The state of Ohio is one of the best US destinations there is but it often gets overlooked in favour of the more popular places. It’s a great place to visit because of its blend of exciting and varied cities, beautiful natural landscapes and quaint rural communities. Whatever your tastes, you’ll find something you love in Ohio. Next time you’re out that way and you’re considering a trip to Ohio, these are some of the best places to visit.
1. Columbus.
If it’s your first visit to the state of Ohio, you need to head over to the capital, Columbus. This unique city is at the centre of the Rust belt, the Bible belt, the great plains and Appalachia which creates an interesting blend of cultures which gives the city its interesting and varied character. The university also draws a lot of younger people from all over the world making Columbus a city that truly has something for everybody. Check out this list of 25 things to do in Columbus to help you plan your visit. There are some great cultural hotspots like the theatre or the Kelton house museum. There are also some great botanical gardens and parks which are ideal for a summer visit and you can head over to the German village to find the more traditional side of the city.
2. Cleveland.
Cleveland is the other major city that you should hit up while you’re in Ohio. It’s perhaps most famous for being home to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. This amazing museum of music charts the development of music as we know it and pays homage to the greatest musicians in history. If you’re at all interested in music, this is an absolute must see while you’re in Cleveland. As wells as the hall of fame, Cleveland is home to some great museums and art galleries making it the cultural hub of the state of Ohio.
3. Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Now that you’ve seen some of the great cities in Ohio, you should head out to the country a little way and find some of the more scenic sights that the state has to offer. Cuyahoga Valley National Park is certainly the best place in Ohio for nature lovers. The Cuyahoga River runs through this incredible natural park boasting over 70 waterfalls. There are around 200 miles of hiking trails that take you through all of the incredible natural wonders but it can be fairly tough for people that aren’t that into hiking. Luckily, there is a great alternative that lets you see the national park in a far more relaxing way. Just take the Cuyahoga Valley scenic railroad route and you can see the lot in an afternoon, stopping off at the stations if you want to have a better look around.
4. Hocking Hills State Park.
If you didn’t get your fill of natural wonders in Cuyahoga Valley, head over to Hocking Hills State Park. The area is filled with some great caves that were once home to ancient civilisations. They’re now open to the public and exploring them makes for a great day out with the family.
Ohio is a pretty underrated state but you should definitely consider a visit because it has a great combination of cities and natural wonders for you to enjoy.
