If you are seeking fun things to do in Ohio, look no further! We’ve got it covered with our list of top Ohio attractions.
From cool cities to must-see museums to epic parks to quirky roadside spots, we highlight the best places to visit in the Buckeye State!
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Our List of the Best Things To Do in Ohio
We have rounded up all the top attractions in Ohio. Whether you are making your first trip to Ohio or a local searching for new places to explore, you can use our checklist of the Best Buckeye State Destinations!
Save, Pin or Bookmark our Ohio Travel Guide to help plan your getaway!
#1 Experience the Culture in Columbus, Ohio
The capital city is one of the best places to visit in Ohio – especially for the culture. Columbus proudly boasts an incredible number of museums, theaters and fantastic cultural activities.
The best Columbus, Ohio attractions that serve up a big dose of culture are COSI (Center of Science and Industry) and the Franklin Park Conservatory.
Other popular choices are the Botanical Gardens and the Columbus Museum of Art. The famous Columbus Zoo is also one of the best Ohio attractions for families.
Theaters abound in the city – and catching a live performance is one of the top Columbus things to do. From Broadway plays at the Ohio Theater to Shakespeare in the Park to concerts at Newport Music Hall, Columbus offers a full line up of stellar stage performances.
Another way to experience culture in Columbus is at some of the many festivals and events. The best Columbus events are the annual Arts Festival, the summertime Jazz and Rib Fest, the monthly Short North Gallery Hop, the iconic ComFest and the festive Pride event.
More Activities in Columbus, OH
We have highlighted some of the best Ohio cultural experiences in the city, but there are so many more Fun Things To Do in Columbus!
Visitors interested in history can tour the Ohio Statehouse, visit Ohio Village or wander through German Village.
Foodies can embark on a epicurean journey through North Market, sample some of the best Ohio craft beer or hit the Columbus Coffee Trail.
Outdoor enthusiasts can explore great Ohio nature, too! Some of the top active things to do in Central Ohio are kayaking on one of the many waterways, walking the Scioto Mile and Hiking in Columbus Metro Parks.
Where To Stay in Columbus: Charming, sophisticated and historic, Hotel LeVeque is a boutique property in the heart of downtown.
#2 Visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland
Looking for fun things to do in Ohio? Visit Cleveland – it rocks! The city is home to the top attraction in Ohio: the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum.
Cleveland has a close connection with rock and roll. It’s where the first rock-n-roll concert was held and where the term was coined.
The RRHF celebrates the connection between people and music. It aims to engage, teach and inspire – all through music and legendary rock musicians.
The exhibits at the Rock and Roll Museum are constantly changing – but all visitors can listen to live musical performances, learn about rock legends and stroll through the Hall of Fame Gallery.
More Fun Things To Do in Northeast Ohio
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a highlight of any trip to northeastern Ohio, but there are more Great Things To Do in Cleveland!
Downtown Cleveland is filled with historic sites and as a sports-loving city, visitors can catch a game in every season.
Top sights lie beyond the city center, as well. The Ohio City West Side Market is a must for foodies. On the east side, visit the Cleveland Museum of Art, Lake View Cemetery and Little Italy.
A quirky sight (and one of the fun winter activities in Ohio) is the beloved Christmas Story House, which stands in Cleveland’s southern Tremont District.
Cleveland Accommodations: The Hotel Indigo is in the heart of Cleveland and just a short walk from many top sights.
#3 Learn about Aviation in Dayton
Ohio is globally recognized as the Birthplace of Aviation – and in no city is it celebrated more than in Dayton.
Aviation fans likely already have Dayton on their list of cool places to go in Ohio, but you don’t have to be a plane enthusiast or history buff to appreciate the aviation sites in the city.
The prime place to start – and one of the very best Ohio tourist attractions – is the National Museum of the United States Air Force. The NMUSAF features aircraft displays, a flight simulator and military artifacts.
Besides the Air Force Museum, other top attractions in Dayton are the National Aviation Hall of Fame, the Wright Brothers Memorial, Huffman Prairie Flying Field and the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park.
Visitors may also want to time their vacation to Ohio for the Dayton Air Show. This 50-year tradition that takes place in the summer.
A fun thing to do in Ohio with kids is to go on the Dayton Aviation Trail. Those who check off all the sights on the list will get a free themed teddy bear!
