While Cleveland and Cincinnati might be the first cities that come to mind when planning an Ohio getaway, the Buckeye State is filled with hidden gems that offer more than meets the eye. From charming river towns to quiet rural communities, Ohio packs plenty of surprises for visitors looking to explore beyond the major urban centers.
Whether you’re craving outdoor adventures, historic main streets, or local cultural experiences, here are 20 places across Ohio that deserve a spot on your travel radar – each one offering its own slice of authentic Midwestern charm.
Cedar Point, Sandusky
My last visit to Cedar Point was during the peak of summer in 2019. Known as the “Roller Coaster Capital of the World,” this legendary amusement park sits on a peninsula jutting into Lake Erie in Sandusky, Ohio. The park’s skyline is dotted with 18 roller coasters that twist and turn against the blue waters of the lake, including the famous Steel Vengeance and Millennium Force. Beyond the thrill rides, the park’s boardwalk and beach areas offer a more relaxed atmosphere where families can enjoy Lake Erie’s cool breeze. The sunset views from Top Thrill Dragster’s observation area are particularly memorable, as the fading light paints the coasters’ silhouettes against the orange sky.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland
Located on the shores of Lake Erie in downtown Cleveland, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame stands as a musical time capsule of American culture. Unlike typical museums filled with paintings and sculptures, this pyramid-shaped building houses decades of rock history through guitars, costumes, and handwritten lyrics from legendary artists. Music fans can spend hours exploring the memorabilia from Elvis’s jumpsuits to Michael Jackson’s glove, while listening to the songs that shaped generations. Because of Cleveland’s role in introducing rock and roll to mainstream radio in the 1950s, the city won the bid for this musical shrine, and you’ll find touches of that local radio history woven throughout the exhibits.
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
When it comes to animal encounters in the Midwest, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium stands out as one of the region’s most impressive wildlife experiences. This 580-acre facility houses more than 7,000 animals across 800 species, making it one of the largest and most diverse zoos in North America. It’s not just about viewing animals from afar – the zoo offers unique experiences like feeding giraffes and getting up close with penguins. While many know it as the former home of famous zookeeper Jack Hanna, locals come here for the thoughtfully designed habitats that recreate natural environments from the African savanna to the Australian outback. The combination of the zoo and aquarium means you can spend a full day moving from land animals to marine life, watching manatees glide through crystal-clear pools or polar bears dive for their lunch.
Hocking Hills State Park
About an hour southeast of Columbus lies Hocking Hills State Park, a place where nature puts on quite a show. Like other parks in Ohio, you’ll find trails and camping spots, but what sets this one apart is its collection of deep caves and towering rock formations. Follow the sound of rushing waterfalls echoing through Old Man’s Cave or watch the morning mist rise from Cedar Falls, and you’ll see why this place feels almost otherworldly. Thanks to the area’s unique sandstone geology, created millions of years ago by ancient oceans, visitors can explore numerous grottos, natural bridges, and hidden recesses that make you forget you’re still in the Midwest.
Franklin Park Conservatory, Columbus
Step into a world of natural wonders at Franklin Park Conservatory, a glass-enclosed paradise in the heart of Columbus. This botanical garden features unique biomes that let you experience different climates from around the globe – from desert cacti to tropical rainforest plants. Kids love exploring the seasonal butterfly garden, where colorful wings flutter freely around visitors. For art enthusiasts, the conservatory showcases beautiful glass sculptures throughout its gardens, including works by renowned artist Dale Chihuly. Don’t miss the cooking classes in their demonstration kitchen, where you can learn to prepare seasonal dishes using herbs and vegetables from their community garden.
National Museum of the United States Air Force, Dayton
Located just northeast of downtown Dayton sits the National Museum of the United States Air Force, the oldest and largest military aviation museum in the world. Like other aviation museums, you’ll find planes, exhibits, and historical artifacts. But unlike the others, this place tells the complete story of American flight, from the Wright brothers’ first attempts to modern-day space exploration. With over 350 aircraft and missiles spread across 19 acres of indoor space, visitors can walk through actual presidential planes, climb into a space shuttle, and see rare fighter jets that helped shape history. Because of its connection to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, the museum regularly rotates in new exhibits and receives exclusive military artifacts you won’t find anywhere else.
