From hills flowing with waterfalls to important archaeological sites that were once home to Native Americans, There are tons of awesome Ohio landmarks. These include cultural, historical, and natural sights, and all are worth seeing. That said, there are a few that you absolutely don’t want to miss.
In this article, we will discuss those top Ohio landmarks.
Top Landmarks in Ohio
Ohio Landmarks
Cedar Point
Otherwise known as the roller coaster capital of the world, Cedar Point is located on the scenic Lake Erie peninsula just outside of Sandusky, in between Toledo and Cleveland. However, along with the roller coasters it’s so well-known for, the park also offers a wide range of other experiences. These include less-high-flying but no-less thrilling family friendly rides, dining, entertainment, and games. Live music, segway tours, and funnel cakes are just the beginning — which is probably why so many locals invest in season passes so they can come back again and again!
Attractions and Camping Nearby
The north Ohio location of this famous theme park makes it convenient to plenty of the state’s coolest cities, including Toledo and Cleveland. It’s also close to iconic Ohio wildernesses like Kelleys Island State Park, East Harbor State Park and Findley State Park.
Camping can be found at nearby Lighthouse Point.
Johnson’s Island Civil War Prison
A 300-acre island situated in the midst of scenic Sandusky Bay, Johnson’s Island Civil War Prison is considered the most significant Civil War site in the state of Ohio. Over the 40-month period of time the island was used to hold Civil War prisoners, approximately 10,000 men were processed through the institution, the majority of whom were Confederate officers.
Throughout history, the island was also the location of two vacation resorts operated by the Johnson’s Island Pleasure Resort Company as well as a large limestone quarry. Today, the site is home to a museum that offers visitors a deeper insight into the history of this place as well as a small cemetery.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Immediately across from Sandusky — just about within throwing distance of Cedar Point, in fact — this Civil War prison provides a unique trip into the past from a convenient locale surrounded by urban neighborhoods. Other things to see nearby include Marblehead Lighthouse and the Merry-Go-Round Museum.
You can set up camp at the aforementioned Lighthouse Point or at Camp Sandusky.
Thomas A. Edison Birthplace
That’s right: Ohio was the birthplace of none other than Thomas Alva Edison. Yes, the one who invented such important innovations as the automatic telegraph, the phonograph, the alkaline storage battery and the lightbulb.
Today, the home where he was born and raised for the first seven years of his life has been transformed into a museum. The Thomas A. Edison Birthplace is dedicated both to preserving the space as it existed in Edison’s day as well as informing the public about his important life works and hosting educational and entertaining events.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Located in the small town of Milan just a few miles away from the shores of Lake Erie, Findley State Park offers a great place to explore and stay for those visiting the Thomas A. Edison Birthplace.
Zero Gravity Research Facility
As much attention as Houston or the Florida Space Coast get when it comes to deep space exploration, Cleveland, Ohio has its own important NASA location. The Zero Gravity Research Facility at Ohio’s Glenn Research Center allows scientists to learn more about the ways zero-gravity environments affect, well, everything. It’s also the largest facility of its type not just in the state of Ohio, but in the world.
Originally designed in the midst of the 1960s space race and operating since 1966, the facility is today being used to research “the effects of microgravity on physical phenomena such as combustion and fluid physics.” It’s been considered a National Historic Landmark since 1985, which is also when it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Located on the outskirts of Cleveland, this important scientific landmark is close to attractions like Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. It’s also near plenty of scenic Ohio wildernesses, such as Findley State Park and Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Need a place to park your RV? Streetsboro/Cleveland SE KOA Holiday is a good choice.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
The only national park in all of Ohio, Cuyahoga Valley National Park is composed of a breathtaking landscape including dramatic rock faces, cascading waterfalls, and lush greenery.
The park offers more than 125 miles of hiking trails as well as paddling and watersports along its 100-mile-long river, a scenic railroad, and more. Honestly, it’s no wonder it draws more than 2.2 million visitors each year.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Tucked between Cleveland and Akron, this national park has the unique benefit of offering access to extremely rural and rugged landscapes within a quick drive of urban locales. Make sure to check out local attractions such as the Cleveland Museum of Art.