More Dayton, Ohio Activities
While the history of aviation sites are must-see places in Ohio, there are other Reasons To Visit Dayton.
The Dayton Art Institute, the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery and Carillon Historical Park are also top choices for tourist.
In downtown Dayton, visitors can take in a performance at Victoria Theatre or the Benjamin and Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center.
For a taste of Ohio, feast on fare at the 2nd Street Market and pop into some of the excellent craft breweries in Dayton.
Lodging in Dayton: If you want to stay in downtown Dayton, then the Radisson is a solid choice. However, if you would rather be closer to the NMUSAF, then the Comfort Suites is the best option.
#4 Hike in the Ohio Forest at Hocking Hills State Park
Hocking Hills is the Buckeye State’s natural gem – and Hiking in Hocking is one of the adventurous things to do in Ohio. In fact, it’s one of the absolute best Ohio summer activities.
Located in southeastern Ohio, Hocking Hills marks the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. The abundant waterfalls, caves and gorges make it one of the unique places to visit in Ohio.
The park’s most famous trail is Old Man’s Cave – but there are 7 different areas, each featuring some of the best Ohio hiking trails.
What To See in Ohio near Hocking Hills
Although hiking reigns supreme in the Hocking Hills region, there are a few more sights travelers should see when visiting this area of Ohio.
One of the Top Things To Do at Hocking Hills is to tackle the zipline course. Hocking is also a great place to go in Ohio for canoeing and kayaking.
More southeastern Ohio attractions are the interesting roadside museums – such as the Pencil Sharpener Museum and the Washboard Factory.
Spend the Night in Hocking Hills: There is no better place to stay than at one of the cozy cottages or unique yurts at the Inn and Spa at Cedar Falls.
#5 Cheer on the Reds in Cincinnati
One of the best things to see in Ohio is a Cincinnati Reds baseball game. The city is where professional baseball was established – and the Reds rank as the oldest pro club, dating to 1869.
Great American Ball Park is one of the best stadiums in Major League Baseball. In addition to catching a game, visitors can learn more about the history of baseball at the on-site Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum.
More Things To Do in Southern Ohio
While many trips to Cincy have been planned for the sole reason of watching baseball, the Queen City features a multitude of excellent sites to see in Ohio.
Some of the Best Things To Do in Cincinnati are visiting the iconic Fountain Square, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden and Spring Grove Cemetery.
The Cincinnati Museum Center is a top Ohio destination. Other museums to visit are the Cincinnati Art Museum, the Contemporary Arts Center and the American Sign Museum.
That said, we feel the top Cincinnati, Ohio attraction is the city itself. In addition to exploring downtown, visitors should spend time discovering the Over The Rhine District and crossing the Ohio River into groovy Covington, Kentucky (where there is a thriving foodie scene).
Cincinnati Accommodations: The best place to stay in Cincy is in the heart of the city. We recommend the Hilton located within the historic art deco Carew Tower, just steps from Fountain Square and the Reds ballpark.
#6 Tour the Adena Mansion in Chillicothe, Ohio
Chillicothe is one of the best places to visit in Ohio to learn about the history of the Buckeye State.
The historic Adena Mansion was the residence of the Thomas Worthington family in the early 1800s. Worthington served as the 6th Ohio Governor and a US Senator.
Today, visitors can tour his home to learn more about the family, the time period and Worthington’s efforts to achieve statehood for Ohio.
More Chillicothe, Ohio Sights
While learning about the state’s history is interesting, there are several other reasons to Visit Chillicothe (which curiously served as both the first and third capital of Ohio).
One of the top places to visit in Ohio to learn about Native American Indians is the Hopewell Culture National Historical Park just north of Chillicothe.
The area features ancient burial mounds and the Native American artifacts found beneath them. The site was designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 2023.
The city of Chillicothe is a place, too! The preserved First Capital District, picturesque architecture, unique art and fun breweries are all good reasons to spend time Chillicothe.
Where To Stay: There are numerous chain hotels surrounding Chillicothe, but we recommend the Blue Brick Inn (which we found on Airbnb) for its charming style and great location.
#7 Canoe the River at Mohican State Park
One of the fun places to go in Ohio for outdoor adventures is Mohican State Park – and specifically for canoeing. You don’t even need to pack any gear, as there are rental companies on site.
