8 Most Beautiful Small Towns In Ohio You Should Visit

People often picture Ohio as just cornfields, but the state has so much more to offer. With Lake Erie to the north and the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains to the south, it’s a variable playground for adventure. Only in Ohio can you relax lakeside on the beaches of Lake Erie, or stroll through scenic caves and under waterfalls in the foothills of the Appalachians in Logan. From Amish farmers' markets to the Little Switzerland of Ohio, it has more to offer visitors than just corn! So, the next time you want to explore the Heart of it All in Ohio, check out these beautiful Ohio towns.

Logan

Logan is considered the gateway to Hocking Hills, one of Ohio’s most beautiful state parks. It sits in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, so think thick, mossy forests, cascading waterfalls, and a darling little community where you can grab a meal or stock up on snacks. Downtown Logan is something right out of a postcard, with brick sidewalks decorated with hanging baskets and lampposts with plenty of inviting storefronts. It has great antique stores like the Logan Antique Mall, or restaurants like the rustic Home Tavern.

Logan’s biggest claim to fame, and the thing that attracts visitors from all over the state, is Hocking Hills State Park! It features numerous trails that feel massive and expansive, such as Old Man’s Cave (named after a hermit who lived in the recessed cave in the 1800s), or Rock House, a cave with natural rock windows and openings. No matter what trailhead you select for a weekend adventure, you’re bound to be blown away by its stunning scenery of waterfalls, natural rock formations, and sweeping overlooks.

Sugarcreek

If you travel south down I-77 from Akron, you’ll eventually stumble upon the Little Switzerland of Ohio, Sugarcreek. It's in the heart of Amish country, where you may find yourself driving behind a horse and buggy before entering the area. It was founded by Swiss and German immigrants in the early 1800s, and the Alpine-style architecture reflects its Swiss roots. The best representation of Sugarcreek's Swiss roots is its delightful World's Largest Cuckoo Clock, which looks like something that leaped from the pages of a children’s book. Every half hour, the cuckoo clock fills the landscape with polka music played by a band of dancers that emerges from the clock.

Shopping in Sugarcreek is always a fun adventure. Don’t be surprised if you see a horse parked outside small country stores like the Swiss Village Bulk Foods, where you can stock up on locally produced meats and cheeses, or the charming Dutch Valley Market. To take in the natural beauty of the area that surrounds Sugarcreek, the Breitenbach Wine Cellars is worth the drive alone! It's known not only for its award-winning wines, but also for its cozy hillside setting in the heart of Amish country.

Kelleys Island

Ohio may be hundreds of miles from the ocean, but the Lake Erie island retreat of Kelleys Island will scratch that beach-vacation itch! The island is primarily accessible via the Kelleys Island Ferry Boat Line, which accepts automobiles and motorcycles, so you don’t have to leave your car on the shoreline! Once on the island, visitors can spend the day soaking up the sun on the sandy shores at Kelleys Island State Park. It’s a great place to go swimming or kayaking in the summer, and it also has hiking trails that trace the shores of Lake Erie.

After a day of soaking up the sun at the park, downtown Kelley’s Island is exactly what you’d expect from a summery vacation destination. Everything in town is locally owned, with no franchises or big-box stores in sight. You can sip chilled wine at the fun and funky Kelleys Island Wine Co., with stunning views of the lake from their outdoor patio. One of the most unusual attractions at Kelley’s Island is the Charles Herndon Gallery and Sculpture Garden, situated on the east shoreline. The small outdoor garden showcases the artistry of local artist Charles Herndon, where visitors can stroll through the beautiful garden, featuring unique sculptures.

Gallipolis

On Ohio’s southern edge, carved by the Ohio River, is the sleepy riverside town of Gallipolis. It was originally called the City of Gauls (or French City) since it was settled in the late 1700s by a group of French immigrants. Today, much of its French heritage can still be felt in every corner of the community through its stunning Victorian-era architecture. Gallipolis City Park captures the heart and soul of the community, with a bandstand, picturesque fountain, and plenty of benches where visitors can sit and look over the Ohio River. The park is home to lively community events, most notably its Christmas light display known as Gallipolis in Lights.

To learn a little more about Gallipolis’s French heritage, visit the French Art Colony. The building was once a private residence known as Riverby in the mid-1800s, and now serves as an artist hub with revolving art exhibits and local performances in an opulent old-world setting. One of the best ways to spend a day in Gallipolis is to grab a hot dog at the locally beloved Remo's Italian Hot Dogs, and then head to the Elizabeth L. Evans Waterfowl and Bird Sanctuary to walk its hiking trails or admire the variety of wetland birds living in its marshy habitat.

