We’ve got a lot of amazing places to explore in Ohio. From breathtaking state parks to America’s largest candy store, there’s something for everyone to explore in Ohio. The following are 19 incredible trips to take in Ohio. After you take them, you simply won’t be the same.

The following are 19 incredible trips to take in Ohio. After you take them, you simply won’t be the same.

  1. Old Man’s Cave (Logan)

April Dray/Only In Your State If you’ve yet to take hike the Old Man’s Cave trail at Hocking Hills State Park in Logan, you’re truly missing out. It’s arguably the most beautiful hiking trail in Ohio—and it will make you feel like you’re temporarily living in a Lord of the Rings film. At approximately one mile in length, this gorgeous trail takes about an hour to complete, so it’s perfect for a day hike you can take your time exploring. Click here for directions and more information.

  1. Grand Rapids

Micah Maziar/Flickr Along the southern bank of the Maumee River, just southwest of Toledo, you’ll find a restored canal town that’s truly one of a kind. With a population of about 986, it’s a quaint place to live and the perfect place to visit for a day trip. You can even ride on a canal boat pulled by mules down the restored Miami & Erie Canal. It’s a truly special experience. Click here for directions and more information.

  1. Oak Openings (Swanton)

Matt Taylor/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—and it will truly make you feel like you’re not in Ohio anymore. Click here for directions and more information.

  1. Put-In-Bay (South Bass Island)

Sean Munson/Flickr The Lake Erie Islands are truly incredible. One of our favorites in particular is South Bass Island, often called the “Secret Midwest Playground” and home to the small town of Put-In-Bay—which has plenty to do and see. It’s Ohio’s island life at its best. Click here for directions and more information.

  1. The Wilds (Cumberland)

The Wilds/Facebook Although Ohio is full of several impressive zoos, The Wilds in Cumberland offer a unique way to observe exotic animals. 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. Click here for directions and more information.

  1. Dogwood Pass (Beaver)

Dogwood Pass/Facebook Most people don’t know there’s an impressive replica of an Old West town tucked away in the hills of southern Ohio. Dogwood Pass near Beaver, Ohio was built to look and feel as authentic as possible, complete with bath houses, saloons and gun fights. Step back in time into the Old West at this unique town that’s anything but ordinary. Click here for directions and more information.

  1. Cantwell Cliffs (Rockbridge)

Robert Aberegg/Flickr Cantwell Cliffs in Rockbridge, Ohio features a deep valley, steep cliffs and even a rock shelter that visitors can explore. Although the trail is only a 1-mile loop, it isn’t for the faint of heart―but the scenery you’ll encounter along the way makes the journey more than worth while. Click here for directions and more information.

  1. Jungle Jim’s (Cincinnati)

Dan M./Yelp With rows and rows of fresh produce, meat, seafood and other foods you’ve likely never seen before, a trip to this international market is truly an unforgettable experience. You’ll find much more than food here—although the food selection itself is certainly worth the trip.Click here for directions and more information.

  1. Deer Creek State Park Lodge (Sterling)

Mangement Photos/Trip Advisor Near central Ohio you’ll find a peaceful, beautiful getaway. Deer Creek State Park is home to an incredible lodge and conference center that’s the perfect place for some peace, quiet and a little adventure. It’s truly the perfect place to get away from it all. Click here for directions and more information.

  1. Nelson Kennedy Ledges State Park (Garrettsville)

Ohio Hiking Trails and Historical Sites./Facebook 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, hidden waterfalls, unique hiking trails and diverse plant life. Click here for directions and more information.

  1. Kalahari Resorts and Conventions (Sandusky)

Kalahari Resorts/Facebook Kalahari Resorts and Conventions features a massive indoor waterpark that friends and family members of all ages can enjoy. It’s a truly epic waterpark everyone in Ohio needs to experience at least once. It covers more than 170,000 sq. ft., making it America’s largest indoor water park. Click here for directions and more information.

  1. Great Serpent Mound (Peebles)

Roy Luck/Flickr While Ohio is full of multiple earthworks from various cultures, there’s no earthwork in the world that compares to the Great Serpent Mound—both in shape and size. But what’s even more intriguing about the mound is its indefinite purpose, which continues to baffle archaeologists and anthropologists.

If you’ve yet to see this marvel for yourself, you need to check it out. Click here for directions and more information.

  1. Clifton Mill (Clifton)

Alexander West/Flickr This historic site of Clifton Mill features a vintage mill, a covered bridge, a 1940s-era gas station and a quaint American restaurant. (John Bryan State Park is close to this serene attraction and offers beautiful hiking trails if you’re searching for something more adventurous.) It’s a lovely day trip destination. Click here for directions and more information.

  1. b.a. Sweetie Candy Company (Cleveland)

Bob L./Yelp We have the largest candy store in the country sitting right here in our very own state and you probably didn’t even know it. Can you imagine it? Aisle after aisle of any type of candy you could dream of. In fun size, king size and bulk. In every flavor that ever existed. With an inventory of more than 4,500 different items valued at $2,000,000, you really won’t find a better candy selection than at b.a. Sweetie Candy Company. Click here for directions and more information.