The Mohican River runs right through the park and canoe trips on the river vary in length from 3- to 23-miles. Additionally, visitors to Mohican can choose to kayak, raft or float in a tube.
Regardless of what vessel you use, spending time on the Mohican River is a great Ohio activity in the summer!
More Ohio Points of Interest at Mohican State Park
As a top place to visit in Ohio, Mohican State Park has more to offer than just watersports. Other fun stuff to do in Ohio at Mohican is hike the trails, climb the fire tower and visit the covered bridge.
The historic Grist Mill is a top tourist attraction in Ohio, and also features a small and informative museum. Visiting the nearby Memorial Shrine is one of the important activities to do in Ohio, as well.
Check out our complete guide to Mohican State Park to plan your visit!
Mohican Accommodations: Visitors can stay inside the park at the Mohican Lodge or campground – but for an absolutely memorable time, book a room at Mohican Castle.
#8 Stand in the Field of Corn in Dublin, Ohio
One of the odd attractions in Ohio is the infamous Concrete Field of Corn located in Dublin. An art installation dedicated to the area’s farming past, oversized concrete cobs stand in an open field in the Columbus suburb.
While not everyone considers this a must-do in Ohio, we can tell you from personal experience that posing with the large corncobs is fun for photo ops!
More Dublin, Ohio Best Places to Visit
Regardless of whether you think giant cobs of corn are one of the best things to see in Ohio or not, Dublin is still an excellent Ohio destination. The suburb is actually my hometown – so I know the Top Things To Do in Dublin, OH!
The town center is split by the Scioto River – with the historic area on the west side and modern developments to the east.
The unique S-shaped pedestrian Dublin Link Bridge connects east and west. The area buzzes with top eateries, breweries and nightlife on both sides of the river.
The community exudes a small-town, close-knit feel, but also hosts big annual events – like the PGA Memorial Tournament and the Dublin Ohio Irish Festival.
Plus, the Columbus Zoo and adjoining Zoombezi Bay waterpark are in the immediate vicinity.
Stay the Night in Dublin, OH: The contemporary AC Hotel is the best place to stay!
#9 Watch an Ohio State Buckeye Football Game
It is said that people from Ohio bleed scarlet and gray – and nowhere is that more apparent than on an autumn Saturday afternoon at Ohio Stadium.
The magnificent horseshoe-shaped stadium was built in 1922 and solidly stands as a top Columbus, Ohio landmark.
Hands down, one of the top Ohio things to do is to join 102,780 screaming fans to cheer on the Buckeyes at ‘The Shoe’.
Visitors who can’t score a ticket should still head down to the Ohio State University Campus on game day to revel in the electric atmosphere.
More Things To Do Near Ohio State University Campus
As the 3rd largest university in the United States, the Ohio State campus has a lot more to offer than sports (although OSU athletics are one of the best things about Ohio!).
In addition to The Horseshoe, highlights include beautiful Mirror Lake, the spacious Oval, the student Ohio Union and the Wexner Center for the Arts.
Of course, any trip to the Ohio State campus should be complemented with a treat from the long-standing Buckeye Donuts!
Place To Stay on OSU Campus: Visitors looking for accommodations close to campus should check availability at The Urban.
#10 Eat a Tony Packo’s Hot Dog in Toledo
One of the unlikely tourist spots in Ohio is Toledo’s Tony Packo’s – a Hungarian hot dog restaurant that dates to the 1930s.
Step inside for a meal and you will understand why it ranks as one of the favorite things to do in Northern Ohio.
The walls are decorated with celebrity-signed hot dog buns and memorabilia from the MASH television series (which aided in the restaurant’s rise in popularity).
A meal at Tony Packo’s should start with fried pickles and peppers and then a Packo’s Original Hungarian sausage hot dog. Finish up with the signature dish, chicken paprikas. Definitely a must-eat while in Ohio!
More Things To Do in Northwest Ohio
I would drive to Toledo just for a Tony Packo’s hot dog, but there are other Ohio landmarks and sights in the often-overlooked city.
The Toledo Museum of Art is outstanding – and it just so happens to be one of the free Ohio things to do. Masterpiece paintings, glass artworks and Egyptian mummies are top reasons to visit.
Family friendly spots include the interactive Imagination Station kids’ science museum, the beautiful Toledo Botanical Garden, the Toledo Zoo and Maumee Bay State Park.