Amish Country, Holmes County
Located in east-central Ohio, Amish Country feels like stepping into a different era altogether. Like many rural areas in the midwest, you’ll find rolling farmland and small towns dotting the landscape. But unlike anywhere else, this region moves at the gentle pace of horse-drawn buggies and runs on age-old traditions. Just watch for the telltale signs of simple living – clothes drying on lines, farmers working fields with horses, and handmade quilts hanging in shop windows – and you’ll understand what makes this place special. Because of the strong Pennsylvania Dutch influence that settled here in the 1800s, you’ll find excellent handcrafted furniture, homestyle cooking, and cheese-making traditions that have been passed down through generations.
Cincinnati Museum Center
The Cincinnati Museum Center is one of those places I never get tired of recommending to anyone visiting Ohio. Housed in the historic Union Terminal, an impressive Art Deco building from the 1930s, this cultural hub features three separate museums under one roof: the Cincinnati History Museum, Museum of Natural History & Science, and the Duke Energy Children’s Museum. With its towering rotunda and intricate mosaic murals, it’s not just a museum – it’s a piece of Cincinnati’s heritage that tells stories of the region’s past while making science and history fun for visitors of all ages.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Take a break from city life at Cuyahoga Valley National Park, a peaceful retreat just 30 minutes from Cleveland. The park’s Towpath Trail follows the historic Ohio & Erie Canal for 20 miles, making it perfect for hiking and biking through forests and wetlands. You can hop aboard the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad for a relaxing journey through the park, or visit in spring to see the 65-foot Brandywine Falls surrounded by blooming wildflowers. During fall, the Boston Mill Visitor Center offers some of the best spots to watch the leaves change color while learning about the park’s rich history.
German Village, Columbus
Step back in time when you visit German Village, a charming historic district just south of downtown Columbus. The 19th-century neighborhood features beautiful brick houses, local shops, and cozy restaurants along tree-lined streets. Grab a good book and a cup of coffee at The Book Loft, one of the nation’s largest independent bookstores with 32 rooms of reading material. For authentic German cuisine, head to Schmidt’s Restaurant und Sausage Haus, where you can feast on bratwurst and cream puffs in a building that’s been serving locals since 1886.
Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, Akron
Looking for a dose of early 20th-century grandeur? I always recommend Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens in Akron to history buffs and architecture fans. Built between 1912-1915, this 65-room Tudor Revival mansion sits on 70 acres of meticulously maintained gardens and grounds. The estate was once home to F.A. Seiberling, the co-founder of Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, and today stands as one of the largest historic homes open to the public in America.
Kings Island, Mason
Of all the amusement parks I’ve experienced in the Midwest, Kings Island stands out as Ohio’s premier thrill-seeker destination. This 364-acre park draws visitors from across the region to test their courage on more than 100 rides, including 15 roller coasters that range from kid-friendly to downright heart-pounding. It’s not just about the rides though – the park seamlessly blends family entertainment with its Soak City water park, live shows, and a scaled-down replica of the Eiffel Tower that’s become an iconic part of the skyline. While summer brings the biggest crowds, those who visit during the park’s Halloween and winter events get to experience an entirely different side of Kings Island that many visitors miss out on.
Toledo Zoo
Of all the attractions I’ve explored in Ohio, the Toledo Zoo stands as one of the state’s true gems. This 51-acre park goes beyond being just another zoo – it’s a conservation center that houses over 10,000 animals across 720 different species. While many visitors come for the well-known exhibits like the African Safari and the Arctic Encounter, it’s the small details that make this place special. From the historic WPA-era buildings to the solar walk that powers part of the facility, there’s something interesting around every corner. It’s not just about viewing animals from behind glass – the zoo offers hands-on experiences and educational programs that bring you closer to wildlife than you might expect in the Midwest.
