10 Best Small Towns In Ohio For A Crowd-Free Summer
Ohio is fun to visit any time of the year, but summers can be pretty special with the humid weather offering the opportunity to indulge in outdoor activities. But everybody seems to step outside during this period, and the crowds in major cities can be overwhelming, taking away from the holiday experience. Luckily, the Buckeye State offers alternative destinations where things are quieter and tourists have adequate room to move around and explore.
Whether you want to unwind on a peaceful lake beach in Put-In-Bay or hike through rugged wilderness hiking trails in Gallipolis, these hidden gems invite you to spend the warm season at a comfortable pace. From attending fun-filled festivals to visiting world-class amusement parks, here are some of the best towns in Ohio for a crowd-free summer.
Zanesville
Zanesville is a small town on the confluence of the Muskingum and Licking Rivers, known for its enchanting river views and bustling art scene. Summer is an excellent time to step outside and make the most of its riverfront scenery. The Lorena Sternwheeler offers laid-back public rides, twilight cruises, dinner cruises, and other curated excursions guaranteed to entertain. When the conditions get too humid, you can cool off with generous scoops of frozen treats at Tom's Ice Cream Bowl.
Tourists are welcome to immerse themselves in Zanesville's rich art scene at the Zanesville Museum of Art. This world-class facility exhibits a combination of American and European art. The Zanesville Community Theatre also entertains audiences with musicals and plays in a historic venue.
Coshocton
Summer in Coshocton brings a spectrum of colors with the Coshocton Hot Air Balloon Festival. This family-friendly affair sees tens of hot air balloons launching into the air to celebrate a long-standing tradition, backed by an array of fun activities, including carnival rides, craft exhibitions, and live music. Visiting Clary Gardens offers tourists a refuge from the hot summer sun. This 20-acre oasis has gorgeous flower gardens, quiet walking paths, and shaded picnic areas.
Coshocton's enduring heritage comes alive at the Historic Roscoe Village. This rustic complex hosts a mix of old-timey shops, costumed guides, and preserved structures offering a glimpse of an Ohio and Erie Canal town in the 1800s. It is also home to the Johnson-Humrickhouse Museum, which exhibits European, Native American, and American art pieces.
Milford
Milford invites vacationers to escape the choking crowds in neighboring Cincinnati for an easygoing summer holiday along the Little Miami River. With access to rich natural scenery, the sun is not so cruel on visitors to this Appalachian Ohio community. You can always access the lush scenery of Valley View Nature Preserve, where 7 miles of trails meander past streams, woodlands, meadows, and wetland habitats. The atmosphere is similar throughout the 1,800-acre Cincinnati Nature Center, which boasts a diverse ecosystem with forests, open fields, ponds, and streams.
Milford hosts one of the largest parades in Ohio, drawing thousands of excited attendees for the Milford Frontier Days. Townsfolk congregate to mark the spectacle with a parade, excellent food, floats, bands, and more. Elsewhere, a tour of the Promont House transports guests back to the Victorian era for a look into the life of Ohio's 43rd governor.
Sugarcreek
This sleepy village in Ohio's Amish Country comes to life in the summer while hosting the Fabulous 50s Fling & Car Show. Held in the second week of June, this nostalgia-filled event features a showcase of vintage cars as the main event, with at least 500 automobiles decorating the downtown streets. Beyond the festival, guests can gather inside the intimately arranged Ohio Star Theater to watch an exhilarating lineup of comedies, concerts, musicals, and other productions by homegrown performers.
For visiting families, it doesn't get better than a friendly game of miniature golf at Cabin Creek Golf, which offers an 18-hole course and batting cages. The Farm At Walnut Creek also offers rare encounters with exotic wildlife species across a 120-acre zoo, featuring giraffes and zebras.
Put-In-Bay
A combination of lakefront scenery and secluded setting makes Put-in-Bay one of the best small towns in Ohio for a crowd-free summer. This comes with plenty of fun for all ages at Perry's Cave Family Fun Center. The remarkable venue offers a fair share of exciting activities, including gem mining and rock climbing, with access to a rare underground lake. A refreshing glass of wine from Heineman Winery puts you in the perfect vacation mode while in town. The facility crafts over 20 different grape wines for outstanding tasting tours.
