11 Best Towns In Ohio To Visit In 2024
Ohio has an array of charming small towns, each with a unique character, vibe, and attractions. If you are considering touring the Buckeye State in 2024, try ignoring big cities like Cleveland and Columbia for a change and venture into the backcountry. The often-overlooked rural destinations promise a fresh holiday experience, offering a more relaxed atmosphere without the crowds in the urban jungles.
Together, the small towns in Ohio harbor the historical and cultural fabric of the state, with their unique traditions and captivating pasts. They also boast beautiful natural scenery, presenting endless outdoor opportunities to keep you entertained throughout your stay. Whether planning a laidback lakeside retreat or a thrill-filled adventure in the middle of the wilderness this 2024, here are the most charming towns to check out in the Buckeye State.
Yellow Springs
Yellow Springs boasts a nice mix of outdoor pursuits tailored for travelers with an affinity for open spaces. Housing about 3,800 residents, enough room exists to explore its natural wonders without worrying about rowdy crowds. The Glen Helen Nature Preserve is an excellent place to start, offering almost 1,000 acres of natural oasis with 20 miles of scenic trails to explore. The town is also home to the John Bryan State Park, a delightful nature space with opportunities for mountain bikers, hikers, campers, and anglers.
Away from the outdoors, strolling through the quaint downtown allows you to encounter a friendly mix of businesses featuring galleries, restaurants, ice cream shops, and cafes. Young's Jersey Dairy serves generous scoops of tasty ice creams if you fancy a delicious cold treat. But if you want a serious meal, you will like the American fare served at Sunrise Café.
Berlin
A rich cultural experience awaits visitors to this tiny village in Holmes County. In the heart of Ohio's Amish Country, Berlin stands out for its rustic feel and the 19th-century architecture lining its calm streets. The Behalt-Amish Mennonite Heritage Center gives you a feel of the town's historical and cultural Amish heritage. It offers an immersive look into local culture and tradition. Those who feel engrossed in the friendly Amish culture can stop by Berlin Village Antique Mall to browse antique furniture, glassware, and other items for a potential souvenir.
However, it does not get better than mingling with the locals to feel their warmth up close, and Sheiyah Market is the venue to interact with the townsfolk while shopping for apparel, décor, fashion items, and more. Finally, you cannot leave the town without sampling classic Amish cuisine. Fortunately, Boyd & Wurthmann Restaurant serves diverse home-style delicacies, specializing in house-baked pies.
Granville
Home to Denison University, Granville boasts a charismatic, upbeat atmosphere with a vibrant, youthful population and beautiful outdoor scenery punctuated with the rolling Welsh Hills. Nature lovers can take advantage of the 45 acres of urban oasis inside the Spring Valley Nature Preserve. The atmosphere is relaxed and delightful, with marked nature trails traversing woodlands and open fields. Meanwhile, Sugarloaf Park offers an alternative setting to spend time with family outside. The former quarry site was transformed into a green space with nature trails and picnic tables.
When not combing the outdoors, you can interest yourself in the town's past at the Granville Historical Society Museum, home to a broad collection of artifacts. Also, the Robbins Hunter Museum looks into 19th-century Granville through art, furnishings, and other memorabilia from the period.
Mansfield
Set midway between Cleveland and Columbus, Mansfield is an excellent escape from Ohio's big cities, delivering a relaxed rural retreat. It boasts an amazing mix of museums and its setting on the foothills of the Allegheny Plateau results in gorgeous natural surroundings. Among its noteworthy landmarks is the Ohio State Reformatory, a historic prison built in the late 19th century and operating until 1990. Mansfield Memorial Museum is another noteworthy site to check out if you are interested in the town's storied past. It is also the oldest Richland County museum.
But there is more to Mansfield than its historical attractions, and the outdoors offers the ideal fun alternative. Kingwood Center Gardens allows you to experience the town's charming natural side. It presents beautiful floral displays of unique plant species with a peaceful atmosphere. Afterward, try catching a family-friendly live performance at the Renaissance Theater.
Hudson
Hudson offers vacationers an idyllic countryside escape in a suburban community on the outskirts of Akron. The town boasts a rich history dating back to the Underground Railroad, which you can get a sense of by strolling through the Hudson Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Here, you can admire well-preserved historic homes and witness other distinctive elements showcasing the town's cultural and architectural heritage. If your idea of holiday fun is in the open spaces, you will fancy the opportunities at Cascade Park. The 75-acre space boasts a stream with lovely waterfalls and green woods.
Alternatively, you can enjoy a nice game of disc golf at the Hudson Springs Disc Golf Course, which adjoins a lovely family park. When you have had enough of the outdoors, you can unwind by catching a fun movie flick at Regal Hudson.
