06/12/2025
27 Fun Things to Do in Ohio
If you're planning a couples or family getaway – or maybe even a road trip – look no further than the Buckeye State. Ohio has a diverse landscape to explore, from cosmopolitan cities to coastal communities to picturesque rural towns. You'll find world-class museums, cultural attractions, plenty of food options and even some of the top amusement parks in the U.S.
So, whether you're interested in a city break, family fun time or high-speed adventures, here are the top things to do in Ohio.
Cleveland
Interior of the The West Side Market in Cleveland.
Courtesy of Destination Cleveland
The city that was once known as "The Mistake on the Lake" is making a comeback. Now known by locals as "The Land," Cleveland has made an inspiring transformation – like many former industrialized cities – into one of the cool places to visit. Nationally recognized professional sports teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Cleveland Guardians and the Cleveland Browns inspire passionate sports fans to cheer on their favorite teams. Travelers can also explore world-class attractions such as the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the Cleveland Museum of Art (which is free to the public), the Cleveland Botanical Garden and the USS Cod Submarine Memorial.
The West Side Market is a must for food enthusiasts. Located in the historic Ohio City neighborhood, the venue is Cleveland's oldest continuously operating market and boasts more than 70 vendors selling meats, seafood, produce, dairy goods, flowers, spices, prepared foods and more. Take advantage of the Cleveland Brewery Passport, which rewards visitors who visit the 43 breweries within the metropolitan area.
For accommodations, plan to stay downtown at The Ritz-Carlton, Cleveland; Metropolitan at the 9, Autograph Collection; or the newly renovated Hotel Cleveland, Autograph Collection. Each of these properties is conveniently located, allowing visitors to easily access major attractions, shopping and dining.
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Cleveland
Cleveland's Rock & Roll Hall of Fame across the water at night.
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The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame opened Sept. 2, 1995, with a benefit concert at Cleveland Municipal Stadium, featuring performances by musical icons like Aretha Franklin, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash and James Brown. Today, the glass pyramid-shaped building is one of Cleveland's top attractions. If you love rock 'n' roll, you'll appreciate seven floors of priceless memorabilia like performance costumes, handwritten drafts of songs and other personal artifacts. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame also offers feature films, videos and interactive displays.
You can even pick up a guitar or sit behind the keyboard or drums and make your own music in The Garage, or watch recordings of memorable performances in the Connor Theater. You won't want to miss the highlight of a visit on Level 3: the inductee Hall of Fame. Most travelers say they enjoy the interactive exhibits and the film at the Connor Theater; they also recommend you allot several hours for your visit. The exhibits change frequently, so check the current offerings online before you go. You can purchase tickets in advance on Viator.
Address: 1100 E. Ninth St., Cleveland, OH 44114
Read: The 51 Best Tourist Attractions in the U.S.
House From A Christmas Story: Cleveland
Yellow exterior of the House From A Christmas Story in Cleveland.
Courtesy of House From A Christmas Story
Fans of Ralphie and "A Christmas Story" won't want to miss a visit to the original house from the movie. Tour the home and visit the museum across the street, where you can see behind-the-scenes photos, authentic costumes and even props such as Randy's snowsuit, the toys from the Higbee's window and the family car.
You can even book an overnight stay in the house and sleep in Ralphie's and Randy's beds. Use of the entire private third-floor loft is included in the price. After the museum closes, you can pretend you're the Parker family and relive scenes from the movie as you'll have run of the house until 9 a.m. the following day.
Visitors familiar with the movie especially enjoy visiting the attraction. They also mention that you can touch the items throughout the house, which is unusual for most tours.
Address: 3159 W. 11th St., Cleveland, OH 44109
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Brandywine Falls in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, in the fall at sunrise.
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As Ohio's only national park, Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a short distance to urban cities like Akron and Cleveland. The park in northeast Ohio spans more than 33,000 acres with 25 miles of the Cuyahoga River weaving throughout the Cuyahoga Valley. Mixed habitats of forests, wetlands, agricultural lands and old fields showcase its unique environment, which is formed by two diverse geographic regions: the Appalachian Plateau and the Central Lowlands.
