If you’re looking for a winter getaway not too far from Hilliard, you’ve come to the right place! Today we’re rounding up seven of the best day trips you can reach within an hour or so of Hilliard. And if you live at The Pointe - Hilliard apartments, you’re in an ideal location to jump onto I-270 to reach destinations like Columbus, Mansfield, Zanesville, and Westerville.
Mad River Mountain
With 12 chairlifts and 21 trails, Mad River is Ohio’s largest ski resort. Just a 40-minute drive from The Pointe - Hilliard, it makes a great day trip destination for both skiing and tubing. Their website offers snow and ski lift reports and information on tickets, prices, lessons, and rentals. During your day of skiing or tubing, grab a sandwich, a burger and fries, or some hot soup from The Cafe, or stop into The Loft for a signature cocktail.
Snow Trails
Just 70 miles from Hilliard, Snow Trails in Mansfield makes a great winter day trip for snow skiing or tubing at Vertical Descent Tubing Park. Offering lessons and children’s programs, it’s a great place for skiers of all skill levels. Check out their website for important information about snow, hours of operation, and tickets. When you’re done for the day, try Buckeye Express Diner or Der Dutchman in Bellville before hitting the road.
Glacier Ridge Metro Park
For winter horseback riding, hiking, bird-watching, and stunning scenery, check out Glacier Ridge Metro Park in Westerville. It offers a day’s worth of activities you can enjoy just 20 minutes from home by way of U.S. Route 33 and Hyland-Croy Road.
Tall Pines at Walnut Woods
Walnut Woods is a magical place for a winter day trip that’s just 25 miles south of Hilliard and offers several easy trails you can hike even if there is snow on the ground. The Tall Pines area has stunning winter scenery, and you can take the Sweetgum trail 2.6 miles through that area.
The Columbus Recreation and Parks Department Winterfest
Winterfest takes place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. December 3rd at Bicentennial Park where you can get your fill of live music, seasonal craft beer, hot bourbon cider, and great local food truck fare. Don’t miss the snow globe photo opportunity and mechanical reindeer! If you plan to stay after dark, the Scioto Mile holiday lights will be visible in downtown Columbus from dusk until dawn every day until January 2nd.
Westerville Winterfest
Another Winterfest! Heading 16 miles east on I-270 will find you at the Clements Recreation Center for the Westerville Winterfest, where you can enjoy a sleigh ride, free ornaments, a bounce park, a coloring contest, free candy canes, food and music, holiday shopping, and plenty of other treats, activities, and attractions for all ages. Since it takes place from noon to 3 p.m. December 11th, you’ll have plenty of time to see the attractions and head back home to Hilliard before dinnertime.
The Columbus Symphony’s Winter Festival
Call it an evening trip, instead of a day trip, but this performance by The Columbus Symphony that includes Rimsky-Korsakov’s suite from The Snow Maiden is close to home and definitely worth the 20-minute drive. You’ll have three opportunities to see it on January 6th and 7th.
If you’re looking for apartments for rent, Hilliard, Ohio offers close proximity to I-270, Columbus, and fun winter destinations for skiing, snowboarding, tubing, hiking, and so much more. Plus, The Pointe - Hilliard provides luxury amenities and spacious apartments so you’ll love coming home just as much as you love exploring. Call for a tour today.