If you’ve ever heard of Ohio’s urban legend of “Hell Town,” you should know it’s loosely based on a town that’s actually quite charming, historic and anything but spooky. Boston Township in northeast Ohio is a quaint, rural village that’s seemingly in the middle of nowhere. Its history and rural setting are both well preserved because it sits in the middle of Ohio’s only national park, which makes it even more special and well worth a visit. It’s far enough away from the hustle and bustle of the popular Amish Country stops, so a visit here makes it seem like you’re a million miles away from everything.

Tucked away in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, you'll find this quiet Summit County township, home to just 1,664 residents.
Jasperdo/Flickr
What was once the small town of Boston Mills is now a well preserved historic town. Pictured is the Boston Store, which was built in 1836 for traffic along the Ohio and Erie Canal. Today, it is the Boston Store Visitor Center. Inside, you'll find several exhibits about the canal.
In the fall months and summertime, the little town comes alive with hikers, bikers and explorers passing though along the Towpath Trail.
Cuyahoga jco/Flickr
Cuyahoga Valley National Park was officially established as a National Park in 2000. This unique park preserves a rural setting in an urban environment, which isn't common for national parks.

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The Boston Township Hall is a truly unique piece of architecture you'll want to observe while you're here. It was designed by John Eisenmann.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
The building was initially designed in 1887 as a school, which is what gives it a unique appearance compared to most town halls. In 1939, it was purchased by the township and then used as the municipal building.
Throughout the town, you'll find several Ohio Historical Markers explaining the sights and paying homage to the notable individuals who helped establish the town.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
John Eisenmann is well known not only for architecture in Boston Mills, but for several other Ohio structures as well.
Pictured is the town's well preserved, vintage gas station. Inside, you'll find art exhibits and other little pieces of history.
Andrew Borgen/Flickr
Just the sight of this quaint gas station is sure to incite nostalgia. The entire town reflects the early 19th-century canal era and the early 20th-century industrial era.

Have you ever been to this beautiful little town before? Did you know there was a town you could visit located within the only national park in Ohio?! If so, please share your photos and experiences with us!

For more stunning parks in Ohio, check out our previous article: The Hike To This Little-Known Ohio Waterfall Is Short And Sweet.

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National Park to visit in Ohio

Sarah M. | January 15, 2022

What is the only national park in Ohio?

You might not think to include Ohio in a roundup of bucket-list-worthy national parks in the country, but once you've visited Cuyahoga Valley National Park, you'll surely change your tune. Ohio's one and only national park is a stunner; it's 33,000 acres of pristine beauty that rivals any of its big-name national park brethren. Lauded for its amazing trails, waterfalls, and fall foliage, Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a lush landscape offering near-endless opportunities for year-round recreation in the Midwest. Although the park was designated as a National Recreation Area in 1974, it wasn't officially named a national park until 2000. Today, it's a popular hiking destination for both locals and visitors alike, and is truly a must-visit for all Ohio explorers!

What kinds of outdoor recreation is available at Cuyahoga Valley National Park?

In addition to the known suspects like hiking and wildlife watching, waterfall chasers adore Cuyahoga National Park. One of the most popular highlights within the park is Brandywine Falls. It's one of the tallest waterfalls in the state and stands 65 feet tall. This powerful waterfall is easily accessible via a series of stairways and a boardwalk, making it a super popular attraction within the park! Cuyahoga is also home to Blue Hen Falls, which is absolutely stunning in the autumn months when it's framed by vibrant fall foliage. And for those who enjoy a good rock formation, the Ledges Trail follows sandstone cliffs that make up Ritchie Ledges. More than 300 million years ago, this trail’s area of the park was actually covered by an ancient sea. Cuyahoga Valley National Park really is one of the very best day trip adventures in the beautiful Buckeye State!

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