13 Amazing Ohio Day Trips That Are Worth The Drive
The Buckeye State is a popular Midwestern getaway known for its thriving arts, fascinating culture, and award-winning culinary offerings. While most travelers arrive in the state through international airports at big cities like Cleveland and Columbus, exploring these bustling metropolises can prove daunting with the choking crowds. An excellent alternative would be to venture beyond the city limits for a short day escapade and a more laid-back ordeal. Luckily, the various small towns throughout Ohio harbor exciting gems. From unknown state parks and sprawling gardens to regional culture centers, they offer respite from the hustle and bustle in the downtown core. If you need a quick escape from the major urban hubs, consider the following Ohio day trips on your coming Buckeye State itinerary.
Hocking Hills State Park
Situated about 55 minutes south of Columbus, Hocking Hills State Park presents a deserved break from the bright lights and endless concrete in the capital. It substitutes all that with over 2,300 acres of raw nature, comprising breathtaking waterfalls, dramatic rock formations, and glacier-carved caverns. The reserve boasts over 25 miles of hiking routes leading to wonders such as Old Man’s Cave. Boasting the most impressive waterfall in the park, it is a sight to behold and is served by the Grandma Gatewood Trail, which connects to Ash Cave and Cedar Falls.
More thrilling activities abound, including kayaking on the Hocking River courtesy of Hocking Hills Canoe Livery. Alternatively, you can up the ante with ziplining at Hocking Hills Canopy Tours above the park's wilderness for an adrenaline-inducing escapade.
Ohio Caverns
An hour-long trip northward from downtown Dayton culminates in one of the state's most impressive underground phenomena. The Ohio Caverns is a popular travel destination, famed for its unique crystalline formations. Venturing into the vast cave system reveals a wealth of wonders, highlighted by magnificent stalagmites and stalactites. The Crystal King (the largest stalactite in the state) always leaves adventurers in awe.
Several tailored tours help guests discover the attraction comfortably. You can take the Natural Wonder Tour for a magical one-mile journey with rare sightings. Meanwhile, the Historic Tour is a crowd favorite. It starts where the site was first discovered and covers the sections originally inspected between 1897 and 1925.
The Wilds
The chances of running into a giraffe in downtown Columbus are slim to none! However, hitting the open road southwards for two hours brings you to a magnificent sanctuary with thriving wildlife. Spanning about 10,000 acres of forests, grasslands, pastures, and lakes, this impressive wilderness area provides a habitat for numerous exotic species. Holidayers can look forward to an incomparable wildlife safari. Remember to bring your camera and capture the different animals, ranging from African-painted dogs and rhinos to cheetahs and fringe-eared oryx.
The massive zoo is perfect for kids to enjoy a tailored tour of The Wilds. Conveniently, cellphone reception is pretty poor here, so there will be no interruptions to your once-in-a-lifetime safari.
Mohican State Park
Swap the concrete jungle in downtown Cleveland with a real one by heading to Mohican State Park. The journey lasts about one and a half hours and ends at the entrance of a 1,100-acre recreational paradise. Set on the shores of the 783-acre Pleasant Hill Lake, it promises endless water-based fun, including boating, kayaking, canoeing, and jet skiing. Hiking is available throughout the year, with miles of walkways traversing thousands of acres inside the park.
The trekking routes transform into the perfect winter cross-country skiing and snowshoeing routes in winter, assuring guests of outdoor adventurers whenever they choose to come. Bordering the park is the Mohican-Memorial State Forest, so there is no end to your exploration.
Nature Center At Shaker Lakes
You don't have to stray too far to escape the commotion in downtown Cleveland. Just 25 minutes away, the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes presents a serene atmosphere full of incredible natural experiences. The oasis features two miles of accessible wooded paths for discovering its idyllic spaces. Stop along the way to admire and photograph hundreds of bird species calling the reserve home, including the ruby-throated hummingbird and the red-bellied woodpecker.
Shaker Lakes hosts various family-friendly events and festivals throughout the year, promising excellent social opportunities for newcomers. Autumn Fest is one to look forward to and features brilliant fall colors, costumed performers, great food, and fun kiddie activities.
Glen Helen Nature Preserve
The Glen Helen Nature Preserve is just over an hour's drive from Cincinnati and promises ardent adventurers a lovely outdoor getaway. The area spans more than 1,000 acres and has approximately 20 miles of hiking trails. Thanks to friendly overall topography, the hikes are relatively low-intensity, making them inclusive for all experience levels. Several waterfalls along the Little Miami River highlight the magical scenery within the park, led by the colorful Yellow Springs.
Century-old old-growth trees dominate the landscapes as you explore the tracks. The area also hosts a raptor center where you can observe native birds of prey, such as owls and eagles, in their natural habitat.