Home to more than 900 plant species and nearly 400 species of animals, the park allows visitors to observe more than 200 species of birds throughout the year, including bald eagles, great blue herons and numerous migrating birds. Other animal species spotted in the park include mink, river otters, bats, foxes, coyotes, salamanders, snakes, turtles and more.
Visitors to the park can partake in a variety of activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking and camping. With 125 miles of trails in Cuyahoga Valley National Park ranging from easy to challenging, hiking is by far the most popular outdoor activity here. A portion of the statewide Buckeye Trail and the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail also pass through the park. According to parkgoers, the most popular and picturesque areas of the park are Brandywine Falls (a 60-foot waterfall that cascades over sandstone cliffs), The Ledges rock formations, Blue Hen Falls, Station Road Bridge and Everett Covered Bridge.
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
Tracks from the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad during fall.
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The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad has been operating for more than 100 years in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and the Ohio & Erie Canalway. The rail line offers year-round excursions and even a one-way ticket or seasonal pass for bikers, hikers or kayakers who want to hitch a one-way ride back to their starting point.
Options for tours range from a two-hour scenic trip on the National Park Flyer to elegant train dinners, murder mystery rides and other themed excursions. There are also holiday festivities for the kids like the North Pole Adventure, which includes cookies, hot chocolate and a surprise Santa appearance. Tourgoers enjoy seeing the restoration of the old rail cars and the scenery; they also comment that the Christmas journey is fun for kids.
Address: 7900 Old Rockside Road, Independence, OH 44131 (Rockside Station)
Explore the islands in Lake Erie
Aerial of the Bass Islands, Lake Erie, with Put-in-Bay on South Bass Island in the foreground.
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Yes, Ohio has islands! Two of the most popular islands on Ohio's Lake Erie are South Bass and Kelley's Island. South Bass Island is home to Put-in-Bay, known for a lively atmosphere with bars, restaurants and shops. Visitors can explore the island's main attractions, including Perry's Victory and International Peace Monument, which commemorates the Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812. Take a quick elevator ride to the top of the 352-foot-tall Doric column monument for sweeping views of the surrounding islands and, on a clear day, Canada. Other popular sites include the South Bass Island Lighthouse, the Aquatic Visitors Center, The Boardwalk Island Grille & Bar, the Butterfly House at Put-In-Bay and Heineman Winery. There are also natural wonders like Perry's Cave and Crystal Cave – the world's largest geode – along with state parks and nature preserves.
Kelley's Island, the second-largest of Ohio's Lake Erie Islands, is known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities. Islandgoers can explore the island's trails, parks, sandy beaches and rocky shoreline. Glacial Grooves Geological Park is home to the largest accessible grooves in the world. Massive grooves spanning 427 feet long, 33 feet wide and 10 feet deep contain marine fossils assumed to be 350 to 400 million years old. Another unique site on Kelley's Island is Inscription Rock Petroglyphs, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These symbols are believed to have been carved in rock between 1200 and 1600 A.D. by Native Americans.
Both islands are accessible by local ferry companies including Jet Express, Miller Ferries and Kelleys Island Ferry Boat Line. Once on the islands, the best way to get around is by golf cart or bicycle, and rental shops are available seasonally. These islands make for a great day trip, although numerous small hotels, house rentals, cabins and campgrounds offer overnight accommodations.
Sandusky
Aerial of the Sandusky skyline from the shoreline of bay in Lake Erie.
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Nestled along the shoreline of Sandusky Bay, this coastal destination is home to the famous Cedar Point amusement park. Sandusky is also regarded as "Ohio's Water Park Capital," with popular indoor and outdoor water park resorts like Kalahari, Castaway Bay, Cedar Point Shores and Great Wolf Lodge.
In the warmer months, enjoy water sports activities like kayaking, sailing or paddleboarding on the bay and Lake Erie. You can also take sunset and scenic cruises, and explore Lake Erie's islands with an island-hopping cruise. Another highlight in Sandusky is the self-guided Underground Railroad walking tour, which stops at homes, buildings and sites that were critical to Sandusky's Underground Railroad efforts.
