8 Best Attractions To Visit In Ohio
Ohio is an amazing destination filled with unforgettable experiences, offering cultural attractions around every corner, and it is a perfect balance of man-made wonders and natural beauty. Rich in diverse landscapes and history, the state is home to world-class institutions, historic landmarks, and national parks that reflect a vibrant culture and deep heritage. From stunning outdoor environments and animal habitats to iconic educational and entertainment sites, Ohio provides numerous opportunities to learn, explore, and be inspired. The seven attractions discussed below are just a fraction of what Ohio has to offer, highlighting why the Buckeye State is well worth a visit.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Extending from southern Cuyahoga County to Akron in Summit County is the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, one of Ohio’s premier national parks. Centered on the Cuyahoga River, this vast natural environment encompasses 33,000 acres of land and is a refuge for native plants and wildlife. The park offers a wide range of activities for visitors throughout the year, featuring diverse landscapes that include forests, hills, waterfalls, and rock formations. With over 125 miles of trails, the possibilities for exploration are endless. Hike or bike along the historic Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail or take the Ledges Trail to view stunning rock formations.
While many waterfalls can be found in the park, Blue Hen Falls and Brandywine Falls provide a particularly enchanting experience. The park also features historic sites, such as the Everett Covered Bridge, and three visitor centers. Regardless of what you choose to do, the Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a must-visit location for anyone who enjoys the outdoors.
Cedar Point
Fans of adventure and entertainment can find everything they need at Cedar Point. Located in Sandusky, Ohio, on a Lake Erie peninsula, is the historic, world-class amusement park owned and operated by Six Flags. Hop on one of the 67 rides available throughout the park, including 17 roller coasters that offer jaw-dropping thrills. Ride the Corkscrew, a steel roller coaster featuring three inversions, spanning the entire midway. If you're looking to spin, try the Super Himalaya, a circular music express ride that reaches various elevations while spinning. Opened in 1870, Cedar Point is a historical landmark in the Ohio area and features restaurants, hotels, and stunning grounds that have long been a place of magical experiences.
With live music, shows, shopping, and cabanas, along with tons of rides and shows, there is never a dull moment. The amusement park also features the Cedar Point Shores Waterpark, a 16-acre waterpark sitting near a mile-long beach. Attractions include water slides, kids’ zones, a wave pool, and a lazy river.
The Cleveland Museum of Art
Located in the bustling city of Cleveland is the world-class institution and top cultural destination, the Cleveland Museum of Art. Explore more than 63,000 artworks spanning 6,000 years through gallery tours, lectures, and hands-on art making. Particularly appealing is the museum’s award-winning Open Access Program and free entry to everyone. Throughout the year, there are many different seasonal displays that are which rotate through the galleries; so, regardless of when you choose to visit, there is always something new to explore. The Armor Court is a particularly popular section, featuring a large collection of medieval tapestries, weaponry, and armor that takes visitors back in time.
Permanent collections include European paintings, American art, African art, local art, and ancient and global art. Gaze upon some of the world's most famous works of art, such as La Vie by Pablo Picasso, Frederich Edwin Church’s Twilight in the Wilderness, Monet’s Water Lilies, the Marcus Aurelius Statue, and more.
Cincinnati Zoo
One of the oldest zoos in the United States, opened in 1875, is the Cincinnati Zoo. What makes this zoo unique is the Botanical Garden placed all around the grounds, with prominent seasonal displays, such as tulips in the Spring, accentuating the beauty of the hundreds of animals that reside there. Events are also held throughout the year, such as Happy Zoo Year, Winter Discount Days, Tunes and Blooms, Easter Celebrations, and more. There are a number of habitats to explore, so make sure you leave plenty of time to visit each one.
Popular habitats include Cat Canyon, where you can view white tigers and snow leopards. Birds of the World offers a chance to see dozens of species of birds, from peacocks and Atlantic puffins to toucans and penguins. If you are bringing the family, head over to the Children’s Zoo, featuring a play area, barnyard, and even a spot where you can feed the animals.
