Tickets are required for tours at the American Whistle Corporation in Columbus

• Open by appointment
• Location: (Map It) 6540 Huntley Rd. in Columbus, Ohio
• Phone: 800-876-2918 to schedule a tour
• Web: click here

American Whistle Corporation tours in Columbus:  Have you ever wondered how the ball gets inside a whistle?  Take a personally guided tour of the only whistle factory in the United States, where metal whistles are made.  For approximately one hour, you will see a thriving, small, American manufacturing plant and be entertained with interesting information about whistles and fascinating machinery – some state-of-the-art, some dating back to the company’s beginning.  Best of all – everyone leaves with a shiny new “American Classic” whistle!

Tickets are required for the Amish Heartland Tours in Millersburg.

• When: Open year-round with advanced reservations
• Location:  (Map It) 5568 Township Road 381, Millersburg, Ohio – Tours depart from Yoders Amish home, the Amish and Mennonite Heritage Center, and Holmes County Flea Market.
• Phone: 330-893-3248
• Web: click here

Amish Heartland Tours in Millersburg: Have you wondered why the Amish still live apart from society as we know it?  Let expert tour guides explain the culture as it is in Holmes County. The tours could include stops at a candle maker, a basket maker, a leather works, an Amish home chocolate business, or a broom maker. Tours are taken in a comfortable 11-passenger high-top Sprinter sightseeing vehicle. Past tours have included dinner tours, history and heritage tours, artisan cookie and bakery tours, buggies, brunch, and back-road tours.

Tickets are required for tours at Anthony Thomas Chocolates.

• Open for tours every Tuesday and Thursday from 10am – 2pm
• Location: (Map It) 1777 Arling Gate Lane in Columbus, Ohio
• Phone: 877-226-3921
• Web: click here

Anthony Thomas Chocolates tours in Columbus:  Have you ever fantasized about visiting Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory? Well, in about an hour, you can almost taste it. Visitors can walk along a glass-enclosed suspended catwalk to see candy made at this 152,000-square-foot state-of-the-art candy factory. In one shift, 25,000 pounds of chocolate are produced. Even Augustus Loof would be left satisfied (sorry, no chocolate river here).

Tickets are required for tours at the Phoenix Bat Company in Plain City.

• When: Call to confirm
• Location: (Map It) 7801 Corporate Blvd., Ste. E in Plain City, Ohio
• Phone: 614-873-7776
• Web: click here

Phoenix Bat Company baseball bat-making tours: See a wood bat being made on the biggest, baddest bat-making machine anywhere! Spend an hour and experience a level of bat making like no other: Learn how to make a great bat – from wood to design. Go on the shop floor and see bats made right in front of you. Hear about today’s pros … and get your hands on their bats. Step back 100+ years to bats from baseball’s start. Ohio’s own pro-approved wood bat manufacturer.  Just 20 minutes from downtown Columbus and only 5 minutes from the I-270, Rt. 33 West interchange on the NW side of the city.

Tickets are required for tours at BIBLEWALK in Mansfield.

• Open: Varies per month and day. See the link below.
• Location: (Map It) 500 Tingley Ave. in Mansfield, Ohio  44905
• Phone: 1-800-222-0139
• Web: livingbiblemuseum.org/

BIBLEWALK tours in Mansfield: Ohio’s only life-size wax museum features four tours that become treasured memories of the heart, highlighting 70 scenes and over 300 wax figures. Experience the Holy Bible come to life with the Miracles of the Old Testament and the Life of Christ. These two sixty-minute tours feature life-sized dioramas of beloved Biblical stories.  Two additional thirty-minute tours, the Museum of Christian Martyrs and the Heart of the Reformation, provide insight into the hearts of men and women who willingly gave their lives for the Word of God.  Each scene is underscored by original music and narration. BIBLEWALK also features a collection of rare and Braille Bibles, American votive folk-art, Religious wood carvings, a snack bar, and a gift shop. There is also a Christian Dinner Theater.

Tickets are required for tours on the canal boat located at the historic Isaac Ludwig Mill.

• Open: Memorial Day to Labor Day
• Location: (Map It) Isaac Ludwig Mill in Providence Metropark at 13827 S. River Rd. in Grand Rapids, Ohio
• Phone: 419-407-9741
• Web: click here

Get the 1800s canal experience at Providence Metropark. Travel back in time to the days when the smoothest way to go long distances was aboard boats towed by mules along man-made waterways. Board an authentic but docked mule-drawn canal boat named The Volunteer and learn what life was like during the canal era. Historical re-enactors spin tales of life in mid-1800s Ohio. Then tour an authentic 1800s saw and gristmill, Isaac Ludwig Mill, where interpreters demonstrate how water power was used to saw wood and grind flour.

Tickets are required for tours at Cave Adventures in Cable, Ohio.

• Open: The tours are available daily, all year long by appointment. Guests must be 15 years old or older. An adult must accompany anyone under the age of 18.
• Location: (Map It) 3781 Slate Stone Road in Cable, Ohio
• Phone: 937-772-1260
• Web: click here

Cave Adventures in Central Ohio is home to an extraordinarily breathtaking cave developed millions of years ago by glaciers.  Many have heard whisperings of urban legends about this cave for years. Now, this extraordinary natural phenomenon is open to those willing to get dirty to see it. Come and explore your wild side on this thrill-seeking adventure!

Each guest is fitted with their own helmet, gloves, and a headlamp to light the way to a rare experience—33 feet underground, where it is always a comfortable 54 degrees!  It is primitive exploration at its best. And it requires crawling, climbing, and walking. Water and mud will be encountered. It’s part of this immersive experience, so wear water-resistant clothing. Also, wear hiking boots or mud boots with non-slip soles. Shorts and short sleeves are a no-no. It is recommended to bring clean clothes to change into after the adventure and a bag to transport the dirty clothes back home. A changing area is provided. Each tour group will have 2-6 people plus an experienced guide.

Along the journey underground, otherworldly sites feature stalactites, stalagmites, soda straws, columns, flowstones, curtains, and more! The ancient cavern boasts a “red room” that promises to astound visitors.

Tickets are required for Cincinnati Brewing Heritage Trail tours.

• Open year-round
• Location: (Map It) 1939 Race Street in Cincinnati, Ohio
• Phone: 513-604-9812
• Web: click here
• Play Video

The Cincinnati Brewing Heritage Trail explores the city’s brewing history with an underground brewery tour. Cincinnati’s Brewery District is home to one of the largest collections of pre-Prohibition brewery architecture in the middle of one of the country’s largest historic districts. Beer helped build this city, and the stories of those days still resonate today. Tour the breweries, cellars, and tunnels that were the heart of Cincinnati’s brewing heritage.

Tickets are required for the Cincinnati Observatory.

• Open for daytime tours Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday at noon, 1pm, and 2pm. Nighttime programs are held on select dates monthly (see the link below for the current offering).
• Location: (Map It) 3489 Observatory Place in Cincinnati, Ohio
• Phone: 513-321-5186
• Web: click here

Cincinnati Observatory in Cincinnati:  Come see the stars. And I don’t mean Hollywood’s. Hey, you may even make a discovery of a new planet, see a meteor, or just star-gaze at the constellations. In any case, Cincinnati Observatory was the first professional observatory in the country.  Situated atop the rolling hillsides of Mt.Lookout, the Observatory is home to the world’s oldest telescope still in use nightly by the general public. Two picturesque National Historic Landmark buildings feature one designed in 1873 by Samuel Hannaford, which complements the institution’s park-like setting.

Tickets are required for tours at the Columbus Washboard Company in Logan, Ohio.

