10 of the Most Overlooked Towns in Ohio

Wade or paddle down the many rivers of Ohio, a state whose name literally comes from Iroquois word “ohi-yo” meaning “great river.” There are many places to paddle towards, but you should definitely stop by the most overlooked towns in Ohio. Although not as popular as locations like Columbus, Cincinnati, or Cleveland, these overlooked towns provide rewarding experiences in a wonderful atmosphere. Give yourself a verdant adventure in Chagrin Falls and Yellow Springs. Treat yourself to an oft-desired vacation to the past in places like Marietta, Mount Vernon, and Loveland. And when exploring vibrant towns like Put-In-Bay, Athens, and Ashtabula, you will carry memories and moments of everlasting wonder. Take the paths less traveled and see why you should not overlook these amazing towns in Ohio.

Yellow Springs

Only around 30 minutes from Dayton, visitors can rejoice in the sprightly and spirited waters of Ohio in the alluring town of Yellow Springs. The nearby Glen Helen Nature Preserve produces an atmospheric tranquility for those striking the woodland trails and staying in the bucolic camping grounds of the region. When traveling through the 752-acre limestone gorge of John Bryan State Park, take care to take photos of the panoramic Little Miami River, one of the 10 longest rivers in Ohio. Or you can engage in running and biking activities through the Little Miami Bike Trails. Yellow Springs is not solely focused on Ohio’s landscape, for the Clifton Mill highlights the town’s significance in the grist mill business. But the town is most revered for the Earth Day celebration on April 20, when visitors and locals alike are encouraged to pluck as many blossoming fruits as possible for free. If your baskets get too full, lessen the load in splendid accommodations like Mills Park Hotel, The Owl’s Roost, or Jailhouse Suites.

Chagrin Falls

When exploring the inviting village of Chagrin Falls, you will feel far from chagrined. As a matter of fact, Chagrin Falls will shower you with stellar and silvery delights such as the waterfalls in Chagrin River Park that earned the town its name. Beyond the peacefully bubbling waterfalls in the historic downtown, visitors can venture into the Glass Asylum, an innovative and creative complex where artisans can craft custom-made, glass-blown materials for purchasing. Elsewhere, the Chagrin Falls Historical Society & Museum elaborates on Chagrin Fall’s trials and tribulations since 1833. You might also be invested in sampling and savoring the sweet past at the historic Popcorn Shop, the oldest sweet shop in town. So spend your adventurous occasion in Chagrin Falls, only about 40 miles from Cleveland, and remember to book a room at the Inn of Chagrin.

Marietta

Marietta has endured since 1788 as the oldest settlement in Ohio. Due to its location at the confluence of the Muskingum River and Ohio River, the Hopewell and Adena Native Americans once prospered in the territory before early pioneers established a more permanent residence. Even today, Marietta continues to promote local and natural attractions like Gunlock Park, Kroger Wetland, and the Wayne National Forest. But the town is also historically attractive thanks to its influence in Westward expansion, which Pulitzer Prize-winning historian David McCullough discussed in The Pioneers. More physical examples of Marietta’s ties to the past include the well-preserved Native American mounds, embankments, and passageways the ancient tribes left behind. There is also earthenware from these said tribes at the Mound Cemetery or Marietta Earthworks. For those who are interested in seeing what the Delaware, Mingo, and Shawnee people have contributed to Marietta, you should first find accommodations at the Lafayette Hotel or the Hackett Hotel.

Granville

Approximately 33 miles from Columbus, Granville entreats visitors to a number of historical icons constructed by the Hopewell Native Americans. Several Native American mounds dominate the area, such as Infirmary Mound situated in the similarly named Infirmary Mound Park or the one in Salt Run Park. In addition to these mounds, visitors can also peruse an early settlement site in Raccoon Valley Park and Newark Earthworks in the Licking County Area. The Great Circle Museum elaborates more on the Native American influence of Granville, whereas the Robbins Hunter Museum, Bryn Du Mansion, and Granville Inn showcase the pioneer legacies of the town’s early settlers. One can actually book a room at the Granville Inn. But if you prefer more modern lodgings, the Broadway Guest House, the Porch House Bed & Breakfast, and the Historic Buxton Inn have the necessities you require to enjoy your trip in Granville.

Put-In-Bay

There are many things to cherish in Put-In-Bay, a relaxing village on one of the Bass Islands in Lake Erie. Affectionately known as the “Key West of the North,” Put-in-Bay contains several historical landmarks like Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial, both of which commemorate the Battle of Lake Erie in the year 1812. One can admire memorabilia and artifacts of the winemaking and shipbuilding businesses of Put-In-Bay at the Lake Erie Islands Historical Museum. A more direct connection to shipbuilding can be found at the Benson Ford Ship House, a forecastle of a huge cargo ship manufactured for delivering iron ore in the Great Lakes for Henry Ford’s company.

At Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center, one can admire a butterfly house and a limestone cave. Meanwhile, visitors can enjoy vintage rides at Kimberley’s Carousel, constructed by Allan Herschell in the year 1917. When it comes to local festivals, Put-in-Bay puts in a ton of effort to create engaging venues like the Blessing of Fleet ceremony on March 14, a Put-In-Bay Spring Fling from May 5 to 6, and a viewing of a total solar eclipse on April 8. As for lodgings, you will feel safe and sound in establishments like Commodore Resort, Victory Station Hotel, and Bird’s Nest Resort.

Loveland

Lovely things await in the gorgeous small town of Loveland. Only 24 miles from Cincinnati, see why the town is proudly called "Sweetheart of Ohio” and a designated Buckeye Trail Town. Trailblazers and thrill-seekers can rejoice in several hiking and biking routes of the Little Miami Scenic Bike Trails. The Loveland Historical Society & Museum emphasizes the town’s enduring and endearing legacies, and the Loveland Stage Company and the Loveland Art Studios on Main showcase live performances and shows depicting the cultural affinities of Loveland. Fall in love with the medieval-themed Loveland Castle, also known as Chateau Laroche. Or you can engage in recreational games in Castle Skateland. No need to feel stressed in Loveland, because the Loveland Lofts have all the accommodations you need to explore wonderfully in town.

Mount Vernon

On the banks of the Kokosing River, the town of Mount Vernon shelters many treasures. It earned its name from the former plantation complex of George Washington. Mount Vernon is also the birthplace of Mary Ann Bickerdyke, a Union war nurse during the American Civil War, and Daniel Decatur Emmette, the composer of “Dixie” and other related music genres. Visitors can venture into historical landmarks like the Woodward Opera House, the oldest known “free-standing” opera house in the US. For the more outdoors-type of traveler, you can traverse the 14-mile long Kokosing Gap Trail. There are also a number of local events and festivities for you to relish in your stay in Mount Vernon, particularly the Mount Vernon Music and Arts Festival in August and the Knox County Fair in July. Should you wish to stay a while in town, find yourself a place to rest up in the night at the Mount Vernon Grand Hotel, the Mount Vernon Inn, or the Coleman Family Gallerie Suite.

Milan

Not to be mistaken with the Milan in Italy, the overlooked town in Ohio of the same name has its own cultural and natural appeals. For instance, the Milan Historical Museum houses a blacksmith’s workstation and the Sayles House, a toy and doll museum with fascinating and unique creations. As a town first established by Moravian missionaries in 1804, Milan is only around 36 miles from Put-In-Bay on the Huron River and was the birthplace of Thomas Alva Edison, the great American inventor. The redbrick house on Edison Drive is where Edison spent much of his early childhood, and now the complex serves as a museum narrating the famous creations and contributions he made to his society. If you require a place to rest in the night, the White Dog Bed & Breakfast, Alto Inn, and Milan Inn-tiques have all you desire for a luxurious rest in Milan.

Athens

Although far from being the capital acropolis in Greece and birthplace of democracy, Athens in Ohio is a liberal place to experience the freedom of expression and thought. After all, Athens happens to be home to Ohio University, a haven for enlightenment and education and one of the best college towns in Ohio. As a town situated along the Hocking River, Athens is thriving with nearby natural landmarks like the expansive Wayne National Forest, the gorgeous and majestic Lake Hope State Park, and the alluring Zaleski State Forest. Because Athens emulates the cultural sophistication and artistic affinity of its namesake, tourists can be entertained by the town’s artworks at the OHIO Museum Complex and Kennedy Museum of Art or at the Dairy Barn Arts Center. Remember to find excellent lodgings like Athens Central Hotel, Ohio University Inn, or Hometown Inn.

Ashtabula

Approximately 53 miles from Cleveland, the humble town of Ashtabula sits placidly on the shores of Lake Erie. Named from the Algonquian word meaning “river of many fishes,” one can see these aquatic creatures at the Walnut Beach Park and Ashtabula River Trail along Lake Erie. Close at hand, the Hubbard House Underground Railroad Museum showcases exhibits and memorabilia highlighting Ashtabula’s contributions to the abolitionist movement. While you are roaming about in Ashtabula’s countryside or learning of the area’s pivotal history, you can savor exquisite and refreshing wine in the county of Ashtabula since the town sharing the namesake is renowned for over 30 wineries in the fertile Grand River Valley. Quite literally, about 50% of Ohio’s aggregate grapes are grown and harvested from the Grand River Valley. So see more of what Ashtabula has to offer on your journey throughout Ohio’s overlooked towns.

The Takeaway

Ohio is often an overlooked state in itself. Even though it is the birthplace of many US presidents—such as William Henry Harrison, Ulysses S. Grant, and Rutherford B. Hayes—and where the Wright brothers tested their first prototypes in flight, the Buckeye State has many overlooked qualities and locations one should never underestimate. But often the treasures we find at the end of a less-traveled road is the most rewarding compared to the most popular items, and Ohio has many of these overlooked treasures in the forms of the small towns you will cherish forever. Whether you are gallivanting through nature’s best gifts in Yellow Spring and Put-in-Bay or sightseeing the historic landmarks of Milan and Granville, the many great rivers of Ohio and from Lake Erie will wash away all your weariness and worries.