Fort Meigs Historic Site
Located just under 2 hours west of Cleveland, Fort Meigs Historic Site welcomes newcomers for a unique journey about the War of 1812. It educates and entertains with rare artifacts and one-of-a-kind encounters, making the destination suitable for all ages. The 3,000-square-foot Visitor Center is an excellent starting point and has valuable information depicting Ohio's role during the war.
Some artifacts and memorabilia to check out include letters and diaries left behind by soldiers recounting their daily lives during the conflict. Guests enjoy rare site tours led by costumed guides and watch nighttime musket reenactments for a vivid glimpse into the war.
Toledo Museum of Art
If you are looking for an engaging cultural moment outside of Cleveland, the Toledo Museum of Art is one of the best Ohio day trips. This world-class museum, 1 hour and 50 minutes from the city, sits on a sprawling 40-acre campus and features 45 galleries exhibiting over 30,000 pieces. Holidayers can clear their schedules to scan everything deeply. The diverse collection consists of everything from 19th to 20th-century works from around the globe and includes American, Greek, Roman, European, and Japanese art.
Some notable pieces to look out for include "House at Auvers" by Vincent van Gogh and "The Crowning of Saint Catherine" by Peter Paul Rubens. Besides the displays, you can also attend an entertaining live show at the 1,750-capacity Peristyle concert hall.
Historic Roscoe Village
About an hour and a quarter outside of Columbus, Historic Roscoe Village invites road-trippers to step back in time and observe a 19th-century community. This well-preserved living museum chronicles the times of an 1800s town along the Ohio & Erie Canal, originally named Caldersburgh. Begin at Roscoe Village Visitor Center for a preview of what awaits. This will include tours of various medieval buildings by costumed guides. You can learn how to make old-world crafts at the Hay Craft and Learning Center.
The complex also has manicured gardens planted throughout the canal town, each with a chronological significance. Finally, remember to stop by the Johnson-Humrickhouse Museum and peruse a permanent display of American Indian, Asian, and Euro-Amrican art.
Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens
Situated approximately 45 minutes south of Cleveland, a drive to the Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens beckons first-timers to witness one of the largest homes in Ohio and its majestic gardens. The property, which sprawls 70 acres, blends chronology with nature in the former dwelling of F.A. Seiberling. A tour of the National Historic Landmark includes stops at some of the 65 rooms, including the Great Hall and Music Room, to admire period furnishings, artifacts, and stunning architectural details on its Tudor Revival facade.
The estate's architectural prowess goes beyond the building and into the lovely gardens around the imposing mansion. When scanning the expertly landscaped outdoors, notable highlights include the West Terrace Overlook and the restored Lagoon.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Despite being half an hour from Cleveland, the Cuyahoga Valley National Park seems worlds away due to its unique setting. Straddling 33,000 acres, it is a biodiverse wilderness area dominated by rolling hills, open farmlands, scenic lakes, and deep woodlands. It is a refuge for numerous species of wildlife and plants. The Cuyahoga River winds through, and smack bang in the park lies the town of Peninsula, which guests will enjoy discovering.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park comes to its own in the fall, when the changing colors provide the sights for leaf-peepers. Hiking is a favorite activity in the region, thanks to over 125 miles of routes crisscrossing the reserve.
Columbus Zoo & Aquarium
It takes 25 minutes from downtown Columbus to reach the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, one of the best family getaways in Ohio. The world-class facility is home to more than 10,000 animals, representing at least 600 species. Unsurprisingly, over two million annual visitors come to discover the gem and participate in its conservation efforts. The zoo has several sections showcasing sea and land life, including a Reptile Building and a Kangaroo Walkabout.
Activities range from watching a swimming polar bear to cheering on racing cheetahs. In addition to the animals, kids can revel in the thrill of 17 water slides, lazy rivers, a wave pool, and more at the Zoombezi Bay waterpark.
Lake Hope State Park
If you want to get away from the bustle of Dayton, consider taking a two-hour day trip to Lake Hope State Park. The preserve is situated within the 18,000-acre Zaleski State Forest and is centered around the 120-acre Lake Hope. Its landscapes consist of densely wooded hills, scenic gorges, and deep valleys. You can take advantage of the countless recreational opportunities in the area, from swimming and hiking to camping and fishing.
Lake Hope is a popular hub for boaters and kayakers, while hikers and mountain bikers can find several pathways throughout the park, including Buzzard Cave Trail. If you are lucky, you might spot cute wildlife species.
Wrapping Up
Sparing a few hours out of your day for any of the above Ohio day trips provides profound cultural insights far from large city crowds and infrastructure. Visitors gain intimate views into regional cultures and identities through chatting with friendly locals, strolling old districts, and immersing in community events and public art. Whether surrounded by rolling farmland, beautiful glens, or the shores of the Great Lakes, the natural splendor adds to the immersive small-town appeal of the United States. The destinations highlighted make clear why Ohioans feel deep roots in place and an intrinsic Heartland hospitality.