A landmark sight not to be missed is the National Museum of the Great Lakes, which is housed in a docked freighter on the Maumee River.
Live music thrives in the city and Hensville – the Warehouse District near the Toledo Mud Hens Minor League Baseball stadium – has loads of fun bars and hosts festive events.
Hotels in Toledo: Most visitors stay in downtown Toledo and the Hilton Garden Inn is a popular choice.
#11 Find Phantoms at the Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield
Once housing the most heinous criminals and now said to be haunted by ghosts, visiting the State Reformatory is certainly a creepy thing to do in Ohio!
The prison was built in the Romanesque style in 1886 and served as the setting for the filming of The Shawshank Redemption.
Today, guests can tour the prison cells, visit the movie set and hunt for paranormal activity. Those looking for spooky fall things to do can book a Halloween haunted house tour.
More Mansfield, Ohio Things To Do
After searching for phantoms at the prison, visitors should stick around to see more sights in Mansfield.
The Kingwood Center Gardens (listed on the National Register of Historic Places) and the Ohio Bird Sanctuary are two fantastic places to relax.
Travelers with kids in tow could head straight for the Little Buckeye Children’s Museum or the Richland Carrousel Amusement Park. They are two of the top Mansfield, Ohio things to see for families.
On the other hand, if you want to see another obscure Ohio tourist attraction, go to the Biblewalk Museum, which presents almost 80 biblical scenes in life-size wax figures.
Mansfield Places to Stay: The M-Star Hotel is one of the only central hotels – but the Marriott TownPlace Suites on Route 30 might be a better option.
#12 Walk the Campus at Ohio University in Athens
Home to Ohio University, Athens is one of the cool places to visit in the Buckeye State. Full disclosure, I’m an alumni!
College Green, which is one of the most beautiful campus quads in America, is marked by the Alumni Gateway, Cutler Hall clocktower and classic red-brick buildings.
Walking cobblestone Court Street that extends north from College Green is an absolute must on your visit to Athens, OH. The historic buildings are occupied bookstores, thrift stores, shops, restaurants and bars…so many bars.
My top picks are The Cat’s Eye, The C.I., Pawpurr’s and The J Bar. However, if craft beer is more your jam, detour to Jackie O’s Public House on Union!
More Tips for What To Do in Athens, Ohio
The Ridges, which long stood as the abandoned Athens Lunatic Asylum, now houses the Kennedy Museum of Art and The Dairy Barn Cultural Arts Center.
The nearby Lake Hope State Park is a favorite place for recreation in southeast Ohio. There is no charge to enter and campsites are affordable.
Springtime is the OU ‘Fest Season,’ but the biggest event is the Athens Halloween Block Party. Other annual events are the autumn Ohio Pawpaw Festival, the tasty Chili Cookoff and summertime Boogie on the Bricks.
Where to Stay in Athens: The Ohio University Inn was long the only place to stay near campus, but the new Athens Central Hotel offers modern rooms at a good rate.
#13 Get Mellow in Yellow Springs, Ohio
Ohio does not have a reputation as being particularly free spirited, but the hippie town of Yellow Springs stands out for its bohemian atmosphere.
A colorful and diverse destination, Yellow Springs has been progressive since its inception as a utopian communal society. The establishment of liberal Antioch College in 1850 accelerated the trend.
Today, visitors can celebrate the eccentric side of Ohio in the many locally owned Yellow Spring shops.
Active travelers can get in touch with nature hiking to the namesake Yellow Spring or on the trails at Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve.
More Yellow Springs, Ohio Sites
Not just a destination for hippies, the town has wide appeal and anyone can find fun Yellow Springs Things To Do!
Picking your own apples is one of the cool things in Ohio to do during the autumn and there are several orchards in Yellow Springs.
The Young’s Jersey Dairy just outside of town makes the absolute best cheese curds and the Yellow Springs Brewery is not to be missed either.
The historic Clifton Mill is an excellent place to learn about grist-mill production and their holiday lights make it one of the top Christmas attractions in Ohio.
Best Place To Stay: Visitors staying overnight in Yellow Springs should check availability at the Mills Park Hotel – the most popular lodging in town.
#14 Hop Aboard a Train at Cuyahoga Valley National Park
The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Train is a big hit for Northeast Ohio family fun, unique adult adventures or even couples’ date night.