If you're up for a two-day road trip, you won't want to miss the eight beautiful lighthouses along Lake Erie in the Shores & Islands region, six of which you can view onshore. On day one, two of the structures will include the restored Port Clinton Lighthouse and the Marblehead Lighthouse, which was built in 1822 and is the oldest Great Lakes lighthouse in continuous operation. For accommodations in Sandusky, plan to stay along the waterfront at the boutique property Hotel Kilbourne. With the hotel located in the entertainment district, you'll be close to plenty of restaurants, shops and more. At the end of the day, head up to the rooftop bar to enjoy cocktails with water views.
Cedar Point: Sandusky
Roller coaster at Cedar Point Amusement Park in Sandusky, Ohio.
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Billed as the "Roller Coaster Capital of the World," Cedar Point has been welcoming guests to its location along Lake Erie since 1870. The park's first roller coaster, the Switchback Railway, opened in 1892. From the late 1970s onward, Cedar Point continued to build mind-boggling coasters with each one outdoing the last. The park broke its own record in 2000 with the opening of Millennium Force: At more than 300 feet high, it was the tallest, fastest and steepest roller coaster in the world at that time.
Today, the park is home to around 70 rides, including 18 roller coasters. Steel Vengeance is the longest hybrid coaster in the world, and Millennium Force is still considered one of the world's best coasters. For calmer pursuits, visitors can relax on a milelong beach, enjoy live entertainment and grab some grub at plenty of casual dining options. In the summer, guests can cool off at the 18-acre Cedar Point Shores Waterpark, riding the waterslides and playing in the water features. Visitors rave about Cedar Point's attractions and rides, calling it a roller coaster lover's dream. Some people even say it's the best amusement park in the U.S.
Since you'll need several days to take in all the fun and thrills, plan to stay in one of the on-site properties, such as the park's beachfront resort, Hotel Breakers at Cedar Point.
Address: 1 Cedar Point Drive, Sandusky, OH 44870
Taste your way through the wine trails
A grape vine running across a wire.
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There are more than 300 wineries across the state of Ohio, with seven designated wine trails to explore. The Grand River Valley is one of the state's top wine-producing regions, focusing on growing European-style grapes and producing varietals like pinot gris, riesling, pinot noir, chardonnay and cabernet franc. Head out on the Vines & Wines trail to explore this beautiful region along the south shore of Lake Erie.
Plan to stay a few days at The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake to enjoy the other highlights of the area, including the spectacular sunsets over Lake Erie.
Follow the Covered Bridge Trail
The Caine Road Covered Bridge crosses the Ashtabula River during the fall in Ashtabula County, Ohio.
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Home to an impressive 19 covered bridges, Ashtabula County sits in the state's northeast corner. Download the self-guided tour on your smartphone before heading out to see these historic structures across Ohio's picturesque landscape.
Before hitting the road, you should know that Riverview Covered Bridge – one of the county's longer bridges at 150 feet long and 14 feet wide – is pedestrian-only. The Smolen-Gulf Covered Bridge spans the Ashtabula River and is the longest covered bridge in the U.S. at 613 feet in length and 30 feet wide. Travelers comment that it's interesting to see all the sizes and styles of bridges and following the Covered Bridge Trail is a great way to spend a day.
If you're planning to explore more of the region, make reservations at the secluded Vineyard Woods hotel or at Standing Rock Farms, where you can pet Scottish Highland cattle.
Pro Football Hall of Fame: Canton
Close-up of football on field.
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Football fans won't want to miss what's been called "football heaven." The Pro Football Hall of Fame is also one of the top attractions in the state and in the U.S. Paying tribute to pro football's top athletes and legends, the attraction has welcomed more than 10 million fans from across the U.S. and visitors from 70-plus countries around the world.
Museum highlights include the Hall of Fame Gallery, with bronze busts of football greats along with photos, bios and videos on touch-screen kiosks. The Lamar Hunt Super Bowl Gallery details the history of the game from Super Bowl I to the present through displays and artifacts, including championship rings. In the immersive holographic A Game for Life theater, Hall of Famers like Joe Namath, Vince Lombardi and Warren Moon come to life on the screen.
