12 Unforgettable Small Towns to Visit in Ohio

Ohio's location in the heart of the Midwest makes it a convenient stop for travelers exploring the country, with millions coming to explore magnificent natural landscapes in the Hocking Hills region, explore unique landmarks and historic state parks, and savor authentic cultural experiences in Little Switzerland and Ohio's Amish Country. This is a testament to the diverse range of attractions and activities that appeal to tourists beyond typical urban fare. Ohio offers charming small towns teeming with one-of-a-kind adventures. From venturing into mysterious subterranean caverns in Put-in-Bay to walking down the haunted hallways of a historic prison in Mansfield, here are some of the most unforgettable small towns to visit in Ohio.

Mansfield

The Shawshank Redemption was filmed at the Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield, earning this 19th-century prison a cult-like following. Thousands of fans come from around the world to explore this landmark venue, with stories that range from inspiring to tragic during its operation between the early and late 1900s. Guests can take customizable tours to check out its striking architecture, old cells, filming sites from the iconic movie, and even experience paranormal activity. BibleWalk is an eccentric museum that introduces visitors to the New and Old Testaments. It features more than 300 wax figures from the Bible, depicting various scenes of significance to the Christian faith. It also hosts the only Christian dinner theater in the state, where visitors can enjoy religious theatrical productions.

Nature enthusiasts and bird lovers can visit the Ohio Bird Sanctuary for inspiring encounters with injured and orphaned birds. The peaceful refuge, situated along the Clearfork River, features boardwalks and footpaths for those who wish to feed the birds or observe them as they are nursed back to health.

Put-In-Bay

Put-in-Bay is one of Ohio's best-kept secrets, hidden on South Bass Island and surrounded by the sprawling waters of Lake Erie. One of its most visible features is Perry's Victory & International Peace Memorial, erected as a tribute to the American victory in the Battle of Lake Erie. The monument features a 350-foot column that rises above the town's skyline, welcoming tourists to climb and ride an elevator to the summit, where an observation deck offers 360-degree views of Put-in-Bay.

Hobby geologists and cave enthusiasts come to the area to witness the world's largest geode. Crystal Cave offers a unique underground experience, where guests can walk through a series of caves with crystalline, bluish walls covered by celestite, which maintains a cooler temperature than the outside air. Those who want access to the lake go to South Bass Island State Park. This 33-acre oasis offers a tranquil setting adjacent to Lake Erie, providing opportunities for hiking, fishing, camping, swimming, and other recreational activities. It has a small beach, a campground, and a boat launch.

Logan

Logan lies in the heart of the Hocking Hills and is renowned for its otherworldly landscapes, many of which are found within Hocking Hills State Park. This natural wonder is defined by visual spectacles at each turn, from dramatic waterfalls and towering cliffs to deep gorges and ice formations in winter. Visitors can hike miles of picturesque trails to discover awe-inspiring treasures, such as Old Man's Cave, where a 15-foot waterfall tumbles into a historic gorge.

Meanwhile, Logan's beauty truly comes into focus along the winding course of the Hocking River. Newcomers can explore this through an easygoing kayaking or canoeing trip, courtesy of Hocking Hills Canoe Livery. This 5 or 7-mile trip introduces passengers to the serenity of Hocking Hills, with sightings of the spectacular natural Rockbridge on the menu. For something a bit unexpected, Logan is also home to the Paul A. Johnson Pencil Sharpener Museum, where an eccentric personal collection of thousands of pencil sharpeners, accumulated over a span of 20 years, makes for a rare viewing experience.

Peninsula

Peninsula has the distinction of being situated in the middle of Cuyahoga Valley National Park, surrounded by a network of woodlands. It is an excellent escape for adventurers, offering miles of exquisite trails, such as the Ledges Trail, a 2-mile loop around dramatic sandstone overlooks, where you can stand for unprecedented panoramas of the park's canopy.

Riding the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad is the best way to witness the region's natural scenery. This steam-powered train excursion circles the park, offering passengers front-row views of the flora and fauna. Guests can choose between themed tours for every season, such as the North Pole Adventure in winter and the Grape Escape in Fall. Winter travelers in Peninsula make the most of the snow at Boston Mills Ski Resort. The family-friendly property boasts nearly 80 acres of skiable terrain, 19 trails, two double chairlifts, and snow tubing, making it a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

Chagrin Falls

Just 25 miles from Cleveland, the Chagrin River cuts through this Cuyahoga County community, forming the Chagrin Falls Waterfall right in the heart of town. This has become a distinguishing feature and a year-round attraction, with tourists snapping photos in summer as the sparkly waters flow and in winter when it dramatically freezes over. The Chagrin Valley Little Theatre is another popular point of interest in the area, where the community comes together through the arts. Since the 1930s, it has staged concerts, musicals, plays, youth classes, and other special events, becoming one of the country's longest-serving community theaters. Meanwhile, the Chagrin History Center provides a well-researched account of the town's past. This is thanks to a mix of permanent, changing, and themed exhibits, like "Exploring Early Chagrin" and "Innovations," that illustrate early society, daily life, and industry in Chagrin Falls over the years.

Sugarcreek

"Little Switzerland" is a popular vacation spot in Ohio's Amish Country. Sugarcreek's intriguing backstory is shared at the Alpine Hills Museum, where first-timers can step back in time by exploring three floors of historical photos, documents, artifacts, and videos. Some of these relics date back to the 1700s and showcase the origins of the community's German, Swiss, and Amish cultures. Sugarcreek is also home to the World's Largest Cuckoo Clock. Standing 23 feet tall in the middle of the town square, this quirky landmark features a cuckoo bird that pops out every half hour, accompanied by Swiss polka music and dancers. For a local pick-me-up or a bit of fuel to feed the day's adventures, Amish Country Donuts & Cafe is a neighborhood eatery that serves its signature sourdough donut with a maple-flavored glaze, as well as milkshakes, smoothies, and other made-from-scratch treats, all in a welcoming atmosphere.

