Ohioans love to swim in rock quarries, kayak on quarries, hike around quarries and occasionally cliff jump into quarries. Unfortunately, not all formerly working rock quarries are safe for swimming, thanks to their deceptively cold/deep waters and murky underbellies. But these Ohio spots are approved for the public in one way or another. So bask in the one last long, warm weekend of summer and get thyself to a quarry today.

Ohioans love to swim in rock quarries, kayak on quarries, hike around quarries and occasionally cliff jump into quarries. Unfortunately, not all formerly working rock quarries are safe for swimming, thanks to their deceptively cold/deep waters and murky underbellies. But these Ohio spots are approved for the public in one way or another. So bask in the one last long, warm weekend of summer and get thyself to a quarry today.

Clearwater Quarry 4601 Genoa Rd., Perrysburg, 419-837-2020 This stunningly blue quarry offers a diving board, water slide and plenty of room to picnic (just don’t bring any beverages in glass containers). Labor Day Weekend is its final weekend open to the public. Photo via boy_jme/Instagram
Clearwater Quarry 4601 Genoa Rd., Perrysburg, 419-837-2020 Drive time from Cleveland: About an hour and 50 minutes west Photo via filxyz/Instagram
White Star Quarry 901 S. Main St., Gibsonburg, 419-637-DIVE Known for its scuba diving as well as its relaxing swimming beach, some might even say White Star Quarry is the shit. Photo via kevinhockey01/Instagram
White Star Quarry 901 S. Main St., Gibsonburg, 419-637-DIVE Drive time: About an hour and a half east outside of Cleveland. Photo via briannarlowe/Instagram
Centennial Quarry 5773 Centennial Rd, Sylvania, 419-885-7106 Offering plenty of room to water slide as well as hike, this is a place perfect for hanging out with a crowd, or maybe just your dog. Photo via improvislaw/Instagram
Centennial Quarry 5773 Centennial Rd, Sylvania, 419-885-7106 Drive time from Cleveland: About two hours west Photo via sem_warrick/Instagram
Nelson Ledges Quarry 12001 Nelson Ledge Rd, Garrettsville, 440-548-2716 Basically, you can do anything at Nelson Ledges Quarry. Attend music festivals, practice yoga while hula hooping and, of course, swimming. Better dive in soon, as the sun won’t be out too much longer. Photo via dinadejanovic/Instagram
Nelson Ledges Quarry 12001 Nelson Ledge Rd, Garrettsville, 440-548-2716 Drive time from Cleveland: About an hour southeast Photo via therealkbrumby/Instagram
The Peninsula Quarry 1980 W. Streetsboro Rd., 330-657-2202 An official swimming hole since 1955, this place is truly a Cuyahoga Valley gem. There’s a diving board there just waiting for you. Go ahead and jump. (Note: This spot may not be open for Labor Day.) Photo via mattiemearns/Instagram
The Peninsula Quarry 1980 West Streetsboro Rd., 330-657-2202 Drive time from Cleveland: Thirty minutes south Photo via slimboy_johnny/Instagram
Genoa Quarry Genoa Veteran’s Park, 607 Washington St, Genoa This spring-fed watering hole is part of the 30-acre Veterans Memorial Park area. While swimmers stick to the edge of the stone quarry, some parts run 100 feet deep. Photo via amegermaine/Instagram
Genoa Quarry Genoa Veteran’s Park, 607 Washington St, Genoa Drive time from Cleveland: About an hour and 40 minutes west Photo via stefkopke/Instagram
Gilboa Quarry 3763 Old State Route 224, Ottawa, 419-456-3300 Gilboa Quarry is all about the scuba diving. It’s a perfect spot to get certified before heading on a tropical vacation, all the while feeling like your some sort of explorer swimming through the remains of the former limestone quarry. Photo via ccoolmetal/Instagram
Gilboa Quarry 3763 Old State Route 224, Ottawa, 419-456-3300 Drive time from Cleveland: About two hours west Photo via margaretsmith3088/Instagram
Deep Lock Quarry 5779 Riverview Rd, Peninsula, 330-867-5511 So you can’t actually swim at Deep Lock Quarry Metro Park, but you can check out big chunks of stone that aren’t underwater and get your serious hike on. Photo via laura_oh10/Instagram
Deep Lock Quarry 5779 Riverview Rd, Peninsula, 330-867-5511 Drive time from Cleveland: About 30 minutes south Photo via ugly_inthe_am/Instagram

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