By Ohio.org Staff
Posted On: Jan 10, 2023
It's easy to get stuck in an everyday, banal rut during the winter season. Luckily, there are plenty of outdoor and unique adventures offered around the state of Ohio that can help you break your routine.
Try out these wacky winter sports to keep your body warm and get your blood pumping.
Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, photo credit: Rails to Trails
Fat Biking
Who said biking was only a warm weather activity? Fat bikes were first invented out of necessity as a way for Alaskans to get to work by bike, but they are now considered a recreational exercise, especially in the Midwest.
Fat bikes, also called snow bikes, are the monster trucks of the bicycle world. They're just like regular bikes, but with huge tires that provide traction and float over deep powder.
Rent your own fat bike from places like Century Cycles and ride down the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail in Cleveland.
Ice Boating
You might have to do a double take when you gaze at Lake Erie and see boats gliding over the frozen waters. Yes, there are in fact people who partake in ice yachting - a boat that's similar in design to a sailboat but fitted with skis or runners and designed to run over ice instead of water.
If you're interested in setting sail this winter, check out the Toledo Ice Yacht Club. You can also enjoy ice boating at select Ohio State Parks like Indian Lake State Park in Lakeview, Kiser Lake State Park in Conover, and Stonelick State Park in Point Pleasant.
Snowkiting
For those who can't get enough of kiteboarding in the summer, try snowkiting this winter! Snowkiting allows you to glide over snow and ice using a kit and wind power. You can find snowkiters all around the state of Ohio, especially at Buckeye Lake State Park in Millersport.
Skijoring
Feel bad leaving your dog at home while you're out exercising this winter? There's no need with skijoring, an activity that involves skiing while your dog is out in front pulling. If you're interested in this unique sport, consider joining the Midwest Skijorers Club!
Dayton Broomball Association
Broomball
Is it hockey? Is it lacrosse? No, it's broomball! This recreational sport that's played with rubbed soled shoes and uses a stick called a broom with a triangular head to a hit a small ball on the ice is becoming increasingly popular in the United States.
If it's your first-time playing broomball, head to Bowling Green State University's Slater Family Ice Arena for a quick and casual game. Or, if you're looking for something more serious, consider joining one of BGSU's adult broomball leagues or the Dayton Broomball Association.
Curling
You've seen curling while watching the Winter Olympics, but now you can see it in person and play it yourself! Divide into two teams and take turns sliding heavy stones down the ice and sweeping the sheet with brooms.
For those in Columbus, head over to Land-Grant Brewing for the new seasonal curling rink. Or check out Mayfield Curling Club (MCC) in Warrensville Heights, outside of Cleveland. They offer several introductory classes for those looking to try curling.
Photo credit: ODNR
Ice Fishing
Bundle up and head to one of the various lakes around Ohio for a day of ice fishing. When the conditions are safe, venture out onto frozen bodies of water and drop your line into a hole in the ice with the hopes of catching a walleye or bluegill.
Check out this list for the best Ohio lakes to ice fish in this winter. Or head to select Ohio State Parks like Lake Alma State Park in Wellston, Lake Logan State Park, or Lake Milton State Park for prime ice fishing spots.
And stay updated with fishing forecasts and general information on ice fishing from the Ohio Department of Natural Resource (ODNR).
Find other winter activities and safety tips from ODNR. No matter what snowy adventure you're looking for, you'll find it in Ohio!
And for even more #WinterinOhio things to do when it snows, check out #OhioFindItHere at Ohio.org.