Peninsula

On the drive between Cleveland and Akron is one of the most beautiful parks in the state, Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Within the winding roads and thick oaks and hickory trees in the idyllic town of Peninsula. Peninsula is the heart of the Cuyahoga Valley, where there’s always a friendly coffeehouse or market to explore before hitting the trails. The Peninsula Coffee House and Market is one of its best hidden treasures, serving up signature coffee drinks on an outdoor patio with a view of the Cuyahoga River. When you want to shop at local farms for seasonal treats, Szalay's Farm and Market is a popular destination with fresh produce in the summer.

You can explore the Cuyahoga Valley National Park in a few ways. You can lace up your hiking boots and explore one of its many diverse trailheads, like Deep Lock Quarry or Tree Farm Trail. The best way to experience the park, however, is to hop aboard the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. The historic train runs year-round, and passengers can experience all seasons, from mossy forests in the summer to quiet rides through the snow in the winter.

Put-in-Bay

Put-in-Bay is another one of those summertime destinations in Lake Erie that’s well worth the drive. It’s a tiny little town free of commercialization, where time moves a little slower. It has delightful restaurants that boast beachy vibes, like Topsy Turvey's Bar and Grill, where you can sip on chilled cocktails and fried foods with amazing views of the water on its outdoor patio. You can spend the day soaking up the sun at the public beach access, famous for its sandy shores and calm water, or head to Oak Point State Park to watch the boats dock at the port.

Put-in-Bay is a little more lively than some of the other Lake Erie islands. It features fun, family-friendly attractions, such as Perry's Cave Family Fun Center, where visitors can explore a limestone cave, play mini-golf, or stroll through a butterfly house. If you want to earn the best view of the island, be sure to check out Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial. The park honors the Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812 with serene gardens and breathtaking views. It also features a 352-foot-tall Doric column that visitors can climb, making you feel as though you’re on top of the world.

Tiffin

Tiffin is one of those idyllic midwestern hamlets that perfectly captures the spirit of the Buckeye State. Situated on the banks of the Sandusky River, visitors can expect beautiful brick buildings and cozy shops to spend an afternoon. One of its best features is the Ritz Theatre, an Italian-inspired performing arts theater that adds a rich elegance to Tiffin’s cityscape. As a historic town, there’s no shortage of fascinating museums to investigate, like the opulent American Civil War Museum of Ohio or the Seneca County Ohio Museum.

While it’s easy to spend an entire weekend exploring the sights in central Tiffin, it’s also surrounded by lush forests and untouched wilderness. Hedges-Boyer Park is a beloved local park, featuring a well-maintained playground area, picnic pavilions, and shaded hiking trails that follow Rock Creek. The park has wide open spaces, making it the perfect venue for local events, such as the annual Tiffin Music and Art Festival.

Walnut Creek

Walnut Creek is another small community hidden away in the heart of Ohio’s Amish Country. When visiting Walnut Creek, there are two things you need to do: be patient when driving behind the horse-drawn buggies, and make sure you bring your appetite. Many Ohioans drive for miles just to have a hearty dinner at Walnut Creek’s most famous restaurant, Der Dutchman. Eating there feels like dining in an Amish kitchen with beautiful views of the rolling hills from the windows, and hearty portions that may pop a button on your britches!

Walnut Creek is a great place to shop for Amish meats and cheeses to bring back home. The most popular of the Amish markets is the Walnut Creek Cheese and Market, found just outside of town along OH-39. It’s a foodie’s dream come true with locally crafted cheeses, baked goods, and jellies. If you need a sweet treat to complement all that meat and cheese, the Coblentz Chocolate Company is a must-visit. Visitors can watch the chocolates being made in-house from a viewing window, and shop for all things chocolate in its gift shop, which fills the air with the sweet smell of chocolate the moment you walk through the door.

Charming Escapes That Prove Ohio Is Anything But Ordinary

Only in Ohio can a road trip take you from a beachy escape on the banks of Lake Erie to the rolling fields in Amish country in one trip! It lives up to its nickname as the Heart of It All, with its dynamic landscapes punctuated by cozy communities that will make you feel immediately at home. Whether you want to load up on meats and cheeses from an Amish Market in Walnut Creek, explore mossy caves in Logan, or take a train ride through the Cuyahoga Valley in Peninsula, Ohio is a great place for adventure.