Of all places, Ohio was the last of the 50 states to make it onto my website! I had driven through Ohio before, but I didn’t consider simply passing through a state a real visit. So in 2014, I finally flew to Columbus to complete my mission of visiting all 50 states in America.
That milestone alone made my trip to Ohio special. Being relatively close to my home state of Virginia, however, I wasn’t expecting it to feel dramatically different. Ohio ended up surprising me. Between its major cities, historic landmarks, Lake Erie shoreline, and even a national park, I discovered far more to explore than I had anticipated. From the state capital in Columbus to Cleveland’s waterfront, Cincinnati’s historic neighborhoods, and the forests of Cuyahoga Valley, Ohio offered a surprisingly varied travel experience.
Explore Columbus
Columbus is Ohio’s capital and largest city, combining government institutions, university life, historic neighborhoods, and a growing cultural scene. Downtown and the Arena District offer entertainment, restaurants, and sporting events, while the Short North Arts District is known for its galleries, shops, and nightlife. German Village provides a different atmosphere with its brick streets, historic houses, and 19th-century architecture.
Columbus is also home to Ohio State University, one of the country’s largest universities, and the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, a major attraction located northwest of downtown. With its museums, parks, restaurants, and distinct neighborhoods, the city offers plenty to explore over several days.
Explore Cleveland
Located in northeastern Ohio along the southern shore of Lake Erie, Cleveland has a rich industrial history and remains one of the state’s major cultural and economic centers. Its lakefront is home to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Great Lakes Science Center, and North Coast Harbor, while downtown features historic landmarks such as Terminal Tower and The Arcade.
Sports are another major part of Cleveland’s identity, with professional baseball, football, and basketball teams representing the city. Beyond its stadiums and museums, Cleveland offers restaurants, historic neighborhoods, waterfront recreation, and unusual attractions such as the house featured in the holiday film A Christmas Story. Its combination of Great Lakes scenery, architecture, and cultural landmarks makes it one of Ohio’s most interesting urban destinations.
Explore Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Situated between Cleveland and Akron, Cuyahoga Valley National Park protects a scenic stretch of the Cuyahoga River and the surrounding forests, hills, wetlands, and ravines. Despite its proximity to two major metropolitan areas, the park offers an extensive network of hiking trails and natural landscapes that provide a peaceful escape from Ohio’s cities.
One of its best-known features is the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, which follows the historic canal corridor and is popular with hikers and cyclists. Other attractions include wooded trails, wildlife habitats, historic canal structures, and Brandywine Falls, a picturesque 65-foot waterfall. Cuyahoga Valley offers a completely different experience from Ohio’s urban destinations and is one of the state’s principal outdoor attractions.
Explore Cincinnati
Located along the Ohio River directly across from Kentucky, Cincinnati developed into one of the Midwest’s major commercial and transportation centers during the 19th century. Its historic riverfront remains one of the city’s defining features, with the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge connecting Cincinnati to Covington, Kentucky. Nearby attractions include Great American Ball Park, home of the Cincinnati Reds, and an assortment of riverfront parks and entertainment venues.
Beyond the waterfront, Cincinnati is known for its distinctive historic neighborhoods, including Over-the-Rhine, Mount Adams, and Mount Auburn. Visitors can explore Fountain Square, the William Howard Taft National Historic Site, and Eden Park, which contains the Cincinnati Art Museum and Krohn Conservatory. With its hilly landscape, historic architecture, museums, and riverfront attractions, Cincinnati offers a combination of urban scenery and American history.
