7 Most Underrated Towns in Ohio
Ohio, also known as The Buckeye State, is home to a number of large cities such as Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati. The bigger cities are full of popular attractions, but scattered throughout the state are adorable small towns and hidden gem villages. These severely underrated towns in Ohio offer a variety of unique experiences from historic castles and cheese factories to astronomy parks and riverside trails.
Granville
Granville, Ohio, has a population of 5,900 and is a hidden gem of a town. Located in east-central Ohio, it sits amidst the rural rolling hills of the Appalachian Plateau. It is not far from the larger city of Columbus, which is roughly 33 miles away. Granville exudes a strong sense of New England charm and features a quaint downtown area full of historic and colonial-style buildings. Major landmarks include Denison University, the historic Alligator Mound, The Granville Inn, the Granville History Museum, the Robbins Hunter Museum and Avery-Downer House, and the Denison Museum. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy exploring the scenery along the TJ Evans bike trail. The town also offers numerous restaurants, boutiques, cafes, as well as local vineyards and breweries.
Peninsula
Peninsula is a small town about 24 miles south of Cleveland, often underrated in Ohio. With only 650 residents, it radiates old-world charm through many buildings featuring New England and colonial styles. Beyond its picturesque architecture, the town is set in beautiful scenery, surrounded by Cuyahoga Valley National Park, which provides numerous outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and camping for families. Local shops, restaurants, and cafes in Peninsula are perfect spots to enjoy the town's welcoming atmosphere.
Loveland
Loveland is another underrated small town in Ohio, located just 23 miles from Cincinnati. Similar to Yellow Springs, this town is connected to the Little Miami Scenic Trail via the Loveland Bike Trail. There are many opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and camping. The town also has a lively art and cultural scene and frequently hosts local festivals such as the Winter Jam and the Bourbon and Chocolate Festival. The downtown area features charming, postcard-style buildings, historic architecture, and local restaurants. You can even visit the Loveland Castle, which was hand-built from stones taken from the Little Miami River.
Geneva-on-the-Lake
The town of Geneva-on-the-Lake is a popular getaway in Ohio, about 53 miles from Cleveland. It has roughly 1,000 residents and is a scenic village on Lake Erie's shore. Known for its abundant wine country, Geneva-on-the-Lake features many vineyards where visitors can take tours and enjoy tastings. In the summer, you can paddle, swim, or sunbathe on the sandy beaches along the lake. Geneva State Park is also nearby, offering opportunities to take in natural scenery, camp, fish, or hike.
Logan
The town of Logan is approximately 49 miles from Columbus and has a population of about 7,000 residents. It is frequently regarded as the gateway to numerous outdoor adventure opportunities and Ohio's stunning natural landscape. Visit Hocking Hills State Park to see waterfalls, gorges, and a range of camping options, from full-service sites to rugged camping. Nature enthusiasts also appreciate the John Glenn Astronomy Park for spectacular dark sky stargazing. For local shopping, make sure to explore Fox’s High Rock Farm, wineries, shops, and restaurants.
Sugarcreek
Sugarcreek, Ohio, sometimes called Ohio's Little Switzerland, is a small town originally founded by Amish settlers from Germany and Switzerland. To celebrate this heritage, the town hosts an annual Ohio Swiss Festival. Additionally, Sugarcreek features Alpine and Scandinavian-inspired architecture, the world’s largest cuckoo clock, and numerous cheese factories like the Broad Run Cheesehouse. Visit the Alpine Hills Museum to learn about the area's history, enjoy a show at the Ohio Star Theater, explore the Erb’s Coleman Museum, learn at the Age of Steam Roundhouse, or relax at one of the local wineries.
Yellow Springs
Yellow Springs is about 19 miles from Dayton, Ohio, and has a population of roughly 3,600. Yellow Springs has an eclectic vibe and is popular among outdoor and nature enthusiasts. The area features around 2,000 acres of natural forests, including John Bryan State Park, Glen Helen, and Clifton Gorge. The town is also located right next to the Little Miami Scenic Trail, which spans approximately 78 miles. The trails are excellent for both biking and hiking, and the town itself is very bike-friendly. Other local attractions include the Young Jersey Dairy, which offers corn mazes, ice cream, and a petting zoo with farm animals. There are also various local shops and cafes where visitors can take a break from outdoor activities.
Whether you are looking for a quiet escape, a town with plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities, old architecture, or New England charm, these towns offer a variety of options to see a different side of this beautiful state.