The Valley Railway was established in the 1880’s to transport natural resources. That was almost 100 years before Cuyahoga Valley National Park was founded!
Hop aboard this historic train for a scenic ride through Cuyahoga Valley NP (Ohio’s only national park). The 2.5-hour daytime rides offer a unique vantage point for Ohio wildlife viewing.
Passengers have a choice of ticket prices and seat options – including affordable coach tickets, vintage tabletop carriage and a dome car with a transparent roof!
‘Friday Night on the Rails’ events are one of the unique and fun activities in Ohio. Guests enjoy dinner aboard the train, participate in a murder mystery or join a beer, wine or cocktail tasting.
Things To Do in Northeast Ohio at CVNP
Although the train is the most exciting way to experience the area, there are more outdoor activities in Ohio at Cuyahoga Valley NP.
Take a hike to Brandywine Falls to see the 65-foot flowing waterfall, trek the Ledges Trail to unique rock formations and search for wildlife at Beaver Marsh.
The national park is also an exceptional place to learn about the history of the Ohio and Erie Canal that was created as a statewide ‘water highway’ in the mid-1800s.
Overnight Stay: While there are many hotels located on the perimeter of the park, we recommend staying at the Embassy Suites in Independence. It’s at the Rockside Station on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Rail.
#15 Take a Heritage Tour in Ohio Amish Country
Amish Country is a unique Ohio attraction; and one that seems to transport travelers back in time.
While many visitors simply drive through the farmland or only stop to buy handmade goods, joining a resident for a heritage tour offers spectacular insight.
Those who want to learn more about Amish people and traditions can book a dinner inside an Amish home, ride in a buggy or spend an entire weekend immersing themselves into the culture.
Things To Do on a Day Trip to Amish Country, Ohio
That said, if you are short on time and just want a quick education on the Amish lifestyle, you can find it on a Amish Country Ohio self-drive.
Start at the Amish and Mennonite Heritage Center in Millersburg. Then, set off to these top spots: The Farm at Walnut Creek, the Holmes County Flea Market and one of the incredible Amish restaurants in the region.
Stay the Night: The Berlin Resort offers exceptional accommodations in the heart of the Amish Country in Ohio.
#16 Ride a Roller Coaster at Cedar Point in Sandusky
Claiming to be the 2nd oldest amusement park in the US and nicknamed the Roller Coaster Capital of the World, Cedar Point boasts an astounding 17 world-class roller coasters.
Get an adrenaline rush on the Millennium Force or take a heart-pounding ride on Steel Vengeance. Go for a spin on the legendary Corkscrew or feel the extreme speed on the Top Thrill Dragster.
Cedar Point is ideal for Ohio day trips for families with young kids, too. They have an entire area with carnival rides and a huge 18-acre waterpark that’s perfect for all ages.
More Amusement Parks for Family Fun in Ohio
Kings Island in Mason, Ohio is massive venue aimed at thrill-seekers. The park has more than 100 rides – The Beast, Diamondback and Orion are among the favorites.
I’m partial to the classic wooden roller coaster, The Racer. Kings Island is also home to an enormous and incredibly popular waterpark.
Other amusement parks in Ohio are Tuscora in New Philadelphia, Stricker’s Grove in Hamilton and the vintage Coney Island Park in Cincinnati.
Top Hotel at Cedar Point: The best place to stay when visiting Cedar Point is the lakefront Hotel Breakers, just steps from the entrance.
#17 Step inside a Medieval Castle in Loveland, OH
Hidden along the banks of the Little Miami River, just north of Cincinnati, is an impressive Medieval castle – and it’s one of the best Ohio places to visit.
The Loveland Castle was built by a single man, Harry D. Andrews, who began the project in the 1920s as a Boy Scout troop leader.
Today, visitors can marvel at the architecture, explore the keep, visit the Swords and Weapons museum and learn about the life of the owner from one of the ‘knights’.
More Castles and Cool Places in Ohio
Visiting a castle might be one of the unusual things to do in Ohio, but somewhat surprisingly, there is more than one!
Squire’s Castle, built in the 1890s, is a chateau near Cleveland. Located in North Chagrin Reservation, the stunning structure sits among lush landscapes.