• Open: Call ahead to schedule tours at 11am, 1pm, or 3pm (must have four or more in your group)
• Location: (Map It) 14 Gallagher Avenue in Logan, Ohio
• Phone: 740-380-3828
• Web: click here

Tour the Columbus Washboard Company. It’s the last washboard manufacturer in the country. Housed in a centuries-old brick factory, this time capsule still produces washboards using vintage 1800s equipment. Your guide will demonstrate the tools and machines used in the process. The tour is about 35 minutes. In addition, there’s also a museum and gift shop showcasing the processes and products. The washboards are shipped worldwide today.

Tickets are required for the Dogwood Pass Old West Town in Beaver, Ohio.

• When: Old West Shows are on weekends from May to September. Halloween and Christmas Shows are on weekends from October to December.
• Location: (Map It) 726 Adams Rd. in Beaver, Ohio
• Phone: 740-835-1130
• Web: click here

Step into the Wild West at Dogwood Pass, a one-of-a-kind frontier town nestled in the hills of southern Ohio. This immersive 1800s-style town transports visitors back in time with dusty streets, wooden saloons, and the echo of cowboy gunfights ringing through the air. A living tribute to the American frontier, Dogwood Pass is a fully built town that comes alive with excitement, entertainment, and authentic Old West charm. Throughout the year, visitors of all ages can enjoy thrilling live shows featuring outlaw robberies, high-noon standoffs, and lawmen bringing justice to the streets.

Dogwood Pass transforms with the seasons, offering unique events that keep guests returning. During October, the town turns terrifying for “Horror at Dogwood Pass,” where familiar horror movie villains roam the streets, and a haunted trail winds through the woods. In December, over half a million twinkling Christmas lights and festive shows featuring Santa and the Grinch bring holiday cheer in true frontier fashion. Fans of Westerns will find something special at the Roy Rogers Memories Museum, which honors the life and legacy of the beloved Hollywood cowboy and local legend. Visitors can also explore shops, try their luck at gem mining, or capture the perfect keepsake with an old-time photo.

Dogwood Pass promises unforgettable fun, year-round entertainment, and a taste of frontier magic in the heart of Ohio.

Tickets are required for the Farm at Walnut Creek.

• Open: April – October, Monday – Saturday, from 8:30am – 6pm
• Location: (Map It) 4147 County Road 114 in Sugarcreek, Ohio
• Phone: 330-893-4200
• Web: click here
• Play Video

The Farm at Walnut Creek is a working Amish farm offering horse-drawn wagon rides to see and feed over 500 exotic animals, including bison, zebras, giraffes, lots of big horns, and more! The rolling hills along the way provide spectacular views. Located in Sugarcreek, the heart of Ohio’s Amish Country, the farm also provides walks through beautiful gardens, over a covered bridge, and in and out of the Amish farmhouse.

Tickets are required for tours aboard the GoodTime III in Cleveland.

• Open: Memorial Day Weekend – Labor Day, with limited Public Schedule in May & September, Tuesday – Sunday at 12pm and 3pm (approx. two hours long).
• Location: (Map It) 825 East Ninth Street Pier, North Coast Harbor in Cleveland, Ohio
• Phone: 216-242-4213
• Web: click here

Cleveland Goodtime III: For courtesy, comfort, and just plain fun, you cannot match the experience of a cruise on the Cuyahoga River and Lake Erie aboard Cleveland’s largest sightseeing vessel. The GOODTIME III is the largest quadruple-deck 1,000-passenger luxury ship on the Great Lakes, which offers plenty of room, and you are not confined to your seats. This sightseeing trip is unequaled and perfect for individuals, families, and groups, large and small.  You’ll enjoy the fast-changing panorama of Cleveland’s skyline and the exciting Flats area as you listen to Larry Morrow point out the many sights and little-known historical facts about this All-American City. A great way to see Cleveland! This company is proud to be family-owned & operated since 1958.

Tickets are required for Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary in Ravenna.

