13 Offbeat Ohio Towns To Visit In 2025
Ohio may not be the first thing in mind when it comes to must-see states in America, but the Buckeye State is awash with quaint little towns that fascinate visitors with their eccentric personalities. From unusual traditions and haunted locations to quirky roadside attractions, these are far from your ordinary attractions, yet draw droves of admirers seeking an alternative tourist experience.
Whether investigating paranormal activities in an old-world jailhouse in Mansfield or exploring mysterious caves in the wilderness of Logan, each community leaves visitors with more questions than answers. But beyond the oddities, these offbeat Ohio towns to visit in 2025 simply reflect the diversity that makes each destination special.
Mansfield
This vibrant town of Richland County hosts a couple of whimsical points of interest that catch your eye. Mansfield is home to the Ohio State Reformatory, popularized by the Box Office hit "The Shawshank Redemption." This 19th-century prison house sports rustic Germanic castle architecture and intrigues guests with rumors of hauntings. According to local folklore, hundreds of people died inside the prison, and their spirits continue roaming the quiet hallways. Fans of the iconic movie can relive its best scenes with a self-guided tour along the Shawshank Trail.
This feature stops at over a dozen authentic film locations, including the Ohio State Reformatory. Also, the BibleWalk Wax Museum provides guests with an unusual spiritual experience. The quirky venue exhibits over 300 life-size wax figures depicting various Bible scenes with religious significance.
Zanesville
Once considered the "Pottery Capital of the World," Zanesville hasn't let go of its clay-making heydays in the 19th century when it was home to multiple clay manufacturers. The community continues to host the annual Ohio Pottery Festival, scheduled for July 2025, which attracts the largest congregation of pottery collectors and dealers in the region. Zanesville's pottery heritage is also reflected in the quirky roadside exhibitions of almost twenty giant pottery vases at the Vasehenge.
The Historic Muskingum River "Y" Bridge is a noteworthy landmark in downtown Zanesville. Spanning the confluence of the Muskingum and Licking Rivers, the bridge has an atypical "Y" design that allows you to cross it without switching to the other side of the river.
Peninsula
Peninsula stands out for its unusual locations; visitors must venture into the heart of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park to access the isolated village. It is surrounded by the dense wilderness of the sprawling reserve, opening doors to wild outdoor adventures. This includes nature hikes along the Ledges Overlook trail, culminating in incredible panoramas of the park landscapes. Alternatively, you can hop on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad for a nostalgic ride in a steam-powered train snaking through the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Beyond the jungle, Peninsula has a lovely downtown area where you can meet the locals and revert to civilization. Along Main Street, souvenir collectors will find a curious collection of vintage treasures at Peninsula Village Antiques worth sorting through.
Fairborn
The college town and home to Wright State University is an excellent stop for visitors with an affinity for eccentric attractions. Fairborn houses the Secret Chamber House of Oddities and Artwork. Inside this weird wonderland, guests can explore a strange collection of exhibits dedicated to the horror genre, including skeletons, haunted items, true crime memorabilia, and alien objects. Furthermore, Foys Halloween and Variety Stores specializes in Halloween-centric paraphernalia and oddities. You can find children's and adult costumes, props, and even visit a haunted house.
Beyond the peculiarities, Fairborn has a vibrant college atmosphere and lively sports culture that you can be part of at the Nutter Center. This 8,000-seater arena hosts electric basketball games, with local fans filling the atmosphere with pandemonium.
Athens
Athens is a renowned cultural hub in southeast Ohio, known for its impressive selection of galleries and performance venues. However, it also harbors a dark past that rears its head in the form of the Athens Lunatic Asylum. This abandoned mental hospital from 1874 treated thousands of patients during its operation, with almost 1,800 dying and buried on its cemetery grounds. Past guests have reported ghostly occurrences when walking around the property, including phantom touches and unexplained whispers.
The arts are alive and kicking in Athens, calling on travelers to sample intimate American Artworks at the Kennedy Museum of Art. Meanwhile, the Dairy Barn Art Center welcomes interested individuals to improve their technique by attending workshops and classes by seasoned creators.
Ripley
This sleepy village, situated approximately fifty miles outside Cincinnati, has a fair share of unusual museums. However, the Ohio Tobacco Museum is prominent among them and preserves Ohio's tobacco production heritage. The two-story brick house has exhibits about the different stages of growing tobacco, from cultivation to processing. Elsewhere, the Ripley Museum uses a collection of vintage artifacts and furnishings to paint a picture of the town during the mid-1800s in a rustic Federal-style structure.
Ripley's rich history is intertwined with the Underground Railroad. It preserves the John P. Parker House, which was once the home of the famous abolitionist and conductor on the Underground Railroad. The 19th-century homestead is listed on the NRHP.
Bellaire
This unassuming village in Belmont County harbors enough oddities to be considered one of the most offbeat Ohio towns to visit in 2025. Bellaire is famously home to the iconic Bellaire Bridge, which was immortalized on the Silver Screen when it featured in "The Silence of the Lambs." Many tourists visit the landmarks for a photo opportunity and relive some of the scenes in the movie. The National Imperial Glass Museum is another curious attraction to check out in the town.
