Northeast Ohio is a treasure trove for history lovers, where every corner holds a story waiting to be uncovered. From covered bridges and Underground Railroad landmarks to local museums and cultural gems, Ashtabula invites you to journey through the past while enjoying the charm of this lakeside town.
Just minutes from MotorCoach Resort Lake Erie Shores, the Hubbard House offers a powerful glimpse into history. Built in the late 1840s by William and Katherine Hubbard, the home became a safe haven for enslaved people seeking freedom across Lake Erie. Saved from demolition in 1979 by a Hubbard descendant, it now stands as one of Ohio’s last surviving Underground Railroad stations.
The first Ashtabula Lighthouse was built in 1836 to guide ships into the busy harbor. Civilian keepers tended the light until 1915, when the U.S. Coast Guard assumed responsibility. It remained staffed until 1973, becoming the last manned lighthouse on Lake Erie before automation. Today, the former keeper’s home is the Ashtabula Maritime & Surface Transportation Museum, where visitors can explore exhibits on the lighthouse, its keepers, the harbor, and the Coast Guard’s long presence in the region.
At just 18 feet long, the West Liberty Street Covered Bridge holds the title of the shortest covered bridge in the United States. Built by students from the Ashtabula County Joint Vocational School using locally sourced timber, this charming little span is both unique and memorable. A quick stop here offers a fun contrast to the county’s many larger historic bridges, making it a must-see spot in Ashtabula.
Spanning 613 feet, the Smolen-Gulf Covered Bridge is the longest covered bridge in the United States. Completed in 2008, it was designed by former Ashtabula County Engineer John Smolen and architect Timothy Martin. The project received $5 million in federal funding and was built to replace an aging steel bridge. The bridge stands 93 feet above the Ashtabula River and features pedestrian walkways on both sides. It serves as a testament to modern engineering and a tribute to the region's rich history of covered bridges.
The James A. Garfield House in Mentor, Ohio, was the home of the 20th U.S. president and the location of his famous 1880 “front porch” campaign, where he addressed thousands of visitors from his porch rather than traveling widely. Today, many original furnishings and artifacts remain in the home, giving visitors an authentic look at Garfield’s life both before and during his presidency.
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6300 Lake Rd W, Geneva-on-the-Lake
OH 44041, United States
Email Guest Services: guestservices@motorcoachresortles.com
Phone Number: 440-261-4063