Geauga Lake & Wildwater Kingdom
Geauga Lake & Wildwater Kingdom is an amusement park/water park that is located on 690-acres in Aurora, OH, just 30 miles southeast of Cleveland. Geauga Lake & Wildwater Kingdom is within driving distance of many other major cities, including Detroit (188 miles); Columbus (140 miles); Pittsburgh (108 miles); Buffalo (198 miles); Erie (107 miles); Wheeling (130 miles).

2005 is Geauga Lake & Wildwater Kingdom's 119th season. With a history that dates back to 1887, the classic park is one of the oldest amusement parks in North America and has a very treasured history.

1060 Aurora Road, Aurora (330) 562-8303

www.geaugalake.com

Kent State Fashion Museum
The Kent State University Museum's costume collection encompasses American and European high fashion from the 18th century to the present day. Within the collection of 20th century fashion, most major American and European designers are represented, and many have donated their archives, sketchbooks and samples to the Museum. Ongoing gifts from firms such as Calvin Klein and from many individual donors keep the Museum's collections current.

Rockwell Hall, Rt. 59, Kent (330) 672-3450

www.fashionschool.kent.edu/museum.htm

Kent State University Student
Recreation & Wellness Center
Another gathering spot for students, faculty, staff and community members is the newest addition to Kent State's residential campus, the 153,000 square-foot Student Recreation and Wellness Center. This sparkling, state-of-the-art facility offers a wide array of wellness and recreation opportunities under one roof. An airy natatorium, a climbing wall, a cardiovascular fitness area, weight room, sports arena, multi-purpose gym, racquetball and handball courts, and a track with a view are just a few of the Student Recreation and Wellness Center features.

Ted Boyd Drive, Kent (330) 672-4REC

Kent Historical Society
In 1971, a group of civic-minded individuals, concerned about preserving the rich historical heritage of Kent incorporated as the Kent Historical Society. The young society would soon face its first major crisis: the threat of destruction to the landmark 1875 Kent Railway Station. In 1975, the society bought the station and began a renovation of the building which cost over a half a million dollars. The Society's offices and museum are on the second floor of the station, the ground floor being occupied by the Pufferbelly, Ltd. In addition to its strong tradition of displaying artifacts in the Rowe Museum, the Society maintains the Kent Historical Resource Center for those researching local and family history.

152 Franklin Avenue, Kent (330) 678-2712

Kent Historical Society Website

Portage County Historical Society
Formed in April, 1951, as a non-profit educational society whose objective is "to collect, preserve and display items of historical value" relating to Portage County; to collect historical material of all kinds; and to "promote and disseminate historical information." One of the society's goals is to encourage interest in the history of Portage County. This is achieved by the many activities of the society which includes tours of the museums and grounds for school groups and the public, a free lecture series, displays of historic items, a research library, numerous publications, speakers, and various preservation activities.

www.history.portage.oh.us

Towners's Woods
Towner's Woods is a naturally diverse 175 acre park in Franklin Township and has been enjoyed as a county park for almost three decades. The park was purchased by Portage County from the Towner and Bringham families in 1973. CETA crews developed the land into our first county park in the late 1970's utilizing recycled railroad materials in the structures. Once the site of sand and gravel extraction and dairy pastures, the Portage County Park District now manages the park, balancing conservation with recreation. Towner's Woods is a great place to relax and have fun. The extensive trail system is great for hiking and nature observation. Reserveable picnic pavilions and a gazebo are available for special events. In Winter, the sledding hills are popular, as is the nationally recognized cross-country ski trail.

Nelson/Kennedy Ledges
The amazing rocky cliffs, have been drawing curious sightseers since the mid-1800's. The state of Ohio began to purchase land in the area in the 1920s to place the fascinating rock formations in public ownership as a state forest-park for public enjoyment as well as protection of the resource. In 1948, the final parcel was purchased and Nelson Ledges was among the original state parks designated in 1949 when the Ohio State Park system was officially created. The park is more popular than ever for hiking, picnicking, and nature sightseeing at its finest. The fantastic rock formations are worth their weight in gold as part of Ohio's treasury of scenic natural wonders.

Nelson/Kennedy Ledges State Park Website

Tinker's Creek
The swamps and marshlands of Tinker's Creek State Park harbor a variety of natural wonders. Herons, ducks, geese and beaver can be found in the spring-fed waters, while cattail, buttonbush and swamp white oak line the shores of this beautiful park. Tinker's Creek State Nature Preserve is located adjacent to the state park and features extensive marshes. A 1.5-mile trail, known as the Seven Ponds Trail, features a boardwalk through the wetlands. An observation deck has been constructed to allow visitors excellent views of waterfowl. The preserve is open during daylight hours and is accessible only on foot.

Tinker's Creek State Park Website

West Branch
In 1965, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers completed construction of the Michael J. Kirwan Reservoir. The reservoir was developed for flood control, water supply, recreation and fish and wildlife management. West Branch State Park was formally opened in 1966. The park's large lake with its many forks and coves is extremely popular with fishermen, boaters and swimmers. The park's meadows and woodlots provide an excellent backdrop for camping, hiking, picnicing, swimming, hunting, boating, fishing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and horseback riding.

West Branch State Park Website

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

Additional Information:
Central Portage County Visitors' & Convention Bureau
138 E. Main St., Kent, OH 44240    1-877-283-8757
www.centralportage.com