Best of Ohio | Ohio Traveler

Romantic Ohio Valentine Getaways

Enjoy these 10 popular Ohio winter
weekend retreat ideas for romance.

Romantic Adventure Getaways: Touted as one of the “Best Date Nights Ever,” couples’ romantically themed rooms in an 1840’s brick mansion lead to an amazing adventure behind the secret passages, trap doors, tunnels, and slides.

Ma & Pa’s Old-Fashioned Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides: Dash through the snow in a one-horse open sleigh through the rolling woods and fields. Stop for some stargazing. Hot chocolate awaits back at an 1820s log cabin.

Safari in The Wilds and Spend The Night In A Yurt: The Sunset Wildside Tour is an awe-inspiring tour off the beaten path. It includes a lovely dinner. After exploring the herds of rare and endangered species roaming 10,000 acres, retire to your private yurt.

Three Rivers Wine Trail: Let the good times flow. But it’s not just wine on the menu. So, whether you want a stem, stein, or shot, follow the ribbons of country roads connecting vineyards, woods, and farms to villages and towns.

Landoll’s Mohican Castle: Tucked in the rolling wooded hills is a castle. Guest suites vary in features, such as a stone fireplace, spiral staircase, and windows that rain down natural light from cut nooks and crannies in the ceiling. The property also has a restaurant, a short walk from the castle.

Medina Ice Festival: One of Ohio’s most scenic and large town squares turns into a winter wonderland for the annual Ice Festival on Valentine’s Weekend. Dinner, shopping, and lodging options abound throughout town.

Hocking Hills: If a hot tub in winter has appeal, book your weekend stay in Ohio’s hot tub capital – Hocking Hills. Fill your days with unusual caves, cliffs, frozen waterfalls, streams, and other natural wonders. Light a fire and cozy up in one of over a thousand cabins.

German Village: This old-world Columbus neighborhood comes complete with brick roads and buildings ripe for a romantic weekend. Pop in and out of coffee houses, pubs, bakeries, restaurants, and mom-and-pop shops.

Hotel Versailles: It rests on a site with 150 years of hospitality at your service. It’s an elevated experience with 30 boutique guestrooms and suites, an acclaimed dining experience, and the charm of the small town of Versailles, Ohio.

Indoor Waterparks: Splash some summer fun in the middle of winter with a trip to Ohio’s acclaimed indoor water parks, which are full of fun, guest rooms, and dining.

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Top Winter Activities in Ohio

There are plentiful winter activities right here in Ohio! We picked our Top-12 outdoor things to do in January and February, but others can easily be on this list.

Dare to plunge Ohio’s tallest and fastest toboggan chutes at the Chalet in Cleveland Metropark’s Mill Stream Run Reservation in Strongsville.

Skate The Ribbon in Toledo! The 1,000-foot loop trail has some rolling hills and soft curves. It connects to a 5,000-square-foot rink at Toledo’s Glass City Metropark. Ice skates may be rented on-site.

Enjoy more outdoor ice skating in Dayton at the MetroParks Ice Rink. It’s a family-friendly experience for skaters of all ages and the region’s largest outdoor ice skating rink. The rink offers beautiful views of the scenic Great Miami River and downtown.

How does “Dashing through the snow in a one-horse open sleigh” sound? Ma & Pa’s old-fashioned horse-drawn carriage rides in Northeast Ohio traverse the woods and fields and even stop for some stargazing. Hot chocolate awaits back at the 1820 log cabin.

Mohican Winterfest in Loudonville ice carvings and free family entertainment. Bring the family down to check out all the ice sculptures that line the street and watch the live carving demos.

The annual Winter Hike at Hocking Hills will treat you to amazing ice formations! From giant icicle fields to frozen waterfalls, dress warm, wear sturdy shoes, and freezeframe stunning crystalized shots.

Light fire to winter and burn a giant snowman at the Burning Snowman Fest in Port Clinton. It comes complete with ice sculptures, fire dancers, hot tubs, hobo fires, and plenty of s’mores and hot chocolate. Of course, the climax is the burning of a giant paper snowman to call for spring.

There’s only one sled dog event in Ohio, so of course, it’s called The Great Sled Dog Race! This is a Greater Cleveland classic. Snowpack permitting, this rare event attracts mushers from all around. Teams cover one to six miles through woods and across open fields.

Ohio has several ice festivals, all of which are delightful. Two longtime favorites are in the lovely towns of Medina and Vermilion. There, you’ll enjoy the Medina Ice Fest and the Vermilion Ice A Fair.

When the powdery snow is the perfect mix, you can’t miss tubing, skiing, and snowboarding fun at Snow Trails and Boston Mills Brandywine Ski Resort in Northeast Ohio.

The list of enjoyable winter pastimes in Ohio could go on and on (Did you know Ohio has an Ice Wine Fest?). But we’ll stop here …for now. 😉

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Amazing Ohio Christmas Lights

Ohio’s Holiday Wonderland of Christmas Lights

This list of amazing Ohio Christmas and holiday lights displays features some of the best places to brighten up your holiday season.

Ashland Candy Cane Trail
It is at Freer Field Barn at 1264 South Center St. in Ashland, Ohio

Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights
It is at Alum Creek State Park Campgrounds at 3311 South Old State Road in Delaware, Ohio.

Christmas at Dogwood Pass
It is at 726 Adams Rd in Beaver, Ohio.