Ohio Caverns, West Liberty
Head below ground to explore Ohio’s largest cave system at Ohio Caverns, known as “America’s Most Colorful Caverns.” These natural limestone caves stretch for over a mile, featuring crystal-white formations that have been growing for thousands of years. Take a guided tour through the winding passages to see unique formations like the Crystal King – a 400-pound stalactite that’s been forming for over 200,000 years. With a year-round temperature of 54°F, it’s a cool escape in summer and a warm refuge in winter. Stop by the visitor center afterward to pick up some locally mined gems or enjoy a picnic in the peaceful grounds above.
Put-in-Bay, Lake Erie
I always tell friends heading to Ohio to spend a day at Put-in-Bay on Lake Erie. This charming island getaway, just a short ferry ride from the mainland, offers a perfect mix of laid-back island life and fun activities. The downtown area has cozy restaurants and shops, while outdoor enthusiasts can kayak along the shoreline, tour Crystal Cave, or climb Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial for views across the lake.
Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati
Baseball lovers won’t want to miss the Great American Ball Park, home of the Cincinnati Reds and a cherished part of Cincinnati’s riverfront scene. The ballpark lets you experience America’s favorite pastime while taking in views of the Ohio River and downtown skyline. Grab some local favorites like Skyline Chili or LaRosa’s Pizza from the concession stands, or head to the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum to explore the team’s rich history. For the best experience, book seats in sections 129-131 behind home plate, where you’ll have a perfect view of every pitch and play.
The Wilds, Cumberland
Ever wondered what it’s like to see a giraffe roaming freely in Ohio? At The Wilds in Cumberland, you can watch these gentle giants and other exotic animals living their best lives across 10,000 acres of rolling hills. This conservation center, about two hours east of Columbus, lets you get up close with endangered species like rhinos, cheetahs, and zebras in a setting that feels more like an African safari than the Midwest. Hop on a guided tour in an open-air vehicle, or for something really special, book an overnight stay in a private yurt at the Nomad Ridge, where you might wake up to the sounds of distant animal calls as the morning mist rolls across the grasslands.
Cleveland Museum of Art
For art lovers in Ohio, the Cleveland Museum of Art stands as one of the country’s finest cultural institutions. Much like other major museums, it houses an impressive collection of artwork spanning thousands of years. But unlike many others, it remains completely free to the public, making world-class art accessible to everyone who walks through its doors. Located in the city’s University Circle neighborhood, the museum holds over 61,000 pieces in its permanent collection, from ancient Egyptian artifacts to contemporary installations. Because of its thoughtful layout and open spaces, you can easily spend hours wandering through the galleries without feeling overwhelmed. The museum’s outdoor spaces are just as inviting, with the peaceful Wade Park and lagoon right outside, perfect for reflecting on the masterpieces you’ve just discovered.
Pro Football Hall of Fame, Canton
The Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio has been drawing football fans since its doors first opened in 1963. Located in the city where the NFL was born, this shrine to America’s favorite sport houses over 50 years of gridiron history within its walls. The bronze busts of more than 350 Hall of Fame inductees line the halls, each telling stories of legendary plays and career-defining moments. Visitors can relive the sport’s greatest games in the Super Bowl Theater, explore interactive exhibits that put them in the shoes of their favorite players, and even see the evolution of football equipment from leather helmets to modern protective gear. The museum’s curved architecture, topped with a football-shaped dome, has become an iconic landmark that welcomes over 200,000 fans annually who make the pilgrimage to this sacred ground of American sports.
Marblehead Lighthouse State Park
Have you ever watched the sunset paint the sky while a historic lighthouse stands guard over Lake Erie? That’s just another evening at Marblehead Lighthouse State Park, where visitors have been drawn to Ohio’s most photographed landmark since 1822. Perched on the northernmost tip of the Marblehead Peninsula, this 19th-century beacon still guides ships through the sometimes-choppy waters of Lake Erie. You can climb to the top of the lighthouse for panoramic views of the lake and nearby Kelleys Island, or spend a peaceful afternoon fishing along the limestone shoreline. The park’s museum, housed in the former keeper’s house, tells tales of brave lighthouse keepers and the maritime history that shaped this corner of the Great Lakes.
