9 Delightful Towns to Visit in Ohio
An important cultural and economic center of the Midwestern United States, Ohio or the “Buckeye State” is indeed a most beautiful place of discovery. From river side views, fascinating stories of America’s past, and loads of cultural charm, visiting Ohio for any vacation will surely leave the young and old with a special set of memories. While Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati, remain the best known cities in Ohio, the State is also home to a number of equally inviting smaller towns that are ready to showcase true Americana in a most splendid fashion. So when visiting the American Midwest, do not overlook Ohio and its wonderful assortment of small towns. Here fun, discovery, and learning come together to create a most unique American holiday experience!
Granville
Right in the heart of Licking County in Central Ohio, the beautifully charming town of Granville is indeed one of the most special places in the “Buckeye State”. Just some 35 miles from the capital Columbus, Granville can trace its modern history to the early 1800s where today a modest population of just over 6,000 inhabitants call home. Indeed visiting this delightful community is a great way to escape the big city bustle, while still enjoying the amenities of modern life. And with a most charming historic character, one can get the best of the past and the present when visiting Granville.
Explore a number of preserved 19th and early 20th century landmarks, many of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These include the Avery Hunter House (1842) and the Bryn du Mansion (1905) amongst several others. Meanwhile do not forget to stop by the peaceful campus of Denison University (1831), for a lovely afternoon outing. And with a special Greek Revival style of architecture that defines many of Granville’s historic structures, a most photogenic experience is sure to be had. Finally make sure to see the special Alligator Mound green space, that is believed to have been created many centuries ago by the local indigenous peoples.
Gallipolis
The seat of Gallia County in southern Ohio, Gallipolis is a lovely river town that was established by French colonists in the 1790s. Beautifully situated on the banks of the Ohio River, today just over 3,000 residents call this historically rich and naturally beautiful community home. Enjoy fun opportunities for fishing and swimming, while scenic picnic areas at the City Park or Mound Hill Park are great for a relaxing afternoon for the whole family. Add in welcoming hiking and biking trails, and Gallipolis really is a nice little place that the outdoors lover can appreciate.
In addition, Gallipolis boasts a cute assortment of local restaurants and other businesses, while an array of historic structures continue to populate the landscape. Visit the Gallipolis Historic District (listed entirely on the National Register of Historic Places) and learn more about Ohio’s 19th century past at the John Gee Black Historical Center and the Gallia County Historical Society.
Milan
Milan straddles the border of Huron and Erie Counties in northern Ohio, and it maintains a population of just over 1,300 inhabitants. Founded in the early 1800s and named for the Italian city, Milan is lovingly commemorated as the birthplace and childhood home of the famed inventor Thomas Edison. Indeed for any afficionado of American history, Milan is a cannot miss place, and besides its connection to Edison guests can find plenty of historic allure to enjoy here. Explore a number of 19th century landmarks in town like the Mitchell Turner House (1848) and the Ebenezer Andres House (1825) amongst others on the National Register of Historic Places. Meanwhile a most informative journey through Ohio’s past can be discovered at the Milan Museum and its fine exhibits.
Finally of course, there is the Thomas Edison Birthplace Museum where the early life and prolific career of the inventor are celebrated. This is a truly unique and wholly American experience, that honors not just the titular man but the spirit of inventiveness and ingenuity.
Oberlin
A part of the Cleveland Metropolitan area, the town pretty town of Oberlin is a great place to enjoy a genuine slice of small town Midwestern America. Established by Presbyterian missionaries in the 1830s, today just over 8,500 people call this most pleasing community home. A welcoming college town, Oberlin is the site of both Oberlin College (1833) and the famed Oberlin Conservatory of Music (1865), and it remains a most charming place for all, not just potential students. Tour the scenic campuses and enjoy the fine assortment of local cafes, restaurants, and other shops in town in a climate characterized by warm summers and cool winters. And with several inviting park spaces, and unique attractions like the Underground Railroad Center and the historic Westwood Cemetery (1864), spending time in Oberlin is indeed one of the most special things to do in Ohio.
Troy
Scenically located along the Great Miami River, the town of Troy in Western Ohio serves as the seat of Miami County where just over 26,000 people reside. Established in the early 1800s, Troy is indeed a great place to enjoy not only some of Ohio’s history but take to take in some of the State’s best natural beauty. Marvel at stunning valley vistas, spend time along the river front, or go for a scenic hike or bike ride at the Great Miami River Recreational Trail spanning some 30 miles. And with fun cultural events like the June Strawberry Festival, guests can enjoy not only tasty fruits, but great live music, vendors, and other games that bring this mid sized town to life!
