Marvel Over These 17 Sights In Ohio You Won’t Find Anywhere Else In The World
By April Dray|Updated on December 05, 2019(Originally published November 21, 2019)
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April Dray
Author
April is the Ohio staff writer for Only in Your State. She is an Ohio native with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from E.W. Scripps School of Journalism. With more than 10 years of writing experience and a background in news reporting for Ohio newspapers, she's published pieces in multiple print and online publications. When she's not on deadline or chasing after her toddler, she's hunting for hidden gems in Ohio or getting lost in a good book.
From rocky caves and waterfalls to magnificent manmade structures, Ohio has a little bit of everything when it comes to scenery. The following are some of the best sights in Ohio. They’re merely a sample of what our state has to offer and must be experienced with firsthand sight. We’re convinced that Ohio’s beauty—ever evolving— is what truly makes our state “the heart of it all.”
This is where it all began. A hike here will leave you inspired, but the history of the area will enrich your visit. Fun fact: To find the beautiful view of The Great Seal of Ohio (pictured), you actually have to visit Adena Mansion and Gardens, also located in Chillicothe, which was Ohio's first capital.
Ohio knows how to tend a garden. A stroll through this garden amid the bustling city gives you a truly dream-like experience. Cleveland Botanical Garden 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.
Within the Hocking Hills State Park near Laurelville, Ohio, you’ll find a .5 mile trail to the beloved Rock House, an above ground cave with a 25 ft. high ceiling and massive window-like openings that hikers are free to explore—and it will seriously make you feel like Indiana Jones.
You can thank Toledo for Ohio's closest replica of the Golden Gate Bridge. After you've done some shopping in the city, marvel at the one-of-a-kind bridge and snap a photo or two.
Mounds abound at Mound City Group in Ross County where you will find the largest collection of Hopewell culture burial mounds in eastern North America, as well as a museum that showcases the Hopewell culture.
The largest (and most strangely shaped) effigy mound in the world can be found right here in Ohio in Adams County. The 1,348 ft. long uniquely shaped mound depicts a snake, with an oval shape at its head. Although no artifacts or written records were found near the mound to determine who built it, a nearby village site shows evidence of occupation by both the Adena and the later Fort Ancient Cultures. The original purpose of the mound remains a mystery, though there is some evidence for astronomical correlations, according to arcofappalachia.org.
The Ohio Caverns were formed thousands of years ago when an underground river cut through ancient limestone and created vast rooms and passageways. Today, they're filled with crystal stalactites, stalagmites and other fascinating formations. There are several different tours you can take at Ohio Caverns, including a Natural Wonder Tour, Historic Tour, Limestone Tour and Tree Tour.
Within Cuyahoga National Park hides a waterfall that could fool both Ohio native and visitor alike into thinking that they've temporarily stepped foot into a fairytale. Northeast Ohio is home to a breathtaking 65-foot waterfall that flows from Brandywine Creek. Known as Brandywine Falls, these easily accessible and beautiful falls are a popular highlight within the park. Ohio explorers and nature lovers alike will appreciate the majestic beauty of these falls.
The oldest lighthouse in continuous operation on the United States side of the Great Lakes is a beautiful sight to behold. Since 1822, this lighthouse has been an active aid-to-navigation. Today, you can tour the lighthouse for a small fee, observe the museum in the keeper's house and explore the grounds of the park.
Here in Cumberland, you can see giraffes, zebras and rhinos, (oh my!) run free. Depending on the tour option you choose, you can get an up-close encounter with the animals or board a Safari Transport so you can observe them (from a safe distance) roam freely while learning all about the rare and endangered species the facility conserves.
You can't leave the Buckeye State without spending sometime near our beloved state-named river. (Pro tip: If you find yourself in the Cincinnati area, cross the border to visit the Newport Aquarium or take a Ride The Ducks tour to get a feel of this beloved river from all sides.)
Try the Amish way for a weekend at Ohio's Amish Country. It's the perfect place to get away for awhile and enjoy some backroad scenery—not to mention some homemade bread and other goodies.
Ohio's very own island getaway is special. Tour everything from Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial to a quirky chocolate museum. (You can even spend this road trip virtually car free after you've arrived. Golf cart, moped and bicycle rentals are popular ways to get around the island.)
What is life without the waves and sunset views that only a Great Lake can bring? Drive along the coast of northern Ohio and stop and enjoy the view for awhile.
Part of the Toledo Metroparks system, this underrated park is worthy of your outdoor bucket list. Oak Openings is 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.
Hocking Hills State Park is arguably Ohio's most beloved state park, where waterfalls, caves, unique rock formations and hiking trails abound. Old Man's Cave has an interesting history and origin to its name. Legend has it, a 19th-century hermit who once lived in the cave, (named Richard Rowe,) is buried under a cave ledge in the area. Take the 1-mile Old Man's Cave Loop trail for an unforgettable day hike.
We know it's not New York, but we do know our state's capital is a city to cherish. Walk along the Scioto River, enjoy some fine dining and shop until you drop.
Ohio’s beauty is its own—and that’s just the way we like it here. And believe it or not, there are even more places that could be added to this list of the best sights in Ohio.
How many of these places have you explored before? What other sights would you add to this list that you believe are the best sights in Ohio? Let us know!
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More to Explore
Best Sights In Ohio
April Dray|December 05, 2019
What is there to see and do in Ohio?
When you’re trying to think of something to do in Ohio, think beyond amusement parks and restaurants. Take some take 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.
The Ohio tourist attractions that our state is most known for include Cedar Point Amusement Park in Sandusky, The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, The Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton and Hocking Hills State Park in Logan. For a list of other must-see marvels in Ohio, check out our previous article here.