Easton Town Center
Spend the day at Ohio’s premier dining, shopping, and entertainment destination, the Easton Town Center. This shopping mall is unlike any other, with open-air town squares, parks, and fountains surrounding this stunning, gigantic building. There is a wide array of restaurants to enjoy, from upscale dining, bars, and lounges to cafes and casual dining. With around 300 stores as well as entertainment venues, the Easton Town Center attracts over 18 million visitors on an annual basis.
What makes this mall so unique is the entertainment options available. Catch a comedy show inside the mall at Columbus Funny Bone, featuring stand-up acts, sketch comedy, and live music. While at the mall, bring the kids by LEGOLAND Discovery Center Columbus, where they can explore mini land, make mega-awesome LEGO creations, and become a LEGO building master! Last but not least, adventurous groups can try their hands at The Escape, a large indoor escape room venue with several rooms for various skill levels.
Hocking Hills State Park
At Hocking Hills State Park, visitors can walk next to waterfalls, find shade under deep hemlock gorges, and look down from towering cliffs. This outdoor playground includes approximately 2,356 acres of land with extensive trails for hiking through the diverse landscape. There are several distinct areas for hiking. Take the Hemlock Bridge to the Whispering Cave, where you walk across a suspension bridge to a beautiful cave perfect for exploration. Known for its steep rock walls and hemlock-lined gorge is Cedar Falls, a high-volume waterfall surrounded by natural beauty. A particularly popular place to visit in the park is the eerie Devil's Bathtub, a smooth, swirling basin with Blackhand sandstone carved out by thousands of years of water flow.
Open year-round and with free entry, visitors are able to enjoy lush greenery and beautiful flowers in the warmer months and stunning ice formations in the winter. The park also offers camping in cabins, A-frames, geodomes, tiny homes, and treehouses. Other activities include ziplining, nature programs, ATV rides, rock climbing, and canoeing.
Ohio Theatre
The "official theater of the state of Ohio", the celebrated and historic Ohio Theatre features ornate, Spanish-Baroque architecture, and has been the stage for many performances over its almost-century-long lifetime. Take a free tour of the building, where you can admire the stunning architecture, from the massive main chandelier to the original 1928 Mighty Morton organ and the lavish lobby. Additionally, the intricate art and 1920s furnishings make for an amazing photo opportunity. The theater features concession stands throughout, where you can grab drinks, snacks, and alcoholic beverages. Every time you visit, a different experience awaits, from modern dance and classical music to sold-out concerts. This 2,791-seat historic theater offers a chance to immerse yourself in one of the many performances hosted throughout the year. At the theater, you can see concerts, ballet performances, the Columbus Symphony, and Broadway shows. Past and future events include: Mozart’s Requiem, Back to the Future: The Musical, the Nutcracker, and Mamma Mia! The theater also offers educational resources, community programs, and school programs.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
In the downtown area of Cleveland, on the shores of Lake Erie, stands the iconic Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. This museum documents the history of rock music and its development. With over 55,000 square feet of exhibition space and several floors, it is no wonder why people from all over the world come to visit this vast collection. The lower-level features exhibits on the development of rock and roll as well as the cities that have impacted its growth. A café, gift shop, and stage greet visitors at the entrance of the museum, where events and live music take place year-round.
On the second floor, guests are given the chance to participate in several interactive kiosks, such as picking up an instrument and jamming out, or branding your band, where you can create your own logo. The third and fourth floors include the Connor and Foster Theater, where you can watch films and attend special programs. Finally, the top two floors feature large, temporary exhibits on rock and roll icons, with past installments including such names as Elvis and Bon Jovi.
Where Else But Ohio?
These seven attractions collectively demonstrate the enduring appeal and rich history of Ohio. They highlight a place where innovation and history exist in the most unassuming locations, providing visitors the chance to step back in time while also enjoying modern entertainment and cultural excellence. From nationally recognized museums and historic landmarks to thrilling amusement parks and serene natural spaces, Ohio delivers experiences that inspire, entertain, and educate visitors of all ages. Whether you are interested in exploring entertainment districts and vibrant shopping centers, admiring world-class art, exploring historic sites, or simply learning about wildlife, Ohio offers a well-rounded and welcoming experience.