Zanesville

Zanesville is located on the confluence of the Muskingum and Licking rivers, hence its unconventional Zanesville Y Bridge. This steel and concrete structure, initially constructed in the early 1900s, features a unique three-way design that has earned international acclaim by none other than Ripley's Believe It or Not, which touts it as the world's only bridge that you can cross and remain on the same side of the river.

Zanesville is a haven for art lovers, boasting its fair share of galleries and studios, such as the Zanesville Museum of Art. Enthusiasts can tour this fantastic facility to ignite their imagination by browsing a world-class assemblage of over 8,000 pieces, spanning thousands of years. These include pottery, glassware, and paintings by American and European artists. Furthermore, guests can watch entertaining and thought-provoking musicals, plays, comedies, and other dramatic presentations at the Zanesville Community Theatre in support of budding and established local performers.

Circleville

Every October, Circleville hosts its annual Circleville Pumpkin Show, drawing more than 400,000 attendees from across the nation for an array of season-themed activities across four days. These events range from record-setting pumpkin displays and pumpkin-based foods to a parade, live entertainment, contests, craft demonstrations, and other family-friendly activities.

No matter the season, the Ted Lewis Museum pays tribute to one of Circleville's greatest entertainers, with a showcase that features personal memorabilia, archives, and a music library, highlighting his legacy over the five decades during which he captured the hearts of fans. An escape to the great outdoors awaits at A.W. Marion State Park, which spans some 300 acres around Hargus Lake. Its tranquil landscapes, comprising rolling woodlands and open fields, offer myriad recreational activities, such as boating, fishing, wildlife viewing, and hiking the Hargus Lake Trail.

Perrysburg

This Maumee River town is home to one of the largest reconstructed wooden fortresses in the United States. Fort Meigs Historic Site welcomes historians to explore a significant landmark in America's war heritage, which secured the Great Lakes during the height of the War of 1812. On the site, guests can view artillery batteries, vintage blockhouses, and numerous trails used by soldiers during that time.

Vacationers with a penchant for retail therapy can explore at least 50 shops at the Town Center at Levis Commons. The mall also offers over a dozen restaurants and movie screens, serving as the ultimate destination for lifestyle and leisure. Finally, spare some time to experience outdoor beauty at the W.W. Knight Nature Preserve, a 44-acre refuge with wetlands, woodlands, swamp, and prairies. Several boardwalks and walking trails run through the park, providing opportunities for birding, nature viewing, and paddling activities.

Coshocton

A nostalgic journey through memory lane awaits visitors in this small town, renowned for the well-preserved Historic Roscoe Village. This landmark complex contains a cluster of old buildings from the 1800s, offering a glimpse into life during that era. Guests are welcome to take self-guided tours and have hands-on experiences, such as blacksmithing, for an authentic feel. Silver screen lovers can enjoy a modern movie experience at Shelby Theatres, which features the latest films on two screens, accompanied by gourmet popcorn and discounted prices for matinees. Meanwhile, Foothills Studio & Gallery displays the vibrant creations of talented, resident artists in the historic Roscoe Village. It has a quiet, welcoming vibe, perfect for browsing at a comfortable pace.

Marietta

Marietta is one of the most unforgettable small towns to visit in Ohio, as it tells the story of the state's rich history and origins. At the Campus Martius Museum, visitors can learn about the first civilian settlement in the Northwest Territory, with interactive exhibits and memorabilia providing a true picture of early American history. Marietta is also known for its riverboat heritage, influenced by its location along the Muskingum and Ohio River. The Valley Gem Sternwheeler offers a taste of tradition by taking passengers on pleasant water cruises, accompanied by the captain's narration about the area's history and points of interest.

Those with a taste for the macabre and an eye for the unique will appreciate the Cawley & Peoples Mortuary Museum. This unusual attraction features a collection of funeral-related exhibits, ranging from furniture and hearses to caskets and mourning jewelry. It is a tribute to the funeral industry, showcasing how people have been grieving and honoring the dead for generations.

Yellow Springs

Yellow Springs' charm oscillates between its artsy, walkable downtown district and rugged, untamed backcountry wilderness. Yellow Springs Pottery is home to a stunning display of handcrafted ceramics. The gallery exhibits the works of several local potters, featuring vases, wind chimes, butterfly houses, and other unique creations. Yellow Springs is also an outdoor lover's paradise, beckoning enthusiasts to discover Glen Helen Nature Preserve. This 1,000-acre park has miles of isolated trails, along which tourists can hike to explore its old-growth woodlands, dazzling wildflowers, limestone cliffs, and breathtaking waterfalls.

Glen Helen Nature Preserve is connected to John Bryan State Park, which offers an additional 750 acres of wilderness. It features a scenic limestone gorge carved by the Little Miami State and National Scenic River, along with over a dozen hiking trails, picnic areas, and a campground, offering a one-stop shop for outdoor recreation.

From exploring quirky classics like Circleville, where the iconic Pumpkin Show draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each fall, to discovering Sugarcreek’s charming Swiss-themed village crowned by the World’s Largest Cuckoo Clock, these unforgettable small towns in Ohio offer one-of-a-kind experiences. Together, they blend local culture, heritage, and whimsical landmarks that make every trip uniquely memorable, showcasing what sets the state apart from its Midwestern neighbors.