Who doesn’t love an awesome road trip? Fortunately, some of the best road trips in Ohio don’t even require more than one tank of gas—and the more places you can see on just one tank of gas, the better. The following 10 places are some of Ohio’s best attractions. We’ve designed a road trip to see them that covers about 230 miles and only requires approximately 5 hours of drive time.

Google Maps

The trip starts in central Ohio, taking you from Columbus to Cleveland (or vice versa.) To view the Google map of this road trip, click here. (Please note: Lodging and dining stops are not included, but can easily be found along the way.)

1. The Ohio Statehouse
Arienz CHEN/Flickr
Kick off the trip with a little history and state pride. Officially finished in 1847, our beautiful state capitol is known for its distinctive rotunda and regularly hosts tours organized by the Ohio Statehouse Museum Education Center. Free, guided tours of the Statehouse are offered Monday through Friday on the hour from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays from noon until 3 p.m. For more information about the Statehouse, check out our previous article here.
2. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Todd Petrie/Flickr
Don't leave the state capital without visiting the animals. USA Travel Guide deemed the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium the best zoo in the country in 2009. It is also the 8th largest zoo in the world. For rates, hours of operation and more information, visit the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium's website.
3. German Village
Lee Kreider/Flickr
Perfect for a quaint day trip getaway, this lovely little neighborhood in Columbus will truly charm you with its book shop, (featuring more than 30 rooms of books) authentic German food and a stroll through Schiller Park. This historic neighborhood prides itself in preserving its German heritage and architecture. For some restaurant recommendations and other information about German Village, check out our previous article here.
4. Ye Old Mill
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr
A visit to the Velvet Ice Cream Company and Ye Old Mill in Utica not only offers smooth, freshly made ice cream, but also an inside look into the production of it. It's a one-of-a-kind experience. For more information about this whimsical factory, check out our previous article here.

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5. Ohio Amish Country
Alvin Trusty/Flickr
Drive through one of the state's most popular Amish Country destinations in Holmes County, enjoy the view and rest if (or when) you need to. Millersburg is home to several charming overnight accommodations, including The Barn Inn (pictured) and The Inn at Honey Run. For an Ohio Amish Country themed road trip idea, check out our previous article here.
6. Pro Football Hall of Fame
JW Ogden/Flickr
You can't drive through Canton without checking out the Pro Football Hall of Fame. (See what I did there?) If you're traveling with a sports fanatic, they'll especially appreciate this stop. For admission rates, hours of operation and other information, visit the Pro Football Hall of Fame's website.
7. Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens
Doug Chapman/Flickr
This elaborate country estate in Akron is one of the largest homes in the U.S. An accredited museum of the American Alliance of Museums, this estate is open to the public for tours and other events and features five historic buildings, eight gardens and 70 acres. For more information about this stunning mansion, check out our previous article here.
8. Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Erik Drost/Flickr
Ohio's very own national park features some breathtakingly beautiful scenery and hiking trails. If you don't have time to explore for awhile, be sure to at least stop and see Brandywine Falls (pictured.) For more information about the park's most popular waterfall and hiking spot, check out our previous article here.
9. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
zen/Flickr
As your trip starts to come to an end, make some time to check out the Birthplace of Rock and Roll. It's a must-see Cleveland attraction. For more information about this world renowned attraction, check out our previous article here.
10. Cleveland Botanical Garden
Cleveland Botanical Garden/Facebook
This truly unique attraction features 10 acres of outdoor gardens and an 18,000 square foot glasshouse garden. It’s an ever-changing urban escape of beauty, whimsy and wonder year-round. For more information about this truly stunning attraction, check out our previous article here.

What do you think? Are you up for this one tank outing to the best road trips in Ohio?

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More to Explore

Best Road Trips In Ohio

April Dray | February 27, 2020

Are there any food-related road trips in Ohio?

If you’re looking for a food trail in Ohio to follow on a rainy day, you have plenty of options—both official and unofficial. We’ve mapped out several of our own food trails that feature some of our favorite local shops and restaurants in the Buckeye State. (As an added bonus, many of them are also one tank trips in Ohio.) Be sure to check out our burger trail, ice cream trail and cheese trail for some scrumptious meals and treats. There are also multiple official food trails in Ohio, such as The Butler County Donut Trail, where you can download a passport, track your progress and receive a free t-shirt for your tasting efforts. 

What are the best day trips in Ohio?

When you’re trying to think of things to do in Ohio, think beyond amusement parks, restaurants and the usual Ohio day trip destinations. Take some time to explore some of our under-appreciated state parks, take a factory tour and explore a castle or two. Some of the best Ohio attractions are the unexpected attractions. Check out this list of hidden gems for some of Ohio’s best kept secrets. 

What are the most popular attractions in Ohio?

It is difficult to determine the most popular attractions and day trips in Ohio. If you enjoy nature, Hocking Hills State Park in Logan is one of the most scenic and popular places to explore in the Buckeye State, along with Cuyahoga Valley National Park in northeast Ohio. Many museums in Ohio are world renown but are also free to explore, such as The National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton and The Cleveland Museum of Art. Some great day trip destinations kids will enjoy include Young’s Jersey Dairy in Yellow Springs, b.a. Sweetie Candy Company in Cleveland and the Velvet Ice Cream Factory in Utica. There are also several children’s museums scattered throughout the state that feature plenty of hands-on exhibits and plenty of playtime.

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Featured Addresses
Ohio Statehouse, 1 Capitol Square, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, 4850 W Powell Rd, Powell, OH 43065, USA
German Village, Columbus, OH, USA
11324 Mt Vernon Rd, Utica, OH 43080, USA
The Barn Inn Bed and Breakfast, 6838 Co Rd 203, Millersburg, OH 44654, USA
Pro Football Hall of Fame, 2121 George Halas Dr NW, Canton, OH 44708, USA
Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N Portage Path, Akron, OH 44303, USA
Brandywine Falls, Sagamore Hills Township, OH 44067, USA
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, 1100 E 9th St, Cleveland, OH 44114, USA
Cleveland Botanical Garden, 11030 East Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA