Top 25 Stunning Destinations in Ohio to Explore in 2025

Ohio’s motto is the “Heart of it All,” reflecting the state’s heart-shaped geography and its central location, which enables it to reach half of North America’s population within a day’s drive.

Characterized by the northern shores of Lake Erie, the glaciated plains of the west, and the foothills of the Appalachians to the east, Ohio serves as a cultural and geographical crossroads.

The state offers myriad visually stunning experiences, from the idyllic tourist islands of Lake Erie to the breathtaking river gorges found in Hocking Hills, Cuyahoga Valley, and Yellow Springs.

Additionally, my compilation of Ohio’s most picturesque destinations includes several human-made marvels, such as an amusement park on a sandy peninsula, a lavish Gilded Age mansion, and an extensive pre-Columbian earthwork effigy.

1. Cuyahoga Valley National Park

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One of my top choices is Ohio’s sole national park, nestled amidst suburbs between Cleveland and Akron, making it easily accessible. While this may seem like an unexpected setting for a national park, the park features over 125 miles of trails that justify its designation.

Within the park, the Cuyahoga River meanders through rocky forests, rolling hills, and pastoral farmland.

Visitors can closely follow the river’s edge via the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail, which runs along 20 miles of this historically significant 308-mile waterway, completed in the 1830s to facilitate transport between the Ohio River and Lake Erie.

There are countless activities available within the park, ranging from exceptional hiking opportunities and scenic train rides to world-class autumn leaf watching, kayaking, golfing, and cross-country skiing on groomed trails in winter.

If you have limited time for hiking, I recommend the Ledges Trail, which presents an excursion around a plateau adorned with outcroppings made of Sharon conglomerate, offering stunning views of the surrounding woods.

2. Hocking Hills State Park

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Conversely, I could elaborate for days on the various attractions and activities available in the Hocking Hills Region of Southeastern Ohio.

This state park is home to a concentration of natural beauty, featuring numerous waterfalls and towering rock formations.

Located in the southern part of the park, the stunning Ash Cave reveals a narrow gorge enveloped by towering beech and hemlock woods, which opens into an enormous rock shelter that measures 700 feet across and 100 feet deep. Unsurprisingly, this is the largest structure of its kind in Ohio.

This highlights just one of many extraordinary sights within the park, including Old Man’s Cave with its enchanting waterfalls, Cedar Falls, Cantwell Cliffs, the Devil’s Bathtub, and the impressive rock shelter at Whispering Cave.

An adjacent preserve features Conkles Hollow, a fascinating black hand sandstone gorge, which plunges 200 feet deep and is adorned with waterfalls that cascade over its edges.

3. Put-In-Bay

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For a quick island escape, the Bass Islands—just a short distance from the south shore of Lake Erie—provide an excellent option. South Bass Island serves as the tourist center, commonly referred to as Put-In-Bay.

Life here operates at a different tempo, with golf carts and bicycles being the preferred modes of transportation. The island features a friendly downtown area adjacent to the dock.

As you approach by water, your gaze will be drawn to the world’s tallest granite column. The 352-foot Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial commemorates the American triumph in the Battle of Lake Erie (1813), a significant moment in the War of 1812.

The shoreline is lined with narrow sandy beaches, mostly offering calm waters, and visitors can rent kayaks or board the tour train to explore the main attractions.

4. Yellow Springs

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A distinctive village known for its progressive values and sizable LGBT community, Yellow Springs is surrounded by some of the most stunning landscapes in southwestern Ohio.

Originally established as a cooperative community in the 1820s, it has been home to the renowned Antioch College since 1850, contributing to its historically liberal ethos.

Visitors are often charmed by Xenia Avenue, which is lined with an array of independent retail shops, cafes, and the Little Art Theatre cinema.

The iron-rich springs referenced in the village’s name emerge in the adjacent Glen Helen Nature Preserve, a stunning natural area featuring waterfalls, captivating rock formations, and lush deciduous forests.

The long-distance Little Miami Scenic Trail passes through the town, while further opportunities for enchanting scenery can be found nearby at Clifton Gorge.

5. John Bryan State Park/Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve

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Located immediately east of Yellow Springs, this National Natural Monument features the Little Miami River carving its way through a picturesque canyon.

The Clifton Gorge, bordered by resilient dolomite and shale dating back approximately 400 million years, stands out as one of Ohio’s premier natural features.

Visitors can explore the gorge from nearby town properties, discovering remarkable sights such as narrow channels shaped by potholes and colossal slabs that have collapsed, forming impressive formations on the riverbed. The state park offers recreational opportunities, including camping, mountain biking, and designated areas for rock climbing and rappelling. Spring is particularly delightful here as wildflowers bloom.