Christmas Lights at Clifton Mill
It is at 75 Water Street in Clifton, Ohio.

Christmas Ranch in Morrow
It is at 3205 S. Waynesville Road in Morrow, Ohio.

Conservatory Aglow
It is at the Franklin Park Conservatory, 1777 E. Broad Street in Columbus, Ohio.

Gallipolis In Lights
It is at Gallipolis City Park, 300 Second Avenue, Gallipolis, Ohio.

Guernsey County Courthouse Light Show
It is at 801 Wheeling Avenue in Cambridge, Ohio.

Holiday Lights at Lost Creek Reserve
It is at 2385 OH-41 in Troy, Ohio.

Pyramid Hill Lights
It is at 1763 Hamilton Cleves Road in Hamilton, Ohio.

Lights Before Christmas
It is at the Toledo Zoo, 2 Hippo Way in Toledo, Ohio.

Upper’s Winter Fantasy of Lights
It is at Harrison Smith Park, 525 East Wyandot Ave. in Upper Sandusky, Ohio.

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Wonderful Ohio Christmas Towns

Some of the best Christmas Towns are right here in Ohio! We picked five Ohio Holiday Fun Towns to share, but others can easily be on this list.

Lebanon, Ohio, is nationally known for its annual Horse-Drawn Carriage Parade and Christmas Festival, which features the legendary Golden Lamb, Ohio’s oldest hotel, and other historic facades as a postcard-quality backdrop.

Cambridge, Ohio, doubles as Dickens Victorian Village. Visitors stroll amidst nearly 100 scenes of lifelike figures representing classic scenes from Old-world England’s Victorian society.

Steubenville, Ohio, turns into Nutcracker Village & Advent Market, displaying over 100 life-size, uniquely designed, and hand-painted Nutcrackers.

Coshocton, Ohio’s Historic Roscoe Village, features Christmas Candlelighting. The old canal town has unique shops, strolling carolers, and the wonderful experience of everyone gathering to light handheld candles and singing “Silent Night.”

Medina, Ohio, is anchored by Castle Noel, America’s largest year-round indoor Christmas entertainment attraction! Its scenes are from Hollywood Christmas movie sets and New York City’s legendary holiday storefronts.

And the list could go on and on to include Lodi’s Ye Olde Tyme Christmas or Christmas in Zoar Village, among others.

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Unique Places to Christmas Shop

Antique Capital of the World

Jungle Jim’s International Market

Rock Shop at Ohio Caverns

Rocky Factory Outlet Store

Root Candles

Toys Time Forgot Toy Store

What A Great Hat!

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Best Ohio Holiday Destinations

Ohio’s top Christmas Destinations and Holiday Attractions include but are not limited to:

America’s largest year-round indoor Christmas entertainment attraction at Castle Noel.

A Christmas Story House where you get to walk through a movie set location for the popular holiday classic “A Christmas Story,” which has been restored just as it was when it was filmed.

Holiday Parades like the legendary Lebanon Horse-drawn Carriage Parade.

Historic Homes like Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, where you may walk through affluent Christmas past.

Magnificent Ohio light displays like the Journey Borealis at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park.

Christmas Towns like Cambridge and Steubenville: Stroll old-world England in Dickens Victorian Village or among a hundred life-size nutcrackers in the Nutcracker Village.

An immersive Christmas experience at Kringle’s Inventionasium Experience.

Special Events like the Christmas Candlelighting in Historic Roscoe Village.

Christmas on stage with a variety of performing arts across the state.

And, of course, Christmas Trains from the Polar Express to Santa Junction.

That rounds out our TOP-1O ideas to enjoy Ohio’s Christmas and holiday season.

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Popular Ohio Fall Farms

For Autumn Family Fun

Ohio has family-favorite fall farms in just about every community. These are just ten places where the family can enjoy the offerings of fall family fun on the farm. Enjoy the season for corn mazes, pumpkin patches, scarecrows, hayrides, and cinnamon spice.

Brumbaugh Fruit & Fun Farm in Greenville

Circle S Farm in Grove City

Lawrence Orchards Apple Fest in Marion

Leaders Family Farms in Napoleon

Niederman Family Farm in Liberty Township

Noble Family Farms in Minford

Pigeon Roost Farm in Hebron

Ramseyer Farms in Wooster

Rockin R Ranch in Columbia Station

Schumaker Farms in West Lafayette

Plan your fall weekends where autumn activities and splendor are at their best—on an Ohio farm! Click here for dozens more fall fests and events throughout Ohio.

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Popular Ohio Fall Fests & Events

Ohio is loaded with fantastic autumn festivals and events worthy of circling on the calendar. In fact, 70 of them are found at Ohio Fall Festivals & Events | Ohio Traveler.

With so many fall places to consider across Ohio, we pick 10 popular and unique festivals and events to feature each year. Here’s what we recommend this year:

Algonquin Mill Fall Festival in Carrollton, Ohio: If you like steam, rolling wooded hills bursting with fall color, and stepping back in time, this is the fest for you. Explore the antique print shop, stagecoach inn, and other pioneer structures. Watch live chair caning, wood carving, broom making, chain-saw carving, candle dipping, rug making, weaving, and more. Oh, and the food and sweets are out of this world.

Apple Butter Stirrin’ Festival at Historic Roscoe Village in Coshocton, Ohio: Smell the fresh apple butter simmering over an open fire as you stroll down the street. Listen to various free musical entertainment or tour the Living History buildings staffed with costumed interpreters and crafters. Make your reservation for the Spirit of Roscoe lantern tours.

