10/27/2026
A glacier carved it, the county’s very first winery calls it home, and a ghost named Elizabeth is said to wander its grand old hotel. Welcome to Conneaut Lake, the first stop in our series on the hidden gems of Crawford County’s towns!
Pennsylvania’s largest natural glacial lake has been welcoming visitors since 1892, when Exposition Park opened on its north shore, and late fall is one of the loveliest times to see it. The water is calm, the shoreline still holds the last of the season’s color, and the lake feels like your own.
Here’s how we’d spend a day at the lake:
Morning: Start at Ice House Bakery & Deli on Water Street, a true hometown bakery, then browse the Berry Basket Gift, Candle and Floral Shoppe (open Tuesday through Saturday) for candles, nautical décor and a little something for home. If you love the outdoors, Conneaut Marsh is a short drive away. It’s Pennsylvania’s largest freshwater marsh system, and a peaceful place to watch the wildlife as Conneaut Outlet winds toward French Creek.
Afternoon: Make your way to Conneaut Cellars Winery & Distillery. Dr. Alan Wolf opened Crawford County’s first winery here in 1982, and today his son Joal carries on the family tradition. Ask about the Princess Snowater Catawba, named for the meaning of “Conneaut,” snow waters, and keep an eye out for the eagle nest behind the winery. On your way back through town, stop at Al’s Melons Farm Market for local goodies to take home.
Evening: Settle in at Rising River Brewing Lakeside for dinner, craft cocktails and 12 rotating taps of b**r, c***r and seltzer. And since it’s Halloween week, swing past the historic Hotel Conneaut. Legend says Elizabeth has lingered near Room 323 ever since the fire of 1943.
We hope you’ll come back to see us on Thanksgiving evening, too, when Al’s Melons lights up the Conneaut Lake Trees of Light, glowing along the lake through the holidays.
Plan your day at the lake:
https://loom.ly/BS647v4
Picture Credit: Katie Wickert