More Cleveland area camping can be found at Roundup Lake Campground.
Hocking Hills State Park
Easily one of the most scenic places in all of the U.S., not just the midwest, Hocking Hills State Park is truly a special landscape. Carved into the unique-to-this-area Black Hand sandstone that characterizes the area, this state park will have you feel as though you’ve traveled much further afield than Ohio. It offers inviting and picturesque caves, stunning and serenity-producing waterfalls, and historically fascinating geological formations.
Whether you meander along its 25+ miles of hiking trails or simply walk up to its main attractions like Old Man’s Cave, you’re sure to learn exactly how incredible the Ohio hills can be when you visit.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Hocking Hills State Park is close to Columbus, so you can see things like Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. You might also want to check out other wildernesses like Strouds Run State Park and Wayne National Forest.
You can camp in the state park, and that is exactly what we recommend doing.
Hopeton Earthworks National Historical Park
Hopeton Earthworks National Historical Park preserves today what was once an important location for the American Indians who followed the Hopewell tradition. These people called these lands home well before any white person ever did. Settled more than 2,000 years ago and inhabited for half a millennia, this area is today marked by a 20-acre circle and 20-acre square demarcating at least two cities where these peoples lived and thrived.
The Hopewell culture was known for its handcrafted earthen architecture and day-to-day items, as well as the ceremonial mounds that are visible in so many parts of the midwest. Today’s visitors will encounter both serene vistas and plenty of important learning opportunities!
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Tucked less than an hour south of Columbus just outside of the town of Chillicothe. Attractions nearby include Adena Mansion & Gardens Historic Site, Great Seal State Park, and Scioto Trail State Park, where you can set up camp.
Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park
The miracle of human flight really is just that, and it all started right here in the outskirts of Dayton.
Offering access to well-preserved historical sites like the Wright Cycle Shop as well as the Huffman Prairie Interpretive Center, Huffman Prairie Flying Field, and more, the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park is about more than just flying. It’s about the dreams we aspire to, the lofty goals we put in place and the lengths we go to, as human beings, to reach them. It’s also simply a great spot to add to your itinerary, particularly if you’ll already be in Dayton.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Just about equidistant from Cincinnati and Columbus, Dayton is filled with fun things to see, do, and explore in its own right. Some fo the best nearby attractions include the National Museum of the US Air Force and Caesar Creek State Park.
As far as lodging goes, we recommend Dayton KOA Holiday.
Cincinnati Music Hall
Think the Grand Ole Opry is the most historical music house in the states? Think again: Cincinnati Music Hall was originally built all the way back in 1878 (as opposed to the Opry’s 1974) and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1975. Over its nearly 150-year history, a huge range of musicians and other entertainers have graced its stage. On top of all that, with its stunning Venetian Gothic architecture, the structure itself puts on something of a show.
Whether you go simply to admire its spires and rose windows or to see your favorite act on stage, the Cincinnati Music Hall is a must-see for anyone in town.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Located just across the street from Washington Park and otherwise in a very walkable part of Cincinnati, you could easily pair your trip to the Music Hall with a venture to Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati or the Taft Museum of Art.
Camping can be found at Tucker’s Landing RV Park and Boat Ramp.
Covington And Cincinnati Suspension Bridge
Otherwise known as the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge or the Covington-Cincinnati Bridge this bridge is simply amazing. A 1,643-foot construction of oak and iron, the bridge was named a National Historic Landmark and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.
A true feat of engineering in its day, the bridge still offers charm and intrigue to today’s travelers, whether they traverse it by vehicle or on foot.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
On the Ohio side, the bridge is right alongside the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and the Great American Ball Park. In Kentucky, catch some waves at the Newport Aquarium.
One of the best campgrounds in the area is Winton Woods Campground.
Planning an RV Trip to Ohio
An RV trip is the perfect way to experience all the unique Ohio landmarks this state has to offer — and we can help you every step of the way! During your trip, make sure to see all the best campgrounds, state parks, and cities Ohio has to offer.
We can’t wait to hear all about your trip. Enjoy!