Bob Evans Farm Festival in Rio Grande, Ohio: Located at the original Bob Evans Farm, this celebration of the harvest season attracts thousands with its entertainment, traditional crafts, farm contests, food, children’s activities, and demonstrations. See the original restaurant, homestead, and museum “down on the farm.” Yes, the original 1,000-acre Bob Evans farm. You know there’s good food served here!

Circleville Pumpkin Show in Circleville, Ohio: This is said to be Ohio’s oldest and largest pumpkin celebration. It hosts seven different parades in half as many days. This includes the Pumpkin Parade, Pet Parade, and Baby Parade, to name a few. The event boasts the world’s largest pumpkin pie, a pumpkin toss, a pumpkin pie-eating competition, and—well—lots of pumpkin everything.

Paul Bunyan Show in Cambridge, Ohio: It’s one of the nation’s largest and oldest forest industry shows. It features Lumberjack entertainment and competitions along with many forestry exhibits, equipment, and educational sessions. Be sure to try the official Bunyan Burger, a 14 oz Angus burger with all the trimmings.

Sauerkraut Festival in Waynesville, Ohio: Known as the Antiques Capital of the Midwest, more than 14,000 pounds of sauerkraut are cooked up for the town’s annual festival. Some unique recipes for visitors’ indulgence include cabbage rolls, German sundaes, brownies, doughnuts, and pizza. The local folks urge that just because it’s made with sauerkraut doesn’t mean it tastes like it.

WACO Fly-In at WACO Airfield in Troy, Ohio: Enjoy seeing the historic open-cockpit biplanes flying nationwide. Pilots will be available to give rides in their beautiful open-cockpit biplanes. If you prefer to view the activities from the ground, bring your lawn chair and enjoy the air show. Afterward, browse the field to see aircraft close-up.

Wheat Ridge Olde Thyme Herb Fair & Harvest Festival in West Union, Ohio: This fall harvest festival features herbs and herbal products. There are usually about 150 crafters and artisans and plenty of classes, entertainment, and fresh foods. Don’t forget to launch a pumpkin from the pumpkin cannon while you’re there.

Woollybear Festival in Vermilion, Ohio: Everyone knows about Ground Hog Day, but a fuzzy little critter in Vermilion will forecast how severe of a winter Ohio can expect before it even starts – or so they say. This festival pays tribute to the Woollybear with a parade, wooly bear races, contests, arts & crafts, and additional entertainment for the whole family.

Zoar Village’s Lantern Tours of Ghosts in Zoar, Ohio: Take a haunted stroll through the village with history and ghost stories told by costumed guides. Over 100 years ago, German Separatists built many buildings that still line the historic village’s main street. Ten of these buildings are operated as museums.

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Ohio Family-Fun Summer Destinations

Ohio is packed with unforgettable destinations for the whole family. From splashing through epic waterparks and chasing waterfalls to riding vintage trains and hand-feeding safari animals, these attractions offer the perfect mix of thrills, chill, and memory-making moments. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a full-blown summer road trip, these family-friendly hot spots will have everyone—from toddlers to teens to grandparents—smiling from ear to ear.

Soak City Water Park at Kings Island

It’s Ohio’s largest outdoor water park, featuring 36 action-packed slides. Be sure to ride the NEW RiverRacers dual‑racing water coaster! This heart-pounder launches side-by-side rafts at 30 mph, rockets them uphill with water jets, and sends them twisting through tunnels and dramatic drops.

Cedar Point Shores Waterpark

Thrill-seeking families will love the splash-worthy water rides and beachside vibes. It features a variety of slides, including Point Plummet, the six-story drop slide. Activities feature parasailing and wave runners.

Zoombezi Bay Waterpark at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Splash into the half-million-gallon wave pool! Or chill on a lazy river. Oh, there’s something for all ages. The kids will fall in love with the multi-level kids’ play structure with slides and tipping buckets.

Chase Waterfalls at Hocking Hills State Park

It’s nature’s playground in Ohio’s backyard. After a good rain, the waterfalls turn on the thunder for fun exploration, or mindful presence. Horseback riding and kayaking on peaceful rivers are a favorite pastime for family bonding.

Lake Erie Island Time

Put-in-Bay and Kelleys Island are perfect for leisure time. Charter a fishing boat, go sailing, picnic on the beach, and build sandcastles. Bike riding is a favorite family pastime, as well as all the great adventures from cave dwelling to stargazing.

Ride the Rails at Ohio’s Only National Park

All aboard the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. It’s a great way to kick back and view some of the

National Park scenery. It allows bicycles, too, for an easy way back from the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail.

Safari at The Wilds

Yes, this is a safari adventure in Ohio! Open-air safari vehicles take families close to rhinos, giraffes, and a variety of other large wildlife across the vast vistas—no need for a passport. And for the whole safari experience, you may reserve to stay overnight in a Yurt!

Safari—via Amish Horse-Drawn Wagons!
The Farm at Walnut Creek offers visitors a chance to see and feed over 500 exotic and domestic animals from a horse-drawn wagon. The farm also features a working Amish farm with daily activities and a non-electric farmhouse to tour.

Self-Drive-Thru Safari at African Safari Wildlife Park

This do-it-yourself drive-thru safari welcomes animals to come right up to your car to be fed. Yes, they may stick their head inside for a look around. The kids will be thrilled with the cozy encounters with camels, zebras, buffalo, and more.

