Couples looking for something to do this Valentine's Day may find the outdoors offers some fine romantic experiences.

However, they might want to bundle up first.

Moraine State Park in Muddy Creek Township has multiple options for a romantic time for couples who can brave the weather, ranging from scenic outlooks to watch a sunset to spots for ice skating and picnics.

“It's February, so the weather is tough,” said Jack Cohen, president of the Butler County Tourism and Convention Bureau. “But for those who like to hike and be outdoors, it's a wonderful place to go.”

The park features a variety of scenic views to either watch a sunset or simply enjoy the snow-covered forests.

“There are two areas that attract a lot of people,” said Jake Weiland, assistant park manager. “The first is called 'the Point' and it's right on Pleasant Valley Road. Another is on North Shore Drive, on the one-way. It's a nice pull off.”

Weiland said both spots overlook Lake Arthur, which he said has a different in appearance in the winter than in the summer.

“Right now it's a sea of snow,” he said.

However, seeing the park in the winter offers a different sight than the rest of the year.

“When the leaves are off the trees, you can see so much more of the park,” Weiland said. “It gives an interesting perspective of the park.”

Weiland said the park gets numerous couples and married individuals looking to get outside.

Ice skating has always been a popular activity for couples, and Weiland said people can skate on the lake.

“We have a very popular area on the South Shore near Pleasant Valley,” he said.

However, skaters may have to do a little work first.

“Years ago the park used to clear the ice,” Weiland said. “But we stopped due to the unpredictability of the ice thickness. So people have to clear the snow themselves.”

And Weiland said couples may also have to keep an eye out for the occasional pickup hockey match on the ice.

Anyone looking to do something a little more adventurous than the traditional ice skating date is in luck this Valentine's Day.

The park will host to two ice plunges on Feb. 14, and Weiland expects many people to be jumping into the chilly waters of Lake Arthur that day.

Both Leadership Butler County and Habitat for Humanity in Lawrence County will host fundraising plunges.

It is the fifth year for Leadership Butler County's Groundhog Plunge, which will be at noon Saturday.

“They're a great group that raises money to support different needs,” Weiland said.

Weiland said interested couples can warm up after the plunge at one of the park's 11 cabins, which can be rented for a weekend during the winter months.

“It's an awesome stay,” he said. “It's something I've done numerous times with my family.”

Love of the arts

Cohen said the county offers romantic options for people hoping to stay indoors on Valentine's Day, especially for couples who are fans of the arts.

The tourism president said different theaters in the county can provide a nice date experience.

The Strand Theater in Zelienople will host musician B.E. Taylor on Valentine's Day. He is set to perform at the theater Friday through Sunday on Valentine's Day weekend.

The Succop Theater at Butler County Community College will host a performance by the Duquesne University Tamburitzans on Friday. That will feature the songs, music and dance of Eastern European and neighboring countries.

The Bottlebrush Gallery and Center for the Arts in Harmony will have its annual Have a Heart for Animals fundraiser for the Butler County Humane Society on Friday.

A variety of specialty shops will be involved with a weeklong art tour organized by Nicolette's Tailor Shop & Specialty Gifts in Portersville.

That tour began Feb. 6.