These 12 Towns In Ohio Were Ranked Among US Favorites In 2024

Ohio might have a reputation for being dull, but it's full of small towns that have plenty to do and see. Catch a show in Columbiana, visit Native American mounds in Chillicothe, or see the River of Glass in Mount Vernon. See paddleboats in Marietta, fish for Walleye in Port Clinton, or take in some Gilbert and Sullivan in Wooster. Enjoy natural beauty in Logan, take a ghost tour of a real castle in Loveland, or just relax with some antiquing and shopping anywhere you go! Uncover towns in Ohio that were ranked among US favorites in 2024.

Columbiana

Columbiana is a wonderful town with lots of heart. Catch a show at the Manos Theater, where the Crown Theater Productions company puts on live shows with a cast that is entirely special-needs in the community. The Way Station is a substance-free entertainment and community center that puts on a gala every year and runs a thrift store in addition to its other services.

Even the sprawling 52-acre Firestone Park was a donation from tire magnate Harvey Firestone, and it features a pool, waterslide, fields for football and baseball, and nature trails for hikes. There's also Hippley Gardens, a one-of-a-kind botanical garden built by a local landscaping business, which includes an outdoor miniature train set, a full-sized dollhouse, a children's garden with a life-sized Monopoly board and a piano you can walk on, a yellow brick road complete with statues of "Wizard of Oz" characters, and a basketball court and clubhouse.

Chillicothe

Chillicothe has the distinction of being known as Ohio's first and third state capital, and it's easy to see why. The historic downtown features gorgeous turn-of-the-century architecture, including Adena Mansion and Gardens, which is the luxurious estate of Ohio's sixth governor, Thomas Worthington. Tour the grounds, then stop downtown for old-fashioned candy or to feed the ducks in Yoctangee Park. Younger visitors will enjoy the Mighty Children's Museum, which includes an ice rink.

Fans of the outdoors will appreciate the Great Seal State Park, which features a Storybook Trail named for its Free Little Library at the trailhead, as well as an 18-hole disc golf course. Appreciate history by visiting the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks, which is the largest Hopewell burial mound system in eastern North America and have been named a UNESCO World Heritage site. Spring visitors will get to visit the Feast of the Flowering Moon, an annual Native American heritage event with dances, music, crafts and demonstrations, and art and artifacts to peruse.

Granville

Step into a quaint New England-style town located in the beautiful Welsh Hills of Ohio when you visit Granville. The old-fashioned, charming downtown offers eateries that range from fine dining to barbecue to handcrafted chocolate, as well as art galleries, bookstores, and boutiques for a thrilling day of shopping. The historic Bryn Du Mansion and grounds sits on the east site of this little town, holding events from weddings to polo games. Take a hike on the nature trails of the Spring Valley Nature Preserve, or bike the 14.2-mile T.J. Evans Trail, a former railway with historical markers.

This little town is home to Denison University, a liberal arts college with plenty of events. Don't forget to check out the Denison Museum, which features art galleries, collections of archaeological artifacts from around the globe, and talks and lectures from featured artists and scholars.

Mount Vernon

Named for President George Washington's home, the town of Mount Vernon is a unique community with a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. The downtown is full of boutiques, art galleries, and antique shops with owners who are happy to strike up a conversation about their items to sell. The Mount Vernon Farmer's Market at the Public Square also offers great buys, with fresh fruits and local vegetables, bread and meat, flowers and goat milk soap, and the occasional petting zoo or goat visit. The South Main Plaza Dog Fountain is a perfect meeting place with its sculptures of pets that will delight young and old. Finish the day off by enjoying some dinner theater at the Alcove Restaurant and Lounge.

Fans of the outdoors will enjoy Mount Vernon as well. The Heart of Ohio Trail is a 40-mile trip that's perfect for dedicated bikers, with gorgeous scenergy running from Mount Vernon to the Bridge of Dreams. The 14-mile Kokosing Gap Trail sits alongside the Kokosing Scenic River, which also features a water trail perfect for boaters or floaters. Don't forget to stop by the Ariel Foundation Park, with its observation tower, museum, River of Glass sculpture, and connections to walking and nature trails.

Marietta

Located on the edge of the Ohio River, this little town was one of the first permanent settlements in the entire Northwest Territory. Visit in early September for the Ohio River Sternwheel Festival, where old-fashioned river paddleboats fill the river for a weekend of fun and history that includes a car show, fireworks, live music, and plenty of children's activities. Downtown Marietta offers plenty of opportunities for antiquing, gift-buying, and the opportunity to purchase art and artifacts from local Ohio artisans. October brings a Dachshund Derby that dog lovers won't want to miss!

There's plenty to do outdoors in Marietta. It's a bike-friendly town, with many different bike trails in the city and surrounding area. Hike or bike in the Wayne National Forest, or spend a day boating, floating, or kayaking down the Muskingum River Water Trail. The Marietta Aquatic Center is an outdoor water park which can accommodate 1,200 swimmers, and features two water slides, a pirate ship with rides for smaller swimmer, a spray ground, and a lazy river.

Port Clinton

Port Clinton is a charming coastal town that sits on the shores of Lake Erie. The city's biggest attraction might be the African Safari Wildlife Park, a drive-through safari that was nominated as one of the "Best Safari Parks" by USA Today. The Port Clinton Lighthouse is another favorite attraction, and lets visitors climb all the way up inside for a great view of the town and lake. The Liberty Aviation Museum is perfect for a rainy day, with a collection of aircraft from World War II.

