The 6 Can't-Miss Towns In Ohio
In 2023, Ohio welcomed 238 million visitors—an increase of 5 million from the previous year. While these impressive numbers might surprise outsiders, Ohio locals are well aware of the beauty their state holds. Great Lake islands, national parks, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to all the incredible places Ohio has to offer. If you are looking to explore some of the state’s most exciting destinations, these six towns are a great place to start.
Put-In-Bay
Accessible by ferry and located on an island in Lake Erie, Put-In-Bay is often called the “Key West of the North”. Summers on the island are incredible, with South Bass Island State Park being one of the best places to appreciate it. This state park, home to the town’s biggest beach, is popular for swimming and sunbathing, along with other recreational activities like camping, fishing, and picnicking.
After a day on the beach, travelers can head over to the historic South Bass Island Lighthouse, which dates back to the late 19th century and is periodically open for tours during the summer months. If you want to see more of the town’s sights, consider signing up for a tour on the Put-in-Bay Tour Train. This company will take you around 80% of the island, covering all the prominent spots and narrating its history over the course of an hour. Finish off the day with a glass of wine from the Put-In-Bay Winery, which offers tastings and tours of the estate.
Peninsula
The small town of Peninsula acts as a gateway to Cuyahoga Valley National Park, the only national park in the state. Upon arriving in the park, visitors will immediately feel a connection to nature, surrounded by 33,000 acres of rolling hills, deep forests, and open farmlands. It provides a vital refuge for native plants and wildlife, including foxes, minks, bats, 20 species of reptiles, and 250 species of birds. With over 125 miles of hiking trails, it is easy to fill a few days exploring the park.
Travelers who want to spend the night in the park can do so at the Stanford House, a historic farmhouse that dates back to 1843, located near natural sites like Brandywine Falls and the Towpath Trail. Heading back downtown, you’ll find several charming restaurants for a hearty meal, such as Winking Lizard Tavern, an American-style restaurant that serves mouthwatering burgers, wings, ribs, and pizza.
Yellow Springs
With both a nature preserve and a state park within its city limits, Yellow Springs is another great destination for an outdoor-focused vacation. The Glen Helen Nature Preserve should be the first stop on your itinerary, home to 400-year-old trees, wildflowers, cascades that plunge from limestone cliffs, and the yellow spring after which the town is named.
John Bryan State Park is one of the town’s other notable natural attractions, particularly renowned for its limestone gorge. Throughout this park, visitors will find 16 hiking trails, miles of mountain biking trails, and a rock climbing and rappelling area. Make sure to check out some of the town’s vibrant art scene while in the area. The Little Art Theatre, for example, screens a well-rounded mix of independent, international, and classic films, along with riveting documentaries.
Marietta
Sitting at the intersection of the Muskingum and Ohio Rivers, Marietta is a scenic and historic riverside community. Travelers wanting to get out on the river can book an excursion with Valley Gem Sternwheeler, a charming riverboat company that offers narrated sightseeing tours, dinner cruises, and country music cruises, among other themed cruise events.
The Levee House is another wonderful place to dine, located near the banks of the Ohio River and situated in the town’s only remaining original riverfront building. To learn more about the town’s history, make sure to visit The Castle Museum, which showcases an 1855 Gothic Revival-style castle that was once the residence of some of the town’s most influential citizens.
Chillicothe
Chillicothe is one of the state’s top destinations for history lovers, home to Ohio’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hopewell Culture National Historical Park, part of the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks, is located here and preserves dozens of earthen enclosures and mounds built by Native Americans nearly 2,000 years ago. These structures were used for ceremonies such as feasts, rituals, funerals, and rites of passage, many of which visitors can explore today.
After visiting the historical park, travelers can explore the Adena Mansion & Gardens, an 1807 hilltop home that once belonged to Thomas Worthington, Ohio’s sixth governor and a key figure in the state’s early history. Visitors can conclude their historical adventure at the Willis James Bed and Breakfast, which is housed in a 19th-century, federal and neoclassical home that the current owners have meticulously renovated and restored.
Logan
In addition to its vibrant arts and festival scene, Logan is best known for its proximity to Hocking Hills State Park. Voted by Forbes as a top place to travel in 2023, this state park is renowned for its steep cliffs, hemlock-shaded gorges, and scenic waterfalls. Not only does the park have an extensive trail system, but it also has a 17-acre lake for boating and fishing, an archery range, picnic areas, and more.
On August 23rd and 24th, the town will host the Hocking Hills Medieval Festival, where visitors can experience medieval times through fencing, axe throwing, blacksmithing, and mounted archery demonstrations. Before you leave, stop by the Hocking House for a souvenir, located in a historic home from the 1850s and featuring the handmade work of local artist Jean Magdich.
Final Thoughts
When people are thinking about their summer vacation plans, Ohio doesn’t always get the attention it deserves. However, these six towns are evidence that the state has much more to offer than many people realize, offering everything from state parks and nature preserves to island wineries and riverboat cruises. In August, towns like Logan even give you the chance to travel back to medieval times! Any doubts about the state's beauty will quickly fade after a visit to these towns.