COSI – Center of Science & Industry

If the summer heat calls for an indoor retreat, this air-conditioned playground for discovery is a safe bet to entertain. It offers hands-on fun galore, featuring interactive exhibits ranging from dinosaurs to space to high-tech gadgets.

Whether you’re floating down a lazy river, pedaling past waterfalls, or hand-feeding a giraffe, Ohio proves that world-class adventure is closer than you think. Each destination on this list is more than just a place—it’s a launchpad for laughter, exploration, and family bonding that lasts far beyond summer. So, pack up the car, grab the sunscreen and snacks, and hit the road—because the best family vacation stories often begin right here in the Buckeye State.

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Free Ohio Gardens

We picked four of our favorite FREE Ohio public gardens to lose yourself in this spring and summer: Clary Gardens in Coshocton, Hartman Rock Garden in Springfield, Topiary Garden in Columbus, and Wegerzyn Gardens in Dayton.

In Ohio, where the gardens bloom,
There’s beauty for free to chase away gloom.
Four stunning spots, all open to see,
Where nature’s the star, and you can roam free!

Hartman’s Rock Garden in Springfield, Ohio, is a hidden gem of folk art and creativity. Built by Harry George Hartman during the Great Depression, this unique attraction is a backyard wonderland filled with handcrafted stone and concrete sculptures. The garden features miniature castles, churches, patriotic tributes, and historical figures made from thousands of tiny rocks, shells, and found objects. What started as a simple home improvement project in 1932 quickly became an artistic obsession. Hartman, a self-taught artist, transformed his yard into a storybook landscape, blending history, religion, and pop culture into intricate rock structures. The result is a mesmerizing display of outsider art that inspires visitors today.

Nestled in downtown Columbus, Topiary Park is a living sculpture garden that brings an Impressionist masterpiece to life. Inspired by Georges Seurat’s famous painting A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte, the park features meticulously trimmed topiaries that recreate the scene in lush, three-dimensional greenery. From the elegant figures to the graceful boats floating on the pond, it’s like stepping into a brushstroke of history—only with a lot more leaves.

Originally conceived in the 1980s by local artist James T. Mason and his wife, Elaine, the park has grown into a serene urban retreat, perfect for art lovers and nature enthusiasts alike. Whether sketching, strolling, or simply soaking in the whimsy, the Topiary Park offers a unique blend of horticulture and high art that you won’t find anywhere else.

Clary Gardens in Coshocton, Ohio, is a hidden gem for nature lovers and garden enthusiasts. This 20-acre botanical garden boasts stunning landscapes, well-maintained walking trails (includes a Children’s Storybook Trail), and a diverse array of plant life, including seasonal flowers, a variety of trees, and themed gardens. The grounds include a historic sandstone amphitheater, a pond, and picnic areas, making it a peaceful escape for visitors of all ages. Clary Gardens is also popular for weddings and community events, offering a picturesque backdrop for special occasions. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing stroll, a family outing, or a bit of inspiration from nature, this beautiful garden is worth a visit!

Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark in Dayton, Ohio, is a jewel of discovery for nature lovers and garden enthusiasts alike. This stunning park features beautifully maintained formal gardens, a delightful children’s discovery garden, and scenic walking trails that wind through lush landscapes and native woodlands. A visit to Wegerzyn offers something for everyone—whether you’re admiring the vibrant seasonal blooms, exploring the interactive areas designed for kids, or strolling along the Stillwater River. The park also features a boardwalk that winds through a scenic swamp forest, showcasing Ohio’s rich biodiversity. It’s a peaceful retreat where art, nature, and horticulture blend seamlessly, making it a favorite spot for relaxation, photography, and inspiration.

These are just four beautiful places to see in Ohio. If you seek arboretums, botanical gardens, conservatories, or art studios and museums, visit OhioTraveler’s list of 50 destinations at Ohio Art Museums and Botanical Gardens | Ohio Traveler.

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Ohio Waterfalls to Chase

Ohio has its share of waterfalls. We picked our favorites to visit in spring or summer. Often, a waterfall at the end of a trail is what a hiker may call “the payoff.”

Waterfall chasers know Hocking Hills State Park is a great place to start. Bookending Old Man’s Cave are the Upper Falls and the Lower Falls. The Upper Falls at Old Man’s Cave are framed by a stone bridge high overhead and a paradise cove with a tranquil aquamarine pool. The Lower Falls at Old Man’s Cave seems like an oasis down under. This cove is a hidden gem surrounded by forest and steep hills. Nearby is Cedar Falls, where visitors can sit on a rock and pass the time effortlessly. The most majestic fall found here is Ash Cave. The misty mystique of water pours from so high overhead that it can look like it’s coming from the clouds.

Those are some of Ohio’s most well-known waterfall destinations. However, a lesser-known waterfall is known as the Secret of Hillsboro. Well, it’s not a secret to the locals in the area. Several miles north of town at 10211 Careytown Road in New Vienna, Ohio, is a simple wood board that reads, “Waterfall.” Pull off the road into a small gravel parking lot. A winding path stretches about a mile or so into the Fallsville Wildlife Area. First, you’ll hear the waterfall. Then, you’ll see an access trail to the top of the falls. However, the best vantage point is down a hillside (it’s somewhat steep but well-traveled), leading to the base of the falls where people stand and take in the beauty of its cascading waters.

