Summary
Columbus serves as the capital of the mid-western state of Ohio and is also its largest municipality.
Renowned for its extensive parks and prestigious university, Columbus is situated centrally between Ohio’s two other major cities: Cleveland and Cincinnati.
It is ideally positioned to serve as a base for exploring the entire state.
Ohio presents numerous opportunities for day trips, with many historic mid-west cities and towns, such as Newark and Dayton, just a short drive away.
Nature enthusiasts will discover numerous State Parks featuring hiking trails, cascading waterfalls, and picturesque woodlands to traverse.
To the far north of Ohio lies the expansive Lake Erie, alongside the state’s only National Park: Cuyahoga National Park.
Throughout the state, one can find underground caverns, caves, and ancient Native American earthworks — enduring relics from a bygone era that remain significant elements of the region’s extensive history.
1. Hocking Hills
Southeast of Columbus, Hocking Hills State Park is a popular day trip destination, showcasing some of Ohio’s most unique rock formations.
The area features caves, cliffs, and crevices, with both short and long hikes connecting different sections of the park, alongside activities like kayaking, rock climbing, and zip lining.
The highlight of Hocking Hills is the expansive Ash Cave, which creates a vast open recess in the rock that can be explored on foot.
Additionally, the park offers numerous other geological formations; be sure to visit Cedar Falls, a remarkable waterfall cascading over large rocks.
2. Cuyahoga National Park
Cuyahoga National Park is Ohio’s sole National Park, located north of Columbus and near Cleveland, it offers a stunning expanse of natural scenery that follows the path of the Cuyahoga River, featuring walking and cycling trails, as well as waterfalls and caves to investigate.
Moreover, the National Park encompasses a historic canal that can be traversed on foot, marking the first canal in the state, which extends to Lake Erie to the north.
This route facilitated Ohio’s connection to the broader country and the world by providing a channel for the transport of people and goods.
3. Dayton
The small city of Dayton holds significant historical prominence in the aviation industry.
This is the birthplace of the Wright Brothers, who constructed their first aircraft here and are recognized as pioneers of modern flight.
A day trip to Dayton from Columbus is essential to witness the origins of aviation.
Currently, the city houses the National Museum of the United States Air Force, which is fitting as one of the largest aviation museums globally.
4. Newark
Located just 40 miles away, Newark offers a delightful escape from urban life.
This city is home to the world’s largest picnic basket, which is actually a giant building designed to resemble a basket.
Additionally, visitors can explore the Works Museum, which is dedicated to Newark’s industrial and technological heritage, where one can learn about glass blowing and canal construction alongside the region’s history.
Surrounding Newark, there are also several ancient earthworks, large mounds constructed by ancient Native American civilizations that have endured through the years.
5. Miamisburg Mound
Indian mounds are not only concentrated around Newark but are found throughout most of Ohio.
Among the most intriguingly shaped is the towering Miamisburg Mound, perched on a high ridge and visible from considerable distances.
Standing at 65 feet tall, it features a staircase that allows visitors to ascend through the center of the grassy mound to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
This mound represents one of thousands discovered; remnants of ancient civilizations, Miamisburg is distinctive due to its notable height; few others match its size.
6. Olentangy Indian Caverns
For those intrigued by Native American history, a visit to the Olentangy Indian Caverns offers another excellent day trip opportunity from Ohio.
This natural cave system was utilized by local Huron tribes as a shelter.
The caverns span over three levels, which would have provided refuge and a safe haven during times of conflict, being challenging to detect from the surface and difficult to enter.
Guided underground tours allow exploration of the caverns led by knowledgeable local guides.
7. Tecumseh
Tecumseh is not a location but rather a historical performance that visitors to Ohio should not miss.
This outdoor drama is presented in the hills of Ohio and recounts the story of the local Native Americans, particularly Chief Tecumseh, who valiantly attempted to defend his land and people from colonization in the 1700s.
Given that it is performed outdoors, the show is only available during the summer months; however, it is highly recommended to plan visits to Columbus to coincide with a performance, as it has garnered worldwide acclaim.
8. Amish Country Ohio
Northeast of Ohio lies Amish Country, comprising several towns, with Millersburg being the most prominent.
This area represents a distinct lifestyle, where Amish communities exist according to their biblical beliefs, involving minimal use of technology and a strong focus on faith.
On the roads, horse-drawn carriages can be observed, alongside traditional homes in towns where many residents communicate in Pennsylvania Dutch as their primary language over English.
9. Seneca Caverns
Seneca Caverns is a vast underground cave system featuring extensive passageways and subterranean rivers that provide water to the region’s overall hydrological system.
This multilayered cave currently has seven underground levels available for exploration.
Guides accompany adventurous visitors through the cave system, navigating through the caverns and narrow passageways that delve deeper underground.
The ultimate depth of the system remains unknown; however, it extends far below the surface.
10. Ludlow Falls
Ohio features an abundance of stunning waterfalls due to its rugged terrain, yet Ludlow Falls distinctively stands out as a remarkable cascade.
Located near Dayton and not far from Columbus, Ludlow Falls is somewhat hidden beneath a bridge, making it easy to overlook.
The pathway to this serene location is straightforward provided you have a clear direction; it is a tranquil, sequestered area to appreciate Ohio’s captivating natural beauty.
11. Clifton Mill
Clifton Mill is a picturesque and historic site in Ohio, dating back to 1802, situated along the banks of the Clifton River.
The mill is aesthetically pleasing, featuring cascading man-made waterfalls from its elevated position above the river.
It operates as a tourist attraction today rather than a working mill and includes an on-site restaurant. During the Christmas season, Clifton Mill hosts an extravagant light display that has become renowned throughout the state.
12. The Wilds, Cumberland
The Wilds offers a remarkable open-air safari experience in Cumberland, Ohio, allowing animals to roam freely while visitors embark on safari trucks to observe rare and endangered wildlife in their natural habitats.
This non-profit initiative prioritizes animal welfare, which contributes to its popularity.
The facility hosts species from around the globe and emphasizes education on conservation and stewardship, rather than mere entertainment at the animals’ expense.
13. Salt Fork State Park
Salt Fork State Park stands as the largest state park in Ohio, covering extensive forested areas to the east of Columbus.
This beautiful locale is perfect for hiking, biking, and immersing oneself in Ohio’s natural landscape; however, it is also locally known for the legend of Bigfoot.
Locals claim this region has been the site of numerous reported sightings since the arrival of early European settlers in the 1700s.
Documentaries have been filmed here, and adventurous explorers venture into the woods in hopes of encountering this mythical creature.
Additionally, a Bigfoot conference is held here to commemorate this legendary figure.
14. Cincinnati
About an hour and a half south of Columbus lies Cincinnati, which ranks as Ohio’s third largest city.
This city is home to the Cincinnati Reds, the oldest professional baseball team in the United States.
Once merely a sprawling industrial center, Cincinnati has transformed itself into a vibrant tourist destination, offering excellent cuisine and a flourishing cultural atmosphere along the banks of the Ohio River.
The distinctive cityscape is another compelling reason to visit, as the downtown area is rich with unique, 19th-century architectural structures dating back to Cincinnati’s industrial prosperity.
15. Cleveland
Cleveland, Ohio’s second largest city, is set against the picturesque backdrop of Lake Erie.
This city bears cultural and historical significance, tracing its roots back to the earliest days of European exploration of the Great Lakes.
Today, it is primarily renowned for hosting the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a museum that celebrates the rich legacy of rock music globally.
