6 Loveliest Small Towns to Visit in Ohio This Summer
Do you have plans this summer? Jump in the car for an Ohio road trip to discover the amazing attractions of the state’s lovely small towns. Make cherished memories, get close to nature, and explore the history and heritage of America’s Midwest in these picturesque communities. Catch a lively 50s party in Ohio’s ‘Little Switzerland’ or sip craft wines in the foothills of the Appalachians. From festivals to fairgrounds and from hikes to historical museums, there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained this summer.
Millersburg
Historic Millersburg was founded in 1815 and is in the heart of Ohio’s Amish Country, in the northeast of the state. Situated amid green rolling hills, this charming little burg is all about the simple life. Browse the shops downtown to pick up a handcrafted Amish souvenir, from rugs to pottery. You’ll notice a lot of beautifully preserved 1800s architecture around town. Be sure to stop by Hotel Millersburg, the oldest large building in the village. Built in 1847, the hotel is on the National Register of Historic Places.
After all that walking, quench your thirst at the award-winning Guggisberg’s Doughty Glen Winery, which has live entertainment on Friday evenings during the summer. For family-friendly fun, visit in August when Millersburg hosts the Holmes County Fair. This iconic summer festival is over 100 years old and features rides, exhibitions, a grandstand, and local food vendors.
Sugarcreek
Known as the ‘Little Switzerland of Ohio’, Sugarcreek earned its unusual nickname from its Swiss heritage. Founded by Amish settlers and Swiss and German families, this unique village is a little slice of Europe in northeast Ohio. The town is home to the world’s largest Cuckoo Clock, built in 1972 and still striking the hour in the town square. Sugarcreek is also known for its excellent cheese. Stop by the Broad Run Cheesehouse and Swiss Heritage Wines on the outskirts of town to sample their locally-made varieties and pair them with the perfect vintage.
Visit Sugarcreek in June to see one of the town’s biggest festivals, the Fabulous 50s Fling. For two days, the town steps back in time to swing, jive, and party like it’s 1955 with live music, classic cars, and delicious food.
Greenville
Located in west central Ohio, Greenville is a lovely historic town with 80 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. One of the most popular spots in summer is Bear’s Mill, built in 1849. This grist mill, situated on the banks of the Greenville Creek, is still in operation today, although its first floor now contains a gift shop and gallery. Take the millrace path along the creek to see the upper and lower dams and snap some vacation shots at the beautiful covered bridge. There’s more breathtaking scenery just south of Greenville at the Coppess Nature Sanctuary, a 32-acre woodland park with a well-maintained loop trail through the forest.
Greenville is the place to be in July when the Annie Oakley Festival takes over the town fairgrounds for three days of Old West entertainment and cowboy thrills. With live music, car shows, tractor pulls, costume competitions, and more, this is a one-of-a-kind event celebrating the legendary heroine.
Coshocton
Wine trails, adventure experiences, historical landmarks — Coshocton has a little something for everyone this summer. This pretty town by the Erie Canal is best known for its open-air historical museum, Roscoe Village, which gives visitors a glimpse of life in the 1800s. For a more modern experience in Coshocton, follow the Three Rivers Wine Trail, a scenic drive that meanders past seven wineries and a brewery showcasing the best local vintages and brews. Take a different kind of road trip on the Quilt Barn Trail, a 22.2-mile drive through lush farm country, passing Roscoe Village, skirting past downtown Coshocton, and ending at Clary Gardens, a 20-acre botanical park.
Mount Vernon
Located on the Kokosing River, Mount Vernon is a summer hotspot for outdoor adventurers. This is the perfect time of year to take the 14-mile Kokosing Gap Trail, which runs east to west from Mount Vernon to Danville. The trail, which winds through meadows, wetlands, and forests, includes many unique features, including railroad bridges, a 1940 locomotive, and a 1924 Chesapeake & Ohio caboose.
Historic downtown Mount Vernon comes alive in the summer season with ‘First Fridays.’ On the first Friday of each month, local businesses showcase their wares with an evening mini-market where visitors can stroll around and pick up a souvenir. If you’re visiting in August, catch the Mount Vernon Music and Arts Festival to hear talented artists doing their thing on stage.
Gallipolis
The beautiful river town of Gallipolis is known as ‘the old French city’ thanks to its European heritage. Experience the quaint village’s French connection for yourself with a visit to the French Art Colony. Housed in an 1855 Greek Revival home, this thriving arts center offers live performances, children's theater, and gallery exhibits during the summer. Summer is also a good time to catch the French 500 Flea Market and Crafts Show, where you can spend a happy few hours browsing plants, antiques, collectibles, toys, handmade items, food, and more.
Cool off from the hot summer sun at the Inflatable Aqua Park. Here, you can make a splash in the Ohio River with canoes, paddleboards, and beach toys available for rent. The river gets even busier in August with the Gallipolis River Recreation Festival, a family-friendly two-day event featuring games, music, contests, vendors, and more.
Summer in the Magical Midwest
Summer in Ohio is always an adventure. Whether you’re hiking the Appalachian Plateau, rafting glacial rivers, relaxing by the lake, or exploring the sundrenched streets of that state’s quintessential Midwest small towns. These lovely communities come alive in summer with street fairs, markets, festivals, open-air entertainment, and more. This is the state where summer means lazy days by the lake, followed by wine tastings under the stars. Don’t overlook Ohio when planning your vacation this year; the Buckeye state is a perfect taste of Midwest magic.