• Open: Tours are on Fridays & Saturdays starting at 11am, 1:15pm, and 3:30pm, and on , and Sundays at 12:45pm and 3pm.   May through October. Tours last about 1 1/2 hours.
• Location: (Map It) 5623 New Milford Rd. in Ravenna, Ohio
• Phone: 330-296-5914
• Web: click here

Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary is a sanctuary where horses and farm animals arrive after severe abuse, neglect, or abandonment. It’s a facility where healing occurs, miracles happen, and people connect with animals. And where kindness and compassion are taught. Hear the animals’ stories and learn about their healing process. Learn about the Happy Trails Amish retirement program, nursing home visitation program, and community outreach. Meet the animals in person. Get a hands-on tour. Be prepared to give a pig a belly rub. Hug a mini horse. Pet a cockfighting rooster. Meet 1,000 lb. farm pigs. Play with goats. Visit the rescued horses.

Your tour fee directly supports the rescue programs at Happy Trails. It pays for things like grain, hay, straw, veterinary expenses, medications, hoof trimming, shelter repairs, and any other special needs of the animal.

Tickets are required for tours at the Sandusky County Historic Jail & Dungeon Tours in Fremont, Ohio.

• When: Usually on a Monday night once per month (most months). See the link below for current offerings.
• Location: (Map It) Sandusky County Historic Jail at 622 Croghan Street, Fremont, Ohio
• Phone: 419-332-4470
• Web: click here

Sandusky County Historic Jail & Dungeon Tours in Fremont, Ohio: The tour features an 1840s Dungeon, a 1890s Jail, and Gallows. The tour lasts about 1 ½ hours and is highlighted by great storytelling that explains the significance of this unusually well-preserved historic structure. Prisoners saw little daylight. And yes, there have been paranormal encounters in this subterranean exploration. Tours are open to reserved groups of 20 or more. Tours are also offered on special dates throughout the year. See the link above. They sell out fast!

The John & Annie Glenn Heritage Trail
The Astronaut and The Advocate

The Trail: A Tale in Three Towns, Zanesville, New Concord, and Cambridge.

Before he was a 4-term U.S. Senator, orbital astronaut, military test pilot, John G. Glenn Jr. was a small-town plumber’s son who dreamed of flying someday.  Before her 73-year marriage to John, moving 24 times and overcoming a disability, Annie Glenn was a small-town dentist’s daughter with a life-impairing stutter and a very special boyfriend.

Follow the John & Annie Glenn Heritage Trail through Zanesville, New Concord, and Cambridge to celebrate the life of John Glenn, their namesake museum, and 33 other locations throughout Guernsey and Muskingum County.  Visit each stop along the trail to learn the stories of Ohio’s first world-famous astronaut and the woman he called “the wind beneath my wings.” Trail stops include the original Glenn family home (now the John and Annie Glenn Museum), the National Road “S” Bridge, Harper’s Cabin, Tom’s Ice Cream Bowl, Alan Cottrill’s Sculpture, and the Y-Bridge just to name a few.  Learn the history of each location and its importance to John and Annie Glenn.

To request a free copy of the John & Annie Glenn Heritage Trail, please call the Zanesville-Muskingum County Convention and Visitor Bureau at 740-455-8282 or email acook@zmchamber.com.

Tickets are required for the Lady Caroline Cruise in Cleveland.

• When: Cruises typically run from April to New Year’s Eve (Cruise duration typically lasts around 2-3 hours).
• Location: (Map It) 1153 Main Ave, in Cleveland, Ohio
• Phone: 216-696-8888
• Web: click here

The Lady Caroline is a luxury dining cruise that sails along the Cuyahoga River and Lake Erie, offering a unique way to experience Cleveland’s waterfront. As the successor to the retired Nautica Queen, this four-level vessel features climate-controlled interior decks, an open-air top deck, and a spacious layout that blends comfort with scenic charm. Guests can choose from brunch, lunch, and dinner cruises, each featuring a freshly prepared buffet, a full-service bar, and stunning views of the city skyline, bridges, and waterfront landmarks.

