9 Most Eccentric Towns in Ohio
Set in the heart of the Midwest, Ohio is often misconstrued as unremarkable due to its lack of spectacle. However, in reality, Ohio is rich in charm, stunning views, history, and unique oddities. Cuyahoga Valley Nature Park holds beauty and wonder, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is filled with history and musical arts, and Cedar Point provides endless entertainment and excitement. Experience that and even more appeal and adventure in these nine most eccentric towns in Ohio.
Put-In-Bay
The location of this distinct town is part of what makes it remarkable. Put-In-Bay is a village located on South Bass Island in Lake Erie. Arguably, the most visited attraction on the island is the Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial. Guests can enter the rotunda at any time when it is open. On the limestone walls, names of 123 American soldiers, sailors, marines, and militiamen who were killed and wounded in the Battle of Lake Erie on September 10, 1813, are hand-carved. The elaborate marble floor features a memorial, marking the final resting place for six officers, both Americans and British. Another historical landmark on the island is the South Bass Island Lighthouse. Since 1897, the lighthouse has greeted guests arriving by ferry to the southern point of the island. Tours allow visitors to learn about the history of the lighthouse as well as the ecology of Lake Erie, and climb to the top of the tower.
For the ultimate thrill, book a trip with Put-In-Bay Parasail and get an aerial view of Lake Erie as you soar over it. Rides include heights of 600 to 800 feet, a low glide dip in the lake, and ten minutes of flight time.
Waynesville
Waynesville is home to not only one, but two highly anticipated local festivals. Fans of history and fantasy won't want to miss the annual Ohio Renaissance Festival. Spanning over multiple weekends, the festival features Fantasy Weekend, Feast of Fools, Pirates Weekend, Time Traveler’s Weekend, and Viking Weekend. Pick your fantasy and come for one weekend or all weekends - just don’t miss the chance to participate in entertainment, food, drink, and artisanal offerings. In 1970, local markets hosting a sidewalk sale decided to serve sauerkraut dinner as part of the event, and thus, the Ohio Sauerkraut Festival began. The first fest served approximately 528 pounds of sauerkraut to the 1,500 visitors that came for the antique car parade, German bands and folk dancers, checkers, and cooking contests. Today, over seven tons of sauerkraut are served to roughly 350,000 visitors at the annual festival. There are 450 craft booths and 30 food booths available.
After the excitement of the festivals, spend some calming time at Ceaser Creek State Park. The expansive lake, warm meadows, and forested ravines are just some of the excitement at Caesar Creek. Enjoy the natural landscapes and take advantage of the park's amenities, which include fishing, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, archery, and more.
Sugarcreek
With a heavy Swiss and Amish heritage base, Sugarcreek is considered “The Little Switzerland of Ohio”. Embrace its legacy with a visit to the World’s Largest Cuckoo Clock. Built in 1972 in the heart of downtown, the clock chimes every hour, and Swiss characters perform a joyful jig. Continue spending time celebrating the Swiss lineage at The Ohio Swiss Festival. Honoring the culture since 1953, Sugarcreek transforms into a bustling Swiss village every year, hosting wine and cheese samplings, races, contests, and parades. Participate or spectate at any of the events and enjoy the music, food, and entertainment available.
For an artistic expression of the town's history, visit the Brick Wall Sculpture. A series of 13 sculptured brick panels represents the story and history of Sugarcreek. Also available to visitors are guided tours and educational programs that offer a deeper insight into the installation's significance.
Marietta
Ohio’s first city, Marietta, is proud of its riverboat heritage and celebrates its waterside history. Immerse yourself in the river roots with a steamboat ride down the Ohio River. Venture around town with Valley Gem Sternwheeler, and enjoy the family-made 290-passenger boat. Family-owned and operated since 1973, the business offers tours and events. Drift down the Ohio River, and make time to learn more of its history and significance at the new Ohio River Museum. Currently undergoing reconstruction, the updated museum will benefit the local and regional community, serving as a platform for river-connected stories and tales from across time. Improved attractions and exhibits will include visitor access to genealogical resources, updated technology, Colorful Characters of the River, and Captain Posey.
Partake in the water-rich history, learn about it, and finally, celebrate it. The Ohio River Sternwheel Festival takes place annually and attracts up to 100,000 visitors over the weekend. Support the local food vendors, marvel at the famed fireworks display, take a paddle wheel ride, or learn about the town's rich history and its riverside achievements.
Loveland
Referred to as the “Sweetheart of Ohio”, Loveland is a quaint town with an intimate ambiance. Insert yourself into a fantasy at the historic Loveland Castle & Museum. Built under the guise of the strength and rugged grandeur of the men who flourished during the Knighthood, the castle represents the lift out of the Dark Ages and movement towards human hope. Visitors can learn about the castle's creator, play with replicated chess and checkers sets, take a ghost tour, admire the architecture, and view the swords and weapons currently on display.
