Mar 1

Mar 1 Avoiding the Winter Blues in Cleveland

Ever heard of the “Cleveland Gray?’” Yeah, that’s a real thing. The sun doesn’t like to show itself too much here in northeast Ohio in the wintertime. It’s not uncommon to go a month or so without a clear, sunny day.

I think we all can agree that sunshine greatly improves our mood, especially in the wintertime with that oh-so-fun seasonal depression. Ohio also tends to have very bipolar weather, so one day it could be 20 degrees and the next day be 50 (I’m not even kidding - this happens all the time). I even remember having all four seasons in one day. So the constant change really doesn’t help the winter blues when you get excited one warm day and back to the cold the next.

But since we can’t control the weather, we have to make the most of it. There’s a few ways to combat the winter blues in Cleveland. So let’s get started!

Plateau Trail in Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Go for a hike

One of Cleveland’s oldest nicknames is the “Forest City” so we definitely have ample opportunities for you to get out for a hike. Pick a city and there’s probably a hiking trail there or nearby, due to a large amount of county Metroparks (most notably: Cleveland, Lake, Summit, and Lorain) and our very own Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

There are so many benefits to hiking, but in regards to the winter blues, it can help reduce your stress, anxiety, and depression.

Some of my favorite parks to go hiking in the wintertime are:

Hinckley Reservation
Richfield Heritage Preserve
Girdled Road Reservation
Chapin Forest Reservation
Bedford Reservation
Cuyahoga Valley National Park

>> Related: 5+ Trails to Hike this Winter in Cleveland <<

Explore Downtown Cleveland

Cleveland turns into a whole new world in the wintertime if you visit Public Square. They open an ice skating rink, deck the square in lights, even Terminal Tower lights up for the holidays. Another local favorite is to check out the historic Cleveland Arcade, which looks absolutely magical when it’s decorated.

>> Related: 45 Things To Do In Cleveland, Ohio <<

TAKE A RIDE ON THE POLAR EXPRESS

Take this family-friendly train ride on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad that’s set to the soundtrack of the movie. You’ll be transported to the North Pole, with a reading of the story, cookies, and hot chocolate, with special appearances from elves and Santa! Tickets go on sale to the public usually the October, and the Polar Express operates in November and December, with two boarding stations: Akron and Rockside.

Walk on Lake Erie

Maybe it’s a Midwest thing, maybe it’s just a Cleveland thing, but walking on a frozen Great Lake is a unique, otherwordly experience. Depending on how the winter is going, Lake Erie will freeze over around the shores allowing you to walk on it. Just don’t go very far out (for obvious reasons).

Horseshoe Pond in Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Have Fun in the Snow

Not everyone likes to hike, but that’s okay because there’s so many other winter activities you can do here in Cleveland.

GO DOWN THE TOBOGGAN CHUTES

Located in the Mill Stream Run of the Cleveland Metroparks, Tobogganing at the Chalet is definitely a Northeast Ohio winter favorite. The two 700-foot chutes operate with or without snow from November until early March on the weekend. Gloves are required to ride, and you must meet a height requirement. Need to warm up or take a break? The Chalet has TVs, fireplaces, and a snack bar with hot chocolate.

Winter Sports

You can go tubing, skiing, or snowboarding at Alpine Valley in Chesterland or Boston Mills/Brandywine in Peninsula. Sledding can be found just about anywhere at local and state parks, just check their website because some have designated hills just for sledding. Cuyahoga Valley NP also has its own very popular sledding hill with a small warming area. Cross-country skiing trails are available at most parks and trails as well.

Check with individual parks because many of them have rentals available.