One of the cruise’s biggest draws is its evening sailings, especially during sunset, when the lights of downtown Cleveland reflect off the lake. Onboard entertainment often includes a DJ and themed nights, creating a lively atmosphere for both casual outings and special occasions. The Lady Caroline also serves as a popular venue for weddings, corporate events, and private parties, accommodating up to 290 guests. Whether it’s a relaxing afternoon on the water or a festive night under the stars, the Lady Caroline offers a memorable way to take in the city from a new perspective.

Get out this winter and into one wonderful cup of hot chocolate after another across Northeast Ohio’s Lake County!

The Tour Lake County Hot Chocolate Trail is a delicious adventure that invites you to explore a variety of charming cafes and local businesses across the county! This unique trail offers a cozy escape into the world of rich, decadent hot chocolates, each crafted with distinct flair and flavor!

Participants who download the free digital passport will sip their way through this sweet expedition, discovering a delightful array of hot chocolate offerings at each trail stop. Whether you’re a chocoholic or simply seeking a warm respite from the cold, the Hot Chocolate Trail is sure to be a delight!

“I think everyone can agree that a cup of hot cocoa evokes feelings of festive holiday cheer and warm nostalgia,” said Katie Montz, Director of Digital Marketing & Strategy. “This time of year, our small towns really get to show off their holiday charm with bright lights and wreaths lining city streets. To celebrate the upcoming cooler weather, we want to encourage our locals and travelers of ALL ages to make memories while exploring local coffee shops and businesses for a bit of holiday magic in a cup. No matter your age, there’s nothing like a mug of hot chocolate to warm your soul and get you in the holiday spirit.”

Make your Ohio winter a hot one!

Tickets are required for the Lanterman’s Mill Youngstown.

• When: May – October, Tuesday – Sunday, from 10am – 5pm
• Location: (Map It) 1001 Canfield Rd. (SR 62) in Youngstown, Ohio
• Phone: 330-740-7115
• Web: click here

The historic Lanterman’s Mill was built in the mid-1800s and restored in the 1980s. It still operates along Mill Creek, grinding wheat, corn, and buckwheat. Touring the mill reveals the ingenuity of the operation to make flour or meal in the Nineteenth Century. In addition to stone-ground and preservative-free buckwheat, cornmeal, and whole wheat flour, the gift shop also offers candles, jewelry, and other gift items.

Tickets are required for the Longhorns Head to Tail Tours in Barnesville.

• Open: April through October by appointment
• Location: (Map It) 35000 Muskrat Rd. in Barnesville, Ohio
• Phone: 740-758-5050
• Web: www.longhorntours.com/

The Longhorns Head to Tail Tours:  This is a real family event. Dickinson Cattle Co. is the largest producer of Texas Longhorn cattle in the nation and the largest producer of all-natural lean beef in Belmont County, Ohio. Located in the beautiful Appalachian foothills, the 5,000-acre family-owned ranch now opens previously private pastures for narrated tours.  Longhorns Head to Tail Tours bring you up close to view and hand-feed world-famous Texas Longhorns, African Watusi, and Dutch Belted Buelingo Cattle.  See modern conservation ecology at work as you ride the ranges. Learn about the nearby birthplace of Hopalong Cassidy, William Shanon, and Hanging Judge Isaac Parker.  Famous cowpokes such as Oliver North, Andre the Giant, and George Lucas caught the Longhorn Passion from DCCI, so why not you?

Tickets are required for the Marietta Trolley Tour.

• When: May – October
• Where: (Map It) 241 Front St. in Marietta, Ohio
• Phone: 740-373-5178
• Web: click here

Step aboard the Marietta Trolley and enjoy a 90-minute guided tour through one of Ohio’s most historic and charming river towns. This narrated ride offers a relaxing and entertaining way to experience the city’s rich heritage, scenic beauty, and architectural treasures—all from the comfort of your seat.

