Nikki is a lifelong Ohioan with a love for literature. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Akron and has enjoyed publishing her written work since 2007. She has a love of travel and does so frequently, though she believes that home is where the heart is — she continues to work in and around Cleveland as a digital content specialist to this day, working on everything from commercial scripts and social media posts to grassroots marketing initiatives.
Across the Buckeye State’s 88 counties, there are hundreds of hidden wonders. The landscape encompasses a variety of unique biomes, landscapes, and sights. And the culture? Well, it truly varies from community to community. The best way to experience it all is via a road trip! We’ve mapped out a multi-day road trip in Ohio for you in some of the state’s most interesting places, and you can access an itinerary for day one, day two, or day three to customize it to your preferences in advance.
If that’s not enough to keep you busy, we’ve also included an additional day or two of adventure, which you can add to this road trip, or keep in your back pocket for future fun. Along the way, we’ll clue you in to the nearest conveniently located Ohio Best Western for your comfort and a bit of R&R. You’re going to need it, as you could easily spend an entire day at any of these exciting destinations. Ready to get started? Let’s go!
Blue Hen Falls is a gorgeous waterfall in the Buckeye State's only national park: Cuyahoga Valley National Park. At 15 feet tall, it's not the largest in the park, but it is pretty special. A round-trip hike from the stunning Boston Mill Visitor Center only takes an hour or two, and it provides easy access to Buttermilk Falls just downstream. Buttermilk Falls is a 30-foot cascade that's almost veil-like. It may not have an official trail of its own, but you'll spot its well-traveled footpath just off Blue Hen Falls Trail.
2. Mill Creek Falls
Mill Creek Falls, Mill Creek Trail, Cleveland, OH 44105, USA
Next up on our road trip in Ohio, we're heading into Cleveland to explore a real urban gem. There's no hiking required here - Mill Creek Falls is just steps away from the Garfield Park Reservation parking lot. It is the tallest waterfall in Cuyahoga County at 48 feet in height, and it's surrounded by historic Depression-era stonework. The entire surrounding park is full of history, as it's one of the city's oldest public parks. Everything from its picturesque bridges to the mighty Mill Creek Falls has a story to tell! You see, this waterfall was actually made by mankind when a railroad company diverted Mill Creek around the turn of the century.
3. Cleveland Cultural Gardens
Cleveland Cultural Gardens, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
This structure may be reminiscent of ancient Roman architecture, but it isn't quite that old. However, it is historic. You're looking at the Italian Cultural Garden, one of nearly 30 gardens that celebrates the variety of cultures that have contributed to the city's growth, development, and personality. All of the gardens are tucked away in Rockefeller Park, with some brushing up against the Rockefeller Park Greenhouse. Visiting the gardens and greenhouse is totally free, so you can visit whichever strikes your fancy. If you visit during the warmer months, you might even encounter festivals at certain gardens!
4. Solstice Steps
Solstice Steps, 14532 Lake Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107, USA
You can't visit Cleveland without swinging by the local Lake Erie coast! Lakewood Park, which offers gorgeous views of the Cleveland skyline, also has one very special feature: the Solstice Steps. These lovely steps offer a magical spot to stay for a spell, and as the name suggests, they line up perfectly with where the sun sets on the summer solstice. They're an engineering marvel and a charming place to stop for a snack.
5. Worden's Ledges
Worden's Ledges, Wordens Ledges Loop Trail, Hinckley, OH 44233, USA
For our last stop today, we're going to swing through the Emerald Necklace (locals' nickname for the Cleveland Metroparks). The park district's southernmost plot of land, Hinckley Reservation, hides a wonderful cultural site called Worden's Ledges. Here, art and nature meet. Historic carvings are hiding throughout the forest, with familiar figures like sphinxes, faces, and boats. While they may seem mysterious, the carvings are no secret! They were made by early residents of the site. Hiram Worden, who originally settled the site in 1860, often tested tools for his tombstone and sculpture business in the sandstone ledges behind his home. However, his son-in-law Noble Stuart is the artist behind most of the carvings. Stuart carved throughout the mid and late-1940s, and his work is every bit as stunning to this day.
There's no clock quite like this one in the entire world. Located in Sugarcreek, otherwise known as Little Switzerland, this clock is surrounded by culture. The area is known for its cheese factories, Swiss architecture, and, of course, this massive clock that was unveiled in 1972. As it chimes every hour, little characters pop out of the clock to do a jig!