6. Mohican State Park/Mohican-Memorial State Forest

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For those seeking tranquility in nature, these two scenic regions cover over 5,500 acres in Ashland County.

With approximately 45 miles of hiking trails and ideal waters for kayaking and tubing, the parks are located along the Clear Fork of the Mohican River, near its convergence with the Black Fork.

The Clear Fork traverses a narrow gorge, fed by creeks and boasting captivating waterfalls at Big Lyons Falls and Little Lyons Falls.

A trail along the rim of the gorge features a series of bridges across the river, where visitors can scale an 80-foot fire tower built in 1934 for panoramic views of the area’s hills and forests, and find a restored water-powered gristmill established in 1831.

This area hosts a diverse collection of tree species, but the hemlock stands within the gorge are particularly significant due to the rare bird species they support.

7. Salt Fork State Park

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Ohio’s largest state park, situated in the unglaciated region of the state, boasts expansive, stunning scenery.

Salt Fork State Park is bound to captivate adventurous souls with its steep, forested hills, misty valleys, and impressive geological formations, including the rock shelter known as Hosack’s Cave.

The created Salt Fork Lake hugs the west and south boundaries of the park, offering opportunities for boating, water-skiing, and tubing. It also features Ohio’s largest inland beach, extending 2,500 feet.

While adventure seekers may revel in the park’s 20 miles of trails, the park also includes modern comforts and amenities typically found in 21st-century recreational areas, complete with two marinas, a renowned 18-hole golf course, and a full-service resort lodge that features both indoor and outdoor swimming pools.

8. Kelleys Island

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Kelleys Island, accessible by a short ferry ride from Marblehead, offers an intimate retreat over its 677 acres. Historically, this island was bustling with industrial activity, including limestone quarries, lime kilns, red cedar lumber production, and orchards.

Traces of the industrious past are apparent throughout the island, especially at a former quarry on the northern side, where you’ll find an extensive exposed limestone area marked by distinctive grooves created through glaciation.

The state park features observation points and interpretive displays that explain these natural processes in detail. A car is largely unnecessary while on Kelleys Island; visitors can easily navigate the island using rental bicycles or golf carts.

A variety of eateries, bars, and shops line the dock area, while opportunities for relaxation abound on the beaches, camping by the lakeshore, hiking through forests, fishing in Lake Erie, or exploring the coastline via kayak.

9. Cincinnati

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Distinct from charming small towns and natural attractions, Ohio’s third-largest city is nestled on a bend of the broad Ohio River and is surrounded by gently rolling hills.

To attain the defining view of the Cincinnati skyline, you must cross into Kentucky, where the stadiums for the Bengals and Reds dominate the foreground. To the north of downtown lies one of the most expansive and complete historic districts in the United States.

Formed during the 19th century, when Cincinnati ranked among the ten largest cities in the nation, the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood is unmatched in the Midwest, featuring a complex network of streets adorned with ornate brick buildings, now serving as venues for upscale shopping and dining.

Perhaps the city’s most stunning edifice is the Cincinnati Union Terminal (1933), an Art Deco masterpiece that operates as an Amtrak station and houses the renowned Cincinnati Museum Center.

10. Marblehead State Park

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The historic lighthouse at Marblehead has served as a navigational aid from the Marblehead Peninsula’s tip since its establishment in 1822.

This designates Marblehead Light as the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the American side of the Great Lakes. Its grounds, which include well-maintained lawns and a grove of hardwood trees, provide access to the rugged headland.

During the summer months, tours of the lighthouse allow visitors to ascend to the parapet for sweeping views of Sandusky Bay, Kelleys Island, and the Cedar Point amusement area to the southeast.

11. Ohio Caverns

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Situated near Ohio’s highest elevation, the cave system here is recognized as ‘America’s Most Colorful Caverns.’ Over two miles of caves have been extensively explored, featuring passageways that descend as deep as 103 feet.

The geological processes that formed the stalagmites and stalactites within the caverns remain ongoing, with approximately 90% of these formations still actively developing.

The Crystal King, the largest stalactite in the state, weighs over 400 pounds and is included on the Natural Wonder Tour. Visitors are advised to dress warmly, as the caves maintain a year-round temperature of 54°F.

12. Caesar Creek State Park

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This extensive 7,350-acre state park may be described as a vast playground for outdoor pursuits, including boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, and mountain biking.

Constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the 1970s, Caesar Creek Lake features a campground, marina, beach area, and multiple trailheads alongside its wooded shores.

