Make some Buckeye State History!

Jennifer Goellnitz

No matter where you are in Ohio, there is something for everyone!  

Enjoy a drive through the rolling mountains of the Appalachians or sail on the beautiful waves on Lake Erie. Perhaps stroll through the fast-paced major cities or slow down a bit in the Amish Countryside. Here are some recommended historical adventures, shopping experiences, romantic getaways, and family fun to make unforgettable memories.

Historic Happenings

No matter what you love about history, Ohio has everything!  

  • Take a walk through the 1772-era Moravian Mission called Schoenbrunn Village, where the past comes to life with costume interpreters and reconstructed cabins.  

  • Visit a former presidents’ houses! At the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center, you can take a tour of his former house and walk the gorgeous 25-acre gardens. 

  • The Hale Farm and Village is a 19th century estate where you can interact with costumed interpreters, watch cooking demonstrations, and be with farm animals.  

  • In Columbus, Ohio, Kelton House Museum & Garden is a Victorian Era home that was part of the Underground Railroad. Immerse yourself in Civil War history beyond the North and the South! 

  • Did you know Ohio has its own UNESCO Heritage Site (which includes places like the Pyramids of Giza)? Visit Serpent Mound – a landscape and burial formation circa 800 BC. 

  • During the War of 1812, Fort Meigs was built to protect other American forts from British attacks. Before visiting the fort, check out their events page for unique experiences such as lantern tours,  siege reenactments, and craft workshops. 

  • Visit Amish Country! Here you can experience Amish culture with tours, museums, a variety of food and drink events, and much more. 

  • Don’t forget to check out the only major Civil War battle fought on Ohio soil at Buffington Island Battlefield Memorial Park along the Ohio River. 

Looking for some family adventures? There is something here for all ages!

  • Nelson Kennedy Ledges States Park is 167-acres of trails, waterfalls, and picnicking; perfect for a cool day out in nature with the family. 

  • A trip to Cleveland is not complete without a trip to the iconic Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Visit the museum to learn about the legends of rock and roll and see their iconic memorabilia. Check their events for concert information! 

  • Welcome to Cedar Point—the Rollercoaster Capital of the World! There’s plenty of fun to be had at America’s second-oldest operating amusement park. 

  • Enjoy some time at Hocking Hills State Park, where you can explore and hike waterfalls, caves, cliffs and other trails at your leisure. 

  • The Krohn Butterfly Conservatory can be found in the heart of Cincinatti, with a series of rotating displays.   

  •  Go catch a game at the Great American Ball Park, home of the Cincinatti Reds since 1970! 

  • Hershberger’s Farm & Bakery is located in the heart of Amish Country. Families can find a bakery, store, produce market, food trailer and a farm animal petting area. Every season offers something new and exciting for visitors of all ages.

Romantic Ohio

Jennifer Goellnitz

Need a little getaway with you and your loved one? Ohio offers diverse, romantic experiences at vineyards, on the water, or in the mountains. 

  • Not far from downtown Columbus is the Franklin Park Conservatory, where you and your loved one can walk amongst the flowers, art, and butterflies. 

  • Take a cruise along Lake Erie with Great Lake Cruises and enjoy the water and sunsets as you make your way along Lake Erie’s ports. 

  • Gervasi Vineyard is one of the destinations for wine lovers and foodies, but it also has gorgeous landscapes to inspire romance for you and your loved one. 

  • Situated in Northeast, Ohio, Geneva-On-The-Lake is the state’s first summer resort (circa. 1869), where famous individuals, such as John D. Rockefeller previously stayed. Here, couples can find a little resort escape from busy city life. 

  • The Mohicans is a luxurious treehouse resort where you can rent a room up in the trees! This is a perfect get-away if you have children with you, too. 

  • Enjoy the Appalachian Byway of Ohio with your windows down and your loved one beside you as you take in the gorgeous rustic landscape of southern Ohio. 

  • Blue Barn Winery is a 19th century vineyard where you can enjoy a glass of wine, listen to songbirds, and watch the sun set on rolling hills. 

  • Another romantic getaway is the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad where you can enjoy murder mysteries, late night travels, or simple day trips on the 19th century railway. 

We all need some shopping therapy. Here are some unique shopping experiences from around Ohio! 

  • Built in the mid-1800s, German Village sits in Columbus, and is a quiet and beautiful shopping district with a mixture of independent and chain stores.  

  • Built in 1912, West Side Market, which can be found in Cleveland, has brought diverse food and drink shopping experiences to customers for over a hundred years. This is a perfect destination for your inner foodie! 

  • Cincinnati Premium Outlet is one of the go-to shopping places in Cincinnati as an outdoor mall with big name brands. 

  • With over 100 stores, Hyde Park Square in Cincinnati is picturesque and offers unique dining experiences, tea houses, wine houses, art studios, and boutiques.  

  • Ohio Valley Antique Mall offers over 65,000 square feet and over 400 dealers of antique and vintage shopping. This is a great place to stop on your way to another adventure! 

  • Jungle Jim’s International Market began as a roadside produce stand and now is a shopping mecca for locals and tourists alike with products from over 70 other countries. Enjoy traveling to “other countries” without having to leave the U.S. 

Before you go

Here are some tips and advice for preparing for your trip to Ohio a comfortable and memorable one!     

  • Watch this video to learn about Ohio's role in the Civil War.

  • Always check the weather so you know what to pack and wear and what to do either outside or inside.

  • Check with each place before planning a visit for admission fees, COVID protocols, times, and accessibility. 

  • Ohio is constantly having events around the state, so check in with local places for some unique experiences!