9 Most Idyllic Small Towns in Ohio
Ohio is a culturally rich and geographically beautiful place that forms a key part of the American Midwest. Also known as the “Buckeye State”, Ohio’s unique allure has made it a veritable hot spot for those looking for genuine Americana, fascinating history, and charming natural beauty. While the major cities of Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Columbus continue to command much attention, the “Buckeye State” also has plenty of inviting smaller towns that showcase the best of Ohio every bit as much as the major metropolises. From cozy small-town communities to loads of fun and charm for the entire family, Ohio’s small towns should certainly not be missed by any passing traveler. So come explore the great State of Ohio across a visit to these idyllic small towns and see where some of the best of the USA resides.
Marietta
The seat of Washington County, the lovely town of Marietta, is beautifully located at the confluence of the Muskingum and Ohio Rivers, near the border with the State of West Virginia. An alluring historic town that was established by French settlers in the 1780s, the modern-day Marietta is home to a modest population of just over 13,000 inhabitants. A wonderful destination to immerse oneself in centuries of history, guests can expect to get a feeling of time travel when visiting this uniquely European-inspired Ohio town. Stroll through Marietta’s historic streets and neighborhoods and marvel at a wide range of buildings and landmarks ranging from the 18th to early 20th centuries. Complete with brick facades, cobblestone walkways, and Victorian-style houses, the historic parts of town are truly a photographic delight for all ages.
And, of course, as a river town, one cannot visit Marietta without enjoying some unique activities near the water. These include Civil War re-enactments and rides on a riverboat that really does create the impression of another era. Meanwhile, do not forget about the Fall Ohio River Sternwheeler Festival, where boat racing, live entertainment, food vendors, and fireworks create an awesome event that the young and old can enjoy.
Troy
A part of the Dayton metropolitan area, the town of Troy serves as the seat of Miami County, with a population of just over 26,000 residents. Scenically located along the Great Miami River, residents and visitors alike can enjoy beautiful valley vistas and charming afternoons of quiet contemplation. In addition, one can enjoy time at the Great Miami River Recreational Trail, where inviting opportunities for cycling and hiking await on the quaint and peaceful 30-mile trail. Founded in the early 19th century, Troy is also a historic town, and history lovers can explore such landmarks as the County Courthouse (1885) and the First Presbyterian Church (1859), amongst others included on the National Register of Historic Places. And, of course, any Troy visitor cannot forget about the sweet Strawberry Festival in June. A cherished part of summer, tasty berries are never in short supply at this event, while live music, food vendors, and games round out this most fun outing for every age in the family!
Perrysburg
Perrysburg is situated on the banks of the Maumee River in northern Ohio, near the State of Michigan, and it forms part of the Toledo metropolitan area. Founded in the early 1800s, today a population of just over 25,000 residents call this inviting historic river town home. Explore such fascinating historic sites as Fort Meigs, built for defensive purposes during the War of 1812, and the Old Wood County Jail, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. At the Fort, guests can really enjoy an immersive experience of America’s past, where costumed interpreters and restored living quarters transport one to this pivotal time in the history of the United States. And, of course, for the outdoors enthusiast, Perrysburg’s river town status makes it a most welcoming place to visit. Enjoy such activities as biking, swimming, and even kayaking in a quiet and relaxing environment. Add in a cute downtown area full of local restaurants, shops, and other businesses, and Perrysburg’s charm is on full display, ready to create a special set of Ohio-based memories.
Chagrin Falls
Chagrin Falls is one of Ohio’s most scenic communities, and it shares its name with the series of waterfalls found along the Chagrin River. A part of the Cleveland metropolitan area, this town of just over 4,000 inhabitants can trace its modern history to the 1830s and guests can continue to appreciate an assortment of historic buildings and landmarks. These include Township Hall (1848), Triangle Park, and the Soldiers Monument in Evergreen Hill Cemetery (1867), amongst others listed as being of national historic importance. Indeed, even a casual stroll through the town’s downtown reflects architecture from the 19th century while inviting local shops and restaurants to dot the landscape for an authentic snapshot of small-town USA.
Naturally, as another scenic Ohio river town, nature lovers will find plenty to appreciate in Chagrin Falls. Walk along the eponymous Falls and River, go for a bike ride, catch some wildlife views at the Beartown Lakes Reservation Habitat, or even enjoy a scenic game of golf when in Chagrin Falls, natural beauty and special American history come together for a most special vacation experience.