A notable aspect of this area is its Ordovician reef system revealed when the USACE blasted open the spillway; this provides an excellent opportunity for fossil hunting, though strict regulations apply.

Starting at the Visitor Center can help in becoming oriented, and visitors can explore 18th and 19th-century cabins located at Caesar’s Creek Pioneer Village.

13. Peninsula

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Nested within Cuyahoga Valley National Park lies the charming riverside village of Peninsula, established by Euro-Americans in the 1810s and enhanced by the canal shortly thereafter.

When exploring the national park, a visit to Peninsula offers a delightful break for refreshments and browsing local shops.

Moreover, the surrounding nature is easily accessible, allowing visitors to immediately embark on hiking or biking expeditions, facilitated by the well-developed towpath and extensive network of trails leading into the wilderness.

The canal features a series of preserved locks and an aqueduct, while Main Street showcases a timeline of 19th-century architecture, encompassing Federal, Greek Revival, and Italianate styles.

14. Serpent Mound

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Among the most fascinating archaeological sites in Ohio is a prehistoric effigy mound, stretching nearly 1,400 feet in length.

Remaining under three feet high, the Serpent Mound forms an earthwork representation of a snake, sitting on a hilltop adjacent to Ohio Brush Creek.

This feature, remarkable in its own right, is enveloped in a shroud of mystery, which enhances its appeal.

Likely constructed by the Fort Ancient culture around 1000 CE, it may have served as a venue for rituals honoring a serpent spirit.

Serpent Mound is positioned on the edge of a meteorite impact crater, which formed hundreds of millions of years ago and has gradually worn down to its present height.

The Serpent Mound Museum offers insight into its structure and creation, as well as guided archaeological walks conducted on the second Friday of each month.

15. Cedar Point

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The coastline of Ohio’s Lake Erie is dotted with attractions that have captured public attention since the conclusion of the Civil War.

Among the most renowned is Cedar Point, the second-oldest operating amusement park in the United States, situated at the tip of a narrow peninsula.

The park’s acclaim is anchored in its thrilling roller coasters, which continually set new records for speed and height. For example, the hybrid coaster Steel Vengeance broke ten world records upon its debut in 2018.

Amid these modern thrills, Cedar Point also honors its roots with several structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including three historic carousels from 1912, 1921, and 1924.

Facilities include an indoor and outdoor water park, while the sandy beach offers a tranquil retreat. Visitors are treated to spectacular views of Cedar Point’s iconic roller coasters.

16. Rockbridge State Nature Preserve

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One of the striking geological formations in the Hocking Hills region is a natural bridge that crosses a ravine, giving the preserve its name.

Through persistent erosion from wind, rain, and flowing groundwater, the softer layers of sandstone have been sculpted away, forming this unique structure that extends 100 feet in length and spans up to 20 feet wide.

For optimal viewing, I recommend visiting after a recent rainfall, when the small waterfall cascades into the ravine. Two trails within the preserve guide you to the natural bridge and a rock shelter.

17. Brandywine Falls

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Situated conveniently between urban areas, Cuyahoga Valley National Park is an excellent spot for day trips, making it an ideal location to highlight Brandywine Falls.

Beginning at a parking area on Stanford Road, a 1.5-mile trail winds alongside the steeply forested valley.

At the eastern terminus, a lengthy boardwalk leading to a staircase descends to a viewing platform that provides a perfect panorama of the 65-foot Brandywine Falls, the tallest waterfall in northeast Ohio.

The waterfall plunges into a stunning U-shaped gorge, characterized by striated rocks, with significant portions displaced downstream from the falls.

18. Brecksville Reservation

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The Buckeye Trail spans 1,444 miles and takes you through this expansive urban park adjacent to Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Driving along the generally flat roads crossing Brecksville Reservation reveals little of the remarkable variation in terrain.

Within just over 3,000 acres, the park features seven distinct gorges, with the most fascinating located in the northern area along Chippewa Creek, formed by glacial activity.

The reservation’s natural beauty is unveiled through its winding trails, which rise and fall across hollows where diverse soils and sunlight support an array of unique and endangered flora.

19. Loveland

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Situated within the wooded slopes of the Little Miami River Valley, Loveland is a charming town that has been established for over two centuries as a resort destination.

In the 19th century, Loveland evolved into a railroad hub at the junction of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad and the now-defunct Little Miami Railroad.

The old right-of-way of the Little Miami Railroad has been transformed into a paved rail trail extending nearly 80 miles, providing excellent opportunities for biking in either direction along the valley.

