Wellington Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Wellington, Ohio with this comprehensive travel guide. Discover the top attractions, must-try dishes, where to stay, and more.


Introduction to Wellington

Wellington is a charming village located in Lorain County, in Northeast Ohio. Just an hour’s drive from Cleveland, it’s a perfect getaway for those seeking a peaceful retreat in the countryside. Known as the “Cheese Capital of the United States,” it’s home to several cheese factories and cheese-related events throughout the year. Apart from cheese, Wellington also boasts of an impressive art scene, historical landmarks, and beautiful natural attractions.

List of Places to Visit in Wellington

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Wellington Reservation: A 511-acre park with hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, and a lake for fishing.
  • Spirit of ‘76 Museum: A museum dedicated to the history of Wellington and the United States featuring artifacts ranging from a two-headed calf to a 1907 indoor restroom.
  • Herrick Memorial Library: A beautiful library with both modern and historical book collections that offers several programs for children and adults.
  • Wellington Town Hall: A historical landmark that was built in 1885 and was restored by the residents of the village. Today, it’s used for community events and exhibitions.

Natural Attractions of Wellington: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Findley State Park: A beautiful park encompassing 838 acres of forest, fields, and wetlands. The park has hiking trails, fishing, boating, and camping facilities.
  • Wellington Reservoir No. 1: A serene lake that’s perfect for fishing and hiking around the perimeter trail.
  • Charleston Falls Preserve: An 118-acre preserve with several hiking trails that lead past a 37-foot waterfall.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Wellington

  • Wellington Reservation Trail: A 2.4-mile paved trail that encircles the lake and is perfect for a leisurely walk or bike ride.
  • Findley State Park Trails: The park has over 13 miles of designated trails ranging from easy to moderate. The trails lead to scenic views of the park’s lake, forest, and fields.
  • Chapin Forest Reservation: A 390-acre natural park with 8.5 miles of hiking trails and a scenic overlook of the Lake Erie basin.

Best Things to Do in Wellington: Activities and Tours

  • Take a Cheese Tour: Visit some of the local cheese factories like the Oakdale Cheese Factory and the Jilbert Dairy for a fun and informative tour.
  • Visit the Breweries: Visit the multiple craft breweries around Wellington like the Village Pump & Motor Works Brewery for a cold beer.
  • Explore the Art Scene: Visit the Lorain County Art Center or the Second Sole for unique art pieces from local artists.

Week-Long Itinerary for Wellington

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit the Spirit of ‘76 Museum and the Herrick Memorial Library
Day 2 Hike around the Wellington Reservation Trail and enjoy a picnic
Day 3 Take a cheese tour and visit the Jilbert Dairy and the Oakdale Cheese Factory
Day 4 Take a road trip to the nearby Amish community of Wakeman
Day 5 Explore the Lorain County Art Center and have lunch at the Fjord Horse Pub
Day 6 Go camping at Findley State Park
Day 7 Visit the Charleston Falls Preserve and enjoy the waterfall

Food and Drink Scene of Wellington

Must-Try Dishes

  • Macaroni and Cheese: Made with locally produced cheese, this is a classic dish that you must try while in Wellington.
  • Burger at Black River Cafe: This is a local favorite for burgers, sandwiches, and salads.
  • Pierogis at The Other Place: This Polish restaurant serves delicious pierogis that are a must-try.

Local Beverages

  • Craft Beer at Village Pump & Motor Works Brewery
  • Wine at Matus Winery: A beautiful winery in nearby Wakeman, Ohio.

Where to Stay in Wellington: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Wellington Hotel: An affordable hotel with comfortable rooms and free Wi-Fi.
  • Bed and Breakfast at Five Little Acres: A cozy B&B with personalized service and home-cooked breakfast.
  • Camp at Findley State Park: A perfect spot to camp with multiple campgrounds with electric and non-electric sites.

What to Buy in Wellington: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Cheese: Bring home some locally produced cheese from the Oakdale Cheese Factory or Jilbert Dairy.
  • Art: Local artists sell unique art pieces at the Lorain County Art Center and the Second Sole.

Local Culture and Customs of Wellington

Wellington is a small community where the residents are proud of its heritage. They are known for their hospitality and welcoming attitude towards visitors. As a guest, it’s important to respect their customs and traditions.

Best Time to Visit Wellington

The best time to visit Wellington is during the spring and fall seasons when the weather is mild, and the foliage is at its most colorful. Summers can be hot and humid, while winters can be snowy and freezing.

Do’s and Don’ts of Wellington

Do:

  • Respect the local customs and traditions.
  • Stay on designated trails while hiking.
  • Visit the cheese factories and try out local cheeses.

Don’t:

  • Litter in parks and natural reserves.
  • Avoid excessive noise in residential areas.
  • Don’t forget to tip the servers at restaurants and cafes.

Safety and Health

Safety in Wellington

Wellington is a safe village overall, but it’s always best to take the necessary precautions while traveling. Avoid walking alone at night in deserted areas, and always lock your car doors.

Health in Wellington

Wellington has several clinics and health centers for any medical needs. The nearest hospital is the University Hospitals Elyria Medical Center, just a 15-minute drive from Wellington.

Getting to Wellington: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Wellington

  • Cleveland Hopkins International Airport: Located 30 miles from Wellington, it’s the nearest airport.

Bus Stations Near Wellington

  • Greyhound Bus Station, Elyria: Located 10 miles from Wellington, it’s the nearest bus station.

Other Options

  • Car Rental: Renting a car is the best option to explore Wellington and its nearby areas.

How to Get Around in Wellington

  • Car: Renting a car or bringing your vehicle is the best option to explore the village and its surroundings.
  • Walking/Biking: The Wellington Reservation Trail is perfect for a leisurely walk or bike ride.
  • Taxi: Wellington has several taxi services that can take you around the village.

Where to Go Next from Wellington: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Cleveland, Ohio: Just an hour’s drive from Wellington, the city of Cleveland has much to offer, including the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Cleveland Museum of Art.
  • Lake Erie Islands: Take a ferry from Sandusky to visit the picturesque Lake Erie islands.
  • Amish Country, Ohio: Take a short drive to the nearby Amish community of Wakeman to learn about their unique customs and traditions.

Conclusion

Wellington is a hidden gem that’s worth exploring in Northeast Ohio. From cheese tours to beautiful parks, it’s a perfect destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat away from city life. Plan your trip to Wellington with this guide, and you’ll get to experience the best of what this beautiful village has to offer.

Wellington Town Hall Wellington Town Hall Herrick Memorial Library Herrick Memorial Library