Top 25 Must-Do Activities in Ohio

Numerous travelers perceive Ohio as solely Amish Country, where the predominant activity is cow tipping. This perception is widely misconstrued. Although dairy farming plays a significant role in Ohio’s economy, the state also boasts one of the nation’s fastest roller coasters and a prominent rock and roll museum.

Ohio is a haven for art enthusiasts, featuring renowned museums showcasing collections that range from modern art to classical masterpieces.

Ohio presents a splendid opportunity to experience authentic American culture, offering lake beaches, three major cities, world-class museums, record-breaking roller coasters, and the world’s largest Amish community. Below is a curated list of the best activities to engage in while visiting Ohio:

1. Fountain Square

Fountain Square, situated in the city of Cincinnati, serves as a communal gathering and leisure area during the summer for both office employees and residents.

The elaborate fountain, constructed by Tylor Davidson in 1871, frequently hosts live entertainment, including musical performances.

During winter, an ice rink is also established at the square.

2. Cleveland Museum of Art

Established in 1916, the Cleveland Museum of Art enjoys international recognition for its extensive collection.

The original edifice has undergone numerous expansions to accommodate the increasing number of artworks.

Currently, the museum’s collection encompasses a diverse array of art, including Asian, European, and American works spanning various historical eras.

3. Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Garden

This year-round attraction in Columbus showcases a dynamically evolving landscape of flowers and plants.

The park’s Victorian-style greenhouse, the Palm House, was constructed in the late 19th century and features impressive palm species from around the globe.

This park also houses another glass greenhouse, The Conservatory, which exhibits hundreds of plant species and various displays throughout the year.

4. Cincinnati Museum Centre

This facility, housed in an art deco building from the 1930s, hosts various museums, including the Cincinnati History Museum, the Museum of Natural History and Science, and the Duke Energy Children’s Museum.

If none of the museums pique your interest, the Union Terminal building itself, constructed at a cost of $40 million, is also a worthwhile destination to explore.

An OMNIMAX Theatre is also located within this complex.

5. Wright Brothers National Memorial

Located in Dayton, the Wright Brothers National Memorial is situated on the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

This base is famously where Wilbur and Orville Wright developed their aircraft and honed their flying skills.

The memorial itself is positioned on Wright Brothers Hill, providing a view over the Huffman Prairie Flying Field, and was first established in 1940.

6. Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens

Stan Hywet, an Old English term meaning “Stone Quarry,” is a magnificent country home and gardens conceived by Warren Henry Manning and Ellen Biddle Shipman.

This estate was constructed by F. A. Seiberling, the founder of the Goodyear Tire Company, and ranks among the largest homes in the United States.

The house, gardens, gate lodge, and conservatory are accessible to the public, with guided tours available.

A café and gift shop are also located on-site.

7. Hocking Hills State Park

The rugged Hocking Hills State Park, situated near Logan, is a sanctuary for outdoor enthusiasts.

The park features popular attractions such as Ash Cave, a vast natural cavern, and Old Man’s Cave.

With numerous hiking trails, cottage rentals, and camping facilities, the park hosts various engaging events throughout the year, such as bird watching and winter hikes.

The Hocking Hills Event Calendar on their website serves as an excellent resource for finding detailed information about these unique activities.

8. Cedar Point

This 365-acre amusement park in Sandusky opened its doors in 1890, making it the second oldest continuously operating park in the United States.

The popular resort and theme park features exhilarating roller coasters, gentler rides for children, and water attractions sure to leave visitors drenched.

The accommodation options available at the resort are extensive, ranging from camping facilities to luxurious hotel suites and cabins.

9. Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park

This National Historical Park is dedicated to Ohio’s illustrious aviation pioneers, the Wright Brothers, and contains the historic Wright Cycle Company shop as well as the Huffman Prairie Flying Field.

Additionally, the park features the Paul Laurence Dunbar State Memorial, honoring the renowned writer and poet.

It offers a variety of tours and attracts approximately 57,000 visitors annually.

10. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

This iconic destination for music enthusiasts is located on Cleveland’s scenic waterfront.

The museum provides an engaging narrative of the history of Rock and Roll music, incorporating a decade-by-decade overview featuring the most influential artists of each era.

The I.M. Pei-designed building that houses the museum stands out with its modern architecture, including a striking glass pyramid.

11. Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden

Founded in 1875, the Cincinnati Zoo is the second oldest zoo in the United States, debuting just fourteen months after the Philadelphia Zoo.

It remains a sought-after tourist destination, showcasing a variety of species, including African lions, polar bears, and apes.

The zoo is currently celebrating its 140th anniversary with a series of temporary special exhibits.

12. National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

The Cincinnati location was once a significant stop on the Underground Railroad and was actively involved in abolitionist efforts.

The Freedom Center narrates the stories of these abolitionists and elucidates the means by which enslaved individuals escaped to the North.

