There are so many charming small towns in Ohio that undoubtedly, some will fall under the radar. Oberlin, Ohio is one such place. This enchanting town in the northern part of the state is one of the best small towns in Ohio, and it is full of unique attractions and historic points of interest and is the perfect day trip destination in the Buckeye State. Where is Oberlin, Ohio? Keep reading to find out.

In Northeast Ohio, Oberlin is a delightful college town that's peak "small town" vibes. This progressive little town has a community-minded ethos, a rich history, and a lively arts and cultural scene.
City of Oberlin / Facebook
More than a mere college town, Oberlin College was the first interracial and coeducational college in the United States, something that speaks to the culture of kindness and acceptance of Oberlin, Ohio.
The town is set up like a grid, with a central park surrounded by tree-lined neighborhoods, stately college buildings, and historic monuments. Tappan Square is the heart of the town; a 13-acre green space listed on the National Register of Historic Places where college students study, families picnic, and walkers stroll.
Oberlin College / Facebook
This park is by no means the only historic site in town... not even close! One of the most striking structures in Oberlin, the Apollo is a 1913 art-deco moviehouse located in the heart of the downtown district. Maintained by Oberlin College, the Apollo is notable as one of the earliest theaters to screen "talkies" and for its use as one of Northeast Ohio's film forums.
Apollo Theater Oberlin, 19 E College St, Oberlin, OH 44074, USA
Kris MA Ramos / Google Reviews
In other architectural marvels, Oberlin's Weltzheimer/Johnson House is one of just a handful of Usonian-style houses in Ohio designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Constructed in 1948 and 1949, today, the home is owned by Oberlin College and is operated as part of the Allen Memorial Art Museum.
Weltzheimer/Johnson House - Frank Lloyd Wright, 534 Morgan St, Oberlin, OH 44074, USA
Allen Memorial Art Museum / Facebook

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Speaking of which, the Allen Memorial Art Museum is a must-visit when in Oberlin. Founded in 1917 on the campus of Oberlin College, the Allen Memorial Art Museum is widely recognized as one of the best academic art museums in the country!
Allen Memorial Art Museum, 87 N Main St, Oberlin, OH 44074, USA
Allen Memorial Art Museum / Facebook
As you wander through town marveling at the immaculate green spaces and commanding architecture, you'll also find a smattering of delightful restaurants and longstanding local businesses. Oberlin is the kind of friendly and walkable town that harkens back to another time; an era when you could wander into a five and dime for candy or a soda.
Edsel Little / Flickr
Oberlin's historic Ben Franklin store opened in 1935 and has been serving generations of town residents ever since! Today, it operates as a bookstore, fabric and frame shop, and all-around variety store, and is an impossibly charming place to peruse.
Ben Franklin & MindFair Books, 13 W College St, Oberlin, OH 44074, USA
Ben Franklin & MindFair Books / Facebook
All that exploring is bound to work up an appetite, and in true college town fashion, you'll find a world of delicious cuisine in Oberlin! Stop into The Feve for a burger and tater tots, grab a falafel plate from Aladdin's, or order a couple 'zas from Lorenzo's. You certainly won't go hungry here.
The Feve, 30 S Main St, Oberlin, OH 44074, USA
Eric Gibson / Google Reviews
There's pretty much always something going on in bustling Oberlin, a place that warmly welcomes everyone. Come and explore this enchanting Ohio town for yourself, and be prepared to be swept off your feet!
Allen Memorial Art Museum / Facebook

Have you visited this enchanting Ohio town before? Oberlin is a fascinating and stunningly beautiful Buckeye State town sure to capture your heart! What are some of your favorite things to do in Oberlin, Ohio? Do you agree that it’s one of the best small towns in Ohio? Share a story or two with us in the comments. Then, check out a few more charming towns near Cleveland.

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More to Explore

Small Town Ohio

Chris Muras | February 14, 2024

What are some of the best small towns in Ohio?
Ohio's blend of Midwestern hospitality and natural beauty make it a great place to visit. If you are looking for a few of the best small towns in Ohio, here are a few of our favorites:

  • Columbiana, OH: This charming small town in Ohio often comes up high on the list of friendliest towns in America. The welcoming vibe of the town is apparent when you visit its cute shops and step into local favorites like Das Dutch Village Shops and Carla's Corner Cafe. Firestone Park is a lovely place for a stroll or a family picnic, as well. If you enjoy a small town where you can simply walk down Main Street and discover fun places to stop, you'll probably fall in love with Columbine.
  • Chillicothe, OH: This lovely town in the Appalachian foothills of southern Ohio has around 22,000 residents which technically puts it out of the "small town" range. However, the welcoming vibe and sense of community are just as strong. It has been the state's capital twice in the past 200 years. The unique Victorian architecture in the Commercial District gives the town an old-world feel. But the history of the town dates back well before the first American settlers reached what is now Ohio. Chillicothe was a major settlement for five Shawnee tribes that once lived in the area.
  • Granville, OH: This small town gets a lift of activity when college is in session and the population nearly doubles with eager young faces. Early founders came to the area from Massachusetts and Connecticut looking for fertile farmland. The town still has a quiet community feel with peaceful tree-lined streets and beautiful city parks. When you come for a visit you'll enjoy walking along Main Street to discover interesting shops, cafes, galleries, and restaurants.

Check out even more of our favorite small towns in Ohio. From Walnut Creek to Charm - an Amish town so filled with charm that early settlers had no choice but to call it Charm. One of our favorite ways to discover more about small-town Ohio is to take a road trip. Grab an RV from RVShare and take the family on a small-town adventure in Ohio.

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Oberlin, OH 44074, USA