Life can get quite expensive, can’t it? And while we’re all for planning epic, bucket-list-worthy vacations and adventures, these experiences often come with epic price tags. Happily, there are lots of amazing places to visit in Ohio that won’t cost you a dime — and many more than will only cost you a few dimes. We’ve put together our most affordable Ohio road trip ever, and believe us when we tell you that each and every one of the six destinations on this adventure is bucket-list worthy. Are you ready for the most amazing *and* affordable adventure ever? Let’s go!

Six epic destinations, less than 2.5 hours drive time, all for $100? Can it be done? Absolutely it can -- this is the magic of our Affordable Ohio Road Trip.
Google Maps
Starting and ending in the lovely state capital, view an interactive Google Map, fill up the tank, and hit the road!
Our first stop is the Ohio Statehouse, located in Capitol Square in Columbus. This complex includes the Ohio Statehouse, Senate Building, and Atrium, three buildings that are not only working government offices, but also a magnificent monument to the Buckeye State.
Ohio Statehouse, 1 Capitol Square, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
Ohio Statehouse/Facebook
Free tours are offered daily, and this really is a history lesson for every proud Ohioan.
Next we're heading to one of our favorite hidden gems in Ohio: Topiary Park.
Topiary Park, 480 E Town St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
OriginalPysn/TripAdvisor
Few people know about the quaint, seven-acre park in Columbus that features one of Ohio’s most unique gardens, where art and plant life blend. The Topiary Park is a true hidden gem to those looking for something new to explore, and the best part is, admission is always free!
Heading east, we're visiting one of Ohio's most dazzling crown jewels: Hocking Hills.
Hocking Hills State Park Cabins, Benton Township, OH 43138, USA
Holly Hildreth/Moment Collection via Getty Images

Related Stories

11 Quick Road Trips In Ohio You Can Take This Weekend

11 Quick Road Trips In Ohio You Can Take This Weekend

 Hocking Hills State Park Is An Inexpensive Road Trip Destination In Ohio That's Affordable

Hocking Hills State Park Is An Inexpensive Road Trip Destination In Ohio That's Affordable

 10 Amazing Places You Can Go On One Tank Of Gas In Ohio

10 Amazing Places You Can Go On One Tank Of Gas In Ohio
We could easily spend days exploring the caves and waterfalls at Hocking Hills, so take your time! Old Man's Cave and Ash Cave are two must-visits in the area.
Hocking Hills State Park, Logan, OH, USA
Bill Swindaman/Moment Collection via Getty Images
If you feel inclined to turn this day trip into a two-day trip, there are lots of lodging options at Hocking Hills; camping is the most budget-friendly!
There's one more museum on this affordable road trip in Ohio, and it's a total hidden gem. Ted Lewis is a Buckeye State legend lauded as one of the greatest entertainers of all time, and Circleville has an entire museum dedicated to this pop culture icon.
The Ted Lewis Museum, 133 W Main St, Circleville, OH 43113, USA
The Ted Lewis Museum/Facebook
Founded in 1977, the Ted Lewis Museum contains historic memorabilia and interactive exhibits featuring some of the Ohio entertainer's most famous songs, such as "When My Baby Smiles At Me," "Tiger Rag," "On the Sunny Side of the Street," and his signature routine, "Me and My Shadow." And admission to this only-in-Ohio museum? Free!
After a day of museums, parks, and attractions, it's time to enjoy a hearty meal... dessert first.
Wittich's Candy Shop/Google Local
The oldest candy shop in Ohio, Wittich's Candy Shop is a delight of a place sure to stoke a sense of nostalgia... and tempt your sweet tooth!
Wittich's Candy Shop, 117 W High St, Circleville, OH 43113, USA
Wittich's Candy Shop/Google Local
The prices will have you feeling nostalgic, too; there are plenty of penny candies and chocolates, and the milkshakes are absolutely delicious!
Finally, some food. The Thurman Cafe is a Columbus favorite that's known for behemoth burgers -- and luckily for our affordable road trip, these beauties don't come with beefy price tags!
The Thurman Cafe, 183 Thurman Ave, Columbus, OH 43206, USA
The Thurman Cafe/Facebook
Most burgers range between $15-$20 and include kettle chips and a pickle. For hearty appetites, the Thurmanator weighs several pounds and features the works... and then some. Its $25+ price tag is admittedly hefty, but after a day of free fun and hitting the trails, you've earned it!

If you’re doing the math, this road trip comes in well under $100, as the only charges along the way are at the candy shop and restaurant. Even accounting for a full tank of gas, you should be able to enjoy a day of affordable fun in Ohio, seeing new sights and trying new foods along the way!

Ohio is often lauded as being an affordable place to live, and the above road trip proves just that. We’re so lucky to call the Buckeye State our home, and hope you discover some new-to-you places with this adventure.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Affordable Things to do in Ohio

Sarah M. | February 06, 2023

What are some more affordable things to do in Ohio?

After tackling our Affordable Ohio Road Trip, you're probably wondering about other free activities in the Buckeye State. Well, you're in luck! The above sites are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to affordable activities in Ohio:

  • Visit an art museum. The Cleveland Museum of Art *and* Cincinnati Art Museum both offer free admission every day of the week, and are home to some incredible collections of art.
  • Discover Mound City (Hopewell Culture National Historical Park) in Chillicothe. This cool Ohio gem is a treasure trove of information, and a wonderful place to go to learn about the past.
  • Have an Ohio beach day! Lake Erie is heavenly and free to visit and enjoy.
  • Ogle gorgeous trees. Oak Openings Preserve in Swanton and Mt. Airy Forest in Cincinnati are both beautiful places to admire Buckeye State flora.
  • Tour the state's largest collection of outdoor murals and street art. We're talking, of course, about the artistic area at the Short North Arts District in Columbus.
  • Wander German Village in Columbus, Ohio. While you're there, be sure to explore the village's 32-room Book Loft and charming Schiller Park. German Village has a long and storied history, that’s fascinating to learn about.
  • Visit the Air Force Museum! Learn about the history of our nation's development in aviation at the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, where admission is always FREE.

Related Articles