The museum further addresses the ongoing issue of modern slavery and initiatives aimed at its cessation. An informative iPhone application is available to enhance the tour experience.

13. Ohio State Reformatory

Initially opened to 150 young offenders in 1896, this prison has housed over 155,000 individuals over its operational lifetime before closing on December 31, 1990.

Today, this historic site attracts visitors from around the globe, including a diverse array of film enthusiasts, paranormal researchers, and casual tourists.

Guided tours are available daily, along with seasonal events such as the infamous Halloween Haunted Prison Experience that promises to deliver spine-chilling experiences.

14. West Side Market

Located in Ohio City, Cleveland, the West Side Market stands as the area’s oldest marketplace.

This European-style market features over 100 vendors from diverse cultures and regions.

Within the market, gourmets can discover Hungarian sausage, Polish pierogi, and Mexican flatbreads, alongside substantial quantities of the freshest fruits and vegetables in the state.

The market operates on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.

15. Spring Grove Cemetery

This U.S. National Historic Landmark is situated in Cincinnati.

It ranks as the second largest cemetery in the United States and has served Cincinnati families for over 150 years.

The expansive grounds encompass an impressive 733 acres and are open for tours and events year-round, including tram and twilight tours.

Self-guided tours are favored, and maps are available to assist visitors in appreciating the architecture and history throughout the grounds.

16. Imagination Station

The Imagination Station presents a hands-on, not-for-profit science museum located in Toledo. It hosts over 300 engaging exhibits tailored for children of all ages.

Numerous interactive displays are featured throughout the museum, along with a dynamic Mythbusters exposition that mirrors the iconic show’s set and is filled with props and gadgets.

Additionally, the museum conducts various educational workshops for children, blending information with entertainment.

17. The German Village

The German Village is a historic neighborhood in Columbus that was predominantly settled by German immigrants during the mid to late 19th century.

This expansive, all-brick village has been meticulously restored to reflect its 19th-century charm, featuring beer halls, parklands adorned with art, and cobbled streets, complete with impressive Queen Anne and Italianate architecture.

Self-guided tours are popular, and tourists can acquire maps that highlight the village’s key attractions from the German Village Meeting Haus.

18. Playhouse Square

Playhouse Square in Cleveland ranks as the largest performing arts center in the United States outside of New York City.

Constructed over a 19-month period in the 1920s, it is home to numerous theaters, including the State Theatre, The Helen Rosenfeld Lewis Bialosky Lab Theatre, and Connor Palace.

Performances encompass national tours and local productions across a variety of genres including ballet, opera, musicals, and theatrical plays.

19. Contemporary Arts Centre

This groundbreaking art museum, located in Cincinnati, showcases contemporary works from the past few minutes, emphasizing the latest developments in sculpture, painting, photography, and architecture. The building itself exemplifies stunning contemporary architecture.

Over the years, this museum has garnered international recognition for its innovative and thought-provoking contemporary collections.

20. American Sign Museum

The American Sign Museum preserves and catalogs an extensive collection of signs and the equipment used for their design and manufacturing.

Inaugurated in 2005, the museum was established by Tod Swormstedt, the former editor of Signs of the Times Magazine.

The museum offers a unique experience, featuring over 19,000 square feet of exhibit space that thoroughly explores the history of signage in the United States.

21. Carillon Historical Park

Located in Dayton, Ohio, this historical park contains numerous structures and exhibits detailing the heritage of Dayton residents from the late 18th century to the present.

Notable highlights include a tour of the Carillon Brewing Co. brewery and the original 1905 Wright Flyer. Self-guided tours are popular, with maps available and supportive staff positioned throughout the park.

22. A Christmas Story house

This residence served as the filming location for the 1983 movie “A Christmas Story” and has been fully restored to reflect its cinematic splendor.

The home welcomes the public for tours throughout the year and features original props, character costumes, and rare behind-the-scenes photographs.

The gift shop allows visitors to purchase their own Leg Lamp, famous from the movie, along with various other memorabilia.

23. Greater Cleveland Aquarium

This aquarium, located in Cleveland, occupies the historic FirstEnergy Powerhouse building on the western bank of the Cuyahoga River.

Committed to educating guests about conservation and environmental matters while providing entertainment, the aquarium features over 50 exhibits highlighting marine life and ecosystems from various oceans and continents.

24. Ohio Statehouse

The Ohio Statehouse, located in Columbus, serves as the government seat for the state.

This beautiful Greek revival structure offers free guided tours from Monday to Friday.

The tours, which depart from the Map Room, last approximately 45 minutes and provide insights into the building’s historical and contemporary functions.

25. Lake View Cemetery

As another historic cemetery in Ohio, this site features a significant number of burials, with over 700 taking place annually.

Points of interest include the Garfield Monument, Wade Chapel, and the Rockefeller Monument.

Self-guided tours are prevalent, and the grounds boast many hiking trails and picnic areas for visitors to enjoy.