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Located in the American Midwest, Ohio is a treasure trove of diverse experiences that suit everyone, from the greatest adventurous hearts to those who want a mix of adventure and relaxation. There are many things to do in Ohio, which has green landscapes and has witnessed many historic events. Whether you’re looking to chase adrenaline on record-breaking roller coasters, immerse yourself in vibrant arts and culture, or escape into the tranquillity of lush state parks, Ohio delivers a unique blend of thrills and serenity.
10 Best Things To Do In And Around Ohio
Discover Ohio’s hidden gems and iconic attractions, from Cedar Point’s thrilling rides to the scenic beauty of Hocking Hills and museums. Here are the 10 best things to do in Ohio:
1. Visit Cedar Point Amusement Park
Photo: Vlastula / Wikimedia Commons
America’s largest amusement park, fantasy for families, and the roller coaster capital of the world, Cedar Point Amusement Park, is the dream of thrill-seekers’ fantasy. Eighteen top-notch roller coasters, including the infamous Millennium Force, and Steel Vengeance, a hybrid with a 200-foot drop, are among the more than 70 rides at this Sandusky, Ohio, attraction. For families, there are plenty of great rides for kids, live entertainment, and some old-school favourites like the Midway Carousel. Beautiful views of Lake Erie provide a lovely backdrop, combined with the waterpark and seasonal events.
Location: Sandusky, Ohio
Top Experience: Riding record-breaking coasters, family fun
Entry Fee: $45 onwards
2. Hocking Hills State Park Hike
Photo: Thomas Ramsey / Wikimedia Commons
One of Ohio’s greatest treasures, Hocking Hills State Park offers natural grandeur and excitement out in the open. A few of its attractions are Cedar Falls, Ash Cave, and Old Man’s Cave. Old Man’s Cave contains one of the state’s most iconic gorges with incredible geological wonders, including formations over millions of years in sandstone. Trails wander through places like the Upper and Lower Falls, the striking Devil’s Bathtub, and the Sphinx Rock. Cedar Falls has stunning waterfalls, and the name is derived from an early settlement’s mistake of identifying hemlocks as cedars.
Location: Logan, Ohio
Top Experience: Hiking, photography, nature trails
3. Explore The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame
Photo: Erik Drost / Wikimedia Commons
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland is one of the important things to see in Ohio to understand every movement in the history and influence of rock music. The collections feature John Lennon’s passport, Janis Joplin’s Porsche, and costumes from legendary performances. Cinema journeys through the history of rock are produced, and exhibits look into how rock has influenced the fashions, cultures, and politics surrounding it. The Hall celebrates the iconic icons of Elvis Presley and The Beatles, as well as Michael Jackson and Led Zeppelin, with contemporary icons and unsung heroes of the genre.
Location: Cleveland, Ohio
Top Experience: Music history, iconic memorabilia
Timings: 10 AM – 5:30 PM
Entry Fee: $35 onwards
4. Cruise On Lake Erie
Photo: Mbrickn / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
A cruise on Lake Erie offers varied experiences, whether it is a relaxing getaway or a lively social day. Getting on the Lake Erie Islands and then getting off at some of the most well-known ones is one of the best ways to see the lake. Put-in-Bay and Kelley’s Island are great places to unwind, and there are hiking, biking, and wine tastings to choose from. A sunset Lake Erie cruise is perfect for an unforgettable romantic evening or outing with friends.
Location: Northern Ohio
Top Experience: Boating, fishing, island hopping
5. Locate Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
Photo: Ltshears / Wikimedia Commons
The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is among the must-have things to do in Ohio for animal lovers and families. With over 500 animal species, the zoo provides an up-close look at a diverse range of wildlife, including the famous Fiona the hippo, who has become an adorable icon for the zoo. Other attractions include the Swan Lake Wild Lights Show, Santa’s North Pole Village, the Gingerbread Village, and the mystical Fiona-themed Fairyland. Beautiful botanical gardens are another reason why people visit the Cincinnati Zoo and always have something beautiful to view.
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
Top Experience: Animal encounters, botanical displays
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: $15 onwards
6. Visit Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Photo: Victoria Stauffenberg / Wikimedia Commons
A quiet nature lovers retreat can be held at Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Among the most spectacular is Brandywine Falls, an easy-to-reach 65-foot waterfall. Another attraction is the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, featuring a 19.5-mile path along the historic canal, ideal for biking or a leisurely walk. The park is also known for various wildlife species and historical views. Enjoy a train tour with the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad that allows you to discover the park’s landscape while being educated about the railroad heritage of the location.
Location: Northeast Ohio
Top Experience: Hiking, scenic train rides, wildlife spotting
Timings: 24*7
Entry Fee: Free
7. Tour The National Museum Of The U.S. Air Force
Photo: KLaRock / Wikimedia Commons
It is a rare journey through history and one of the absolute things to do in Ohio for all history and aviation enthusiasts. Being the world’s largest and oldest military aviation museum, it assembled more than 350 aerospace vehicles, including World War II aircraft, presidential planes, and the legendary SR-71 Blackbird. Inside is 19 acres of exhibition space, and visitors can walk through several galleries that point out important milestones, from the earliest days of flight to relatively recent efforts into space.
Location: Dayton, Ohio
Top Experience: Viewing historic aircraft, learning about aviation history
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: Free
8. Taste The Flavours Of Ohio At North Market
North Market in Columbus is a must-visit for foodies who wish to sample Ohio’s many flavours. This is a marketplace located right in the heart of the city and has extensive local vendors offering fresh produce for international cuisines. Some of the places include Dos Hermanos Tacos, where you can enjoy tacos in Oaxacan style. Next, there’s Pasta Ditoni’s for fresh pasta and Bake Me Happy for gluten-free treats like pop tarts. It is also a good place to shop for local goods or to buy great Ohio-themed souvenirs.
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Top Experience: Food tasting, shopping
Timings: 9 AM – 7 PM
9. Visit The Franklin Park Conservatory
Photo: Mvanover84 / Wikimedia Commons
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens reflects the association of picture beauty and artistic flair. There are more than 400 species of plants belonging to various parts of the world within the glass biomes. Visitors can stroll through specific theme gardens, such as the butterfly garden, which shows butterflies in a peaceful, colourful atmosphere. There are also beautiful glass art installations by world-renowned Dale Chihuly housed in the conservatory. Another interesting attraction is the Bonsai Collection, where artfully pruned trees in rotating displays bring serenity and meditativeness.
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Top Experience: Botanical displays, seasonal events
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: $23 onwards
10. Cheer For Your Favorite Team
Photo: Erik Drost / Wikimedia Commons
Ohio proudly boasts of being one of the biggest sports fans in the United States, so if you visit the area during game time, prepare for a lively experience. From football to basketball, baseball to hockey, Ohio promises excitement for any sports enthusiast in every event. Cleveland Cavaliers is steeped in history, especially their historic win in the 2016 NBA Championship. An avid basketball fan needs to see the team at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Gridiron fans head to Paycor Stadium for the most exciting team the NFL has seen in quite some time..
Location: Statewide
Top Experience: Game-day excitement, local sports culture
Things to do in Ohio surprise you with a great mix of natural wonders, cultural treasures, and heart-pounding adventure opportunities. From the first dawn hike to unforgettable nights under starlit skies, Ohio caters to the traveller who thrives on variety and authenticity. Whether it’s a quick getaway or a deep dive into its attractions, Ohio promises to leave you with stories worth sharing. Plan your trip with TripXL and create memories that last a lifetime.
Cover Photo: Robert Conklin / Unsplash
