10 Idyllic Small Towns In Ohio To Visit In 2025
Ohio’s location on Lake Erie plants the state in an appealing spot where local islands and coastal towns beckon sun worshippers, and historic rural inland towns offer a welcoming brand of Midwest hospitality. From wineries to pastoral Amish country and artsy communities to upscale villages, Ohio is ideal for short drives, weeklong road trips, and last-minute getaways.
Here are 10 idyllic small towns in Ohio to visit in 2025.
Granville
Set against the peaceful Welsh Hills, Granville feels more like a New England village than a rural town in the heart of Ohio. Granville’s upscale feel offers everything you need for a luxurious day trip or relaxing weekend getaway. Polo might seem like an elegant affair reserved for the rich and famous, but in Granville everyone is welcome to participate in this summer tradition. So pack your chicest blanket, load up your picnic basket with yummy food from Alfie’s Wholesome Foods, and head for the immaculate lawn at Bryn Dou Mansion to watch a match.
Granville is also home to an ancient manmade earthen sculpture known as Alligator Mound. Built by prehistoric people who lived in the area, the animal effigy mound is 250 feet long, 76 feet wide, and about four feet high and overlooks the Raccoon Creek valley. Denison University campus is especially beautiful in the fall when the trees are ablaze with autumnal color. Its blend of historic and contemporary buildings dots the lovely 900-acre site.
For elegant dining and luxurious overnight stays, the beautifully restored Granville Inn completes your Granville experience.
Put-In-Bay
Put-In-Bay is a picturesque resort town located on South Bass Island in Lake Erie. A boat ride out of Port Clinton kicks off your island experience via Miller Ferry or the passenger-only high-speed Jet Express.
Lake Erie is known for its vineyards, and the island offers two idyllic options. Founded in 1888, Heineman Winery offers a unique vineyard experience combining wine tours with natural explorations at the world’s largest geode, Crystal Cave. Put-In-Bay Winery is located at the historic Doller House Estate, boasting exceptional lake views, a peaceful wine garden, and handcrafted wine tastings.
Ride the historic Kimberly’s Carousel atop your favorite hand-painted animal, listening to old-timey music at an iconic downtown landmark. The quaint seaside downtown offers a plethora of summer favorites, from fries and corn dogs at DanDee’s Snack Shack to banana splits at Dairy Isle.
Oberlin
Located in Lorain County in northern Ohio, Oberlin is an eclectic college town. The 440-acre Oberlin College campus is the cultural center of the town, from concerts at the Conservatory of Music to the Picasso and Monet paintings at the Allen Memorial Art Museum. Stroll the campus to get a sense of community while taking in the impressive architecture.
Oberlin’s Weltzheimer/Johnson house is Ohio’s first Usonian home, designed by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Known for his light-filled homes and infusing natural surroundings into the space, this example of Wright’s trademark designs includes unique wood detailing on the ceilings, expansive views from floor-to-ceiling windows, and iconic built-in furniture. It is a tour worth taking.
Downtown’s Main Street will keep you well fed whether it is pizza at Lorenzo’s, authentic Mexican at Lupita’s, or creative American classics at The Feve.
Millersburg
Millersburg is located in the heart of Holmes County’s Amish Country. Antiquers can spend hours searching the aisles and poky corners of Starlight Antiques, Village Antique Emporium, and Jackson Street Antiques, to name a few. After scouring antique shops for great finds, stop in at The Millersburg Brewing Company for lunch and locally crafted beers. Located in a 1920s building, the award-winning brewery’s creative pub grub is the ideal accompaniment for their ever-growing beer menu.
Millersburg’s Victorian House and Museum is a 28-room Queen Anne-style mansion open for tours to discover the eclectic collection of historic items. It is especially welcoming in December, decked out with a Christmas tree in every room. Meanwhile, outdoor adventures combine natural surroundings with art at The Holmes County Open Air Art Museum. Located on the grounds of The Inn at Honey Run, the inn’s 56-acres of pristine woodlands blend magically with the compelling collection of local artistic works.
Marblehead
Marblehead juts into Lake Erie and Sandusky Bay at the tip of Marblehead Peninsula. Its prominent location features the oldest lighthouse on the Great Lakes. The whitewashed walls and iconic red roof of the tower are one of the area’s most cherished landmarks. The surrounding lands of Marblehead Lighthouse State Park offer exceptional views of the lake, bay, and local islands. Wolcott Keeper’s House is the oldest surviving home in Ottawa County. Built in 1822, the home offers insights into the daily lives of the lighthouse keepers who lived there.
Marblehead’s East Harbor State Park has a beautiful white beach with shallow waters ideal for cool strolls and safe play for kids. The park also offers extensive trails and boardwalks for birdwatching and spotting local wildlife.
Marblehead is known for its delectable perch served crisp and hot at Red’s Lakehouse or on the famous sandwiches at the Hidden Beach Bar. The Beach Glass Lounge is a quaint white clapboard bungalow ideal for drinks and a relaxed dinner.
Sugarcreek
Tuscarawas County’s Sugarcreek is known as “The Little Switzerland of Ohio,” and for good reason. As home to the world’s largest cuckoo clock, Sugarcreek’s ties to German and Swiss roots are undeniable. Standing over 23 feet tall and 24 feet wide, the charming clock’s cuckoo bird pops out every 30 minutes accompanied by a couple dancing to a Swiss polka played by a band dressed in traditional green lederhosen.
