Let’s Take a Road Trip to Ashtabula County!

July 1, 2026 MyOhioFun

Hey road trippers!

Ready to get out of the house and enjoy a scenic summertime road trip? This Ashtabula County route takes you up close to five historic covered bridges, with plenty of memorable stops along the way: a cold root beer and famous “turkey sandwich” from a beloved summertime drive-in, a “heavenly sundae,” Lake Erie views, and samples from the region’s wineries. I’ve also included a few optional stops to help you make the day your own.

Location: Ashtabula County, Ohio

Start: Begin at I-90 and OH-307 in Geneva, Ohio. This starting point is convenient for most travelers arriving via I-90. I recommend arriving around 10:00 a.m. so you have enough time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.

Road Trip Overview

STOP #1

Every road trip needs a starting point. So why not make it about food?

Time to fill your road trip picnic basket with a few traveling necessities. Robinson’s is a great place to pick-up apples, seasonal fruit and veggies, area honey, jams and jellies, and their famous pies. During grape harvest season they sell concord grapes, grape pies and fall pumpkins. Call ahead if you want to order a pie.

Robinson’s Apple Barn
5202 OH-307, Geneva, Ohio 44041
440.466.6780 | Facebook page
Open 10am-5pm, except Sundays 10am-3pm.

Next stop approx. 12 miles

STOP #2

The Netcher Bridge
Truss pattern: Inverted Haupt

Address: 1544 Netcher Rd., Jefferson

For many travelers following the trail, the Netcher Bridge may quickly become a favorite. Opened to traffic in 1999, this charming red bridge features a “Neo-Victorian” design, with intricate arches and trusses that make it a perfect place to pull over, stretch your legs, and take photos. On the sunny, peaceful day I visited, I found myself lingering on the bridge and taking far more pictures than I had planned.

Next stop approximate 12 miles.

STOP #3

The Root Bridge.
Truss pattern: Town Lattice

Address: 4680 Root Rd., Conneaut

Built in 1868, this bridge had to be raised 18 feet during its rehabilitation. Just like the Caine Bridge, depending on the time of day of your visit and the brightness of the sun. the light that beams through the town lattice truss pattern is beautiful. The weathered wood just adds to the bridges charm.

Next stop approximate 8.5 miles .

STOP #4

The State Road Bridge.
Truss pattern: Town Lattice

Address: 5899 State Rd., Conneaut

You will find both pine and oak in the construction of the State Road Bridge. Erected in 1983, the design of the bridge allows for optimal light, allowing visitors the opportunity to really see the bridges beautiful truss pattern. The dark stain of the bridge stands out during any season. For that reason, the State Bridge makes my top three Ashtabula County bridge list.

Next stop approximate 2.5 miles.

STOP #5

The Middle Bridge.
Truss pattern: Howe

Address: 910 Middle Rd., Conneaut

This beautiful old bridge was originally built in 1868. Later on, it was rehabilitated by a group of volunteers. The Middle Bridge offers the visitor a chance to enjoy the peacefulness of the bridge as it sits quietly amongst its surroundings. The day I visited you could hear the birds chirping everywhere. This bridge blends so well into its surroundings. Of all the bridges, the Middle Bridge seemed to have more of that old, weathered smell, just adding to its charm.

Next stop approximate 3 miles.

STOP #6 – Time for lunch!

Which means we are heading to Conneaut. Did you know that Conneaut was the birthplace of Northeast Ohio’s Viticulture Industry? It is also home to four of the nineteen historic covered bridges in Ashtabula County. It is also home to a special drive-in, an ice cream parlor that is just “heavenly”, and a restaurant that adds fries to their salads and serves up other favorite American dishes.

It would not be a road trip without a stop for lunch at a local favorite dining spot. Since I couldn’t decide which restaurant to send you to, I have decided to let you make your own choice. My two suggestions are below:

Established in 1952, the White Turkey Drive-in offers a wonderful selection of drive-in foods, as well as their famous turkey sandwich. Make sure you order a glass of their signature Root Beer. Don’t fill up too much, we have dessert waiting for you at your next stop.

White Turkey Drive-in
388 E. Main Rd., Conneaut, Ohio
440-593-2209 | whiteturkey.com
Mother’s Day Weekend – Labor Day
Daily: 11am-9pm (2026)

“We are still cash only.”

OR…..

Sparky’s Place

We are going to have to warn you about Sparky’s Place in Conneaut. The portions are not small. The loaded salad with French fries on top is really, really good. Also pictured above is one of their specialty flatbreads.

1001 Broad St., Conneaut, OH 44030
440-265-6061 | facebook.com/sparkysconneaut

STOP #7

Conneaut West Breakwater Lighthouse

Take Broad Street to the end. You can view the lighthouse from shore at the harbor. You can also park and enjoy the Lake Erie views.

Conneaut, Ohio 44030
visitconneautohio.com

Next stop approximate 2 miles .

STOP #8

We think everyone could use something a little “Heavenly”. And this is one “church” that everyone likes to flock to for their homemade ice cream, sorbets, and custard. The hardest part is going to be which flavor to enjoy.

Heavenly Creamery
264 Sandusky St., Conneaut, OH
440-593-6080 | heavenlycreamery.com
(Seasonal) Check their website before heading out to confirm times.

Next stop approximate 4 miles .

STOP #9

The Creek Bridge.
Truss pattern: Town Lattice

Address: 371 Creek Rd., Conneaut

Peaceful surroundings and benches. The perfect spot to enjoy a relaxing moment before heading off to your next bridge. Parking is available. Watch out for cars coming through the bridge from above. In fact a polite beep is always welcome when approaching this bridge.

STOP #10 – Time to round third and get ready to head home. But before you do, why not stop at one of the area’s wineries for a taste of Ohio Wine?

Here are a few winery locations that will keep you near your return route.

If you want to stay near Conneaut I suggest:

BUCCIA VINEYARD WINERY – Estate grown, cool climate wines.
518 Gore Rd., Conneaut, OH 44030
440.593.5976 | bucciavineyards.com

If you want to land more where you started your day’s exploration, I suggest one of these wineries:

Wineries near your starting point:

FERRANTE WINERY & RISTORANTE – Estate winery and restaurant.
5585 Route 307, Geneva, OH 44041
440.466.8466 | ferrantewinery.com

LAURELLO VINEYARDS
4573 State Route 307, Geneva, OH 44041
laurellovineyards.com

ROSABELLA WINERY
3951 State Route 307, Austinburg, OH 44010
440.275.5218 | rosabellawinery.com

MY OHIO FUN ROAD TRIP NOTES:

Make sure you have a cooler. Your going to need a place to stash your goodies.
Before heading out, order or download your FREE Ashtabula County Visitor Guide. The tourism office can also assist with any overnight accommodations you may be in need of securing.

Want to learn more about all the 19 covered bridges ? Click here.