Brandwine Falls is the wide and high delight of Cuyahoga Valley National Park in the Akron-Cleveland area. This beauty cascades down a sandstone and shale landscape. Visitors can get great elevated views from a boardwalk. Mill Creek Falls at the Garfield Park Reservation is a Cleveland Metroparks waterfall worth a visit. It features a nearly 50-foot dramatic cascade down a shale cliff into the valley. Another cascade is the Honey Run Waterfall, located at Honey Run Waterfall Park in Knox County. It sublimely flows across a succession of ledges, creating a picturesque, stepped effect to ponder.

Big Lyons Falls in Mohican State Park offers a rare opportunity to walk behind the falling water cascading from 80 feet above. One of Ohio’s widest waterfalls is the Great Falls of Tinker’s Creek. It is part of the Cleveland Metroparks and is at Viaduct Park in Bedford. Just north of Dayton is Ludlow Falls. It’s not tall, but it’s wide. Falls-seeker’s tip: Head under the bridge on a short walk to the base of the falls. The close-up is a great photo op.

Let’s round out this waterfall list with two Ohio towns known for their charm as well as their enchanting waterfalls. First, Chagrin Falls is located in the aptly named town of Chagrin Falls, Ohio. It’s postcard-ready! Then, in the Dublin, Ohio, area, we have a two-for special: Indian Run Falls and Hayden Falls. The Hayden Falls Nature Preserve features a wooden boardwalk that winds through a wooded ravine, offering a viewing platform.

Of course, Ohio has other worthy waterfalls to visit. What’s your favorite?

By Frank Rocco Satullo, The OhioTraveler, Your Tour Guide to Fun

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Ohio Memorial Weekend Destinations

Here are 17 Ohio Memorial Weekend destinations that truly symbolize the holiday and our remembrance of those who died in active military service.

Champaign Aviation Museum

Cleveland’s Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument

Fallen Timbers Battlefield

Mansfield Soldiers & Sailors Memorial

MAPS Air Museum

McCook House Civil War Museum

Motts Military Museum

Ohio Veterans Museum & Hall of Fame

National Museum of the U.S. Air Force

National Veterans Memorial & Museum

Spirit of ’76 Museum

USS Cod Submarine Tour

WACO Museum

These are just 17 Ohio Memorial Weekend places to go or things to do out of many others, with military collections at various historical museums, events, and sites. Visit www.OhioTraveler.com for more ideas of where to go on Memorial Day in Ohio, or discover other places for long weekend getaways.

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Reasons to Visit Ohio Caverns

Known as “America’s Most Colorful Caverns,” Ohio Caverns has become a favorite tourist spot in Ohio for over 125 years! Generation after generation is wowed over and over again by this geological wonder, which has rare formations preserved. But there’s more; much more.

Here are a dozen reasons to venture to a quiet part of West Central Ohio that is not overrun by tourists. Come, enjoy the great Ohio Caverns for its:

Crystal King: One of the most perfectly formed stalactites known on Earth for its pure white color and perfect conical shape. It’s the largest stalactite in the state of Ohio.
It’s the only place in America where dual formations (contrasting colors) are found. This oddity consists of iron oxide tipped with milky white calcium carbonate, refusing to blend colors.
It has gravity-defying stalactites, a phenomenon called “soda straws.”
Other weird formations take interesting shapes, such as the “Old Town Pump,” which looks just like it sounds, right down to the dripping water.
In the Palace of the Gods section of the caverns, where there is a wide array of translucent crystals, it is evident why it is known as America’s most colorful caverns, producing hues of yellow, orange, red, blue, purple, black, and white.
The operation is now powered by its solar field and a destination for electric cars looking to recharge.
Visitors can pan for treasure in the gem mining sluices (outdoor and indoor), where they can find gemstones, minerals, fossils, and arrowheads. Bags of rough are available inside the gift shop.
A portion of the caverns is accessible to all down a very gradual, sloping, 800-foot serpentine ramp overlooking the beautiful Mingo Valley.
Many of today’s visitors have never explored the original caverns, which were closed for 72 years, but are operating once again as the “Historical Tour,” featuring “The Giant’s Coffin” and “The Palace of Natural Art.”
It offers a premier rock shop in the U.S., with pieces ranging from a dollar to $10,000 in value. As rock collecting has gained popularity, it has become a shopping destination for unique, hard-to-find items.
Enjoy the rural 35 acres of park plus a pavilion designed to host large and small family reunions, scout troops, and other outings.
It’s a constant 54 degrees, providing a reprieve from Ohio weather in the middle of summer or winter.

These are just some of the reasons to visit Ohio’s most enduring family travel pastime, Ohio Caverns. Plan your adventure at OhioCaverns.com.

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Best Places to Visit in Ohio

From natural wonders to world-class attractions, Ohio is bursting with bucket-list adventures for every kind of traveler.

Hike through the breathtaking waterfalls and rugged cliffs of Hocking Hills State Park.

Feel the adrenaline rush at Cedar Point, the roller coaster capital of the world.

Rock out at the legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Explore aviation history at the awe-inspiring National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.

Nature lovers will be drawn to the scenic trails and waterfalls of Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

Families can’t miss the award-winning Toledo Zoo & Aquarium.

Children will immerse themselves in hands-on science fun at COSI in Columbus.

Celebrate summer with fried food and carnival vibes at the classic Ohio State Fair.

Sip wine and enjoy lake views in charming Geneva-on-the-Lake.

