When people picture Ohio’s Amish Country, they see Amish markets and buggies and bucolic barns. Those are truly iconic features of the area. However, when some people go on vacation, they want to squeeze as many unique activities as possible into their getaway. They want history, culture, food, theater, shopping, and fun exercise. That last desire is why we recommend some spectacular activities that will bring you closer to nature. Rails to Trails can be accessed in Millersburg, OH approximately 10 minutes from Donna’s Premier Lodging. 23 miles of paved trails run through Holmes County as part of the Great American Trail Rail. The Great American Trail Rail is 3,700 miles of trails connecting Washington state with Washington D.C. The trail is used by hikers, bikers, and walkers. An adjoining lane is used by horse and buggies. The 15-mile Fredericksburg to Killbuck part of the trail runs directly through Millersburg. Guests can access the trail at the historic Hipp Station train depot. The Hipp Station is the headquarters and visitor center for the Holmes County portion of the trail. The visitor center features wildlife displays, trail information, restrooms, and a covered picnic area. Scenery along the route includes scenic swamplands where visitors may spot turtles, snakes, and birds. The trail also uses old railroad bridges to cross over streams. Guests who want more mileage can travel to the Glenmont to Brinkhaven section of the trail. At this time, the 7.5-mile section is not linked directly to the Fredericksburg to Killbuck section. Beach City Wildlife Area is approximately 20 minutes from Donna’s Premier Lodging. The highlight of the 393-acre state wildlife area is Dundee Falls. The 15-foot falls can be enjoyed year-round. Do not forget to look down into the rocky gorge below the falls. This stunning view can be missed if hikers focus only on the streaming water. The trail to access the falls is approximately one mile. The trail is an easy hike but can be slippery if it has recently rained. Bring your camera so you can take sweet selfies together by the waterfall.  The Wilderness Center is approximately 20 minutes from Donna’s Premier Lodging. There are lots of trails to hike. Most are a mile or less so you can combine multiple trails to see a large portion of the Wilderness Center. The Wildlife Observation Room boasts a wall of windows overlooking multiple feeders and a water feature. Visitors are almost guaranteed to spot birds at the feeders but other animals occasionally visit the area. Want a guaranteed animal spotting? Visit with the rescued animal ambassadors including a couple turtles. Visit on the first Friday of each month when the Astronomy Club sets up multiple telescopes. The digital planetarium will aid in your enjoyment of the vast evening sky. For those looking for a romantic picnic there are lots of picnic areas. Create your own picnic or request a snack basket from Donna’s Premier Lodging. Up for a little friendly competition? There are scavenger hunts that you can complete both inside the Interpretative Building and outside on the trails. Be sure to check the events calendar for upcoming activities during your Ohio Amish County getaway. Recent events include a chance to sip local beer while learning about plants, a group of knitting/crocheting enthusiasts who met in the Wildlife Observation Room to work on their individual projects, and a 5K or 10K run along the trails. If you are traveling with children, the Nature Playscape is a playground built with natural materials. It is the perfect spot for kids to strengthen their imagination. The TWC Interpretative Building is open Tuesday through Saturday. The trails are open daily from dawn to dusk. Mohican State Park is approximately 30 minutes from Donna’s Premier Lodging. The park boasts three distinct fishing areas where anglers can find the favorite catch. Clear Fork River is stocked with brown trout. Smallmouth bass frequent Wolf Creek. All the other streams in the area are home to largemouth bass, bluegill, and white crappie. Several hiking trails are available for all abilities. Get striking views of the lake along the easy 0.75-mile Pleasant Hill Trail. Take photos at two waterfalls along the moderate 2-mile Lyons Fall Trail. Reward yourself with a covered bridge at the end of the difficult 2-mile Hemlock Gorge Trail. National Geographic Explorer Magazine has designated the 25-mile Mohican Mountain Bike Trail as a “must ride” trail. This is another great place for a picnic at one of the park’s six picnic areas. The Mohican River is a popular spot for water activities such as tubing, canoeing, and kayaking. Several equestrian trails meander through the park.

We often times get guests wondering how Donna's Premier Lodging started. I sat down with Donna Marie this week and got the scoop...