Finally, history lovers can also appreciate Troy, and its 19th century past is lovingly preserved through a number of several still standing landmarks. Explore such places like the First Presbyterian Church (1859) and the County Courthouse (1885), amongst others on the National Register of Historic Places, and get a sense of daily life in the American Midwest in the 1800s.
Chagrin Falls
A beautifully scenic community along the Chagrin River, the town of Chagrin Falls is part of the Cleveland Metropolitan area in northeastern Ohio. Established in the 1830s and home to a modern population of just over 4,000 residents, Chagrin Falls is indeed a most alluring destination where visitors can appreciate both natural splendor and fascinating American history. Spend time along the River and visit the eponymous series of Falls along its path, while fun opportunities for jogging and cycling are always popular. Meanwhile at the nearby Beartown Lakes Reservation Habitat, chances to see some local wildlife will surely delight the young and old in any travelling party.
Finally as a historic town, a fine assortment of 19th century landmarks can be found in Chagrin Falls, many of which have been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These include Triangle Park, Township Hall (1848), and the Evergreen Hill Cemetery (1867), where a sense of the past can come to life. Add in several local shops, restaurants, and other businesses, and Chagrin Falls stands as a fine example of small town USA with loads of Midwestern charm.
Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids was founded back in the 1830s, and today this Wood County locale is home to just under 1,000 inhabitants. Picturesquely located along the Maumee River, Grand Rapids is indeed a most pleasing small town where a genuine feeling of Americana can be seen and felt. Enjoy outdoor activities like biking, jogging, and swimming near the water’s edge, while even just a casual stroll through Main Street is delightful. Here an assortment of welcoming eateries and other businesses dot the landscape, many with American flags waving proudly. These include Miss Lily’s and Knucklehead’s Kafe, always ready to welcome guests and locals alike. Finally if visiting in Autumn, be sure not to miss the Apple Butter Festival. With many apple based treats and other goods sold, this unique event will definitely satisfy the appetites of many.
Perrysburg
Just a short 30 minute drive from Grand Rapids, Perrysburg is similarly located along the Maumee River near the border with the State of Michigan. Established in the early 19th century, a modern population of just over 25,000 inhabitants call this historic river town home, where natural beauty and alluring history come together. Explore such historic landmarks like the Old Wood County Jail and Fort Meigs, that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Fort is a particularly fascinating place that was built for defense during the War of 1812. Today guests can enjoy a place of living history here as costumed interpreters guide guests through the restored Fort and living quarters, creating a real sense of time travel to more than 200 years ago.
Additionally, Perrysburg is a great destination for the outdoors lover and as a river town fun activities are never in short supply. Go cycling, jogging, swimming, and even kayaking in a pleasing ambience, while in the cute downtown a nice array of restaurants and shops fill round out Perrysburg’s special Ohio charm.
Sugarcreek
Affectionately known as “The Little Switzerland of Ohio”, the most charming town of Sugarcreek can trace its foundational history to the 1830s when German and Swiss immigrants arrived. Today just over 2,000 residents call this most special European style community home, which sees many more tourists visit annually. Featuring a special Alps character, many of the homes and buildings in Sugar Creek are designed in the style of Swiss chalet architecture ensuring that memorable photo and video opportunities are always in abundance. In addition the world’s largest cuckoo clock can be found here, standing some 23 feet tall!
Finally for a true taste of mountain European cuisine, be sure to visit any of Sugar Creek’s numerous cheese factories, where tasty tours are always a delight. These include the broad Run Cheese House in the nearby community of Dover. And of course the annual Ohio Swiss Festival cannot be missed. Here delicious European foods, ethnic dances, cultural exhibits, and plenty of other live entertainment create the perfect outing for the entire family in this most unique of Ohio towns.
When visiting the Midwestern United States, the “Buckeye State” of Ohio is a cannot miss destination. A most charming and delightful place full of stunning natural scenery, fascinating American history, and plenty of charming Americana, Ohio and its lovely towns are ready to welcome all guests looking for special holiday moments. Although the cities of Cleveland and Cincinnati may continue to attract the most attention, Ohio’s smaller towns are too worthy of a first hand experience. From the unique “Swiss Alps” setting of Sugar Creek, the college town ambience of Oberlin, and the riverside beauty of Gallipolis and Chagrin Falls, these awesome places are true gems of the “Buckeye State”. And so do not delay and come see Ohio through an exploration of these truly delightful towns, always ready to entertain the young and old alike!
