Plan the Perfect Trip: Summer in Danville, Ohio
Blog updated by: Tracy S.
Tracy writes for The White Oak Inn, sharing vacation planning tips, travel insights, local things to do, and property highlights to help guests make the most of their time in Ohio’s Amish Country.
Treat yourself to an unforgettable getaway this summer in Danville, Ohio. Plan a relaxing and awe-inspiring road trip across the countryside. Beautiful weather, breathtaking scenery, and amazing local establishments set the scene for the ultimate summer vacation. You’ll find no shortage of outdoor adventures and natural wonders to keep you entertained during your stay.
Be sure to request a free copy of our Vacation Guide for more area recommendations. Discover our favorite year-round activities, top restaurants, and the best places to stay.
6 of the Best Ways to Spend Your Summer in Northern Ohio
1. Explore the Knox County Park District
Knox County is home to gorgeous stretches of natural landscapes. Explore the area, and you’ll find that the Knox County Park District consists of impressive wildlife preserves, stunning waterfalls, and beautiful walking trails. We have listed some of our favorite places below.
- Bat Nest Park: Be prepared to see bats, eagles, and other wildlife. This park is located 1 mile from The White Oak Inn.
- Hellbender Preserve: Use the Kokosing Gap Trail to access the preserve and explore creeks, beaches, and paths. (7 miles away)
- Honey Run Highlands Park: Don’t miss the beautiful 25-foot-tall Honey Run Waterfall. The park is great for bird watching, berry picking, and butterfly watching.
- Kokosing Gap Trail: Explore this 14-mile recreational trail, which follows the historic Pennsylvania Railroad Line. It is one of the best “rails to trails” in the US, with wooded and river scenery.
- Mohican Valley Trail: Hike or bike this 5-mile trail that runs along the abandoned Penn Central Railroad. You can even cross the Bridge of Dreams, one of the longest covered bridges in the US.
2. Enjoy the Great Outdoors
In addition to exploring the beautiful parks in the Knox County Park District, there are other wonderful outdoor activities to include in your summer vacation plans! The weather is prime for hiking, horseback riding, fishing, and more. During your visit, consider some of the following activities:
- Horseback riding: Take a leisurely trail ride through stunning countryside and woodlands.
- Geocaching: Hunt for small treasure boxes using GPS coordinates and clues. It’s fun and free!
- Schnormeier Gardens: Only open 12 days in June, you can stroll through magnificent gardens, including Japanese and rock gardens.
- Mohican Adventure: Go rafting, navigate the aerial course, or play a round of mini-golf.
- Canoeing or fishing on the Kokosing River: Explore the many waterways this summer near Danville.
3. Visit the Farm at Walnut Creek
Don’t miss a chance to spend a lovely summer afternoon at the Farm at Walnut Creek! Take a wagon ride through the animal farm, where you can hand-feed a giraffe and see over 500 animals from six different continents. Additionally, you can visit the produce stand, learn about the art of framing, and tour the farmhouses.
4. Grab a Drink at a Local Brewery or Winery
Wind down after a long day with a cold beer or a glass of wine at a local winery. There’s no better way to cool off! There are some amazing local establishments where you can sip away during your stay. Here are some of our suggestions:
- Millersburg Brewing: Their on-top beer menu includes Doc’s Scotch Ale and Haze for Horses IPA. (60 E Jackson St, Millersburg, OH)
- Wooly Pig Farm Brewery: Small batch brews and old-world process collide, offering a variety of on-tap and bottled beer. (23631 TR 167, Fresno, OH)
- French Ridge Vineyards: Try unique flavors like Apple, Blueberry, or Lemon Ridge. (2586 Township Rd 34, Killbuck, OH)
- Baltic Mill Winery: Taste fruity wines like Blackberry or Just Peach, and classic favorites like the Pinot Grigio. (111 E Main St, Baltic, OH)
5. Play a Round of Golf in Knox County
Swing your way to an epic summer in Danville! Book a tee time at one of the beautiful golf courses near our inn for a morning or afternoon of fun. Whether you are a novice or a pro, this is a fantastic activity for a group of friends or a couple.
- Apple Valley Golf Club: 18 holes across a meticulously maintained course. Players enjoy rolling hills, challenging bunkers, and generous fairways just 20 minutes from the inn.
- Vernon View Golf Course: 22 minutes away, this golf course offers picturesque surroundings with lakes, creeks, and rolling hills. A round of golf on a weekday is $38 for 18 holes, including a cart.
6. Stay at The White Oak Inn
While road-tripping across the beautiful countryside this summer near Danville, Ohio, be sure to book your stay with us at The White Oak Inn. We offer several different lodging options, including cozy guest rooms, pet-friendly accommodations, and log cabin cottages. Additionally, we offer a gourmet breakfast every morning as well as evening dining options such as romantic dinner baskets for two or four-course dinners in the inn dining room. You can even enhance your getaway with one of our inclusive packages. There are so many ways to enjoy summertime fun without ever leaving the inn and our stunning property.
We can’t wait to see you this summer in Amish Country! Book your stay today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q) Is Ohio’s Amish Country a good place for a quick summer getaway from Columbus or Cleveland?
A) Absolutely! It is only a 2-hour drive from Columbus to The White Oak Inn, and a 1.25-hour drive from Cleveland. We also host guests from the greater Pittsburgh area.
Q) What other activities can I add to my summer vacation itinerary for central Ohio?
A) You can explore one of the area bike trails, go shopping, learn about Amish culture, take a scenic drive, chase beautiful sunsets, go stargazing, or take a picnic.