Ohio is situated just below Lake Eerie between Indiana and Pennsylvania. While sometimes overshadowed by other midwestern states, Ohio has a lot going for it and is well worth a visit.
Below are just 7 reasons to add the Buckeye State to your bucket list! Lot’s of great places to stay too, even hotels with jacuzzi in room!
Scenic cities
Cincinnati and Cleveland are Ohio’s two most popular tourist cities. Cincinnati is known for its romantic 19th Century architecture including memorials such as Fountain Square. It is a great destination for a couple’s getaway – check out these quirky date ideas in Cincinnati. Cleveland meanwhile sports a mix of modern and historic architecture. The city looks out onto Lake Eerie and there are some beautiful lakeside walks to be had here.
Biggest cities in Ohio
Columbus, the state capital, is known for its vibrant arts scene and diverse culinary offerings. Don’t miss the Short North Arts District, where you can explore galleries and enjoy local cuisine.
Cleveland is another must-visit city, famous for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and its revitalized waterfront. Take a stroll through the West Side Market for a taste of local flavors.
Cincinnati, known for its historic architecture and the stunning Cincinnati Zoo, presents a blend of old-world charm and modern attractions. The city’s Over-the-Rhine district is bustling with breweries and shops.
Akron features beautiful park systems and the impressive Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens, perfect for nature lovers.
Midsize towns worth visiting in Ohio
Findlay is a picturesque town located in Northwest Ohio. Known for its beautiful parks and the stunning Blanchard River, Findlay offers a lovely downtown area filled with boutiques, restaurants, and coffee shops. Make sure to stop by the Hancock Historical Museum to learn more about the area’s history. With various festivals throughout the year, Findlay also has a warm community spirit.
Marietta, nestled at the convergence of the Ohio and Muskingum Rivers, is historically significant as the first permanent settlement in the Northwest Territory. It has a quaint waterfront, where visitors can enjoy boat tours and riverfront parks. Also rich in historic architecture, including beautiful Victorian homes and the impressive Campus Martius Museum.
Wooster, home to the College of Wooster, is another charming place to explore. The town is noted for its arts scene, galleries and theaters. Wooster also hosts a famous farmers market, where you can find fresh produce and artisanal goods. The nearby Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center offers educational programs and beautiful grounds to stroll.
Zanesville, known for its unique pottery and the famous Y-Bridge. Explore local galleries, take a scenic drive through the countryside, or visit the Zanesville Museum of Art.
Marvellous museums
There are many renowned museums in Ohio that are worth visiting. The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in Cleveland is a must for music lovers – here you’ll find seven floors of rock memorabilia. The National Museum of the US Airforce meanwhile contains many notable aircraft exhibits including the first ever airplane invented by the Wright Brothers and several airplanes used by previous presidents. Other museums in Ohio worth visiting include Cincinnati Museum Center, the Cleveland Museum of Art and Toledo Museum of Art.
1. Cincinnati Museum Center – A hub for several museums, including the Cincinnati Museum of Natural History and the Cincinnati History Museum.
2. Cleveland Museum of Art – Known for its impressive collection of more than 45,000 artworks that span 5,000 years.
3. Ohio History Connection (Columbus) – A comprehensive museum that delves into the state’s past and cultural heritage.
4. North Carolina Maritime Museum – A unique spot to explore the state’s maritime history and artifacts.
5. Toledo Museum of Art – Renowned for its glass collection and stunning architecture.
Glorious gardens
There are many beautiful botanical gardens located across Ohio. Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens features a diverse range of plant species, some of which are housed in large historic greenhouses. Meanwhile, Stan Hywet Hall in Akron is the sixth largest historic home in the US and features some equally stunning gardens covering 70 acres.
Cool caves
There are lots of cool caves to explore across Ohio. Hocking Hills State Park is home to some of the most impressive caverns including Ash Cave and Old Man’s Cave – these vast caves feature beautiful waterfalls and have a truly magical feel about them. You can book guided tours of these caves. There are lots of campsites and caravan parks nearby to explore the caves from and go hiking.
How many caves are there in Ohio?
Ohio is home to a remarkable number of caves. While the exact count can vary due to ongoing exploration and discoveries, there are estimated to be over 100 caves throughout the state. Most of these caves can be found in the southeastern region, where the geology is conducive to cave formation, such as limestone.
Riveting roller-coasters
Love roller-coasters? Cedar Point features a whopping 17 world-class roller-coasters and attracts adrenaline junkies from around the world. This amusement park was opened in 1890 making it the second oldest amusement park in the US that is still operational. The park isn’t just scary rides and there are many leisurely rides here suitable for families.
Haunted history
The state is a hotspot for paranormal enthusiasts. Ohio has a lot of well-preserved history – and a lot of ghost stories to come with it. Ohio State Reformatory is well known for being haunted and you can arrange night tours (these are well worth booking around Halloween). Spring Grove cemetery is meanwhile the second largest cemetery in the US and is also known to have a few sightings. Other notable haunted spots include the Shahbazian House in Yellow Springs and the infamous “Ghosts of Cleveland” tales.
Fantastic food
If you’re a foodie, you’ll also love Ohio. From the historic food stalls of Clevelands’ West Side Market to the chilli restaurants of Cincinnati, there are lots of unique places to grab a bite to eat. Be sure to pick up some Buckeyes while in the Buckeye State – these chocolate peanut butter fudge balls are the signature snack of the state. Ohio also has no shortage of breweries if you love your beer.
What are the traditional Ohio dishes?
One of the most iconic dishes is Ohio-style chili, often featuring a blend of spices and served over spaghetti with shredded cheese and onions. Each restaurant offers its own twist on this! Another traditional dish is pierogi, which reflects the state’s rich Eastern European heritage. These dumplings are typically stuffed with potatoes, cheese, or sauerkraut and often served with sour cream. And of course, as mentioned above, you can’t overlook the famous buckeye candy – a sweet treat made of peanut butter and chocolate that’s a must-try. Plus a REALLY interesting one, fried bologna sandwiches are a nostalgic favorite.