During the cooler months, it is easy to feel the creeping onset of cabin fever. Regardless of the presence of snow, the nippy cold can easily keep Clevelanders indoors far too often. Fortunately, one state park that’s only a 90 minute drive from Cleveland offers indoor and outdoor activities that you’ll never forget, and there’s no lovelier time of year to pay it a visit.
Welcome to Malabar Farm State Park!
soozums/Flickr Nestled in the stunning landscape of Richland County, the farm was established in 1939 by Pulitzer Prize-winning author and socialite Louis Bromfield.
There is so much to love at this charming park.
JasonBechtel/Flickr With hiking opportunity, a superabundance of history, and an operating farm, every trip is well worth the drive.
You may even recognize this stunning landscape.
Malabar Farm State Park/Facebook Many locals are aware that the Mansfield Reformatory served as a location for the filming of the 1994 motion picture The Shawshank Redemption, but they may not realize that much of the surrounding area was also featured in the film. A site very near to the state park appeared in the end of the movie as the oak tree that Andy describes in the film as, “like something out of a Robert Frost poem.” Though the oak finally fell in 2016 and its remains were removed earlier this year, the site is still a popular tourist attraction.
While certain attractions (such as the slippery Mt. Jeez and the campgrounds) close from November through April, other attractions absolutely dazzle at this time of year.
Malabar Farm State Park/Facebook The farm grounds is lovely in white and shades of gray, and the farmhouse is splendidly breathtaking when draped in holiday cheer.
You will love taking a tour of the 32-room Big House at the heart of this lovely farm park.
Malabar Farm State Park/Facebook From November through April, the Big House is open for tours Saturdays and Sundays at noon, 2 p.m., and 4 p.m. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for children, and free to children 5 and under.
Be ready to be entranced, because you will be exposed to an enthralling story during your visit.
Malabar Farm State Park/Facebook The history of this farm is unusually fascinating. The house itself was expanded bit by bit over a period of 18 months to poetically mimic the story of Louis Bromfield’s grandfather’s home. When Bromfield purchased the property, the old Herring farmhouse stood on the hill. Features of the original farmhouse were tweaked and altered as it was expanded to an incredible 32-room estate, which is now frozen in time as a museum.
And, of course, the grounds of the state park will leave you in a state of awe.
Malabar Farm State Park/Facebook The campus of Malabar Farm State Park is open to the public during daylight hours. Whether you’re hiking along one of the scenic trails or interacting with the farm animals across the 300 acres of pasture, you will adore the quaint wintertime scenery of this darling destination.
During your visit, be sure to swing by the barn.
Malabar Farm State Park/Facebook The barn is open to visitors from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day, with the exception of holidays. Here, you may encounter a Shetland pony, dairy goats, sheep, and cattle.
If you’d like to experience the farm by candlelight, you’re in luck.
Malabar Farm State Park/Facebook There is nothing more magical than Candlelight Holiday Tours at the Big House. Tours take place December 1st, 2nd, 8th, and 9th from 5 to 9 p.m., as well as December 3rd and 10th from noon to 5 p.m. Tickets are $5 for adults, $4 for youth, and free to children 5 and under.
The majesty of Bromfield’s Big House adorned in spectacular decor is everything you need this holiday season.
Malabar Farm State Park/Facebook An experience here during the holidays is truly magical. An unforgettably festive environment will set the scene for a meeting with Santa Claus himself, and it will be made complete with freshly baked cookies and hot cider.
After you take in the lovely scenery, swing by the Malabar Farm Restaurant.
Malabar Farm State Park/Facebook You can find their hours here.
Get ready to kick off the holidays in the most picturesque park in the state.
Malabar Farm State Park/Facebook
Malabar Farm is a magical place to make holiday memories.
Malabar Farm State Park/Facebook
When it comes to making the season magical, nobody does it as charmingly as Malabar Farm State Park. This destination isn’t too far from home, so every Clevelander must visit it at least once.
soozums/Flickr
Nestled in the stunning landscape of Richland County, the farm was established in 1939 by Pulitzer Prize-winning author and socialite Louis Bromfield.
JasonBechtel/Flickr
With hiking opportunity, a superabundance of history, and an operating farm, every trip is well worth the drive.
Malabar Farm State Park/Facebook
Many locals are aware that the Mansfield Reformatory served as a location for the filming of the 1994 motion picture The Shawshank Redemption, but they may not realize that much of the surrounding area was also featured in the film. A site very near to the state park appeared in the end of the movie as the oak tree that Andy describes in the film as, “like something out of a Robert Frost poem.” Though the oak finally fell in 2016 and its remains were removed earlier this year, the site is still a popular tourist attraction.
The farm grounds is lovely in white and shades of gray, and the farmhouse is splendidly breathtaking when draped in holiday cheer.
From November through April, the Big House is open for tours Saturdays and Sundays at noon, 2 p.m., and 4 p.m. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for children, and free to children 5 and under.
The history of this farm is unusually fascinating. The house itself was expanded bit by bit over a period of 18 months to poetically mimic the story of Louis Bromfield’s grandfather’s home. When Bromfield purchased the property, the old Herring farmhouse stood on the hill. Features of the original farmhouse were tweaked and altered as it was expanded to an incredible 32-room estate, which is now frozen in time as a museum.
The campus of Malabar Farm State Park is open to the public during daylight hours. Whether you’re hiking along one of the scenic trails or interacting with the farm animals across the 300 acres of pasture, you will adore the quaint wintertime scenery of this darling destination.
The barn is open to visitors from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day, with the exception of holidays. Here, you may encounter a Shetland pony, dairy goats, sheep, and cattle.
There is nothing more magical than Candlelight Holiday Tours at the Big House. Tours take place December 1st, 2nd, 8th, and 9th from 5 to 9 p.m., as well as December 3rd and 10th from noon to 5 p.m. Tickets are $5 for adults, $4 for youth, and free to children 5 and under.
An experience here during the holidays is truly magical. An unforgettably festive environment will set the scene for a meeting with Santa Claus himself, and it will be made complete with freshly baked cookies and hot cider.
You can find their hours here.
If you’re looking for a bit of holiday cheer closer to home, you must swing by this traditional lighting display in East Cleveland.
If you want to explore more of Cle, make sure to check out this list of fun attractions.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