Head to Put-in-Bay on South Bass Island for island vibes close to home.

Foodies will love browsing the historic West Side Market in Cleveland.

To enjoy upscale tastes, the place to go is Gervasi Vineyard in Canton.

Art and culture shine at the world-renowned Cleveland Museum of Art.

Three museums and more are inside the stunning Cincinnati Museum Center, housed in a restored Art Deco train station.

Sports fans don’t miss the iconic Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton.

Thrill-seekers will find family fun at Kings Island near Cincinnati.

Slow things down with a scenic drive through Ohio’s Amish Country.

Get lost in the 30+ rooms of literary magic at The Book Loft in Columbus’s German Village.

Cool off year-round at Kalahari Resorts, America’s largest indoor waterpark.

Unwind along the sandy shores of the Lake Erie Beaches, perfect for a relaxing Midwest escape.

These are just some of our favorite Ohio destinations that we recommend. OhioTraveler.com explores many more.

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Five Walks to Take in Ohio

Here are five recommended walks to take in Ohio.

Secret Ohio Waterfall

Well, it’s not a secret to the locals, but good luck finding it without the instructions in the link below. And yes, it’s worth it, especially in spring after a good rain! Learn more

BuzzardRoost Rock

This peninsula narrowed and led us out to the top of the Peebles dolomite rock outcrop overlooking Ohio Brush Creek and the valley floor some 900 feet below and as far as the eyes could see. Learn more

Sand Dunes in Ohio

The beach may not be calling yet, but the sand dunes are a different story. Explore Ohio’s woodland sand dunes at Oak Openings Preserve and Metroparks Toledo. Learn more

A Canopy Walk

Ascend into the woodland canopy on 40-feet high Canopy Walk at the Blacklick Woods Metro Park in Reynoldsburg, Ohio. Learn more

Ruins at Aerial Park

Climb the smokestack and explore the industrial ruins at Ariel-Foundation Park, a fascinating 250-acre park in Mount Vernon, Ohio. Learn more

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Interesting Finds at Ohio Museums

Many museum visitors brush past exhibits without knowing the profound story they tell. Here, we want to call attention to the museum pieces around Ohio that may be overlooked but shouldn’t.

The Newark Holy Stones at the Johnson-Humrickhouse Museum in Coshocton: This controversial discovery has been explored on television shows discerning whether the find is real or hoax.

Color Me Orello at the American Packard Museum in Dayton: When wealthy parents gifted this luxury automobile to their sweet 16-year-old daughter, she hated the color. So, it was painted a unique blend of orange and yellow – orello – although this color wasn’t in the Packard catalog.

The Giants of Seville at the Seville Historical Society: Stand next to the replica of the tallest couple on Earth. They were “Barnum’s Famous Circus Giants” and featured in the Guinness Book of World Records.

The First Black Sports Superstar at The Bicycle Museum of America in New Bremen: Marshall Taylor defeated opponents and racism over 120 years ago to become world champion when cycling was the most popular sport in the world.

The Plier Tree on display at the Warther Museum & Gardens in Dover: When world-renowned master carver Ernest “Mooney” Warther was just a boy, he made his mind-boggling Plier Tree consisting of 511 pairs of working miniature pliers all cut from a single block of wood.

The Wreck of the USS Shenandoah at the Garst Museum in Greenville: Zachariah Lansdowne was an icon in flight ahead of fellow Ohioans like the Wrights, Armstrong, and Glenn. Unfortunately, this national hero was killed after a fiery crash in Ava, Ohio, aboard the zeppelin airship USS Shenandoah.

Ohio’s Miniature Circus at the Massillon Museum: When Dr. Robert Immel returned from WWII, he re-imagined the circus by re-creating it in miniature down to a boy running with balloons, a tent stake being sledgehammered, a sick zebra with the vet, trapeze artists, and more.

Earmark Discoveries at Ohio Museums, as we will add more to the list down the road.

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Top Ohio Diners

Let’s eat where the locals eat!

We picked one of our favorite diners / cafes in each region of Ohio for you to try:

Big Ed’s Soda Grill in Vermilion is a vintage 1930s restaurant & soda fountain.

Scotts Diner in New Concord is a traditional diner with a contemporary twist.

Clays Café in Hebron is a nostalgic small-town diner dating back to 1934.

Busy Bee Restaurant in Marietta has been a family-owned local favorite since 1944.

See all of our Unique Ohio Dining options at https://www.ohiotraveler.com/restaurants-eateries/.

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Seven Unusual Ohio Roadside Attractions

Worth Pulling to The Curb to See

These peculiar Ohio roadside sites may have you put the car in reverse for a double-take …and photo op!

Sure, Ohio has its share of weird attractions, but you can drive right up to these seven strange sights for free.

Punch Bugs in Ohio

Two Volkswagen Bug oddities are parked in Defiance and Hayesville, Ohio.

The VW Bug Tower in Defiance is at the corner of Hwys 18 & 281. Five colorfully painted vintage Volkswagen Beetles rise to the telephone wires. There’s a large parking lot at the corner to park and walk around the tower to check out the artwork and subtle touches. I gasped when I saw a man climbing out of the windshield of the fourth car up. My wife laughed and said, “I told you about the mannequin when we first pulled in. See, you don’t listen to me.”

