Places to visit on your trip to Ohio
Ohio nicknamed “The Heart of it All,” because of its heart-like shape and being in the center of the country. With some of the country’s most populated cities. Also, because its considered part of the American Heartland.
Known for its important role in the Underground Railroad network. Visitors can explore this history at the popular museum. Celebrating and memorializing its history.
For a lighter look at Ohio’s history, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame offers a fascinating and enjoyable look into the music industry of America. Ohio has been home to some of America’s most famous people. Including the Wright Brothers, eight U.S. Presidents, and Neil Armstrong.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Cleveland’s most famous landmark is the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, located downtown on the shore of Lake Erie. The Hall of Fame’s purpose is to celebrate the music industry’s most important and influential people, artifacts, and time periods.
The seven-level building features various exhibit halls with temporary and permanent exhibits. Relating to the history of gospel, blues, rhythm & blues, folk, country, and bluegrass music. The Hall of Fame inductee gallery showcases the biggest names in rock n’ roll history.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
The Cuyahoga Valley National Park created to preserve and restore the area along the Cuyahoga River. That stretches from Akron to Cleveland, Ohio. The park encompasses more than 20,000 acres and it is Ohio’s only National Park. There are over 125 miles of hiking trails in Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
These trails range from nearly-level to more challenging, and pass through various habitats including woodlands, wetlands, and old fields. Some trails require you to cross streams with steppingstones or log bridges. While others, including the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, are nearly level and are accessible to all visitors.
Kings Island
Kings Island is an amusement park located in Mason, Ohio. With 364 acres, Kings Island contains the perfect combination of world-class thrills and family-friendly fun. From the big thrills of roller coasters like Orion, Diamondback and The Beast. Two family rides in Cargo Loco and Sol Spin, plus the little thrills of kiddie rides in Planet Snoopy.
Home to more than 40 incredible rides and attractions. Experience some of the wildest roller coasters in the world, including Orion and longstanding legends like The Beast. Explore an award-winning kids’ area, Soak City a 33-acre water park, and so much more.
Smale Riverfront Park
Smale Riverfront Park sits along the Ohio River near the base of the Roebling Suspension Bridge. This 45-acre park spans the riverfront area between Paul Brown Stadium and Great American Ballpark.
The park boasts multiple water play features, giant swings, an interactive foot piano, an imaginative play area for kids, expansive pollinator gardens, and Carol Ann’s Carousel. Several historical monuments can be found like the Black Brigade Monument and the recently dedicated Marian Spencer Statue.
Cleveland Museum of Art
The Cleveland Museum of Art internationally renowned for its collection. It’s home to more than 61,000 works of art spanning 6,000 years. Including soothing lily pad oils by Monet, ancient hot bod Grecian statues and 100 very vivid images of Marilyn Monroe courtesy of Andy Warhol.
Included in its wide-ranging permanent collection is one of the world’s leading assemblies of Indian and Southeast Asian art, and their Japanese, Chinese and Korean collections are among the most comprehensive in the world.
Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden
The Cincinnati Zoo is one of America’s oldest zoos, opening in 1875. Over one million people visit the Zoo’s award-winning exhibits, and more than 500 animal and 3000 plant species annually. With 65 acres of animal habitats, attractions, botanical gardens. Cincinnati Zoo is one of the best places to explore in Ohio.
The zoo is known for its successful breeding programs. Having bred cheetahs, Sumatran rhinoceros, Western Lowland gorillas, Pottos, and Masai giraffes. Zoo’s famous for having some of the longest living animals in captivity.
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
This museum in Cincinnati preserves the legacy and celebrates the Underground Railroad. One of America’s most important historical events. The 158,000 square foot museum is composed of three pavilions. Named after and honoring the ideas of courage, cooperation and perseverance.
A popular attraction at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is a real reconstructed Slave Pen. Which dates to 1830 and is the only known surviving rural slave jail. Escape Freedom Seekers and the Underground Railroad is an interactive exhibit that uses storytelling, role-playing, and hands-on activities to portray the journey of the Underground Railroad.
Hocking Hills State Park
Hocking Hills State Park within the park are several spectacular rock formations. Including Old Man’s Cave, a narrow, deep gorge featuring waterfalls, Rock House. Cantwell Cliffs a broad gorge at the head of a hollow with a unique stone stairway and Ash Cave, a large rock shelter with a small waterfall.
Hocking Hills features beautiful towering cliffs, thrilling waterfalls, and deep, hemlock-shaded gorges. Attractions include rock climbing, rappelling, horseback riding, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, disc golf, archery and bird watching.
Center of Science and Industry
COSI, also known as the Center of Science and Industry, is Ohio’s most famed science museum. The museum is a popular attraction for tourists, especially children. The 320,000 square foot facility brings science to life through 300+ interactive experiences.
Nine galleries featuring world class traveling and permanent exhibitions, explosive live shows, and little kidspace. Features a planetarium, a working research laboratory, a mock space capsule, an extensive historic technology exhibit, and an ocean-centered exhibit.
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is located in Columbus, Ohio. The conservatory contains plant species. Biomes representing global climate zones include Himalayan Mountains, Tropical Rainforest, Desert, and Pacific Island Water Garden.
Additional plant collections include a Bonsai Courtyard. Show house with seasonal displays, orchids and tropical bonsai collections. Palm House with more than 40 species of palms.
Things to Do in Ohio
If you’re heading to “The Heart of it All,” Ohio, get ready to explore the heart of America. From its days as an important stop along the Underground Railroad. To its fame as the home of many of America’s most noteworthy politicians, inventors, and pioneers.
Ohio lives up to its nickname and offers plenty of attractions for visitors of all types to enjoy while exploring the American Heartland.