Led by a knowledgeable local guide, the tour brings Marietta’s fascinating past to life. As the first permanent settlement in the Northwest Territory, Marietta played a key role in America’s westward expansion, river commerce, and even the Underground Railroad. Along the way, guests will hear engaging stories about the pioneers, patriots, and everyday people who shaped this riverside city.

The trolley rolls past a wide variety of notable landmarks, including the Start Westward Monument, Mound Cemetery—known for its ancient Adena burial mound and Revolutionary War history—historic Harmar Village, the Campus Martius and Ohio River Museums, and beautifully preserved 19th-century homes. While the tour does not stop at these locations, the guide points them out along the route and shares fascinating background and fun facts, making it easy to plan a deeper visit afterward.

With large windows that open for great views and fresh air, the Marietta Trolley Tour offers a comfortable and immersive introduction to the community’s unique character. It’s perfect for first-time visitors, returning guests, group tours, and curious locals alike.

Tours depart from the Armory in downtown Marietta and run seasonally from spring through fall. Special themed rides—such as ghost tours in October or holiday light tours in December—make the experience even more memorable.

Advance reservations are recommended, as this popular attraction is a favorite for those wanting to see Marietta in a fun, informative, and unforgettable way.

Tickets are required for the Ohio Caverns in West Liberty.

• Open for tours daily, year-round.
• Location: (Map It) 2210 East State Route 245 in West Liberty, Ohio
• Phone: 937-465-4017
• Web: www.ohiocaverns.com

Click here for a feature story
and plenty of photographs

Ohio Caverns was previously named one of the six best overall caves in America by Parade Magazine and is known as “America’s Most Colorful Caverns.”

Ohio Caverns tours:  Visitors are conducted on guided tours at frequent intervals through the Caverns. There is an admission fee for the one-hour, mile-long tour. Ohio Caverns was recently listed in Parade Magazine as one of the top six caves in America! Ohio Caverns is the largest and one of the most beautiful of all Ohio caves. Its exquisite crystal-white stalactite and stalagmite formations are nowhere to be found in greater profusion or artistic settings. The diversity of formations and unexcelled coloring is all the more interesting because the formations are still developing. Still photography is welcome to capture your memories. No matter how far you travel, you will find your visit to Ohio Caverns provides you with rich memories of its great beauty and educational value.

Tickets are required for tours at the Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield.

• Open: Tours are offered year-round.
• Location: (Map It) 100 Reformatory Road in Mansfield, Ohio
• Phone: 419-522-2644
• Web: click here
• Play Video

Click here to read an in-depth multimedia article about the Ohio State Reformatory (Shawshank Prison), including plenty of photos and videos.

The Ohio State Reformatory (OSR) in Mansfield was showcased in the epic movie Shawshank Redemption.  The “Shawshank Prison” offers a variety of tours in the intermediate state prison known as the Ohio State Reformatory.  A Hollywood tour includes many of the movie’s most famous sites, including the tunnel Andy Dufresne dug to escape. The historic prison is also said to be haunted, and the museum offers ghost hunts with professional ghost hunters.

Tickets are required for the Perkins Observatory in Delaware, Ohio.

• Open: Usually on Friday and Saturday nights, but call in advance.
• Location: (Map It) 3199 Columbus Pike in Delaware, Ohio
• Phone: 740-363-1257
• Web: click here

Perkins Observatory is owned and operated by the Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware, Ohio. It offers astronomy programs for the public most Friday and Saturday nights (with some exceptions) throughout the year.  The programs are held rain or shine and have limited ticket availability. The programs usually consist of an astronomy talk and a tour of the observatory. Observing through the 32-inch telescope is only possible if it is clear enough and dark enough.