The Stonehenge-ish Bug was an accidental discovery. On a GPS rerouting, I entered a little-used road between buildings and a field. It was on Barrhaven (Rd, St, Ave?), which loops to/from Main Street in Hayesville, Ohio, in Ashland County. Off to the side of this backroad was an old VW Bug jutting up from the ground, half-buried. It seems inspired by Cadillac Ranch off Route 66 in Texas.

UFO Sighting in Ohio

Carlisle, Ohio, is the home of Ohio’s Futuro House, also known as the UFO House, the Flying Saucer House, the Mating Flying Saucers House, and even the Martian House. This roadside gem is at the corner of Highway 123 and Chamberlain Road in Carlisle. Click here to map your directions. This style of house is a prefabricated home design dating to the late 1960s by Finnish architect Matti Suuronen.

The Brothers Jacques

They are headless and handless no more!

The World’s Largest Bobblehead is on a hill behind the Buckeye Express Diner at 810 State Route 97 in W. Bellville, Ohio. Watch closely; the head will bobble when the wind blows. The restored 35-foot-tall statue is named Chef Jacques. He spent half a century headless, toppled, and neglected after he first served at a location in nearby Mansfield.

His brother, Big Hands Jacques, stands near the corner of Ohio State Route 163 and Harbor Cove in Marblehead, Ohio. The nearly 30-foot Maître d’ of Marblehead was formerly known as Handless Jacques but recently received new hands—very large hands!

The Giants of Ohio’s Roadside Wonders

You won’t miss these two Ohio roadside treasures!

Ohio’s Biggest Bigfoot is visible from the Mercer County Fairgrounds at 1001 W. Market St., Celina, Ohio. The giant Sasquatch is a 30-foot-tall wooden sculpture nicknamed Nelson.

And as you may have guessed, the other giant of the roadside is the World’s Largest Basket! The former Longaberger Basket Building in Newark, Ohio, has long been a favorite roadside attraction. It remains a fixture in the imaginations of those who unexpectedly see the building made to look just like a picnic basket rise out of the treetops along Ohio State Route 16.

Discover more strange Ohio roadside attractions that’ll have you scratching your head in wonder at Ohio Roadside Attractions | Ohio Traveler.

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Explore Four Manmade Wonders of Ohio

Ohio ingenuity abounds in every major city and small town. But here, we’ll explore just four intriguing manmade wonders: Big Muskie’s Bucket, The Bridge to Nowhere, Fountain of Lights, and The Great Stone Viaduct.

“Big Muskie” used to be the biggest earth-moving machine in the world. Today, you can sense its size by standing inside the enormous bucket, which is now a roadside tourist attraction.

The Bridge to Nowhere is in Euclid’s Hillandale Park. Nearly 100 years ago, the bridge was completed, but no roads were ever connected to it. The project was scrapped after the 1929 market crash. Its “S” curve over the valley in the woods is a peculiar site.

The Fountain of Lights at Riverscape Metropark in Dayton is one of the largest fountains in the world. The series of five 60-foot-high fountains shoots over 2,500 gallons of water per minute, 200 feet high and over 400 feet across, an amazing spectacle seen miles away.

The Great Stone Viaduct in Bellaire was part of the country’s longest railroad system. Over 150 years later, a massive renovation project turned the top into a walking trail and overlook. It is Reminiscent of a Roman aqueduct.

For more “Ohio Manmade Wonders,” visit Ohio Man-Made Wonders | Ohio Traveler.

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Four Corners of Ohio Family Fun

We’re cornering Ohio family fun. Enjoy these four street corner destinations for your day trip entertainment.

At the corner of Jackson Street and W. Washington Street in Sandusky, Ohio, is the Merry-Go-Round Museum. Grab your popcorn, cotton candy, and wooden token — and take a ride through carousel history.

At the corner of Main and Broadway in Sugarcreek, Ohio, is the World’s Largest Cuckoo Clock in the center of what is known as the “Little Switzerland of Ohio.”

At the corner of Memphis Avenue and Tiedeman Road in Brooklyn, Ohio, is Memphis Kiddie Park. The iconic children’s amusement park has been putting smiles on faces since 1952!

At the corner of Fourth Street and Main Street in Mansfield, Ohio, is the Richland Carrousel Park. It offers a giant Merry-Go-Round for old-fashioned fun in a modern setting.

For more “Cornering Ohio,” visit https://www.ohiotraveler.com/cornering-ohio/.

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Places To Go Wild In Ohio

Go Wild, Ohio, with these Animal Attractions

African Safari Wildlife Park in Port Clinton offers drive-thru and walk-thru safaris featuring over 400 exotic animals. Visitors can also enjoy Camel Rides, Animal Shows, and Pig Races. Click here to plan your visit.

Akron Zoo has six diverse themed areas where visitors can explore and experience over 700 animals and 90 different species. Click here to plan your visit.

Butterfly House at Wheeler Farms is an enchanting climate-controlled world of over 1,000 butterflies. Also, enjoy the outdoor butterfly gardens. Click here to plan your visit.

Cleveland Aquarium is on the ground floor of a powerhouse constructed in 1892 to provide electricity to streetcars. The unique building and history are woven into a fantastic undersea world. Click here to plan your visit.

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and Rainforest claims North America’s largest collection of primate species. It also has an enormous two-acre indoor tropical rainforest. Click here to plan your visit.

Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden opened 140 years ago. Over 1.5 million people visit over 500 animal and 3,000 plant species annually. Click here to plan your visit.