There's much more to explore, so you might want to book a VIP behind-the-scenes or insider tour to make the most of your visit. Reviewers say the memorabilia is impressive and you should make the pilgrimage if you're a fan of the sport.
Address: 2121 George Halas Drive NW, Canton, OH 44708
Berlin
Amish dresses and towels hanging on a clothesline in Berlin, Ohio.
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You can visit Amish Country in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, but did you know there's a similar destination in Ohio? Berlin sits in the heart of Ohio's Amish Country, surrounded by verdant rolling hills, picturesque Amish farms and houses, horse-drawn buggies, and golden fields of grain. The area, situated about 55 miles south of Akron, is known for its year-round family-friendly festivals and activities. You can participate in the scavenger hunt for small barns during Berlin Barnstorming, learn to milk Callie the Cow at MooFest, and enjoy food and entertainment at the Harvest Festival & Rib Cook Off, which features live music, a parade and fireworks.
There's also a variety of historic sites, restaurants, inns, hotels and shops in Ohio's Amish Country; peruse everything from homemade fudge to locally made crafts. While in town, try hearty Amish-style dishes like baked chicken or roast beef served with mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, creamed corn, and warm ye**ty rolls at Berlin Farmstead. And don't forget the pie: With an overwhelming selection of freshly baked fruit, cream and custard pies, this eatery offers an array of options and even a pie sampler.
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Metroparks: Toledo
Brick walkway through park next to the Maumee River in Toledo, Ohio.
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Toledo's park system has 19 parks across more than 12,000 acres with 200 miles of trails. Outdoor activities include fitness walks, running, biking, kayaking, hunting and birding. Plus, there are even more year-round activities available that you can do on your own or through the park's educational system, such as horseback riding, geocaching, camping, snowshoeing, sledding or ice skating. For a unique experience, take a ride back in time on The Volunteer, a mule-driven canal boat. After a day in the parks, you can spend the night slumbering away in the treetops in one of the treehouses at Cannaley Treehouse Village.
Cincinnati
Cincinnati skyline at dusk.
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Situated along the Ohio River, the Cincinnati region covers parts of three states – Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky. While in town, plan to explore the thriving riverfront in northern Kentucky and downtown Cincinnati. This area is where you'll find plenty of outdoor recreation, family-friendly restaurants and the Newport Aquarium, one of the top attractions in Kentucky. Another top gathering spot is Fountain Square, which features outdoor concerts, happy hours and an ice skating rink in the winter.
Cincinnati is also known for its sports teams, including the Cincinnati Bengals, FC Cincinnati and the first Major League Baseball team formed in the U.S. in 1869 – the Cincinnati Red Stockings, now known as the Cincinnati Reds. Baseball fans will want to catch a game at the Great American Ball Park and visit the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum.
When it comes to food and brews, Cincinnati is steeped in tradition. Chili fans will recognize the famous Skyline Chili restaurant, and ice cream lovers may be familiar with the family-owned Graeter's. Louis Charles Graeter used to sell ice cream out of carts on the streets of Cincinnati in 1870. Additionally, thanks to the city's German heritage, Cincinnatians have been brewing beer for more than 200 years, with approximately 80 breweries in and around town. Consider a food tour to try a little bit of everything. For accommodations, plan to stay downtown at the trendy 21c Museum Hotel Cincinnati or the historic Lytle Park Hotel, Autograph Collection.
Discover Cincinnati's Over-the-Rhine neighborhood
Old historic buildings and houses line the street in Cincinnati's Over-The-Rhine neighborhood.
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Originally settled by German immigrants, Over-the-Rhine was booming with artisans and local breweries more than 150 years ago. Prohibition shut down the brewing industry, but after many years, the neighborhood is undergoing a renaissance.
One highlight is the colorful Findlay Market, which opened in 1855. This venue – Ohio's oldest continuously operating public market – is a major draw for locals and tourists. The market is brimming with specialty and artisan foods, locally sourced fresh produce and meats, seafood, and fresh flowers. You'll also find on-site dining options, an outdoor biergarten, and other entertainment and events.