The clock is located in Sugarcreek’s Swiss Village at the center of town, where buildings feature charming Swiss architecture and Swiss murals by local artist Tom Miller. The town even plays Swiss music in the background to add to the Alpine experience. Alpine Hills Historical Museum is another building with Swiss influences, immersing visitors in the town’s mixed cultural heritage, including German, Swiss, and Amish backgrounds.
Experience the full bounty of Amish Country at Dutch Valley Restaurant & Bakery, known for their roasted chicken, abundant buffet, and Amish cooking.
Geneva-on-the-Lake
Located in the heart of Ohio wine country, Geneva-on-the-Lake is on the southern shore of Lake Erie. Known as “Ohio’s First Summer Resort,” the kitschy yet charming main strip is reminiscent of an oceanside boardwalk, where the heavenly smells of summer temptations lure you in to the many town eateries.
The iconic Eddie’s Grill has been a summer tradition since 1950 with its tabletop jukeboxes, all-American menu, and icy cold drinks, including fresh-squeezed lemonade and root beer “straight out of the barrel.” Legendary fries, nostalgic hot dogs, and classic cheeseburgers are just a few of the retro favorites at Eddie’s.
The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake makes local exploration easy with engaging activities, including a covered bridge tour. Ashtabula County is known as Ohio's covered bridge capital. The tour takes you to about 13 charming historic bridges set against a rural pastoral landscape.
Geneva State Park sits on the expansive shores of Lake Erie, with pristine beaches for sunbathing and swimming, miles of trails for exploring the diverse landscape, and unexpected accommodation options from traditional tent camping to well-appointed cottages.
Of course, a trip to Ohio wine country should include wine! Old Firehouse Winery is a popular tasting experience with its whimsical dalmatian themed labels, historic Erieview Park Ferris Wheel, and extensive menu.
Yellow Springs
The village of Yellow Springs sits between Cincinnati and Columbus in Greene County. The town is known for its forward-thinking community that celebrates individuals, entrepreneurship, and artistic expression.
That entrepreneurial creativity makes Yellow Springs an excellent destination for one-of-a-kind finds, from the handmade clothing, bags, jewelry, and artworks at Myriad and The Village Artisans to vintage clothing and antiques at Rose and Sal and Garmint Boutique. Little Art Theatre is known for its offbeat, artsy films, including everything from classics to independent productions.
Historic Clifton Mill’s red clapboard façade makes a striking picture overlooking a gentle waterfall and the Little Miami River. Still in operation, the mill offers an intriguing glimpse back in time. Treat yourself to a hearty meal at their cozy restaurant and take home freshly milled flour and pancake mixes from the gift shop.
Trail Town Brewing is the perfect spot to wind down your day, sampling craft beers, rubbing elbows with locals, and munching on authentic Mexican cuisine.
Logan
Located on the Hocking River in the picturesque Hocking Hills region, Logan is the “Gateway to Ohio’s Scenic Wonderland.”
Logan’s historic district is an appealing mix of architectural elements, taking you through generations of transformations from the early days in the 1830s into the modern times of the 1960s. A 45-minute self-guided walking tour is the best way to hit all the most historically significant landmarks, including the Hocking County Courthouse, the Colonial Revival Keynes House, the City Hall, and the International Order of Odd Fellows Lodge.
Take home a piece of Logan history from the iconic Columbus Washboard Company. Family-owned since 1895, their range of vintage laundry items, from classic washboards to clever drying racks, work both as whimsical décor items and genius laundry solutions.
Logan is also the closest town to the diverse beauty of Hocking Hills State Park. A series of caves, rock formations, and cascading waterfalls create an otherworldly natural experience as you hike or bike the peaceful trails. Logan’s skies are unaffected by the “light pollution” common in densely populated areas. As a result, it is a destination for stargazers. Take advantage of the night skies viewed from the 28-inch telescope and observatory at John Glenn Astronomy Park.
Milan
Although Milan, Ohio, is known as the birthplace of Thomas Edison, its scenic town square and local shops make it a destination worth visiting. The boutiques, cafés, and restaurants in downtown Milan infuse the historic buildings with local flair, from the scratch-made temptations at Baker on the Square to antique discoveries at Crosby’s Antiques.
The Edison Birthplace Museum is both the preserved family home of the Edisons and a museum featuring some of Edison’s earliest inventions. Guided tours tell the story of his childhood in the home that fostered his genius ideas.
Milan Inn-tiques is not your quintessential historic small-town inn. Instead, its fun twist includes an antique boutique on the main floor featuring uniquely curated quality pieces. A fully equipped second-floor apartment is ideal for family or group stays with its charming kitchen, formal dining room, and beautifully decorated rooms featuring antique furnishings.
Now is the time to try something new. Watch a polo match on a mansion lawn in Granville. Stargaze in Logan's peaceful countryside. LOL your way through a live comedy show in Yellow Springs, or ride a historic carousel or Ferris wheel in Put-In-Bay or Geneva-on-the-Lake.
These 10 idyllic small towns in Ohio will ignite new passions, restore your weary mind, and indulge your senses.