7. Historic Downtown Millersburg
Historic Downtown Millersburg, 24 S Clay St suite a, Millersburg, OH 44654, USA
If the previous sampling of European-inspired architecture strikes your fancy, you're going to love Historic Downtown Millersburg. Reminiscent of a small European village, this cozy community has it all: dining, antique shops, breweries, nearby wineries, and a vibe that's downright irresistible. Bring your appetite, because bakeries, cheese, and other goodies are awaiting you in this area.
Ready to head back into the great outdoors? The gorgeous Mohican State Park is just a stone's throw away, and Loudonville is full of adventure. Take a canoe trip, embark on a hike, or take it easy by admiring roadside views and covered bridges. With 1,110 acres to explore, fun is abundant in this scenic area.
9. The Ohio State Reformatory
The Ohio State Reformatory, 100 Reformatory Rd, Mansfield, OH 44905, USA
Lights, camera, action! You're not on the set of a movie, but the Ohio State Reformatory (also known as Mansfield Reformatory) was once the backdrop for 1994's The Shawshank Redemption. Before that, however, it was an actual working prison. Construction spanned from 1886 to 1910, and its church-like features were strategically chosen to help reform inmates. You see, at a reformatory, the goal is to help convicts return to society. Here, inmates were provided spiritual guidance, education in a trade, and the opportunity to leave in 18 months if they showed progress. It even eventually played radio music in the cells for inmates to enjoy! However, it was closed in 1990 after an inmate sued the prison for inhumane conditions and overcrowding. Today, tours are offered in what's left of the old prison. History buffs will love its story, movie fans will love the sights, and fans of all things spooky will love its stories of purported hauntings.
To kick things off in the state capital, we're going to visit a free and unique attraction. The Wagner-Hagans Auto Museum is small, but mighty... and its collections are fascinating. You'll want to call ahead to schedule your tour, but it's so worth it. You'll get a private tour from the owner himself, and you'll walk away with an incredible amount of knowledge. You might even find yourself inspired to start your own collection! (Again, remember to call in advance for this attraction. Since it's open by appointment only, the best times to visit are weekends and evenings.)
Truth be told, you could spend all day in German Village alone. Here, Old World charm takes center stage with brick walkways, unique art, historic architecture, and all sorts of cool German businesses. In the summer months, public performances are put on in Schiller Park, which the whole family would love. Grab a beer at one of several German pubs, and wash it all down with some authentic and indulgent fudge. This community is a treat for the senses!
12. Topiary Park
Topiary Park, 480 E Town St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
You've just stumbled upon the most verdant urban oasis in Columbus. Across its seven acres, visitors will find gorgeous works of natural art that recreate Georges Seurat’s A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte. You'll spot several boats, dozens of people, and even animals in topiary form. In addition to being a beautiful spot to grab some quiet time, you'll love stepping into the world's only topiary interpretation of a painting.
Located in Dayton's Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, this incredible museum deserves hours of your time. The National Museum of the United States Air Force is both the oldest and the most extensive military aviation museum on the planet, and it is fascinating. It has four buildings and 1,120,000 square feet of space to explore. In that space, you'll find rare and historical aircraft, including the Apollo 15 Command Module and the Boeing aircraft that dropped the Fat Man atomic bomb at the end of WWII. See uniforms, presidential aircraft, and watch movies at this fascinating site.
From here, we’ll be heading south to one more unique area. If you choose to, you can take the drive down to Cincinnati as soon as your Dayton adventure is wrapped up. Of course, you can also swing by the Best Western Plus Dayton South for a bit of relaxation and refreshment before the final leg of your journey.
Cincy's Over-The-Rhine neighborhood is one of its most vibrant attractions. History abounds in this neighborhood, and historic buildings with German influence remind visitors of the immigrant population it once catered to. Today, trendy bars and pubs keep a history of merrymaking alive. Swing by Findlay Market to check out unique local fares, or unwind alongside lyrical fountains in scenic Washington Park.
Now that you’re done in Cincinnati, you can head home or unwind with a local staycation. Stay in the Best Western Premier Mariemont Inn for a cozy stay complete with an in-suite fireplace, or the Best Western Clermont for all the amenities you need plus express check-in and check-out and free breakfast.View Hotel Rooms Best Western Premier Mariemont Inn, Cincinnati, Ohio, United State If you’re looking for a unique road trip in Ohio, this adventure to a dozen hidden gems will surely leave you impressed. Plus, with easy access to several Ohio Best Western properties along the way, you can enjoy adventure and comfort in each region you visit.
Which of these spots are you most looking forward to exploring? Let us know in the comments!