Over-the-Rhine also has cultural and architectural attractions. The stunning Music Hall is home to Cincinnati's orchestra, pops orchestra, ballet, opera and other performing artists. The neighborhood features one of the most impressive collections of well-preserved Italianate buildings in the U.S. For an in-depth look at the history of Over-the-Rhine, travelers recommend American Legacy Tours' Ultimate Queen City Underground Tour.
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden: Cincinnati
Hippos Bibi and her baby Fiona at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden.
Courtesy of Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden opened its doors to the public in 1875 and is one of the oldest zoos in the U.S. The original property consisted of 65 acres in the city, but over the years, the zoo acquired additional surrounding blocks and land in the suburbs. The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is one of the top zoos in the U.S. and is recognized as a National Historic Landmark for the architecture of the Elephant House, the Passenger Pigeon Memorial and the Reptile House. With more than 400 species of animals and 3,000 plant species, it also boasts one of the largest zoo collections in the country.
Before you go, check out the zoo's calendar of special events and activities, such as an after-hours tour with a zoo educator, holiday events and more. Don't miss visiting the famous hippo Fiona, mom Bibi and little brother Fritz at Hippo Cove. Fiona was born six weeks prematurely at the zoo and is the smallest hippo ever to survive.
Visitors say the Cincinnati Zoo is one of the best, and the exhibits are interesting and informative. They also add that seeing Fiona, Bibi and the other hippos at Hippo Cove is one of the highlights.
Address: 3400 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45220
Cincinnati Museum Center: Cincinnati
Queen of the West exhibit at the Cincinnati Museum Center.
Phil Armstrong|Courtesy of Cincinnati Museum Center
Housed in the historic art deco Union Terminal, the Cincinnati Museum Center is an impressive complex that includes several museums, a five-story domed theater and many exhibits. General ticket prices include admission to the Cincinnati History Museum, the Museum of Natural History & Science and The Children's Museum. But you won't want to miss the other attractions here, such as immersive films at the OMNIMAX Theater, The Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center, and the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. The movies and other museums and exhibits incur an additional cost.
Visitors say the architecture of the train station is extraordinary and you can spend an entire day here as there's something for everyone to see.
Address: 1301 Western Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45203
The American Sign Museum: Cincinnati
ASM Big Boy welcoming visitors at the American Sign Museum.
Wayne Clause|Courtesy of American Sign Museum
Dedicated to the preservation and celebration of American signage, the American Sign Museum is one of Ohio's most unique museums. It was founded in 1999 by Tod Swormstedt, who had a passion for collecting signs that were being discarded due to the rise of digital advertising. Now, the American Sign Museum's 20,000-square-foot complex boasts a collection of more than 4,000 objects, including signs, photographs, artworks, tools and supply materials that span more than 100 years of American history.
The museum exhibits are displayed in various galleries, taking visitors on a journey through American advertising history. Explore the early days of wood and metal signs, discover the vibrant art deco neon signs, and see the modern plastic-faced signs of today. Self-guided tours allow visitors to admire the colorful displays at their leisure, while guided tours are available for an in-depth description about the signs.
Housed inside the museum is Neonworks of Cincinnati, which creates custom neon signs for commercial and residential use. Visitors can watch the talented craftsmen create and repair neon signs and possibly have the opportunity to chat with them after a guided tour.
Address: 1330 Monmouth Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45225
Take a riverboat cruise in Cincinnati
A BB Riverboat on the Cincinnati River at dusk.
Courtesy of BB Riverboats
One of the best ways to see this exciting city is from a cruise along the Cincinnati River. BB Riverboats operates two boats, the flagship Belle of Cincinnati and the River Queen. If you want to see the dramatic city skyline lit up at night, the company offers several options for signature dinner cruises. Daytime excursions include historic sightseeing options, a Dixieland Jazz Brunch Cruise, and holiday and themed cruises. You can even set sail to take in some of the city's best views of the fireworks during Cincinnati's farewell to summer on Labor Day Weekend's Riverfest.
