Vacation rentals in Conneaut Lake

As the state’s largest natural glacier lake, Conneaut Lake has the power to melt the hearts of those who come to the region. The borough bearing the name sits on the southern end of the water in Crawford County in northwest Pennsylvania, but the moniker is most associated with Conneaut Lake Park, a historic amusement park, which has one of the nation’s oldest wooden roller coasters, plus a boardwalk along its lakefront beach. While the lake itself is a favorite for water activities such as fishing, water skiing, and swimming, the area is also known for a mix of other traditions, like a summer arts festival, winter ice sculptures, flagpole holiday decorations, and its famous strudel.

For the most enjoyable weather, head to Conneaut Lake from mid-May to early October, when day and night temperatures are mild and comfortable. The Conneaut Festival of the Arts takes place in July, and the county also hosts the largest agricultural fair east of the Mississippi in August. Spring and fall months bring a bit more chill because of the humidity and wind, but overall offer a temperate climate. Packing an umbrella is always a good idea, though, since rain is not uncommon. Fall is also when the town has its Pumpkin Fest with a parade and pumpkin drop. Winter, however, can be more challenging, as it can snow up to nine times a month. Even the high temperatures hover around the freezing mark, but Conneaut Lake still knows how to celebrate, with its Winter Ice House Park Festival.

Conneaut Lake Park

The main attraction in the area is all about fun and games. On the surface, it may just seem like an amusement park, but with roots dating back to 1892, it’s so much more than that. Sure, there are vintage rides, such as the carousel from 1910 and a wooden roller coaster from 1938, but there’s also the boardwalk and beach, making it the ultimate location for all kinds of delights.

Ernst Trail

As part of the French Creek Recreational Trails in Meadville, the Ernst Trail is an abandoned railroad bed that traces the edge of French Creek and has been converted into a pathway for walking, running, biking, and inline skating, as it passes by wildflower meadows and marshlands.

PennDOT Road Sign Sculpture Garden

When a group of Allegheny College students found out the state’s Department of Transportation had some extra road signs, they got to work turning them into art along the Smock Highway in Meadville. Also known as “Read Between the Signs,” the metal sculptures depict waves, a barn, silo, and a Ferris wheel, all made of old wayfinding signs.