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium features species from around the globe, from its world-famous gorilla family to the world’s largest snake in a zoo and unique sharks. Click here to plan your visit.

Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge features bird-watching over 7,000 acres of wetlands and woodlands. It’s a top North American destination for migratory and songbirds. Click here to plan your visit.

Toledo Zoo and Aquarium houses the internationally famous Hippoquarium®. Other exhibits that make this zoo special are the Arctic Encounter, Frog Town, and Primate Forest. Click here to plan your visit.

The Wilds offers safaris across its 10,000 acres and is one of the world’s largest and most innovative conservation centers. It is home to rare and endangered animals from around the globe. Click here to plan your visit.

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Northeast Ohio Cheese

Say, Cheese, Northeast Ohio!

Northeast Ohio is the heart of the cheese wheel! Great cheese shops and houses with delicious varieties abound. But know this: nothing is more untrue than the saying, “You’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all.” Be sure to visit Guggisberg, Heini’s, Middlefield, Shisler’s, and others. Each one is a treat!

Formerly a Northeastern Ohioan, I’ve played house in Southwest Ohio for over 20 years. Holidays and special occasions mean trekking up I-71 from Cincinnati to Cleveland to see the rest of the family. My daughter was in from Washington, D.C., and shared that her friends are amazed that she’s never been to Grandpa’s Cheesebarn. I had to admit that I had never been either. She laughed and said something to the effect of, “Some OhioTraveler you are.”

Well, I couldn’t let that stand. I saw the billboard and counted the miles. Exiting, my daughter perked up, noticing this was no ordinary pitstop. As we rolled into the parking lot, only a few hundred feet off the highway, we rattled my son’s cocoon to tell him to get ready to get out. It was cold, snowy, and quite crowded. It was a novel place, quaint and grand at the same time, attracting locals and travelers alike.

We spent much longer browsing and shopping than we ever thought we would. Even the college-age son was impressed, and that doesn’t happen often. Albeit, it took him a bit to come around. Maybe it was his sister filming him with her phone when the song Dominic the Donkey started playing across the store. His name is Dominic, and he learned to despise the festive holiday sing-a-long because his family and friends always targeted him when it played. Anyway, he smiled and bobbed his head and shoulders with the tune like a good sport until he subtly shared a hand gesture with perfect rhythm for his sister to see. She squeaked an approving laugh, proud of her teasing.

Our basket turned into baskets. In them went Amish country jams, local honey, home-smoked meats, cheese, cheese, and more cheese.

Oh, my goodness, homemade chocolates and fudge, too!

It’s good that this was the holiday season, so we didn’t have to barter with a weight-weary conscience. Anything goes until the New Year!

My daughter started blurting out strange words like “Charcuterie” and pairing our selected cheese varieties. My eyes glazed over until my attention turned to the history of this cheese establishment, which dates back to 1978.

It’s the tale of two grandpas. Grandpa Yarman came on the scene a little over a hundred years ago. After selling his prized portable RCA radio for his first wheel of Ohio Swiss cheese, he fell in love and opened his own cheese house in West Salem, Ohio. But Grandpa’s Cheesebarn in Ashland, Ohio, was started by Yarman’s daughter Vera and her husband, known as Grandpa Baum, along with their daughter and son-in-law. The generational handing of the baton created the family tradition of seeking the best cheese makers around. And today, two additional locations are in Norton and the Summit Mall in Fairlawn.

Grandpa’s Cheesebarn’s collection of 120 kinds of cheese features varieties produced by small local Amish farms and nearby Holmes County cheese makers. They also import from Scotland, Ireland, Finland, Holland, and elsewhere.

Just as we rang up the grocery list that we didn’t know we had, my daughter exclaimed, “Now let’s go over to the other building where there’s a café and CHOCOLATE.

Plan a trip to Grandpa’s Cheesebarn and Sweeties Chocolates at https://www.grandpascheesebarn.com/. And as the sign says, “Savor the Experience.” We did!

By Frank Rocco Satullo, The OhioTraveler, Your Tour Guide to Fun

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Ready. Aim. Coshocton.

Hunters across the United States recognize Coshocton County, Ohio, as the place for game. It’s often ranked as the top county in Ohio for deer kills and is consistently ranked in the top three. But it’s really open season year-round for a variety of prey.

Hunting animals is what put man atop the food chain. It was essential to his evolution. Meat-eating supercharged human brain activity by giving it the calories needed to advance. Man’s brain uses far more energy than any other muscle in the body. Once this incredible energy source was introduced to his diet, man surged ahead of all living creatures on Earth. Today, man still has an incentive to hunt that dates back over two million years – food.

“In my family, we don’t kill it unless we are going to eat it,” said Scott Hosier, an avid hunter, and fisherman. …Click Here Read More…

Click here to read the rest of the story

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Top 50 Attractions in Ohio

OhioTraveler’s
Standouts in Ohio Tourism

Over the years, we have recognized 50 of the top attractions or destinations in Ohio travel and tourism. In the coming years, we’ll continue our journey until we discover the TOP-100 attractions in Ohio. See 51-100 as they are added over time by clicking here.

Here are our top 50 out of 100 Standouts in Ohio Tourism in no particular order:

Dennison Railroad Depot Museum

Clifton Mill

Contemporary Arts Center

The American Sign Museum

Great Mohican Pow-Wow

COSI

Bear’s Mill

Historic Sauder Village

African Safari Wildlife Park:

The Toledo Museum of Art

Castle Noel