyond waterslides, with arcades, laser tag, restaurants and entertainment, and it's a hot spot for LARP and dance competitions. It's all indoors, so a rainy day at the Point becomes a well-spent family day in the water, and you can forget the winter blues after our skies turn chilly.
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Day trips
A short drive for something a little different.
Port ClintonAfrican Safari Wildlife Park
Drive your own car through a park full of animals from around the world. Feed a bison, come nose to nose with a giraffe, and see everything from alpacas to zebras.
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Oberlin · about 25 minutesCommon Ground Canopy Tours
Is your group up for some next-level adventure? Common Ground's zipline tour takes you through the treetops of Oberlin, a 25-minute drive through the college town to a uniquely Ohio destination. The staff is skilled and friendly, and your crew will be talking about it for years.
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Right next door
The river towns on either side of Mitiwanga.
Just east of usVermilion
A quaint Main Street that's a throwback to simpler times, with hometown shops and Big Ed's Soda Grill, which still serves phosphates and malts. Summer brings the Festival of the Fish, and fall brings the Woollybear Festival.
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Vermilion RiverMystic Belle river tour
A relaxed cruise up the Vermilion River, full of local history, a little gossip and what's happening in town. Run by the same family for more than 40 years.
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Just west of usHuron
A lakeside town with a boater vibe. The main walk runs where the river meets the lake, with dining and a long pier just steps from the marina and boat club. It's also the western gateway to Cedar Point, handy for groceries and gas on the way.
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Where to eat
Our own go-to spots, the ones we send friends to.
VermilionBrewed Awakenings
Our go-to when you need to get on the road in a hurry. The breakfast gyro is one of my favorite sandwiches, full stop. The coffee is some of the finest around, with a full menu for whatever your coffee- or tea-loving heart desires. Opened by locals, and doing well enough to expand into a neighboring town.
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Between Mitiwanga and VermilionWayside Inn
Heading out on a weekend, not in a hurry, and want to eat on the cheap? This recently remodeled dive bar is just the ticket, with plenty of seating. The breakfast is basic but tastes like your mom cooked it... unless your mom can't cook. Then it tastes like somebody else's mom cooked it. You won't be let down by the prices or the lunch menu either.
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Main Street, VermilionBig Ed's Soda Grill
A Vermilion icon. It was the Hartz Drug Store until Big Ed took it over, a true throwback to when drug stores sold sodas, phosphates and malts. Today it's a restaurant that still serves the phosphates and malts. Main Street Beach is a short, pleasant walk away. You'll probably still have half your ice cream cone left.
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On the Vermilion RiverChez François
In town for something romantic, or just appreciate fine dining? Vermilion has one of the region's premier fine-dining experiences, overlooking the Vermilion River. Not much more to say than that. If you know, you know.
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Huron · on your way inAngry Bull Steakhouse
Most of you will pass the Angry Bull on your way to Mitiwanga. In the evening it'll catch your eye because the parking lot is full, and there's a reason: the steak is amazing, at steakhouse prices that are worth it. A small party can usually grab a bar seat quickly, but with more than three of you, get in line early. They're only open about five hours most nights.
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Downtown HuronMain Street Tavern
First off, the fries. They're the best I've ever tasted. This classy pub-style spot pours a host of unique brews and serves some wild sandwiches at a great value. When Kristy and I don't have anything specific in mind, this is where we end up. Plenty of TVs if you're looking to catch a game.
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Guilty pleasures
Save room. Trust us.
Sandusky, Huron & VermilionHouse of Donuts
A local favorite with three locations: the bakery in Sandusky, the original café in Huron, and an all-doughnut storefront in Vermilion, so it's easy to fit into your morning plans. Cinnamon rolls and apple fritters the size of your head. The Vermilion crew are close friends of ours and often throw in a little extra for our guests, so let them know where you're staying.
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Sandusky · about 20 minutesToft's Ice Cream Parlor
Ohio's oldest creamery, 20 minutes from Mitiwanga, and the drive along the bay makes it feel like less. This full-service ice cream parlor is known for a mind-melting number of flavors and “small” cones as big as your face. Don't try it after a big meal. You'll want room.
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A local favorite since 2023Hometown Bakery
A newer addition to the sweets scene that's quickly become a local favorite, known for breads, pastries and cakes. Your whole crew will find a favorite. Ours is the Buckeye cookie, a frosted, nutty delight with plenty of Ohio pride. Tell Tracy you're staying at Offshore Breeze, and she may give you a little something extra.
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Southern edge of VermilionPaper Moon Vineyards
Everything you expect from a great winery, and more: the full spectrum of wines, plus entertainment and a wonderful food menu. I personally love the Honeymoon Mead. Want to go out without going far or spending a whole day away from the beach? This place fits the bill for most guests.
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Plan your trip
Events, festivals and ideas for the whole region.
The whole Western BasinLake Erie Shores & Islands
The official guide to the towns and islands of Lake Erie's Western Basin. Check it for events and festivals happening during your stay.
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Want ideas for your crew?
Tell us who's coming and what you love, and we'll point you to the spots that fit, from date-night dinners to rainy-day plans.
Call or text (440) 387-6579