11 Off The Beaten Path Ohio Towns

The state of Ohio is in the midwestern part of the United States. Of all the 50 states in America, it is the 34th largest but the 7th most populous. Fossil discoveries of ancient civilizations in Ohio date as far back as 9000 BCE, and in later years, the state has seen famous battles like the French and Indian War.

Present-day Ohio boasts big cities that intrigue tourists with glistening skyscrapers and world-class sports amenities. However, it’s usually in the overlooked small towns that travelers can find unique treasures worth experiencing. These hidden gems provide a magical experience that will rival the larger, more known establishments of the Buckeye State. 

Stunning natural scenery, iconic historical landmarks, and thriving art scenes barely scratch the surface of what awaits first-timers in these 11 Off the Beaten Path Ohio Towns.

Peninsula

Peninsula is a small town perched in the northern part of Summit County along the Cuyahoga River. This underrated locale is right in the middle of Cuyahoga Valley National Park, which shelters all sorts of cute animals, including chipmunks, mice, and moles, while the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad provides an unrivaled viewing experience of lush forests and dramatic landscapes aboard an iconic train.

Adventurous Travelers embarking on the 1.8-mile-long Ledges Hiking Trail are rewarded with gorgeous Cuyahoga Valley vistas atop Ledges Overlook, a famous picturesque spot for photo opportunities and watching beautiful sunsets. Meanwhile, Everett Covered Bridge takes history enthusiasts back in time and sheds light on the lives of residents living in 19th-century Ohio.

Sugarcreek

Located in Tuscarawas County, with a modest population of slightly over 2,000, this little town has been dubbed “The Little Switzerland of Ohio”. Make a stop by the world's Largest Cuckoo Clock, which measures more than 20 feet tall and wide, for an ideal family photograph. Inspect the exhibits at The Alpine Hills Museum to learn about the rich legacy of past immigrants of Sugarcreek, or visit galleries brimming with precious relics to enjoy a unique cultural experience.

The Farm at Walnut Creek presents guests with a lovely opportunity to hand-feed animals like giraffes, deer, and camels from cars or horse-drawn wagons. Pick up fresh produce at the Hillcrest Orchard of Walnut Creek, which grows 22 varieties of apples alongside a collection of local meat, snacks, and peaches.

Germantown

Germantown is situated in Montgomery County and was established in 1814 by German Americans from Pennsylvania. The Veterans Memorial Museum Foundation honors national heroes and dispenses invaluable information to its visitors through exhibitions of personal artifacts and oral histories. Crains Run Nature Park shelves out plenty of picnic opportunities where visitors can revel in the peaceful atmosphere created by the slow-moving water of the Great Miami River.

Family fun awaits at the Land of Illusion Adventure Park, packed with various water slides and a Killer Klowns Haunted Maze. Alternatively, The Orange Trail in Germantown Metropark spans 14.5 km and is ideal for an adventurous hike into the woods while marveling at breathtaking landscape vistas.

Yellow Springs

Found in northern Greene County, this small community of about 3,700 is among the most underrated Ohio towns. Outdoorsy travelers can set up camp tents at the beautiful John Bryan State Park to roast marshmallows by the fire as birdwatchers remain glued to their binoculars to stake out 90 different bird species, among them Virginia bluebells and snow trillium. Numerous hiking trails like the Inman Trail and Glen Hellen Loop Trail at the Glen Hellen Nature Preserve are perfect for strapping on some hiking boots and navigating through the timberland.

Take a break from all the outdoor adventure at the Little Art Theatre, which screens classic movies of all genres, from captivating dramas to fun musicals. Finally, sign up for a guided tour through galleries of the National Museum of the US Air Force for a spectacular journey through aviation history, with a look at a vast collection of aviation inventions dating back to the 1920s. 

Marietta

Marietta is conveniently only 11 miles northeast of West Virginia and boasts numerous historic landmarks like The Castle Historic House Museum, which harbors the legacy of Dunoon and the surrounding area. Visitors can feast their eyes on one of the oldest buildings in Ohio, The Ohio Company Land Office, at the Campus Martius Museum and pop inside for a brief history lesson about the state.

Peoples Bank Theatre promises to hypnotize visitors with enthralling live-action plays courtesy of local and visiting performers. Lastly, detour The Antique Mall of Marietta to hunt for a souvenir or pick up one-of-a-kind gifts to take back home, including old toys, traditional jewelry, and glassware.

