Experience Rural Northeast Ohio History at the Covered Bridge Festival on Oct 12–13

Nothing announces the fall season quite like a picturesque covered bridge surrounded by autumnal colors!

If you love fall and learning more about Ohio’s rich history, then you are going to enjoy the 40^th Annual Covered Bridge Festival taking place at the Ashtabula County Fairgrounds this Saturday and Sunday, October 12 and October 13, 2024.

The fun starts off on Saturday at 10 a.m. with crafts, kids activities and helicopter rides! The rest of the day is filled with all kinds of activities, including:

• Glassblowing 
• Antique Engine show
• Mini Bridge and Scarecrow contest judging
• 1890 tours at the Jefferson Depot

Naturally, no fall festival would be complete without a parade. This year’s Covered Bridge Parade kicks off at 1 p.m. on Saturday. 

On Sunday, the festival reopens with a 5K run, followed by a pancake breakfast. There is also live entertainment on both days. Check out more details on the festival site.

After enjoying all the festival has to offer, be sure to take the self-guided driving tour of the covered bridges. See them all or take in just a few. You can download a map online or view the bridges on Google maps. The tour introduces you to 19 covered bridges in all. Stop at Smolen Gulf, the longest covered bridge on the tour. Take some pictures along the way and learn more about Northeast Ohio’s history.