Enjoy the outdoors at Catawba Island State Park, which offers four boat ramps and a cobblestone beach that's ideal for launching canoes and kayaks for a paddle along the shores of Lake Erie. The island's green space is perfect for birdwatching, and anglers will love catching the lake's yellow perch, bass, catfish, and walleye. May brings the Main Street Port Clinton Walleye Festival, which features a free concert and parade, rides and vendors, and even a Kids Fishing Derby.

Wooster

Named one of Ohio's Best Hometowns in 2017 by Ohio Magazine, Wooster is both the county seat of Wayne County, Ohio, and the dairy capital of the state. The charming Victorian-styled downtown features over four dozen independent shops, including boutiques that sell organic, hand-made, and local clothes, art, and eats. Wooster is home to the Ohio Light Opera, which puts on traditional and modern shows and musicals. It's also home to the Troutman Vineyards, which offers tours and tastings to visitors.

Wooster is especially proud of its 16 parks, which boast 750 acres of land spread across the town. The Secrest Arboretum features a Garden of Roses of Legends and Romance, while the 100-acre Oak Hill Park offers trails filled with towering elm, oak, hickory, maple, cherry, and walnut trees. You'll love the scenic covered bridge at Christmas Run Park, and the kids will enjoy the huge Kiwanis Playground.

Sugarcreek

Known as "the little Switzerland of Ohio," Sugarcreek's Alpine architecture, dating back from the Swiss and German settlers in the town, is sure to delight visitors. This town is home to the world's largest cuckoo clock, which features a jig of Swiss characters that pop out of the clock every hour on the hour, and the downtown is covered with murals of old Switzerland and the Alps. The Ohio Swiss Festival every September transforms the town into a lively Swiss village, complete with a parade, and the Fabulous Fifties Fling features live music and a car show every second weekend in June.

Sugarcreek is full of museums! The Alpine Hills Museum is three floors of Swiss, German, and Amish heritage, while Erb's Coleman Museum holds over 3,000 items from the Coleman company. The Age of Steam Roundhouse is an ode to the glory days of railroading. After you've toured the museums, kick back at one of the town's many wineries.

Yellow Springs

This walkable little town is full of art, from murals to public sculptures. The charming downtown is full of record stories, antique shops, and other boutiques that cater to the nostalgia crowd. The Clifton Opera House holds concerts with music ranging from opera to bluegrass, while the Mills Park Hotel holds events ranging from drag brunch to murder mystery dinners.

There's plenty to do outside in Yellow Springs, too. The Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve features three miles of hiking trails that offer scenic views of rock dolomites, mountain maple trees, and rare snow trillium, while John Bryan State Park offers miles of mountain bike trails, a climbing and rappelling area, and a limestone gorge through which the Little Miami River flows. There are many scenic bike trails, including the 78-mile long Little Miami Bike Trail, which is reachable from John Bryan State Park.

Logan

Logan is home to the gorgeous Hocking Hills Park, which features trails that are perfect for both beginner and advanced hikers. Enjoy the sparkly sandstone walls of the Hocking Hills River, take in a scenic waterfall, or spot rock doves at Old Man's Cave. Take a river float or an exciting zipline ride, or book an ATV to explore the outdoors. Spot colorful butterflies and get free seeds for your own garden at the Butterfly Ridge Conservation Center, or take a horseback ride at one of the many ranches and riding stables in the area.

The serene Lake Logan is a paradise for anglers, with pike, bass, bluegill, catfish, saugeye, and crappie biting at different times of the year. The nearby Lake Hope State Park features steep gorges and narrow ridges, as well as Indian mounds and abandoned mines that are fun to explore.

Waynesville

Waynesville is known as the "antique capital of the Midwest," so it's perfect for those looking to buy vintage goodies at great prices. The Museum at the Friends Home features artifacts from the history of this charming town, and holds events like Underground Railroad Tours, Quaker Heritage Tours, and Ghost Walks. The Ohio Sauerkraut Festival happens on the second full weekend of every October, and is home to over 60 vendors of local art and handicrafts as well as plenty of chances to taste delicious German and Polish food.

Waynesville is also home to King's Island, an amusement park that features thrilling rollercoasters such as the Diamondback, Orion, and the Beast. Younger visitors will enjoy Camp Snoopy, while the aquatically inclined will love the waterpark with 36 water slides, two wave pools, and a rushing river.

Fans of the outdoors will love the Caesar Creek State Park, with its sunny meadows and hiking trails, wooded ravine, and sprawling lake.

Loveland

Loveland is best known for the Loveland Castle, a real castle inspired by German, French, and English architecture of the Middle Ages. History fans will love the antique swords and weapons on display, while spooky fans will love the ghost tours the castle offers. The downtown area is just as historic, with gorgeous buildings and plenty of local, independently owned stores for your browsing and shopping pleasure.

Loveland has plenty to do outdoors, including the Loveland Bike Trail, which links with the Little Miami Scenic Trail. The East Loveland Nature Preserve, located just outside of downtown, includes a nature trail with interpretive signs and a bird blind, while the Simpson Preserve offers a chance to go hiking in a real Old Growth Forest and a .42-mile nature trail.

Ohio is full of charming little towns with plenty of unique features. From visiting the farmer's market to enjoying a small-town festival to taking in a museum, you'll find many things to do and see in this wonderful state. Camp, fish, or hike around the coastal towns of Lake Erie, or climb the rocks and gorges of Hocking Hills. The welcoming downtowns and scenic natural beauty of the state parks make Ohio a great state to visit.