Bellefontaine

Bellefontaine is nestled in Logan County, about 48 miles from the capital,  Columbus, offering a sweet escape from the hustle and bustle. Speedily navigate through the snow at Mad River Mountain in a thrilling skiing experience or score eagles and birdies in the well-trimmed fairway of the Liberty Hills Golf Club.

An excursion through the famous Logan County History Center halls rewards tourists with oral, written, and tangible accounts of great historical events that shaped Logan County, including the evolution of transport and prominent families in the county. It houses historical treasures like the Orr Mansion, History Museum, and Transportation Museum. Few things can be better than snapping a photo at McKinley Street, among the world's shortest streets at only 15 feet long.

Grand Rapids

Entrenched in Wood County, Grand Rapids is a faultless address for those who fancy an out-of-door adventure. Embark on an angling expedition in The Mary Jane Thurston State Park, where species like walleye, smallmouth bass, and sheepshead swim through the strife-free waters of the Maumee River. Elsewhere, enjoy striking sights of flowers and plant life while roaming the pathways of the Matthaei Botanical Gardens and taking in the tranquil atmosphere.

The Toledo Museum of Art is where the thriving art community of Grand Rapids convenes to admire more than 30,000 works of art, ranging from sculptures to paintings and glassworks. Visitors get a taste of life in 19th century Ohio at the Canal Experience in Providence Metropark through iconic canal boat rides pulled by mules like in the old times.

Lebanon

About 21,000 people call this minute township stationed in Warren County home, the perfect bedrock for historians with iconic landmarks. The Harmon Museum, which has a replica of a town square from the 1800s, displays artifacts of early inhabitants of southwest Ohio and houses a research library. Saddle up some majestic thoroughbreds and gallop along numerous trails at the Win Row Farm.

Take advantage of the captivating experience provided by Gentle Breeze Hot Air Balloon Rides and delight in touring the blue skies of Lebanon with a bird's eye perspective of the serene environment below. After all the fun, rejuvenate with a lovely meal and spend the night at the prestigious Golden Lamb Restaurant and Hotel, where famous figures like Mark Twain and Charles Dickens have dined before in one of Ohio’s oldest operating hotels. 

Millersburg

Millersburg sits deep in the heart of Ohio’s Amish Country, specifically in Holmes County. Learn about the past ventures of the communities’ early Amish and Mennonite settlers at the Behalt–Amish Mennonite Center and admire the 10 by 265-foot mural inside. Hershberger’s Farm is a testament to the town’s agricultural prestige with samples of freshly baked goods, pastries, canned goods, and home-grown products that treat travelers to a delightful dining experience.

A scenic drive filled with changing scenery through Amish-themed houses and wildlife awaits tourists eager to embark on the Holmes County Trail. Stop by for a lovely picnic along the way, or admire the elegantly restored train depot at Hipp Station. 

Granville

Home to Denison University, this vibrant municipality is lodged in Licking County and bestows panoramic vistas of the Appalachian Mountain Range. The Granville Historical Society Museum showcases the conflict-filled history of the area, featuring archives and periodicals on the Northwest Indian War of the 18th Century.

Wildwood Park is jam-packed with activities for the whole family, including a designated playground, soccer fields, and a bike path. Visitors to Granville can purchase lovely, handcrafted pottery from Sostenuto Arts Polish Pottery as a memento to take home or take a dip into the cool waters of Lake Hudson before setting up tents at the nearby camping grounds after a long day of exploring the town.

Loveland

Loveland is a tiny community oozing small-town charm in Clermont, Hamilton, and Warren Counties of Ohio. Tourists with a passion for fish can set out on Lake Isabella to catch feisty channel catfish, panfish, and yellow perch. Rather, rent a canoe from Loveland Canoe and Kayak for a laid-back cruise along the Little Miami River, brimming with fish, turtles, and frogs against the backdrop of beautiful natural vegetation.

Travelers not very fond of an outdoor expedition can pick up a pair of ice skates at Castle Skateland and lap around one of the largest indoor ice rinks in the state. Finally, after a long day of adrenaline-inducing fun, unwind with a nice mug of cold beer from Narrow Path Brewing Co. 

Wrapping Up

While the big and glamorous cities in the Buckeye state have a way of luring first-timers with various urban creature comforts, there are numerous fun experiences in its often ignored backcountry destinations. These underrated Ohio towns are teeming with iconic historical landmarks, rich culture, and captivating outdoor scenery that will entice visitors to keep coming back for more.