Summertime is the best time.
If you're looking for some neat places to swim that aren't your local—and likely crowded—pool, then these 10 lesser-known swimming spots in Ohio are perfect. From stunning quarries to natural swimming holes in Ohio, there's a little something for everyone. Take the day off, gather the family and head to one of these beautiful spots for an unforgettable beach (or poolside) day of fun in the sun.
1. White Star Quarry
Most people don’t know there’s a stunning, sapphire quarry in Sandusky County. Tucked away in the small town of Gibsonburg, Ohio, you’ll find White Star Quarry. It’s a little-known diving resort that Ohio explorers will fall in love with. If you’d rather not scuba dive, you can always check out the designated swimming area or have a picnic by the quarry. Address: 925 South Main Street, Gibsonburg, OH, 43431 Click here for directions and more information.
2. The Slip N Fly
If you’ve ever wanted to know what it’s like to fly, there’s a truly epic waterslide in Ohio that belongs at the top of your bucket list. Most people have no idea there’s a truly massive slip n’ slide hiding at Ohio Dreams Action Sports Camp in Butler, Ohio. The camp’s famous Slip N Fly launches its riders several feet in the air for the ultimate ride you just can’t experience on the average waterslide. Address: 3495 Tugend Road, Butler, OH, 44822 Click here for directions and more information.
3. Headlands Beach
Although Ohio isn’t home to any white sand beaches, there’s a gorgeous beach along Lake Erie that comes pretty close. Headlands Beach State Park in Mentor, Ohio features a mile-long natural sand beach that’s unbelievably picturesque. A beach day here will make you temporarily forget you’re in Ohio—because Lake Erie really is our own special sort of ocean here. Address: 9601 Headlands Road, Mentor, OH, 44060 Click here for directions and more information.
4. Natural Springs Resort
Natural Springs Resort in New Paris, Ohio is a lesser-known gem that features a beautiful, spring-fed lake. It’s the picture perfect place to take a dip on a sunny day or camp for the weekend. (And if you'd rather not swim in the spring-fed lake, there's also a heated pool at Natural Springs Resort.) Address: 500 South Washington Street, New Paris, OH, 45347 Click here for directions and more information.
5. Mineral Springs Lake
Tucked away in Adams County, you’ll find the hidden gem of Mineral Springs Lake, a picturesque lake fed by natural spring water that’s loaded with nature’s healthy minerals. The lake covers more than 100 acres with five and a half miles of peaceful shoreline. It is surrounded by approximately 500 acres of serene nature—and it’s a truly peaceful, all natural getaway from it all. Address: 160 Bluegill Road, Peebles, OH, 45660 Click here for directions and more information.
6. Long’s Retreat Family Resort
Long’s Retreat Family Resort in Latham is a hidden gem that locals enjoy summer after summer for some unforgettable family fun in the sun. With three water slides, a large swimming beach and a splash pad, there's something for everyone here. Address: 50 Bell Hollow Road, Latham, OH, 45646 Click here for directions and more information.
7. Deer Creek State Park Lodge
Deer Creek State Park is home to an incredible lodge and conference center that’s the perfect place for some peace, quiet and a little adventure. There's an outside pool, an inside pool and much more to do here. Address: 22300 State Park Road 20, Mt Sterling, OH, 43143 Click here for directions and more information.
8. Cedar Point Beach
While the beach behind Cedar Point Amusement Park in Sandusky, Ohio isn’t necessarily a secret, it’s not the most accessible beach—making it seem a like an exclusive, picture perfect beach away from it all. If you’ve never been here before, it’s definitely worth a visit. Take a peaceful break from your roller coaster mania or check into the beach’s nearby hotels for a picturesque Ohio beach experience you won’t soon forget. Address: 1 Cedar Point Drive, Sandusky, OH 44870 Click here for directions and more information.
9. Baylor Beach Park
This 2-acre water park lake in Navarre features tons of family fun. Make a mini summer vacation out of it and camp here as well. Address: 8777 Manchester Avenue Southwest, Navarre, OH 44662
10. Sunlite Pool - CLOSED
Editor's note: Unfortunately, Coney Island and Sunlite Pool have permanently closed.Coney Island Amusement Park in Cincinnati is home to the world’s largest recirculating pool in the world. Sunlite Pool is truly massive. In fact, it’s larger than a football field. Most people don’t realize how much of a hidden gem it really is. Address: 6201 Kellogg Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45230 Click here for directions and more information.
Have you been to any of these places before? What other little-known swimming holes in Ohio would you recommend? Share your thoughts, photos and experiences with us!
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