In the early 2000s, when we were still wearing low-rise jeans and denim hats, Ohio's tourism division changed its state slogan to: "Ohio, So Much To Discover." The catchphrase is likely to leave some people scratching their heads, wondering how much there actually is to see in the Buckeye State. It turns out there's quite a lot. Sure, Ohio isn't known for its towering mountains or oceanside views. But just like every single of the fifty nifty United States, Ohio has a rich past that colors its current reality. These are the best attractions in Ohio, guaranteed to make a lasting impression.
9 Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens
Before it became a museum in 1955, the Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens was home to the Seiberling family. Father Franklin Augustus made a fortune as the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company co-founder and had his massive 70-acre estate built for his wife, Gertrude. She wanted her home to be heaven on earth for her growing family, as well as the heart of social gatherings in the Akron area.
When all was said and done, the Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens contained an opulent 64,500 square foot Tudor house, ten beautiful gardens, a conservatory, and two service houses. After F.A's death, the home opened to the public. Guests continue to explore the massive property and its significant architectural and horticultural achievements during America's Industrial Age.
- Address: 714 N Portage Path, Akron, OH 44303
- Hours: Tuesday through Sunday, 10 AM to 4:30 PM
- Admission: Adults $12, Kids 6-17 $5, Dogs $5
8 Cedar Point
There's something exhilarating about slowly ascending hundreds of feet into the air before plummeting at the speed of gravity back down to earth, and anyone seeking that thrill should put Cedar Point on their bucket list. The amusement park is the second oldest in the United States, breaking an impressive number of rollercoaster-related records over the years. Adrenaline junkies will find their fix on Steel Vengeance, a hybrid coaster holding the world record for most "air time" (feeling of weightlessness.) There are 16 rollercoasters in total, each with unique features that make a trip to "the Disneyland of the Midwest" an Ohio must-do.
- Address: 1 Cedar Point Dr, Sandusky, OH 44870
- Hours: Open daily in the summer from 10 AM to 8 PM; limited hours for Halloweekends in the fall
- Admission: One-day admission starting at $49/day
7 Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Ohio isn't typically known for its stunning natural scenery, but Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a testament to the exceptional beauty that nature lovers can only find in the Midwest. The 33,000-acre park contains around 100 waterfalls, including the tallest in the state, 65-foot Brandywine Falls.
There is a diverse landscape of forests, valleys, wetlands, ravines, and meadows, which visitors can enjoy on foot or on a train that runs through the park. The abundance of trees makes Cuyahoga Valley an ideal leaf-peeping location in the fall months, while spring and summer color the meadows and valleys in an array of colorful wildflowers.
- Location: Located on the Cuyahoga River between Cleveland and Akron
- Hours: Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week
- Admission: Free
6 American Sign Museum
Cincinnati locals and tourists flock to the American Signs Museum to snap aesthetic photos in the neon-lit wonderland. For almost a century, the museum has dedicated itself to preserving the often overlooked culture that's on display in the unique signs that light up our lives every day.
The museum initially opened in 2005, but the ever-growing collection of signs forced owner Tod Swormstedt to find a more spacious location in Cincinnati's historic district. There are now almost 4,000 cataloged items on display, including a 1963 McDonald's sign and a 20-foot tall genie statue.
- Address: 1330 Monmouth Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45225
- Hours: Wednesday through Saturday 10 AM to 4 PM, Sunday 12 PM to 4 PM
- Admission: Adults $15, Youth ages 13 to 18 $10, Children free
5 Toledo Museum of Art
See the impressive collections on display at the Toledo Museum of Art. The museum has been open since 1901 and currently possesses over 30,000 works of art in a wide variety of mediums. Efforts are in the works to expand the museum to continue to grow its stock of international creations.
Forty-five renowned galleries hold masterpieces from Claude Monet, Vincent VanGogh, and several Renaissance artists. A massive, visually striking Glass Pavilion opened in 2006 to pay tribute to the extensive glass art collection at the museum. With nearly 400,000 annual visitors, there is something that will speak to the soul of every guest who steps through the doors.
- Address: 2445 Monroe St, Toledo, OH 43620
- Hours: Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday 11 AM to 5 PM, Friday and Saturday 11 AM to 8 PM
- Admission: Free
4 Ohio State Reformatory
Despite coming out the same year as Forrest Gump, The Shawshank Redemption garnered fame for depicting inmate life in a corrupt prison. The movie was filmed at the Ohio State Reformatory, a historic jail with a storied past that shut down due to poor conditions in the early 1990s.
Today, the prison operates as a museum and invites guests to take guided tours or explore independently. People can step inside the cells of famous criminals and hear tales of what life was like on the inside from a former inmate.
- Address: 100 Reformatory Rd, Mansfield, OH 44905
- Hours: Thursday through Sunday 11 AM to 4 PM
- Admission: Starting at $19
3 Franklin Park Conservatory
Experience climates from all over the world at the Franklin Park Conservatory. Outside, beautiful botanic gardens occupy 33-acre Franklin Park, filled with eye-catching displays of flora at its finest. The conservatory itself contains over 400 species of plants spread over six greenhouses.
Guests are transported to a thriving rainforest, a Himalayan mountain biome, and the Pacific Islands, all in a matter of a day. A rotating bonsai collection showcases the talents of master bonsai artists, and extensive educational programs seek to educate children and adults about the importance of conserving the natural world.
- Address: 1777 E Broad St, Columbus, OH 43203
- Hours: Open daily 10 AM to 5 PM
- Admission: Adults ages 13-59 $19, Children 3-12 $12, Seniors 60+ $15
2 A Christmas Story House
Visitors will find their Christmas cheer any time of the year at the Christmas Story House and Museum. The home has been restored to its cinematic glory and contains the relics the movie is known for - including the fishnet stockinged leg lamp and Randy's suffocating snowsuit. Guests can even stay overnight and reenact their favorite scenes from the iconic holiday movie.
- Address: 3159 W 11th St, Cleveland, OH 44109
- Hours: Open daily 10 AM to 5 PM
- Admission: Adults $15, Children 3-12 $11, Seniors $14
1 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has inducted hundreds of artists over the decades. The museum preserves the legacy of rock and roll with its collection of instruments, memorabilia, and interactive exhibitions. Popular attractions include Tupac's lyric journal, The Supremes' dresses, Johnny Cash's trademark Fender, and Mick Jagger's wardrobe. No matter who you are, the impressive history of the genre will strum on your heartstrings as you make your way through the museum's seven stories.
- Address: 1100 E 9th St, Cleveland, OH 44114
- Hours: Monday through Wednesday 10 AM to 5 PM, Thursday and Sunday 10 AM to 9 PM, Friday 9 AM to 4 PM, Saturday 9 AM to 5 PM
- Admission: Starting at $30