Have you ever taken an Ohio road trip? If you haven’t, we recommend that you put it on the list. This state is home to many destinations offering tons of things to see and do. Whether you like shopping, beautiful landscapes, or roller coasters, Ohio is the perfect getaway.
Want to learn more? Check out the following 7 must-see destinations in Ohio.
1. Sandusky
If you love roller coasters, then a visit to this town is exactly what the doctor ordered. In fact, Cedar Point is considered to be the Roller Coaster Capital of the World. And if water parks are more your thing, you will want to visit Soak City for some fun in the sun.
Before you leave Sandusky, make sure that you have a picnic on the shores of Lake Erie and tour the Marblehead Lighthouse and it’s museum.
2. Hocking Hills State Park
This state park is possibly the most popular nature getaway in Ohio. Glampers will shriek with delight when they see the charming cabins available for rent.
At this forest paradise, you can take part in activities that the whole family will enjoy. For instance, there are a ton of beautiful landmarks to visit just off the hiking trails including Cedar Falls, Ash Cave, and Old Man’s Cave. You can even go zip lining and see the park from above. How can you beat that?
3. Ohio’s Amish Country
Love the simpler things in life? If so, you must visit Ohio’s Amish Country. Here you will get a chance to check out quaint Amish stores and experience authentic Amish food.
You may also want to visit the historic Roscoe Village. This a beautifully restored canal town has a lot to offer including living history tours, historic boat rides, and a charming downtown.
4. Cincinnati
Cincinnati is an excellent place to go shopping, and the cuisine is mouthwatering. But that’s not all the area has to offer. Only a short drive from the city is King’s Island, one of Ohio’s most adored amusement parks. This is the perfect place to blow off some steam.
Another short drive from Cincinnati is historic Loveland Castle. There is a small fee to enter, but the chance to explore every nook and cranny of this castle is well worth it.
5. Cleveland
If you are a fan of the Drew Carey Show, then there is one thing you know for sure — “Cleveland Rocks!” There’s so much to do here. For instance, you can spend time visiting the animals at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. This comprehensive zoo is home to over 3,000 animals from 600 different species including cheetahs, monkeys, penguins, elephants, lions, and more.
Another must visit is the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. A few hours here will give you a chance to learn how this popular musical genre got its start. You can also peruse the exhibits of the previous inductee of this prestigious institution include Elvis Presley, Ray Charles, John Lennon, and Michael Jackson.
Before you leave Cleveland, be sure to check out the Cleveland Museum of Art where you can view over 30,000 pieces of fine art. Some of its exhibits include works from Claude Monet, Nicolas Poussin, and more. The best part of all is that admission is free.
6. Columbus
Ohio’s state capital is an excellent place to visit. This is especially true if you are a fan of fine dining and unique shopping experiences. But that’s far from all that this amazing city has to offer. If you’re an art lover, consider talking a walk around The Short North Arts District. This area is home to several art galleries. It is also an excellent place to see beautiful murals and other types of interesting street art.
Another exciting destination is the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. It is home to thousands of animals including gorillas, polar bears, koalas, elephants, and much more.
No visit to Columbus is complete without a visit to German Village. Here you can experience German culture and dine on authentic meals. There’s even a 32 room bookstore to explore!
7. Put in Bay
Put in Bay is like nowhere that you’ve been before. This little two by four mile island is filled with beautiful beaches and quaint local pubs. It is also home to amazing restaurants, historic homes, and the third tallest monument in the US.
It will take more than a day to fully experience everything that this unique island has to offer. So be sure to tour the island via golf cart or train to see all the sites.
What did you think of our recommendations for your Ohio road trip? Are there any places that I missed? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.
