8 Quietest Small Towns Near Columbus
For an exciting weekend, away from the loudness of Columbus, these eight small towns are perfect for a quiet and relaxed stay. Each destination is less than two hours away and has a small population, making them perfect for slowing down without sacrificing adventure. From state and national parks to winding rivers, historic downtowns, and cozy inns, every weekend retreat offers its own unique charm. Ideal for a peaceful escape, these 8 quiet small towns near Columbus will make for a memorable weekend.
Logan
For a more rural Ohio experience, the town of Logan is less than an hour away from Columbus. This town of just around 7,000 residents is home to Hocking Hills State Park, a must-see destination for anyone who loves dramatic scenery and unforgettable hikes. The Grandma Gatewood Trail, named after the first woman to solo thru-hike the entire Appalachian Trail, is a six-mile hike that connects to the most popular spot in the area, Old Man's Cave. This same trail has been designated as part of Ohio's Buckeye Trail, a 1,444-mile hiking and long-distance trail that loops around the state of Ohio.
Hocking Hills offers lodging ranging from tents to hotels, but is most notable for its quaint wooden cabins that create an incredibly quiet and relaxed weekend. Beyond the trails, visitors can enjoy local wines at Hocking Hills Winery while enjoying live music on the weekends. Robbins Crossing Historical Village also hosts programming and events throughout the year designed to share the love for Appalachian arts, crafts, and culture.
Waynesville
Just over an hour outside of Columbus, Waynesville is the perfect rural weekend escape. The town is known as the "Antiques Capital of the Midwest," featuring a historic downtown with over 200 buildings with numerous antique and specialty shops. Waynesville also hosts the Ohio Sauerkraut Festival, a street fest hosting craft booths, German fare, and live music.
The Creekwood Motel, situated in the heart of town on Main Street, offers beautiful and affordable motel rooms with all of the comforts of your home.
To add even more excitement to your weekend, check out the Fox Hollow Rodeo. From semi-pro and amateur bull riding, barrel racing in the summer, and calf riding, the entire family is guaranteed to love this entertaining hometown rodeo.
Peninsula
For those who appreciate nature and simplicity, Peninsula is the perfect spot. With a population of just 600 residents and located just under two hours from Columbus, this town serves as the gateway to one of the nation’s 63 national parks. The Cuyahoga Valley National Park is nestled between Cleveland and Akron and is the only national park in the state of Ohio. Protecting roughly 22 miles of the Cuyahoga River and its surrounding valley, the land showcases diverse landscapes that include forests, waterfalls, rocky ledges, and numerous hiking trails.
Visitors can hop aboard the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad for a relaxing ride or enjoy winter fun at Brandywine Ski Resort with skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. Stay right in the heart of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park at The Inn at Brandywine Falls, adjacent to the Brandywine waterfall. Be sure to stop by the town’s beloved and family-owned spot since 1958, Fisher’s, for a comforting meal after an exciting day checking out all of the nature that Peninsula has to offer.
Granville
The quiet town of Granville is a charming village in Licking County with a population of just over 5,500 residents. Granville is known for its New England-style village center, historic architecture, and strong sense of community, located just over 30 minutes outside of Columbus.
The town’s walkable downtown is lined with many locally owned shops housed in 19th-century buildings. Explore the Bryn Du Mansion and grounds, a former estate turned cultural center hosting art exhibits, concerts, and seasonal events throughout the year. Nearby Denison University offers trails and rolling hills that offer sweeping views of the surrounding countryside.
The Granville Inn, located in the heart of town, offers 39 guest rooms and suites for a historic and quiet weekend stay. The Inn, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is known for its charm, hand-cut oak paneling, native sandstone, and its rural hospitality.
Sugarcreek
Known as the “Little Switzerland of Ohio,” Sugarcreek offers a historical, quiet visit and is located just under 2 hours northeast of Columbus. The town’s Swiss-style architecture makes it the perfect place to explore on foot to see the history and local shops the town has to offer. Located on Main Street, the Alpine Hills Museum provides a peek into the area’s Amish and Swiss heritage, showcasing cheese-making artifacts and Amish exhibits. The downtown features the World’s Largest Cuckoo Clock, an animated outdoor cuckoo clock that spans over 23 feet tall and 24 feet wide. The town offers unique lodging at the Sugarcreek Village Inn, where visitors have the option to stay in a vintage train car for the weekend.
Wine and cheese lovers can enjoy Broad Run Cheesehouse & Swiss Heritage Winery, where you can sample Ohio-made wines and local cheeses. Make sure to check out the nearby Age of Steam Roundhouse Museum for a peek into a fascinating collection of restored steam locomotives and railroad equipment before heading home.
Yellow Springs
Nestled in the heart of Greene County, Yellow Springs is a welcoming community known for its vibrant atmosphere. Check out the historic and beautiful hotels in downtown, the Mills Park Hotel and the Three Ten Bed and Breakfast, which make your stay in Yellow Springs feel like home. Less than an hour from Columbus, this small town of around 3,700 residents is widely known for being connected to comedian Dave Chappelle. In 2020, he opened a restaurant and comedy club, YS Firehouse, which is a repurposed fire station that hosts dozens of events throughout the year.
For an outdoor adventure in Yellow Springs, visitors can also enjoy a scenic hike through Glen Helen Nature Preserve, a forested sanctuary that is home to waterfalls and a diverse array of wildlife. Downtown Yellow Springs is renowned as a destination where creativity meets community, with its vibrant street art, locally owned shops, and a welcoming, lively atmosphere. Be sure to check out Urban Handmade, an eclectic shop featuring handmade art, apparel, and jewelry created by local craftspeople, perfect for taking home a touch of Yellow Springs with you.
Barnesville
Featured in Ohio Magazine's best hometowns for 2025, Barnesville is an iconic Ohio town known for its traditions and is only one hour and 45 minutes east of Columbus. Every September, the town hosts its annual Barnesville Pumpkin Festival, a 4-day event dedicated to the growing and harvesting of pumpkins and other fall harvests. Since starting in 1964, the fest now attracts an average of 100,000 people throughout its duration.
Barnesville’s downtown was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984, with many incredible architectural finds like the Stillwater Meeting House. Built in 1878 originally to house the Ohio Yearly Meeting of Conservative Friends, it now houses the Quaker Heritage Museum, which is open by appointment to explore. Stay at Victorian homes located right in the heart of town; many residents rent out their homes for visitors to have a more relaxed and enjoyable stay.
Loudonville
Known as the “Canoe Capital of Ohio,” Loudonville is a charming village located north of Columbus. Nestled at the gateway to Mohican State Park and Mohican State Forest, this quiet town is an ideal escape for a peaceful, rural weekend. Families can enjoy the scenic Mohican River, where calm waters create the perfect setting for canoeing or kayaking through its natural beauty. Enjoy a quick lunch at the Mohican Market & Cafe featuring local produce and a deli.
To enjoy some history, visitors can check out the Cleo Redd Fisher Museum to learn about the area’s logging heritage and river culture. For overnight stays, Mohican Adventures Treehouses and cozy riverside cabins provide a memorable and secluded place to unwind, surrounded by nature.
Small Retreats Right Outside Columbus
There is an abundance of natural beauty waiting to be explored in Ohio, much of it located less than two hours from Columbus. Traveling from the heart of the state, each weekend retreat perfectly blends scenic landscapes and rich history. Each town's traditions and locally owned, delicious restaurants make for an exciting weekend. Whether you’re traveling solo or with family, each destination offers something unique for everyone to enjoy.