Reviewers enjoy seeing the city from the river while learning about some history, though many felt the food was not up to par.
Address: 101 Riverboat Row, Newport, KY 41071
Ride the coasters of Kings Island
A laughing girl plays at a water park.
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For theme park fun, Kings Island features more than 100 rides and 15 roller coasters, including Orion, one of the world's seven giga coasters. Giga coasters range from 300 to 399 feet in height and complete a full circle, reaching speeds of up to 90 mph or more. The amusement park also features family-friendly attractions, including Peanuts-themed rides at Camp Snoopy. At Soak City Water Park, you can zip down 36 waterslides and stay cool with more than 50 water activities that include tropical lagoons and kids play areas.
Kings Island hosts special events throughout the year as well, including the spooky Halloween Haunt and WinterFest, when the grounds transform into an enchanting winter wonderland. Parkgoers say this is one of their favorite amusement parks and many note they really enjoy the holiday festivities.
Address: 6300 Kings Island Drive, Kings Island, OH 45034
Eat your way through the Butler County Donut Trail
S'mores donuts on display at The Donut Dude.
Courtesy of The Donut Dude
Butler County lays claim to one of the largest numbers of doughnut shops per capita in the Midwest, so of course there's a doughnut trail here. But before you head out to consume more fried and glazed, stuffed, sprinkled, powdered and bacon-topped doughnuts than you've ever dreamed of, grab a Donut Trail passport and a trail map. You can even enlist the help of a Donut Trail concierge to assist in curating the ultimate ye**ty sweet-eating adventure.
It's advisable to rise and shine early because the 13 mom-and-pop shops like Stan the Donut Man and The Donut Dude can sell out quickly. Once you've achieved success and been to all 13 stops, you'll be rewarded with a Donut Trail T-shirt. Successful trailgoers say the experience is a lot of fun; they also recommend going early because you may run out of steam after all the sugary treats – and find that some of the shops close at noon.
National Museum of the United States Air Force: Dayton
Consolidated OA-10 Catalina airplane at the National Museum of The United States Air Force.
Ken LaRock|Courtesy of National Museum of The United States Air Force
Located at the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, about 6 miles northeast of Dayton, the National Museum of the United States Air Force is the largest military aviation museum in the world. The complex boasts 20 acres of indoor exhibits and more than 350 aerospace vehicles, missiles, artifacts and all things aviation. Those interested in history, aeronautics and war will enjoy browsing impressive displays, such as the World War II, Korean War, Cold War and Space galleries.
To make the most of your experience, check out the calendar before your visit to see upcoming events and the movie schedule, which features films like "Fighter Pilot Operation Red Flag 3D" and "Space: The New Frontier." The museum also has several exciting and interactive simulator rides. Travelers say it's an incredible experience to visit and see all the history in one place, including the presidential planes. The museum is open seven days a week, and admission and parking are free, though there is a fee for the movies and simulator rides.
Address: 1100 Spaatz St., Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433
Hocking Hills State Park: Logan
The waterfall at Ash Cave in Ohio's Hocking Hills State Park.
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Located in southeastern Ohio, Hocking Hills State Park is known for its hiking trails, camping and outdoor adventure. There are seven major one-way hiking trails in the park. Every path is open year-round, and each has something unique to offer. The most popular course is Old Man's Cave, and if you're up for a 6-mile hike, you can venture out to visit three areas: Old Man's Cave, Cedar Falls and Ash Cave. This route is included in Ohio's Buckeye Trail and part of two national systems – the North Country Scenic Trail and America's Discovery Trail. Recent visitors say the park is beautiful and that you don't have to take a strenuous hike to reach the caves and waterfalls.
For rental accommodations, you can choose from rustic cabins and upscale vacation homes or opt to bring a camper or tent for your stay. But for sleeping arrangements that are anything but ordinary, try glamping in one of the luxurious geodomes or Pacific-style yurts at The Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls.
Address: 19852 state Route 664, Logan, OH 43138
The Wilds: Cumberland
Southern White Rinos at The Wilds in Cumberland, Ohio.