The downtown area features a delightful 19th-century ambiance, complete with an array of bars, restaurants, shops, and a picturesque waterfront park located where O’Bannon Creek merges with the Little Miami River.

Uniquely, visitors to Loveland may discover Château Laroche, a replica of a European medieval castle, constructed in 1927 by a local medievalist and set within beautifully landscaped terraced gardens.

20. Maumee Bay State Park

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In this splendid section of coastline not far from Toledo, breathtaking views of Lake Erie await visitors.

Maumee Bay State Park features five miles of bike trails that link to the City of Oregon Bike Trail and a two-mile interpretive boardwalk extending into an area once characterized by swamp.

This park, along with the adjacent wilderness area and wildlife refuge, is vital for biodiversity, being home to over 300 documented bird species and a remarkable variety of wetland vegetation.

For the best wildlife experiences, I suggest taking a walk in the evening to encounter white-tailed deer, which can be surprisingly bold.

While maintaining its natural allure, the park also offers modern tourist facilities, including two sandy beaches, 256 campsites, cabins, an 18-hole golf course, and a lodge complete with 120 rooms and both indoor and outdoor swimming pools.

21. Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens

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In the 1910s, Frank Seiberling (1859-1955), co-founder of the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, constructed one of the largest mansions in the United States in Akron, during its era as the “Rubber Capital of the World.”

The 65-room Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens is not only expansive but also possesses a cozy charm attributed to its Tudor Revival architectural style.

The Seiberlings journeyed to England to procure historic details for the interior, which blends authentic Tudor decor with 20th-century design elements inspired by Tudor aesthetics.

The grounds, which include a conservatory and greenhouses, are perhaps the most captivating aspect, showcasing restored landscapes designed by noted landscape architects Ellen Biddle Shipman and Warren Henry Manning.

Spanning 70 acres, the estate features multiple garden areas, including secluded Japanese and English gardens.

Interestingly, Frank’s daughter-in-law, Henrietta, was a member of the influential Christian fellowship known as the Oxford Group. Notably, the Gate Lodge served as the site where the frameworks of Alcoholics Anonymous were developed in the 1930s.

22. Sandusky

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With attractions like Cedar Point, Marblehead, and the Bass Islands nearby, it’s easy to overlook the charming city of Sandusky along the shore. However, doing so would be a missed opportunity, especially since Sandusky has recently been awarded the title of Best Coastal Small Town in America.

The downtown area of Sandusky features elegant 19th-century architecture, oriented toward the waterfront, where a series of industrial piers have transitioned into marinas and stunning lakefront vistas like the Jackson Street Pier.

Although winters can be brisk in Sandusky, this does not detract visitors, especially considering the city’s reputation for its indoor water parks, including Kalahari Resorts, the largest in the nation.

23. Highbanks Metro Park

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For serene natural beauty close to Columbus, Highbanks Metro Park is an excellent choice, situated on the east bank of the Olentangy River.

The park’s name is fitting, as limestone and shale bluffs along the river rise as high as 110 feet.

Highbanks Metro Park features ten trails, including a couple that loop near the river, presenting unique views within the Columbus area.

Additionally, thrilling evidence of past human activity is evident in the form of burial mounds and irrigation earthworks constructed by the Pre-Columbian Adena Culture, dating back at least 2,000 years.

24. Geneva-on-the-Lake

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This quaint lakeside community in northeastern Ohio has drawn visitors for relaxation since the 1860s, earning the distinction of Ohio’s First Summer Resort.

Notable figures such as John D. Rockefeller and Henry Ford have mingled by the shores of Lake Erie.

Geneva-on-the-Lake offers opportunities for beach lounging, camping, fishing, golfing, boating, and touring nearby Ohio Wine Country vineyards.

Along the shoreline, Lake Road (The Strip) features a nostalgic array of mini-golf courses, fast-food establishments, bars, and eclectic shops for beach accessories.

Notably, many of these businesses have persisted over time, like Eddie’s Grill, a fast-food establishment that has been a fixture since 1950.

25. Jacob’s Ladder – Christmas Rocks State Preserve

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Concluding my list is what may very well be the finest short hike in all of Ohio. Nestled at the southern end of Fairfield County, Christmas Rocks preserves some remarkable rocky terrain featuring exquisite black hand sandstone formations.

Jacob’s Ladder, an outcropping that rises dramatically over the Valley of Arney Run, provides breathtaking views of the surrounding hills.

Until recently, access to the preserve required a permit, and visitors can experience the lookout by navigating a moderate to challenging loop trail, approximately one mile in length.

For more insights on Ohio: 15 Best Places to Live in Ohio