8 Adorable Small Towns in Ohio

Also known as the “Buckeye State”, Ohio is one of the Midwestern United States’ most beautiful and fascinating places. From natural beauty to intriguing history, and loads of Midwest culture and fun, Ohio truly is a great place to discover at any age. But beyond the major cities, the State also has plenty of smaller towns that too are ready to welcome visitors with a healthy dose of charm. So pack your bags and take to the road, these adorable Ohio towns await for a most special American experience.

Granville

Granville is situated in central Ohio and is only some 35 miles from the State capital of Columbus. With a population of nearly 6,000 inhabitants, this charming and visually pleasing town has plenty of beauty ready to leave an impression. Marvel at the stunning Greek revival style architecture, the beautiful campus of Denison University (1831), and numerous splendid 19^th century churches and their steeples. In addition along Main Street a plethora of great local businesses, restaurants, shops, and galleries populate the area for a most amiable experience. And do not forget to visit the unique Alligator Mound green space, a 200 foot long and five foot high grass area believed to have been created by indigenous peoples.

Perrysburg

The town of Perrysburg can trace its modern history to the late 1790s and continues to maintain a most fascinating and alluring historic atmosphere. Home to a population of just over 25,000 inhabitants, Perrysburg is located on the banks of the Maumee River in northern Ohio. Today visitors can continue to explore many important historical markers including Fort Meigs, a wooden fortification that was built for use during the War of 1812. This landmark on the National Register of Historic Places includes costumed interpreters and a real immersion into the time period for a most unique experience for young and old.

Meanwhile as a river town, one can enjoy plenty of outdoor activities in Perrysburg. With opportunities for swimming, biking, kayaking, and even just simple strolls along the water make this town a great place to enjoy the serenity of nature and a quieter pace of life.

Marietta

Marietta was established back in 1788 by French colonists and is considered the first major settlement of the then Northwest Territory. And in the 19^th century, the town was even a stop on the series of secret routes for fugitive slaves known as the Underground Railroad. Today with a population of just under 14,000 residents, Marietta maintains a unique European style and visitors will find a wide variety of architectural styles ranging from the 18^th to early 20^th centuries. Indeed even just a casual stroll through the town’s historic neighborhoods reveals plenty of scenic delight. Marvel at Victorian style home, walk along the cobblestone streets, and let yourself fall back in time.

In addition with its location along the confluence Ohio and Muskingum Rivers, tourists can enjoy loads of beautiful scenery. Add in a ride on a restored riverboat, a viewing of a Civil War battle re-enactment, or all the sights and sounds of the Ohio River Sternwheeler Festival, and being in Marietta will surely create a set of memories not soon to be forgotten.  

Grand Rapids

With a population of just over 900 residents, the town of Grand Rapids was first founded in the 1830s. Today it maintains a most charming and welcoming atmosphere that is perfect for anyone seeking the proverbial Anytown, USA. Located along the banks of the Maumee River, Grand Rapids is a relaxing place where visitors can enjoy such activities like swimming, jogging, and sightseeing while a great assortment of local diners and boutique stores round out the scenery. Meanwhile at the fall Apple Butter Festival, a delicious sampling of locally harvested products and other apple based treats will be sure to satisfy the sweet tooth of everyone, no matter what age.

Yellow Springs

Home to a population of just over 3,600 residents, the town of Yellow Springs is indeed a picturesque and charming locale just some 19 miles from the city of Dayton. Situated along the Little Miami Scenic Trail, visitors can enjoy splendid opportunities for biking and hiking here and several beautiful green spaces. These include the Glen Helen Nature Preserve, the Clifton Gorge Preserve, and the John Bryan State Park. Meanwhile at the family operated Young’s Jersey Dairy Farm, fun activities like goat feeding, navigating corn mazes, and trying freshly made ice cream add a unique rustic charm to one’s experience in Yellow Springs.

Sugarcreek

Also known as “The Little Switzerland of Ohio”, the town of Sugarcreek was founded by German and Swiss immigrants back in the 1830s. Now home to a population of just over 2,300, the town maintains a most special European atmosphere and visitors can enjoy numerous Swiss Alpine like houses and buildings, and the world’s largest cuckoo clock! Part of Ohio’s Amish Country, an assortment of cheese factories can be toured (including the Broad Run Cheese House) while the yearly Ohio Swiss Festival is a highlight of anyone’s visit to Sugarcreek. Here cultural dishes, ethnic dances, and other entertainment, and loads of fun make this undoubtedly one of the State’s most amusing, alluring, and of course adorable towns to discover.

Oberlin

Established in 1833, Oberlin is well known as a beautiful college town just some 31 miles from the city of Cleveland. Home to Oberlin College (also founded in 1833), just over 8,500 residents live in this charming community, with a school enrollment of nearly 3,000. Tour the lovely campus grounds, enjoy the assortment of cafes, boutique shops, local restaurants, and plenty of cultural events throughout the year, and the allure of Oberlin becomes evident. And with moderately hot summer temperatures and cool winters, the town can be appreciated throughout the year for an ideal excursion from the big cities and a slice of picturesque small town Ohio.

Milan

The birthplace of famed American inventor Thomas Edison, the charming town of Milan is the proud home of just over 1,300 residents. Indeed Edison remains Milan’s most famous native son, and visitors can learn more about his legacy at the Thomas Edison Birthplace Museum, a most fascinating and immersive place of American history. Meanwhile history lovers will also appreciate the Milan Historical Museum, chronicling the town’s past and the growth of Ohio. In addition a number of preserved 19^th century homes can still be observed in town including the Mitchell Turner House (1848), while an assortment of great local eateries, shops and other galleries round out the allure of this most adorable Ohio community.

Ohio is a staple of the Midwestern USA and is indeed a culturally rich and beautiful place full of discovery and intrigue. For some of the best experiences of the “Buckeye State” outside of its major cities like Cleveland and Cincinnati, its adorable and charming towns are indeed great destinations of fun.