This fine facility honors the Imperial Glass Company by exhibiting a unique collection of glassware manufactured by the company when it was still in operation. Finally, those who fancy metaphysical experiences can take the Bellaire House Tour, exploring one of the most haunted mansions in the country.
Sugarcreek
Amish communities always leave the uninitiated with their simple lifestyle, and this is precisely what to expect when visiting Sugarcreek. This Ohio Amish Country village presents a look into an alternative lifestyle, where cars are replaced with horse-drawn buggies and modern technology is frowned upon. The Ohio Swiss Festival, planned for September 2025, is an excellent time to immerse oneself in Sugarcreek's Swiss tradition as the town celebrates its heritage, transforming into a modest Swiss Village.
Meanwhile, you can't miss the World's Largest Cuckoo Clock, which stands in the middle of downtown Sugarcreek. This 23-by-24-foot roadside oddity is popular among visitors seeking a photo op. You can also sample savory Amish treats and home-baked goods at Amish Country Donuts & Cafe to complete the cultural experience.
Marietta
A trip to Marietta enables vacationers to discover Ohio's rich beginnings and engage in fun river adventures. The small town was established in 1788 as the first settlement in the Northwest Territory, a heritage that comes alive at the Campus Martius Museum. The complex features two historical buildings with artifacts replicating the first organized settlement in the state's formative years. Marietta's location on the confluence of the Ohio River and Muskingum River has resulted in an enduring river heritage.
Every year, the community celebrates the Ohio River Sternwheel Festival, highlighted by whimsical sternwheeler races. Guests can also enjoy a nonchalant cruise down the flowing river waters aboard the Valley Gem Sternwheeler.
Peebles
This small town in Adams County boasts one of the most iconic roadside attractions in the state. Peebles hosts the Serpent Mound State Memorial, a prehistoric effigy mound built by Native Americans almost a century ago. The 1,300-foot structure runs along the Ohio Brush Creek and is one of the largest creations of its kind in America. Outdoorsy tourists escape to the 88-acre sanctuary of Davis Memorial State Nature Preserve, which displays a colorful combination of wildflowers, prairies, and mature woods in a serene environment.
Alternatively, Dailey Double Pay Lake beckons them with exciting aquatic opportunities. The serene reservoir has grassy, secluded shores where you can sit for an uninterrupted fishing expedition.
Logan
Logan is a hidden gem in the Hocking Hills region, providing the ultimate getaway for ardent adventurers. Its beautiful outdoor scenery is dominated by the rugged wilderness of Hocking Hills State Park, where natural wonders draw all types of nature lovers. The Old Man's Cave is a sought-after landmark in the park, home to a mysterious cave system with a pristine waterfall dripping from above. Additionally, the Paul A. Johnson Pencil Sharpener Museum showcases a weird collection of pencil sharpeners accumulated over two decades.
Those who enjoy river adventures can book a tour with Hocking Hills Livery for a cruise down the Hocking River. The activity is perfect for beginners and seasoned paddlers and provides a unique view of the area from the water.
Alliance
Alliance was formed when three small communities merged in 1854 and went on to be a celebrated railroad and manufacturing hub in the 20th century. Today, it is a vibrant small city with one questionable attraction, the Troll Hole Museum. This odd museum boasts the world's largest troll collection and explores the stories and folklore of these mythical creatures with Scandinavian roots. Meanwhile, the Glamorgan Castle turns heads with its rugged architectural style. This stunning landmark was constructed in 1904 using 100 tons of steel and almost 100 carloads of Vermont marble.
Finally, one of the best spots for nature lovers in Alliance is the Beech Creek Botanical Garden & Nature Preserve. This 181-acre oasis welcomes visitors to commune with Mother Nature in a tranquil green space with colorful woodlands, pristine ponds, and scenic meadows.
Kelleys Island
Kelleys Island's isolated location in the middle of Lake Erie means you must ride a boat to access this lovely gem. Although it only spans about four square miles of territory, it promises visitors an impressive array of experiences. The Glacial Grooves are a notable site on the island and a world-class geological treasure. These 400 feet long and 15 feet deep gullies were formed by glaciers 18,000 years ago into the island bedrock. The Charles Herndon Gallery & Sculpture Garden excites with a collection of eccentric sculptures, paintings, and glass art across a 10-acre outdoor gallery.
While on the island, be sure to soak up the remarkable Lake Erie vistas from Kelleys Island State Park. This peaceful nature space also offers numerous recreation opportunities, including hiking, camping, boating, swimming, and fishing.
Final Thought
If you are seeking an alternative United States holiday experience that goes against the norm, these offbeat Ohio towns to visit in 2025 present the ultimate itinerary. Their rich rural setting and small-town atmosphere set the perfect backdrop to explore some of the state's most sought-after oddities. Whether you are diving into the mythical world of trolls in Alliance or sampling the simple yet atypical lifestyle of the Amish in Sugarcreek, each experience promises to leave you scratching your head.
