Tucked into the northeastern edge of the American Midwest, Ohio is easy to miss and even easier to dismiss. Yet this often overlooked state offers a wealth of experiences that are unexpected and diverse—and you won’t have to battle tourist crowds to enjoy them. The state is largely rural and home to some beautiful state parks and waterways, yet its big cities are cultural heavyweights home to thriving dining, arts, and music scenes, as well as nationally renowned museums both sophisticated and swaggering—aka, the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame.
Summer is undoubtedly the best season to visit Ohio. The days are long and sunny, and there are ample opportunities to cool off outdoors, from natural swimming holes to shaded waterfalls. Ohioans make the most of summer with a packed calendar of events. In Columbus alone you’ll find a festival nearly every weekend, from the renowned Columbus Arts Festival to Stonewall Columbus Pride and the Festival Latino.
The car is king in Ohio. Driving is by far the main form of transportation, so renting a vehicle is highly recommended. If that’s not an option, you can make use of Amtrak train services to Cincinnati and Cleveland—though you can’t use the train to get around the state. Or try the Greyhound bus line, which serves more destinations. Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Columbus all have public transport systems that are limited but useful for getting around the city centers.
Between Cleveland and Akron, the sprawling Cuyahoga Valley National Park offers history and nature in equal measure. Cycle or walk along the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail, a restored section of the Ohio Canal's original towpath; then dive into the 19th-century waterway’s rich history at the Canal Exploration Center. You can also take a picturesque ride on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad.
Local Currency US Dollar ($) | Time Zone EDT (UTC -5) | Country Code +1 | Language(s) English | Attractions 9 | Tours 158 | Reviews 6,591 |
Nicknamed the Buckeye State after its buckeye trees, the state of Ohio is well known for its American football heritage. The American Professional Football Association, now known as the National Football League, was founded in Canton in 1920. Today, the Ohio State Buckeyes are a wildly popular college football team.
...MoreMany visitors to Ohio make a beeline to Cleveland to visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Through exhibits and memorabilia, the museum celebrates history's greatest popular musicians. The star-studded induction ceremony, in which legendary musicians are welcomed into the hall of fame, takes place here every other year.
...MoreWith big-ticket attractions such as the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to its name, Cleveland offers the most bang for the tourist buck. But don’t miss Columbus, which is home to a great food scene, family-friendly attractions including the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, and a youthful, diverse student population.
...MoreYes, Ohio is generally safe for tourists. As is the case in any major city, you should be cautious of your surroundings in Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati after dark. If you stick to tourist areas and well-lit neighborhoods, you are unlikely to have any problems when traveling in Ohio.
...MoreOhio’s best-known food is the buckeye, a peanut butter fudge ball dipped in chocolate. You should also try Cincinnati chili, Cleveland-style barbecue and pierogies, and Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, a nationally renowned brand that was born in Columbus’ North Market.
...MoreAbout an hour's drive south of Columbus, Hocking Hills State Park offers a retreat from the city. One of the most naturally beautiful places to explore in Ohio, the park is home to towering cliffs, deep hemlock-shaded gorges, recess caves, waterfalls, and many miles of hiking trails.
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