As summer rolls around, many of us crave a day with the sand between our toes and the warm sun on our skin. Maybe you get your sunshine fix by trekking over to the Atlantic Coast or even just by driving north to Lake Erie, but what if I say that everything you desire is right here in the Richland County area? That’s right; there is no need to flee the state because having a beach day here happens! Today let’s explore some of the premier destinations in this area for every type of beach-goer.
For the water sport enthusiast…
Pleasant Hill Lake Park is the perfect destination for all of your water sport endeavors. With no horsepower restrictions, the atmosphere is constantly upbeat and filled with wakeboarders, water skiers, jet skiers, and tubers. If you don’t have your own boat, it’s okay! The Pleasant Hill Marina rents ski & tube pontoons, jet skis, fishing boats, kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards. Additionally, they have free kayak and canoe days during some of their major events such as the 4th of July, Christmas in July, Outdoor Skills, and Labor Day Weekend. Pleasant Hill also has a public swimming beach and over 800 acres of fishable water.
For the avid fisher and relaxer…
Charles Mill Lake Park provides more of a laid back and relaxing escape. This lake has a horsepower limit of 10, which creates calmer waters that are ideal for anyone who simply needs to unwind. Public swimming is available off boats in some locations and on a public beach. The various coves throughout Charles Mill are filled with channel catfish, flathead, catfish bullheads, white bass, largemouth bass, hybrid striped bass, crappie, bluegill, and saugeye. This place is the fishermen’s dream! The Charles Mill Marina also provides boat rentals.
Another great location and an “escape inside the city” is Shelby Reservoir No. 3. All of the water is fishable and rowboats, canoes, paddle boats, and electric motor watercraft are available for rental. Shelby is also home to the Seltzer Park Pool.
For your inner explorer…
Whether you are in the mood to float down a river all day or get a killer workout, Mohican Adventures Canoe & Fun Center is the place for you! During your trip here, you can rent either a kayak, canoe, raft, or tube for an excursion down the Mohican River. Two different lengths of trips are available. Go on a seven mile journey that takes about two hours or a fifteen mile trip that lasts about four to five hours. Enjoy the wildlife, bring along your cooler, and have a picnic along the river bank. This is an experience like no other. If you still crave an adrenaline rush after your river trip, check out the fun center’s “Adventure Golf” and go carts or their “Aerial Adventure Park”.
For the kids on a chilly day…
The Comfort Inn Splash Harbor is an indoor water park that is perfect for younger kids on days that the weather isn’t necessarily cooperating. This water park has a giant water slide, dumping buckets, and basketball hoops. The pool’s beach-themed surroundings make you feel like you are in a tropical oasis and the retractable glass roof allows everyone to feel the natural sun. The water park is also equipped with family and adult only hot tubs. Get your water and relaxation fix without having to deal with Mother Nature’s elements. For day passes, call ahead for availability.
This summer, be sure to take advantage of everything that Richland County has to offer. For more details and help planning your day trip, visit www.mansfieldtourism.com.
Written by CVB intern, Brigitte Meisse