Getting There Is Half The Fun In This Awesome And Super Scenic Ohio Road Trip
By Sarah McCosham|Published June 01, 2023
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Sarah McCosham
Author
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
Here at OnlyInYourState, we have an unabashed love for road trips. Especially in Ohio, a state that’s literally within a day’s drive of some of the country’s coolest big cities, most beautiful national parks, and acclaimed attractions! With summer in sight we’ve put together an awesome Ohio road trip with a journey that’s as beautiful as the destination — getting there, as it were, is half the fun. Buckle up and grab your favorite car snacks — this weekend road trip in Ohio is pure, unadulterated awesomeness! (Kind of like the Buckeye State herself…)
We designed this road trip to be tackled over the course of a weekend, with suggested dining and lodging along the way. Spanning roughly 330 miles, this trip visits the Three Cs of Ohio, starting in Cincinnati and winding through Columbus and Cleveland. Sandusky is our final stop on the trip.
Total trip time is 5.5 hours, though we've divided it into a weekend of fun!
Feel free to modify the Google Map with your preferences.
Day 1: Cincinnati to Columbus to Cuyahoga Valley National Park
This trip begins in the far southwest corner of the state at one of our favorite places: Smale Riverfront Park. Whether you simply “wave hi” to Cincinnati en route to Columbus, or stop and wander the riverfront, we think you’ll agree it’s a solid start to this awesome Ohio road trip.
Day 1: Morning at Smale Riverfront Park
Smale Riverfront Park, 166 W Mehring Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202, USA
This beautiful park on the riverfront is prettier than a picture. There's a playground and labyrinth, as well as paved trails and swings that look out onto the mighty Ohio. And admiring the world-famous Roebling Bridge is a must!
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Day 1: Late Morning at COSI
Center of Science and Industry (COSI), 333 W Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
While Indiana lays claim to the world's largest children's museum, only in Ohio will you find COSI, a powerhouse of STEM-filled fun for the whole family. Full of rotating exhibits and classic favorites (I have fond memories of cycling across the high wire bicycle as a kid!), COSI is the quintessential Ohio day trip destination.
Dining Recommendation: After a morning of exploring, fuel up with a visit to the nearby North Market, which is home to tons of delicious restaurants and vendors!
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Roadside Attraction #1: Field of Corn
Field of Corn, 4995 Rings Rd, Dublin, OH 43017, USA
Easily one of the quirkiest roadside attractions in Ohio, this place is true to its name: a larger-than-life field of corn. You'll find it in Dublin and we absolutely recommend getting out to pose for a photo!
Roadside Attraction #2: The Ohio State Reformatory
The Ohio State Reformatory, 100 Reformatory Rd, Mansfield, OH 44905, USA
As the afternoon begins to wane, a drive past the TEXTMansfield Reformatory is in order. This historic prison, now known as the Ohio State Reformatory, opened in 1886 and is nearly 130 years old. The reformatory is known to house some of the country’s most violent ghosts, and is considered one of the eeriest abandoned places in Ohio — and America!
In terms of overnight accommodations, this historic VRBO is absolutely adorable. It's a renovated 1800s schoolhouse that's right along our road trip route! For those who'd prefer to stay near the next point of interest, Valley Overlook at Camp Mueller is a brand-new glampground located within Ohio's glorious national park!
Well rested, bright-eyed and bushy tailed, Day 2 is all about exploring. First up: a morning at Cuyahoga Valley National Park, followed by some sightseeing in The Land.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNP) protects more than 33,000 acres along the banks of the Cuyahoga River between Cleveland and Akron in Northeast Ohio. At 33,000 acres, it's one of the smaller national parks in the U.S., but with 2 million visitors each year, it's one of the most visited. Translation? You can enjoy a leisurely park-going experience here, whether you're in the mood to hit the trails or do a bit of waterfall chasing!
Day 2 Detour: Scenic Drive Along Riverview Road
Riverview Road, Riverview Rd, Cuyahoga Falls, OH, USA
One of the most unique things about CVNP is that it was quite literally built in a town. What was once the small town of Boston Mills is now a well-preserved historic town... smack in the middle of Ohio's one and only national park! As such, CVNP has a unique mix of historic homes and town relics, including country roads and scenic drives that travel straight through the park itself. Riverview Road is one such drive, and, at just 20 miles long, it's a short-and-sweet trip worthy of a detour!
Cleveland is a beautiful town that's home to some of the best attractions in Ohio -- and the Midwest! Whether you opt to explore the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, West Side Market, or the Cleveland Museum of Art, there are TONS of amazing things to see and do in Cleveland. Our piece of advice? Head to Huntington Beach -- it's a beautiful sandy spot with some of the best views of the Cleveland skyline.
Dining recommendation: When in Cleveland, a visit to Slyman's Restaurant and Deli is in order. This local favorite is known for the tastiest corned beef sandwiches in Ohio!
There's no shortage of amazing accommodations in Cleveland. If you're looking for a well-appointed hotel, Cleveland's Ritz Carlton is the height of luxury, while Hotel Indigo is an eclectic 4-star hotel with a funky mix of modern and rustic interior design.
Those looking for a more unique rental have lots to choose from; we're partial to staying in the very-walkable University Heights neighborhood, and found this cozy University Heights home on VRBO.
Day 3: Sandusky
Hailed as one of the country’s best coastal towns, we’re capping off this awesome Ohio road trip with a visit to Sandusky. Whether you choose to spend the day wandering the boardwalk or riding roller coasters is up to you — as is the option to make this road trip “end” the beginning of a vacation in The Roller Coaster Capital of the World!
Our trip ends in Sandusky, the self-proclaimed Rollercoaster Capital of the World... or does it? While Sandusky is a delightful day trip destination, it's equally equipped to be your next vacation getaway. So what follows is up to you: you might plan to spend just a morning or afternoon in Sandusky, but, from personal experience, the awesomeness and charm of this coastal town will undoubtedly have you wanting to stay longer.
Whether you spend a day or weekend on this awesome Ohio road trip, one thing is sure: the journey really is just as fun as the destination!
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