FUN CLOSE TO HOME: A STAY-CATION

Think that family trips to distant and pricey destinations are the only way to go this summer? Think again. Fun and sun can be had right here in North Central Ohio for just a fraction of the cost of a normal summer vacation. The greater Mansfield area is home to some of the most exciting and fun destinations in the state, from campgrounds, golf courses, racetracks, and outdoor adventures.

With both Charles Mill Lake and Pleasant Hill Lake within 20 minutes of Mansfield, camping and boating enthusiasts will not be disappointed. Charles Mill Lake Park and Pleasant Hill Lake Park offer camping sites for all sizes, from campers all the way down to tents. At the Charles Mill and Pleasant Hill Marinas we offer a wide variety of rental boats, from kayaks and paddleboats to pontoons and ski boats, in addition to overnight docking and boat supplies.

Those interested in nature will certainly not be disappointed in the Mansfield area. Kingwood Center (left), a lush garden estate located in the heart of Mansfield is world renowned for its grand flowering displays, classical architecture and families of peacocks. Other attractions, like the Ohio Bird Sanctuary, Malabar Farm State Park and Mohican State Park all offer a unique view of the wildlife and nature that Ohio has to offer.

For race lovers, the Mansfield area is home to two world-class tracks that feature the best the sport has to offer. Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course (right) near Lexington is one of the world’s premier road courses, home to the IndyCar series Honda 200 and the American Le Mans Series Sports Car Challenge this summer. If oval racing is more your thing, then check out the fan-friendly Mansfield Motorsports Park, which features a wide variety of racing, from stock car to go-carts.

North Central Ohio is also home to a wide variety of golf courses, from the challenging links of Pebble Creek in Lexington to the more amateur-friendly fairways of Twin Lakes near Ontario. If you have adventurers in your group, be sure to look up the Battle Zone Paintball Park in Mansfield and the Ohio Dreams Action Sports Camp.

Culture certainly is not lacking in North Central Ohio either, with hot spots like the Mansfield Art Center, the Renaissance Performing Arts Theatre and the historic Carrousel District all receiving critical acclaim. Attractions like the Richland County Museum, the Mansfield Fire Museum and the now-retired Ohio State Reformatory (which has been the setting for several major motion pictures) all offer a glimpse into the interesting history of the area.

For more information on what the Mansfield area has to offer, head on over to the Mansfield Tourism website.