Loveland is also known for its rich natural landscape and outdoor activities. The East Loveland Nature Preserve, located just outside historic downtown, includes multiple short walking trails and numerous spots for bird watching. Partake in more nature-based enjoyment at Lake Isabella. Boating, paddling, camping, or fishing are just a few of the offered activities. The natural escape for outdoor amusement also provides stocked waters and idyllic views.
Zanesville
One of Zanesville’s most well-known attractions is its unique, rare bridge. The Y Bridge is one of only a few in the world that allows visitors to cross without changing sides of the river. The bridge is so exceptional that Amelia Earhart once mentioned that it made Zanesville “the most recognizable city in the country.” To get the best views of the bridge, ascend Putnam Park Overlook within Putnam Hill Park. Just over 18 acres provide panoramic views of the city and offer amenities for get-togethers, weddings, sports, and activities.
Venture over the river on the bridge or venture down it with the Lorena Sternwheeler. The 104-foot, cherished vessel provides picturesque excursions on the Muskingum River, reminiscent of past journeys. No matter the occasion, the Sternwheeler is available for public rides, birthday parties, anniversaries, twilight cruises, and charters.
Athens
Located in the town of the same name, the Athens Lunatic Asylum has become the subject of folklore, ghost stories, and unexplained phenomena. As a result, Athens is considered one of the most haunted places in the US. From 1874 to 1993, patients were treated at this facility that sat on a hilltop across from Ohio University’s campus. The building was later purchased by the university and remodeled, but The Ridges, as the asylum is now known, is still open for fans of the paranormal to visit. Guests can take a guided walking tour to learn about the facility's history and mental health treatment, or explore the hiking trails on the grounds. Trails include Radar Hill, the highest point in Athens County, which offers views of scenic rolling hills and dense forests. For more ghostly attractions, engage in an Athens Haunted History Walking Tour. The ghosts of the past are felt throughout the town, spanning from Colonial Georgia to the Civil War, Prohibition, the Great Depression, and the Civil Rights movement. Walk the streets and hear stories of those who are left to roam the afterlife.
Stay on theme with the rest of your visit by having a drink with the Devil. Devil’s Kettle Brewing is the second-oldest brewery in Athens and offers a wide variety of beers as well as a food truck featuring Devil Dogs and pierogis. Stop by for a drink and be sure to check the events page to see what the brewery has in store for live entertainment!
Peebles
One of the most prominent Ohio landmarks can be found in Peebles. A 1348-foot-long, three-foot-high effigy mound from the prehistoric area slightly depicts a snake swallowing an egg and is representative of American Indian cultures of Ohio. Serpent Mound State Memorial is a National Historic Landmark that teaches its visitors about the archeological history of the area.
Continue taking advantage of all the outdoor beauty Peebles has to offer with a trip to Quiverheart Gorge. Two trails traverse the 99-acre preserve, with one of those trails leading to a spectacular waterfall. Take the two-mile Quiverheart Falls Trail through the canyon floor and upper rim, and enjoy the wildflowers while navigating to your destination. Another smaller-scale preserve offering naturally appealing sites is the Shoemaker State Nature Preserve, with 22 acres and 1.5 miles of trails, which is remarkable in terms of its scenery. Two naturally formed arches, dolomite cliffs, and slump blocks shelter several species of ferns as well as other plants found in limestone cliff communities.
Mansfield
One of the most significant films in cinematic history also has some notable roots in a small town in Ohio. The Shawshank Redemption was filmed in Mansfield at the Ohio State Reformatory, also known as the Mansfield Reformatory. Today, guests can choose from customized tours of the Germanic castle architecture to fill their wonder. Hollywood Meets History, Beyond the Bars, and Beyond the Scare are just a few of the eight tours available for visitors.
From the dark, damp cells of prison life to the vibrant, colorful zest of life, spend some time at the Kingwood Center Gardens. The botanical space features unique floral displays, rare plant specimens, wooded trails, a momentous mansion, and a duck pond with peacocks. Enjoy all the wonderment on the grounds, or for special occasions, be sure to check out their events calendar. For further outdoor discovery, bird enthusiasts will want to check out the Ohio Bird Sanctuary. Footpaths and boardwalks winding through wooded and marshy areas along the Clear Fork River offer stunning views and excellent opportunities for bird-watching. Hawks, owls, falcons, eagles, vultures, and songbirds are just a few of the flying creatures cared for in the sanctuary, but a dwarf rabbit and box turtle also call it home.
When traveling or adventuring, people tend to choose activities that suit their interests, regardless of how unconventional, peculiar, or unusual they may be to others. Some people crave the abnormalities of a non-traditional trip with outrageous attractions. A haunted former insane asylum, a larger-than-life cuckoo clock, or a festival dedicated entirely to sauerkraut may not be on the top of anyone’s bucket list, but that doesn’t take away from the appeal and interest of these places. Visit those and more in these nine most eccentric towns in Ohio.
