Ohio is located right in the middle of the Midwest. Lake Erie and the Ohio River both have an impact on Ohio, which was partially formed by natural borders. The state offers a delightful blend of fascinating cities, unspoiled landscapes, and quaint farms.
There is a lot to do in Ohio, whether you are here for a long weekend or a longer stay. Ohio's top tourist destinations include big towns like Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati, but this list also offers some fantastic options to add to your Buckeye State itinerary.
List of the Best Places to Visit in Ohio
1. Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Cuyahoga Valley National Park the only national park that belongs to the state. The gorgeous Cuyahoga River, which is the park's main draw, is only a short drive outside of Cleveland. Over 200 miles of hiking trails wind past rolling hills, shady canyons, sandstone ledges, and over 70 waterfalls.
If strenuous hiking isn't your thing, there's a fantastic substitute that still lets you take in a lot of the scenery. There are multiple stations on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, and spending a day on the train is a great opportunity to see a lot in a short period.
Related article: Best Places to Visit in Illinois.
2. Columbus
Columbus is the state capital of Ohio. This city is a special place where many different cultures come together. Due to its location at the crossroads of several regions, including the Great Plains, Appalachia, the Bible Belt, and the Rust Belt, Columbus's population is somewhat of a melting pot. Additionally, Ohio State University is located there, which attracts additional youth from all over the world.
German Village is an excellent place to learn about Columbus's past and culture. It's located right outside the city's downtown. You may stroll down cobblestone alleys surrounded by trees in the German Village, take in the beautifully renovated homes, and have coffee and freshly baked pastries at a neighborhood cafe.
3. Cleveland
Another city on the Lake Erie shore is Cleveland, which serves as a significant regional metropolis. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a stunning modern building constructed by renowned architect I.M. Pei—who also created the recognizable glass pyramid in front of the Louvre Museum—may be its most popular attraction.
Visit the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame to view the latest inductees, view exhibits on David Bowie, Elvis Presley, and U2, or discover the stories behind some of the most well-known instruments ever made. Make sure to visit this amazing memorial to music if you only visit one thing in Cleveland.
4. Cincinnati
Cincinnati, often known as the Queen City, is located on the Ohio River. Cincinnati even captured the imagination of Charles Dickens, who described it as vibrant, happy, and energetic. Cincinnati is distinct in its location on both sides of the Mason-Dixon Line. Some residents firmly feel that they are not in the Southern United States, while others think they are.
No matter how you feel about the city's location, its appeal cannot be denied. You won't want to miss views of the amazing skyline, which includes the Cincinnati Observatory Center and Carew Tower. Cincinnati has an incredible park system as well, so visit Sawyer Point to take in live music and the green space that's so well-liked by both locals and tourists.
5. Hocking Hills State Park
Hocking Hills State Park is among Ohio's most picturesque destinations. The vast park is home to magnificent cliffs, deep canyons, and cascading waterfalls. In addition, numerous caves contain proof that the Adena people inhabited the region about 7,000 years ago.
Visitors can explore the most well-known of these caverns, Old Man's Cave and Ash Cave. Numerous miles of clearly marked hiking paths invite exploration, and incredibly towering hemlocks provide cool relief during the sweltering summer afternoons.
6. Lake Erie Islands
The Lake Erie Islands are located within the Great Lake itself, as the name would imply. Some ferries go from several locations along the shore to the Lake Erie Islands. A few of the islands are designed with tourists in mind, and a few are privately owned or membership-only.
Kelleys Island is a highly recommended island among the public. After you get there, you should immediately go to Glacial Grooves State Park, which was made possible by glaciers chiseling away at the bedrock of limestone. Look for signs directing you to Inscription Rock, designated by petroglyphs left by the locals, next to the ferry pier.
7. Holmes County
Holmes County is located in the eastern portion of Ohio and is characterized by stunning steep hills and slender green valleys. Holmes County is not just the core of Ohio's Amish Country, but it is also a center for agriculture and beautiful beauty.
When visiting Holmes County, shopping is frequently the top priority. But there are more ways to experience Amish culture than only the amazing handcrafted wooden carpentry, the delicious local cheeses, and the sweet homemade jams. Visit the Amish and Mennonite Sistine Chapel in Berlin, which features a special cyclorama and tours given by Mennonite guides.
8. Toledo
Toledo, a medium-sized city with a sizable port, is located on Lake Erie. The architecture of the downtown area is eclectic, with many historic structures that have been saved and converted into areas such as artist housing.
Because of this, the city has a distinct vibe and serves as the state's center for the arts and culture. One of the most popular attractions in the city is the Toledo Museum of Art, to which admission is always free. You may go from the Museum of Art directly to the Old West End district, which is home to stunning ancient mansions and trees that are over a century old.
9. Sandusky
Nestled on the Lake Erie shoreline, halfway between Cleveland and Toledo, Sandusky is a community full of accomplishments. With some of the most exhilarating and extreme roller coasters and rides in the Midwest, Cedar Point Amusement Park is the most popular attraction in the city.
There's also the Cold Creek Trout Camp in Sandusky, if you'd want something a little more laid back. You may explore the area where the Sandusky Bay and Lake Erie meet from this point on, and there are amazing views of Cedar Point's rides as well.
10. Dayton
You can't avoid aircraft if you're going to Dayton. The Wright brothers lived, worked, and perfected their first usable airplane in this city, which makes it rich in history. Look up in Downtown Dayton to see the famous Flyover, an architectural sculpture that follows the route of the Wright brothers' first successful flight.
The Wright Cycle Company Complex is something you will enjoy whether or not you are an aviation enthusiast. When airplanes were still only a theory, the Wright brothers ran their bicycle repair business out of this compound.