Loveland
A picturesque town where love is in the air, Loveland is scenically located along the Little Miami River, where a population of just over 13,000 reside. Forming part of the Cincinnati metropolitan area, Loveland was formally established in the 1790s and served as an important rail centre for decades. Today, it remains a great spot for those looking for an inviting natural ambiance, and visitors can enjoy such outdoor destinations as the Loveland Bike Trail and the Little Miami Scenic Trail. Here, pretty river views and green foliage make it a nice place to escape for a quiet afternoon. Meanwhile, as a smaller town, visitors can expect to find a charming collection of local shops, businesses, restaurants, and historic buildings throughout the downtown. Make sure to note the heart images and sweetheart names found on buildings and other landmarks throughout town. Finally, do not miss the Loveland Castle, a Medieval-style edifice constructed in the 1920s. Featuring tours and a beautiful outdoor courtyard, this is one of Ohio’s most unique tourist attractions, ideal for solo traveler and families alike.
Granville
Just some 35 miles from the State capital of Columbus, the welcoming town of Granville is one of central Ohio’s most beautiful places. Permanently settled in the early 1800s, today, just under 6,000 residents call this historic community home, where guests can continue to marvel at a fine assortment of 19th and early 20th-century architecture. Explore such landmarks like the Bryn du Mansion (1905) and the Avery Hunter House (1842), amongst others listed on the National Register of Historic Places, while an afternoon on the charming campus of Denison University (1831) is a nice way to unwind. With a unique Greek Revival style of architecture evident on many of Granville’s edifices and churches, a special photographic experience is sure to be had. Add in charming local restaurants, shops, and other businesses, and Granville is another great example of genuine Americana. On the way out, do not forget to visit the Alligator Mount green space, a unique 200-foot-long grassy area that is believed to have been created centuries ago by indigenous peoples in the area.
Milan
The town of Milan was founded in the early 1800s and named for its famed Italian counterpart, where today, just over 1,300 people reside. A convenient one-hour drive from the city of Cleveland, Milan is a charming historic place whose streets contain many well-preserved 19th-century edifices. These include the Mitchell Turner House (1848) and the Presbyterian Church (1890), amongst others listed on the National Register of Historic Places. However, Milan’s main historic attraction is, of course, the Thomas Edison Birthplace Museum, which lovingly honors the famed American inventor who was born in Milan in 1847. From there, head on over to the Milan Historical Museum, which immersively brings guests into Ohio’s past and the growth of the Midwest. Add in cute local restaurants and other shops, and Milan really is a delightful Ohio detour that any passing traveler will not want to overlook.
Grand Rapids
Established in the 1830s, just under 1,000 permanent residents call Grand Rapids home. Indeed, this most charming community perfectly encapsulates the meaning of small-town America, and visitors can enjoy a beautiful outdoor setting with a most welcoming cultural atmosphere. Situated along the Maumee River, tourists and locals alike can enjoy relaxing afternoons along the waterfront, where activities like jogging and swimming remain ever popular. And like any good small town, Grand Rapids offers a nice array of local businesses, from restaurants to shops to galleries, all infused with a special Ohio charm. Finally, for those who find themselves in town in the Fall season, the Apple Butter Festival is surely not to be missed. Enjoy a variety of apple-based delicacies and other locally harvested goods that will surely satisfy the cravings of people of all ages!
Oberlin
Oberlin was founded in 1833 by Presbyterian missionaries and is located just some 40 minutes from Cleveland. Home to a modest population of some 8,500 inhabitants, this welcoming place is host to Oberlin College (1833), which contains the esteemed Oberlin Conservatory of Music (1865). A lovely college town, Oberlin is a nice destination for those in northern Ohio, and one can enjoy touring the campus grounds and taking in the bevy of cafes, restaurants, shops, and other businesses that fill the downtown area. Add in a number of lovely park areas and unique landmarks like the Westwood Cemetery and the Underground Railroad Center, and Oberlin truly stands out as a nice little slice of small-town Ohio.
The “Buckeye State” of Ohio is a culturally alluring and geographically beautiful place at the center of the USA’s Midwest. Indeed, for a vacation filled with unique American history, splendid natural surroundings, and inviting Midwestern charm, Ohio and its idyllic small towns are surely not to be missed. From the scenic surroundings of Chagrin Falls to the historic ambiance of Marietta and beyond, these small Ohio towns are very big on intrigue and fun. So come see Ohio and consider these wonderful communities that, outside of the major urban centers, offer a great dose of Americana for the young and old in any traveling group.