The Piatt Castles – both Mac-O-Chee and Mac-A-Cheek – are located in rural West Liberty, OH. Although not designed in the Medieval style, the elegant homes are open for tours. (Tickets required inside, but the grounds are free).
Landoll’s Mohican Castle, is not at all old (it was built in the late 1990s) – but the natural setting and special touches make it absolutely charming.
Where To Stay near Loveland Castle: The castle is a bit out of the way, so we recommend staying at one of the numerous hotels on I-71, like the Hilton Garden Inn.
#18 Discover Great Serpent Mound in Peebles, Ohio
Estimated to be at least 900 years old – but likely older – the ancient effigy mound is shaped like a snake with a coiled tail.
Already listed as a National Historic Landmark, Great Serpent Mound has been submitted for consideration by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
The on-site museum details the importance of the sacred site to Native Americans, how the serpent aligns with the solstice and equinox and shows a short film.
More Native American Places in Ohio
Just north of the Great Serpent Mound is the Fort Hill Earthworks and Nature Preserve. Two earthworks – the Hopewell Hilltop Enclosure and the Circle Earthwork – can be reached by trails through pristine forest.
Fort Ancient is the site of a 2,000-year-old hilltop enclosure, which has been designated as a National Historic Landmark. Additionally, there is a museum and three miles of excellent Ohio hiking trails.
Where To Stay: The mound is located in rural Ohio, but the Quality Inn in Seaman is just 15 miles away.
#19 Score at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton
A tribute to the greatest football legends, the Pro Football Hall of Fame is one of the premier Northern Ohio attractions.
While NFL fans will most certainly appreciate the exhibits, the Football Hall of Fame is one of the fun places in Ohio where sports enthusiasts can celebrate the game’s best athletes.
The cutting-edge museum features a timeline of NFL events, a holographic theater that brings fans into the action, a display of Super Bowl rings and the cherished Lombardy trophy.
More Canton, Ohio Fun Things To Do
There are numerous museums in Canton – from the MAPS Air Museum to the Canton Museum of Art to the Classic Car Museum. The National First Ladies’ Historic Site and the McKinley Presidential Library are both located in Canton, too.
Visitors who want a taste of local Ohio fare can swing by the Canton Brewing Company, eat the best burger at George’s Lounge, or take a tour (and sample a sweet) at Harry London Candies.
Hotel in Canton: The DoubleTree by Hilton in downtown Canton offers clean rooms with comfortable beds.
#20 Stroll Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens in Akron, OH
The Stan Hywet Estate is a 65-room Tudor Revival Manor House that sits on exquisitely landscaped grounds.
The home was built in the early 1900s for FA Sieberling, a co-founder of The Goodyear Tire Company. The 70-acre property is inclusive of 5 historic structures, 10 lovely gardens and a collection of antique furnishings.
The gorgeous mansion can be toured in summer months and visited throughout the year for special events (like the sensational holiday lights for Christmas).
More Akron Places To Go
Akron ranks as the 5th largest city in the state – so there are quite a few Ohio sightseeing opportunities.
The Akron Zoo, Children’s Museum and Akron Art Museum rank as a few of the top city sights. Concerts, performances, festivals and sporting events are top reasons to visit Akron, too.
The John S Knight Center, the outdoor Lock 3 Park, the Akron Civic Theater and BLU Jazz are all excellent venues. For local Akron eating and drinking, Luigi’s and Lock 15 Brewing Company are top picks.
Akron Places to Stay: When sightseeing in Ohio near Akron, the Courtyard by Marriott is our top pick.
#21 Take in the View from Put-in-Bay
Put-in-Bay is a top vacation destination in Ohio. The bay hugs the northern shoreline of South Bass Island in Lake Erie.
Although the island is only 3.5 miles long, there are loads of things to do in Put-in-Bay for a day or weekend of fun.
Of all the Put-in-Bay activities, riding to the observation deck at the top of Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial is a must-do.
The tower serves as a monument to the soldiers who fought in the Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812. Today, visitors get a birds’ eye view from the 352-foot-tall column.
More Fun at Put-in-Bay
Put-in-Bay is definitely a top place for fun in Ohio – whether it be a family vacation or carefree debauchery.
Naturally, boating and water activities are popular choices, but there are land attractions, as well. Families with kids might want to hop on the Tour Train for a ride to Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center. Going to South Bass Island State Park to watch sunset is a great option, too!