Delaware
Delaware is one of the best towns in Ohio for those seeking respite from the hustle and bustle of the capital. Situated about 30 miles from Columbus, it presents less crowded streets and greener surroundings with a more laid-back environment. You will confirm this inside the Delaware State Park, spanning over 1,600 acres and offering endless recreational opportunities, from fishing and hunting to camping and hiking. Those who want the complete outdoor experience can pack their tents and head to the Alum Creek State Park Campground, where sleeping under the stars beckons.
For art connoisseurs, the Richard M. Ross Art Museum presents an impressive collection of exhibits worth checking out. Finally, do not leave the town without sampling its bustling brewery scene. There are several options to visit, including Staas Brewing Company, if you have a soft spot for local craft brews.
Chagrin Falls
Chagrin Falls stands out for the gorgeous waterfall flowing through the heart of its downtown, proving to be a popular draw for tourists looking to make the most of the photo opportunity. However, there is more to this lovely Cuyahoga County, especially if you love the outdoors and artistic pursuits. To explore its beautiful open spaces, you can head to Frohring Meadows and revel in the peaceful and green setting of this 289-acre nature park. It also features a charming butterfly garden, perfect for relaxing and unwinding.
Chagrin Falls' art scene is nothing to scoff at and presents a nice mix of art venues worth checking out. Top among them is the Glass Asylum, a quaint glass-blowing studio that delights visitors with the sophisticated technique. Meanwhile, fans of live performances will love the shows staged at Chagrin Valley Little Theater.
Marion
From iconic historical landmarks and quirky attractions to exciting outdoor opportunities, Marion provides a nice balance of activities to entertain its visitors. Historians will be drawn to the Warren G. Harding Presidential Sites, an interesting house museum and former home of President Warren G. Harding. You can pay your last respects to the nation's former leader at Harding Tomb, home to his elaborate grave site. Meanwhile, guests with an affinity for whimsical attractions will be impressed by the Wyandot Popcorn Museum, which boasts the world's broadest collection of popcorn poppers.
After browsing all the main indoor points of interest, you can breathe fresh air at the Veterans Memorial Park. While at it, you can also break a sweat at the baseball and softball fields or channel your inner child at the playground. Finally, finish the day by savoring delicious barbecue at A Taste of Memphis BBQ.
Galena
Galena packs a punch of touristy delights for a modest community of less than 1,000, making it an excellent holiday retreat. Its scenic location in the hills of Delaware County results in scenic surroundings, which you can explore by hiking in the Hoover Nature Preserve. Besides the park's quiet setting, it also offers lovely bird-watching opportunities with over 30 species of shorebirds. Also, do not forget to soak in the spectacular scenery along the Hoover Mudflats Boardwalk, with an opportunity to spot ducks, birds, and other wildlife. You can then grab a steaming cup of coffee at the family-owned The Coffee Vault.
Peninsula
Home to almost 600 residents, this diminutive community lies within Cuyahoga Valley National Park, surrounded by Ohio's wilderness splendor. Exploring the national park's many preserved landscapes offers a true escape from daily life. Hikers and nature lovers will find endless recreational opportunities among the lush forests and valleys thanks to miles of trails. The multi-terrain Salt Run Trail, a 3.25-mile primitive hike over rugged terrain and wildflower-dotted fields, is notable amongst the routes. Alternatively, the Stanford Trails rewards those who brave its steep ascents with breathtaking views of scenic Brandywine Falls.
Peninsula's charming downtown offers many fun alternatives if you are not inclined to the open spaces. The small locally-owned shops lining its streets stock unique finds for antique collectors. You can browse the vintage curiosities and refurbished collectibles at Peninsula Village Antiques for the perfect souvenir to take home.
Waterville
Escape to the laidback-paced rhythm of Waterville for a relaxed getaway marked with natural tranquility. This tiny Lucas County village sits along the fertile banks of the Maumee River and traces its beginnings to the late 18th century. You can sense its storied past by strolling along the Roche de Boeuf pedestrian bridge. Constructed in 1908, the sandstone structure has carried generations of townsfolk and remains the scenic gateway to annual heritage celebrations.
Beyond Waterville's historical attractions, the outdoors draws explorers to experience natural beauty. Trailheads at BendView MetroPark are perfect for solitary hiking amid wooded bluffs and sylvan valleys. Meanwhile, families will delight in Farnsworth MetroPark's more developed paths, where children can skip stones while having fun.
Final Thoughts
Ohio's charisma is evident from its beautiful outdoor scenery, rich historical heritage, and unique cultural practices, making it a worthy vacation destination for anyone planning to tour the American Midwest in 2024. While there are numerous places to explore, these small towns in Ohio easily feature in the state's top offerings.