Meanwhile, guests can savor a scrumptious seafood menu at The Boardwalk, which serves shrimps and lobsters in a romantic waterfront destination overlooking the glistening waters of Lake Erie. Finally, the annual Bash on the Bay Music Festival entertains guests with two days of nonstop performances by famous headliners in an electric outdoor extravaganza.
Medina
Medina is a small town near Akron and Cleveland with a vibrant town square. It stages one of the most anticipated summer festivals for kids, breathing life into Main Street with the annual Medina Kids Day & Teen Fest. Children of all ages congregate in the downtown district for fun games, incorporating toys, inflatables, and a petting zoo. Thanks to Castle Noel, Medina maintains its Christmas spirit throughout the year and invites shoppers to check out wonderful gifts, decorations, and costumes inside a sprawling store.
More family-friendly entertainment awaits at Foundry Social, which serves delicious American fare and great cocktails. Finally, you can cool off with a visit to the Picnic Shelter at Buckeye Woods Park, a cozy open space with water access where you can relax and enjoy a quiet time.
Geneva-On-The-Lake
Geneva-on-the-Lake is the ultimate summer destination, set along the sandy shores of Lake Erie and home to uncrowded beach spaces. The expansive Geneva State Park provides an excellent escape from the sweltering summer heat, opening doors to swimming, canoeing, boating, and fishing activities. Those who want to isolate themselves can head to Breakwater Beach for lazy and uninterrupted walks. This boasts a 600-foot waterfront with smooth rocks that feel therapeutic.
Meanwhile, a tour with Anger Management Fishing results in one of the most memorable experiences on the water. If you enjoy the arts, stop by Noble Art Entertainment to watch a talented cast of live performers while enjoying a hearty dinner.
Marblehead
A mix of lakeside charm and rich maritime heritage lures summer enthusiasts to this tiny village hugging the scenic shores of Lake Erie. The Lakeside Daisy State Nature Preserve offers a quiet and serene escape for vacationers who want to soak in the summer heat. It's 137-acre territory harbors rare plant species and inviting walking trails overlooking the lake. The picturesque Marblehead Lighthouse provided a vivid reminder of the town's maritime heritage. Guests can take eye-opening tours to browse historical photographs and artifacts.
Tourists who would love to get on the lake can take advantage of angling and boating opportunities at Mazurik Boat Access. Finally, nothing complements the relaxed atmosphere of Marblehead better than a glass of fine wine from Rocky Point Winery.
Sandusky
Sandusky is an excellent getaway for a family summer holiday, promising visitors unforgettable thrill rides, world-class amusement parks, and sandy beaches to fuel their experiences. The town is known for housing the iconic Cedar Point, a sprawling theme park on the Lake Erie shores with over a dozen roller coasters, water slides, and other entertainment facilities. The Kalahari Resorts Indoor Waterpark provides an array of water parks with an impressive African twist, treating visitors of all ages to unadulterated aquatic fun.
Meanwhile, those who enjoy the open spaces can head to Shoreline Park for relaxed walks away from the crowds. The area houses a marina that provides access to water vessels. Lastly, use the opportunity to learn about the town's nautical heritage at the Maritime Museum of Sandusky.
Gallipolis
Gallipolis is a quiet riverside village in Gallia County, steeped in history and the arts. For almost half a century, it has maintained a tradition of hosting the Gallipolis River Recreation Festival, highlighting its summer events. This three-day celebration brings craft exhibitions, food vendors, live music talent, among other activities, to the Gallipolis City Park, with the beautiful Ohio River as a backdrop.
Elsewhere, outdoor enthusiasts have more than 700 acres to explore throughout Raccoon Creek County Park. The wilderness offers endless activities designed for the warm weather, including hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. Lastly, you can delve into local history at the early 19th-century Our House Tavern Museum or watch a riveting opera show at the historic Ariel Theatre.
Summertime in Ohio’s smaller towns offers refreshing, crowd‑free escapes, and it doesn’t get more relaxing than Geneva‑on‑the‑Lake, where access to the cool waters of Lake Erie is the perfect answer to the sweltering heat. Meanwhile, in Gallipolis, you can immerse yourself in riverside charm at the annual festival, featuring days of live music, games, contests, food vendors, and fireworks all along the Ohio River. Wherever you choose to spend your holiday, these small towns in Ohio for a crowd-free summer blend of natural beauty and local traditions for memorable getaways in the United States.