Friends visiting Put-in-Bay for a party weekend should start off with a tour at Heineman’s Winery that includes wine tastings and seeing the famed Crystal Cave.
Nearby Kelleys Island is another entertaining Lake Erie destination. The best things to do in Kelleys Island are boating, fishing, drinking local wine and seeing the natural Glacial Grooves.
Where to Stay in Put-in-Bay: The area caters to tourists, so there are plenty of options for accommodations. That said, Put-in-Bay Resort Hotel is the top pick!
#22 Visit the Rutherford B Hayes Presidential Center
The city of Fremont might not come up on a lot of Ohio sightseeing lists – but the Hayes Presidential Museum and Library is certainly a reason to visit.
Prior to serving as the 19th US President, Hayes was the Governor of Ohio and a US congressman (as well as a General in the Civil War).
The Rutherford B Hayes Library, which was established in 1916, was the country’s very first presidential library. Today, it contains a collection of 90,000 books and documents.
Visitors can explore the Spiegel Grove Estate, which houses the museum, a 31-room mansion and the burial site of President Hayes and Mrs. Hayes.
More Presidential Points of Interest in Ohio
Ohio has proudly produced 8 of America’s Presidents, more than any other state. As such, there are numerous Ohio sites dedicated to the former Commander in Chief’s who called Ohio home.
Top presidential sights to see in Ohio are the Ulysses S Grant Birthplace in Point Pleasant – as well as his boyhood home in nearby Georgetown.
The James A Garfield National Historic Site in Mentor and his grave at Lake View Cemetery in Cleveland along with the Warren G Harding Home in Marion also make the list.
We already mentioned the McKinley Presidential Library in Canton, but you can visit his birthplace in Niles, too. The William Howard Taft National Historic Site is worth adding to your time in Cincy, as well!
Map of Ohio Tourist Sites
You can find our Ohio main attractions on an interactive map using this link to Google.
How To Plan a Trip to Ohio
Now that you know all the cool things to do in Ohio, it’s time to start planning your getaway!
Pro Tip: Get (and stay) organized for your vacation to Ohio by using our Travel Planning Printables!
How To Get to Ohio
Many Ohio visitors travel to the state by car. Those who are arriving by plane will likely fly into one of the Three C’s – Columbus, Cincinnati or Cleveland. Read our advice for How To Find Cheap Flights before you start your search on Skyscanner.
Airports in Columbus
There are two commercial airports in Columbus – John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) and Rickenbacker (LCK).
John Glenn is served by all major US airlines and is a 10 minute drive to the Columbus city center. Rickenbacker flights are with ultra-low-cost carrier Allegiant and is located 30 minutes from downtown Columbus.
Cincinnati Airport
The Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) is actually located in Hebron, KY. That said, it’s typically just a 20 minute drive to the Cincy city center.
Cleveland Airport
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) is the largest airport for Northern Ohio visitors. However, there are regional airports with limited flights, such as Akron-Canton (CAK), Dayton (DAY) and Toledo Express (TOL).
What To Pack for your Ohio Trip
When planning a trip to Ohio, we recommend packing a few essentials. We share more tips in our Packing Hacks and Ultimate Packing List articles.
Travel Camera and Day Pack
Ohio can actually be a very picturesque place. Be sure to bring your travel camera to capture quality photographs. We always carry our favorite travel camera, a Canon DSLR everywhere we go.
Whether you prefer a backpack or a suitcase, you’ll also want a great day bag to organize all of your everyday travel items.
Weather Appropriate Gear
Ohio fully experiences all four seasons! You will want to make sure you are prepared for the weather during your trip.
Pack a travel umbrella in the spring, sunscreen in the summer, a sweater in the autumn and a hat and gloves for wintertime in Ohio!
Fun Facts about Ohio
- An astounding 50% of the US population lives within 500 miles from Columbus, Ohio.
- The name Ohio comes form of the Native American Iroquois word ohi-yo’ – which means Great River…thus the Ohio River.
- Hang On Sloopy is the official state song. While singing the chorus, Ohioans spell out – O-H-I-O – while forming the letters with their arms.
- Ohio became the 17th state in 1803…but technically it didn’t. Congress omitted the approval to the Ohio Constitution as an oversight. The mistake was not caught until 150 years later, in 1953. The error was only then corrected, retroactively!
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