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The Wilds spans more than 10,000 acres of reclaimed, surface-mined land in southeast Ohio, making it one of the largest conservation centers in the world. This park was established in 1984 with the goal of preserving and protecting endangered species while also providing a place for research, education and recreation. Now, it's home to more than 500 animals with 28 rare and endangered species from around the world.
With the acres of open pastures in The Wilds, a wide range of animals find refuge here, including threatened and endangered species like the scimitar-horned oryx (which is extinct in the wild), the endangered Persian onager, the endangered dhole and the near-threatened southern white rhino. Visitors can also view giraffes, cheetahs, zebras and other exotic creatures during their tour.
With a variety of tours – including guided adventure hikes, open-air safaris, behind-the scenes safaris, zip line tours and horseback riding tours – guests will have an adventure of a lifetime at The Wilds. For the ultimate wildlife getaway, stay on-site at The Wilds' cabins, The Lodge or the new RV campground set to open in 2025.
Address: 14000 International Road, Cumberland, OH 437321
Columbus
Aerial of Columbus, Ohio.
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A great way to experience Ohio's capital city is by checking out its unique and bustling neighborhoods. There are many distinct areas, including downtown, so choose a few communities and start exploring. One of the most picturesque areas is the German Village & Brewery District. Originally home to German settlers in the mid-1800s, the well-preserved historic district is now filled with shops, bars, breweries and restaurants – many serving German cuisine.
Another cool area to visit is the Short North Arts District. This eclectic neighborhood sits between The Ohio State University's campus and downtown, and it's home to more than 100 restaurants, boutiques, galleries and public art installations. Other top tourist attractions include North Market, the Center of Science and Industry, the Columbus Museum of Art, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, and the National Veterans Memorial and Museum.
For accommodations, downtown is home to top-rated Columbus hotels including Hotel Leveque, Autograph Collection; Le Meridien Columbus, The Joseph; or newly opened The Junto Hotel.
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens: Columbus
Interior of the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.
Courtesy of Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Situated 3 miles east of downtown Columbus, this 13-acre visitor experience features botanical biomes, horticulture and art exhibits, abundant gardens, and glassworks by artist Dale Chihuly. One of the highlights of the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus, which consists of 4 acres with 40 community garden plots, an apiary, a rose pavilion, a demonstration kitchen and a live cooking theater. Many exhibitions are seasonal and change throughout the year, along with works of art by national and international artists.
There is a fee to access the attractions that are part of the visitor experience, but travelers say it is worth the price of admission because of how lovely the property is. They also recommend visiting when the flowers are in bloom or to see the festive light displays around the Christmas holidays.
Address: 1777 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43203
Explore Native American heritage sites
Aerial of the Great Serpent Mound, the largest serpent effigy in the world.
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Rooted in Native American tradition, the name "Ohio" is derived from the Iroquois word "ohi yo," meaning "great river." Travelers can explore multiple heritage sites, such as the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks, which includes eight locations and has been designated as the state's first and the nation's newest UNESCO World Heritage site. To experience ancient Indigenous ceremonial earthworks, visit Mound City in Chillicothe, which has approximately 24 burial mounds across 13 acres that date back nearly 2,000 years, or check out the 200-foot-wide Great Circle at Newark.
There's also the SunWatch Indian Village/Archaeological Park in Dayton, which features an interpretive center and a reconstructed 800-year-old village. Miamisburg Mound, at 65 feet tall and 800 feet in circumference, is one of the largest conical mounds in North America.
Why Trust U.S. News Travel
Gwen Pratesi has traveled throughout the U.S. and the world searching for the best vacation experiences, from romantic beach getaways to wellness experiences to exciting outdoor adventures. She used extensive research and her personal experience to write this article. Pratesi covers the travel and culinary industries for major publications, including U.S. News & World Report.
Heather Rader is a Columbus, Ohio-based travel writer and the blogger behind Ohio Girl Travels. With a constant case of wanderlust, she is always on the go and has explored nearly 40 U.S. states, 40-plus countries and 150-plus cities. When not traveling, Rader enjoys reading, photography, spending time outdoors, snuggling her pets and motorcycle rides with her husband.
