The Most Picturesque Towns In Ohio

Featuring over 300 miles of shoreline, 29,000 miles of river, and eight National Park Service sites, Ohio is filled with more beauty than many realize. And what better way to explore it all than by visiting some of the state’s small towns? The following destinations offer a taste of some of Ohio’s most picturesque corners, complete with waterfront wineries, steamboat cruises, and nature preserves that showcase just how stunning the Buckeye State can be.

Yellow Springs

Surrounded by nature preserves and state parks, Yellow Springs is packed with breathtaking natural attractions. The Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve is one of the town’s highlights, covering 268 acres and featuring one of the state’s most iconic dolomite and limestone gorges. John Bryan State Park lies right next to this preserve and offers plenty of hiking and biking trails, rock climbing areas, and a campground. Travelers interested in the area’s native raptors should also stop by the Glen Helen Nature Preserve, which is home to a raptor center and several miles of eastern deciduous forest.

Put-in-Bay

Located in Lake Erie and nicknamed the “Key West of the North,” Put-in-Bay provides travelers with an island vacation without needing to leave Ohio. During the summer, one of the best ways to experience the water is on a sailing charter with Foggy Dew Sailing, which takes place aboard a 38-foot sloop-rigged sailboat. You’ll also find historic architecture throughout the island, such as the South Bass Island Lighthouse, which dates back to 1897, open for tours periodically between June and October. In the afternoon, head over to Put-in-Bay Winery, a scenic estate near the waterfront, for a glass of Pinot Grigio or Rosé.

Peninsula

Peninsula is known as a basecamp for Cuyahoga Valley National Park, one of the state’s most beautiful and rugged areas. This park, covering nearly 33,000 acres, is home to the Crooked River, which winds through rolling hills, forests, and open farmlands. Hiking, kayaking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing are just a few of the popular recreational activities inside. Before heading into the park for the afternoon, travelers can stop for lunch at Fisher’s Restaurant, a beloved third-generation spot with a scenic outdoor patio perfect for dining on days with nice weather. If you will be in town on October 4th, make sure to check out the town’s Peddler’s Day, a massive, annual garage sale that takes place all down Main Street!

Geneva-on-the-Lake

Known as “Ohio’s First Summer Resort Town,” Geneva-on-the-Lake has been providing travelers with picturesque vacations for over 150 years. The blue waters of Lake Erie are perfect for fishing, and visitors can book an outing with DB Sport Fishing Charters, the largest charter service in the area. The region is also part of Ohio’s Wine Country, with nearby vineyards like Laurello offering a beautiful outdoor patio and live music to accompany a glass of wine. Travelers can wake up to lakeside views at The Lakehouse Inn, set along the shores of Lake Erie and complete with a spa and on-site restaurant.

Sugarcreek

Originally settled by German and Swiss families, Sugarcreek is a small Amish community known for its European influence and Alpine-style architecture. The town is famously home to the World's Largest Cuckoo Clock, which is roughly 23 feet tall by 24 feet wide, featuring a cuckoo bird that pops out every 30 minutes. In the surrounding Amish countryside, travelers can also visit one of the area’s rolling farms, such as the Farm at Walnut Creek, which has over 500 animals to see. The Broad Run Cheesehouse is a great place to see more of the town’s Swiss heritage, serving locally made cheeses and Swiss Heritage Wines that pair incredibly well together.

Cambridge

Cambridge lies in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, making it a favorite town for hikers. Salt Fork State Park is just north of town, offering forested hills, misty valleys, and open meadows, much of which can be explored via the park’s challenging trail network. Coal Ridge Park, meanwhile, is a great place to go boating, camping, hiking, fishing, and mountain biking, with free and public access. Those who enjoy birdwatching will also want to spend an afternoon on the Great Guernsey Trail, a rails-to-trails route that stretches for seven miles, renowned for its quiet and picturesque landscape.

Vermilion

Vermilion is another gorgeous Great Lakes community and may remind visitors more of a New England-style village than an Ohio town. The town’s maritime atmosphere is present in landmarks like the Vermilion Lighthouse, a Main Street replica of the original structure that was relocated to Lake Ontario. This lighthouse also sits right in front of Main Street Beach, a public swimming beach with benches, a canoe and kayak launch, and an ADA mobility mat. Several scenic parks are scattered throughout town as well, like Exchange and East Exchange Park, a 1.6-acre area with beautiful landscaping, shady trees, benches, and more.

Marietta

Marietta sits along the banks of not one, but two rivers: The Ohio and Muskingum Rivers. One of the best ways to explore the water is aboard the Valley Gem Sternwheeler, a historic riverboat that offers sightseeing, lunch, dinner, and other thematic cruises. Each year, the town celebrates its steamboat heritage during the annual Ohio River Sternwheel Festival, a three-day celebration with an art stroll, live music, car shows, and other festivities. If you are up for a drive, consider visiting the Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge as well. Although it lies about a half hour from town, it is well worth the trip, featuring key native species like warblers, shorebirds, over 50 fish species, 47 species of freshwater mussels, and many other creatures.

The Perfect Vacation Awaits in Ohio

There is no reason to travel far for your vacation this year, and these eight towns are evidence of that. Right in the heart of Ohio, you can find lakeside resorts, rolling vineyards, Swiss-influenced communities, limestone gorges, and national parks that will satisfy that travel itch that you have perhaps been feeling, no airline ticket needed. So go ahead and make that hotel or campsite reservation and get ready to explore!