Let’s face it, one list of hidden gems in Ohio simply isn’t enough. From secret — and practically magical — nature getaways to truly unique manmade structures, our state is full of lesser known jewels that are just plain fun to discover. The following are 13 of what we consider to be some of the best kept-secrets and hidden gems in Ohio:

1) Nelson Kennedy Ledges State Park
E Photos/Flickr
While most people are familiar with the beauty of Ohio's beloved Old Man's Cave hiking trails and the Hocking Hills State Park, less people are aware of the similar breathtaking, adventurous nature hike you will experience at Nelson Kennedy Ledges State Park. Portage County is home to this 160-acre park, which features rugged cliffs, unique hiking trails (complete with a "Dwarf's Pass," pictured above) and diverse plant life.
2) The Wilds
Mike/Flickr
Cumberland is home to Ohio's own safari experience where exotic animals roam free. The Wilds truly is a bucket-list must for Ohioans.
3) Piatt Castles
Craig Hatfield/Flickr
Located in Logan County near West Liberty are two chateau-style castles with Gothic design. This private, family-owned museum features more than 200 years of Ohio history.
4) Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
Edsel Little/Flickr
This Class III railroad operating diesel-electric and steam-powered excursion travels through Peninsula, Ohio. Enjoy cocktails and the scenic Cuyahoga Valley National Park via this charming train ride.
5) Hocking Valley Scenic Railroad
jpmueller99/Flickr
Close to Hocking Hills State Park in Nelsonville, you can board yet another popular and historic railroad adventure that travels along the Hocking River and the scenic Hocking Hills area of Southeast Ohio.
6) The Cincinnati Observatory
5chw4r7z/Flickr
On top of Mt. Outlook in Cincinnati are two observatory buildings housing an 11 inch and 16 inch aperture refracting telescope. The Cincinnati Observatory is the oldest professional observatory in the United States, and was a key facility for astronomical research and education at the University of Cincinnati. Regular viewings of the historic telescopes, as well as tours and additional programs, are available to visitors.

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7) Oak Openings
Benny Mazur/Flickr
Close to Toledo you'll find what's considered to be Ohio's rarest ecosystem (and one of the world's rarest ecosystems) where rare plants and animals, oak forests, sand dunes, savannas, tall-grass prairies and swamp forests all thrive in harmony. The Oak Openings Preserve Metropark is located in Swanton and operated by Metroparks of the Toledo Area.
8) Mound City
Karen's archeology stream/Flickr
While you've probably heard about (or seen) the mysterious Great Serpent Mound in Adams County, you might now know about Mound City. Mounds abound at the world’s largest collection of Indian burial mounds in Chillicothe’s Hopewell Culture National Historic Park.
9) Castle Noel
MIchelle/Flickr
Medina is home to America's Largest Indoor Christmas Entertainment Attraction, which is open year-round and features hour-long tours of all things Christmas.
10) The Temple of Tolerance
Stephen/Flickr
Jim Bowsher's home in the small town of Wapakoneta features an impressive museum of artifacts from the America you don't typically read about in history books, and a truly tranquil temple complex in his backyard. The central monument of the temple complex is dedicated to tolerance, and Bowsher continues to add to his unique creation to this day.
11) Dysart Woods
Christopher Sessums/Flickr
In Belmont County within the Dysart Woods, you will find some of Ohio's oldest and largest trees. Though the woods stretches for 455 acres, only about 50 of the 140 ft. tall, 4 ft. in diameter and 300-400 year-old trees are still there.
12) Findlay Ghost Town
Panama/Flickr
Driving down St. Rt. 68, you might stumble across a sign that points the way to "Ghost Town." Created by the Galitza family, this unique roadside attraction in Findlay features a replica of an 1880s-era ghost town that was first open to the public in the 1950s. Today, the ghost town has an even more authentic ghost town feel due to a lack of upkeep and public attention.
13) Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park and Museum
Earl/Flickr
This outdoor museum and sculpture park in Hamilton is every art enthusiast's dream come true. Additionally, the park features a 10,000 square foot Ancient Sculpture Museum, which displays Egyptian, Greek, Roman and Etruscan sculptures that are thousands of years old. (Come on guys, THAT'S a really cool place for Ohio to have.)

What do you think? Were you familiar with these hidden gems in Ohio? If there are any other hidden treasures in Ohio we haven’t yet recognized in our lists, let us know in the comments below!

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More to Explore

Hidden gems in Ohio

Sarah | August 03, 2021

Are there many hidden gems in Ohio?

The Buckeye State is chock-full of hidden gems -- you just need to know where to look! (Shameless self-plug alert: look right here, at Only In Ohio!) For those that have an insatiable appetite for wanderlust, Ohio delivers. This list of 11 hidden gems is a fun one, and features secret spots and treasures that even life-long locals might not know about. One of our favorites on the list is the American Sign Museum in Cincinnati, a bright, shiny slice of history. Even if you’ve lived in Cincinnati all your life, chances are, you’ve never visited the American Sign Museum. A passion project of founder Tod Swormstedt, who was the fourth-generation editor of Signs of the Times magazine, the museum began in 1999 and moved into its permanent home in Camp Washington, located just outside the city, in 2012. Easily one of Cincinnati’s best-kept secrets, discovering this museum is a totally wonderful, magical experience.

What are some fun day trips in Ohio?

Well, in keeping with the theme of hidden gems in Ohio, you'll definitely want to check out our appropriately named Ohio Hidden Gem Road Trip, which explores nine unique treasures in the Buckeye State. A notable stop along the way is Dogwood Pass in Beaver. Did you know there is an impressive replica of an Old West town tucked away in the hills of southern Ohio? Most people don't! Dogwood Pass in Beaver, Ohio, was built to look and feel as authentic as possible, complete with bath houses, saloons, and gun fights. It's an authentic little slice of the Old West, right here in the Midwest!

Are there any hidden castles in Ohio?

If you enjoyed exploring Loveland Castle, you'll be pleased to learn about the Buckeye State's other royal adventures. The journey starts in Akron, at the Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens, an elaborate country estate that's 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. In Put-In-Bay, you can visit Beer Barrel Saloon, the world's longest bar, and sit back and enjoy the coastal views. And on the James A. Rhodes Appalachian Highway in Coolville, you'll find Ohio's (and one of America's) smallest chapel, a tiny little treasure that you'll love checking out!

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Featured Addresses
Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park, 12440 OH-282, Garrettsville, OH 44231, USA
The Wilds, 14000 International Rd, Cumberland, OH 43732, USA
Piatt Castle Mac-A-Cheek, 10051 Township Rd 47, West Liberty, OH 43357, USA
Hocking Valley Scenic Railway, 33 W Canal St, Nelsonville, OH 45764, USA
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad Rockside Station, 7900 Old Rockside Rd, Independence, OH 44131, USA
Oak Openings Preserve Metropark, 4139 Girdham Rd, Swanton, OH 43558, USA
Mound City, MO 64470, USA
Castle Noel, 260 S Court St, Medina, OH 44256, USA
The Temple Of Tolerance, 203 S Wood St, Wapakoneta, OH 45895, USA
Dysart Woods Park, 61961 Dysart Woods Rd, Belmont, OH 43718, USA
Ghost Town Findlay, Ohio, County Road 40, Findlay, OH, USA
Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum, 1763 Hamilton Cleves Rd, Hamilton, OH 45013, USA