  1. Ohio Caverns (West Liberty)

Brian Tmmermeister/Flickr “America’s Most Colorful Caverns” can be found in West Liberty, Ohio. The caverns were formed thousands of years ago when an underground river cut through ancient limestone and created vast rooms and passageways. These passageways are now filled with crystal stalactites, stalagmites and many other formations. Click here for directions and more information.

  1. Brandywine Falls (Cuyahoga Valley National Park)

Megs/Flickr Cuyahoga Valley National Park in northeast Ohio is home to a breathtaking 65-foot waterfall that flows from Brandywine Creek. Known as Brandywine Falls, these easily accessible, beautiful falls are a popular highlight within the park and a must-see. Click here for directions and more information.

  1. Ravenwood Castle (New Plymouth)

ravenwoodcastle.com If you’ve ever longed for a mediaeval experience (complete with many of the comforts of home,) you’ll definitely want to check out Ravenwood Castle. This lovely little Medieval structure is tucked away in the scenic Hocking Hills in New Plymouth. Click here for directions and more information.

  1. Holden Arboretum Canopy Walk (Kirtland)

Erik Drost/Flickr The Judith and Maynard H. Murch Canopy Walk at Holden Arboretum in Kirtland, Ohio features a 500 ft. long elevated walkway suspended 65 ft. above the forest floor. It gives visitors a truly unique perspective of the forest and the animals that live among the trees.

And as an added bonus, there’s an observation tower on site that takes you up even further up—so much further that you end up above the trees. Click here for directions and more information.

  1. Yellow Springs

JR P/Flickr Yellow Springs, Ohio is home to Antioch College, a colorful downtown, the nearby John Bryan State Park and, (you guessed it), the official “Yellow Spring” the town is named after. This artsy little town offers unique shops, local eateries and small town life at its finest—but the nature scene thrives here too. Click here for directions and more information.

Have you taken any of these trips before? What places on this list surprised you? Share your thoughts and experiences with us!

April Dray/Only In Your State

If you’ve yet to take hike the Old Man’s Cave trail at Hocking Hills State Park in Logan, you’re truly missing out. It’s arguably the most beautiful hiking trail in Ohio—and it will make you feel like you’re temporarily living in a Lord of the Rings film. At approximately one mile in length, this gorgeous trail takes about an hour to complete, so it’s perfect for a day hike you can take your time exploring. Click here for directions and more information.

Micah Maziar/Flickr

Along the southern bank of the Maumee River, just southwest of Toledo, you’ll find a restored canal town that’s truly one of a kind. With a population of about 986, it’s a quaint place to live and the perfect place to visit for a day trip. You can even ride on a canal boat pulled by mules down the restored Miami & Erie Canal. It’s a truly special experience. Click here for directions and more information.

Matt Taylor/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—and it will truly make you feel like you’re not in Ohio anymore. Click here for directions and more information.

Sean Munson/Flickr

The Lake Erie Islands are truly incredible. One of our favorites in particular is South Bass Island, often called the “Secret Midwest Playground” and home to the small town of Put-In-Bay—which has plenty to do and see. It’s Ohio’s island life at its best. Click here for directions and more information.

The Wilds/Facebook

Although Ohio is full of several impressive zoos, The Wilds in Cumberland offer a unique way to observe exotic animals. 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. Click here for directions and more information.

Dogwood Pass/Facebook

Most people don’t know there’s an impressive replica of an Old West town tucked away in the hills of southern Ohio. Dogwood Pass near Beaver, Ohio was built to look and feel as authentic as possible, complete with bath houses, saloons and gun fights. Step back in time into the Old West at this unique town that’s anything but ordinary. Click here for directions and more information.

Robert Aberegg/Flickr

Cantwell Cliffs in Rockbridge, Ohio features a deep valley, steep cliffs and even a rock shelter that visitors can explore. Although the trail is only a 1-mile loop, it isn’t for the faint of heart―but the scenery you’ll encounter along the way makes the journey more than worth while. Click here for directions and more information.

Dan M./Yelp

With rows and rows of fresh produce, meat, seafood and other foods you’ve likely never seen before, a trip to this international market is truly an unforgettable experience. You’ll find much more than food here—although the food selection itself is certainly worth the trip.Click here for directions and more information.

Mangement Photos/Trip Advisor

Near central Ohio you’ll find a peaceful, beautiful getaway. Deer Creek State Park is home to an incredible lodge and conference center that’s the perfect place for some peace, quiet and a little adventure. It’s truly the perfect place to get away from it all. Click here for directions and more information.

Ohio Hiking Trails and Historical Sites./Facebook

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, hidden waterfalls, unique hiking trails and diverse plant life. Click here for directions and more information.

Kalahari Resorts/Facebook

Kalahari Resorts and Conventions features a massive indoor waterpark that friends and family members of all ages can enjoy. It’s a truly epic waterpark everyone in Ohio needs to experience at least once. It covers more than 170,000 sq. ft., making it America’s largest indoor water park. Click here for directions and more information.

Roy Luck/Flickr

While Ohio is full of multiple earthworks from various cultures, there’s no earthwork in the world that compares to the Great Serpent Mound—both in shape and size. But what’s even more intriguing about the mound is its indefinite purpose, which continues to baffle archaeologists and anthropologists.

If you’ve yet to see this marvel for yourself, you need to check it out. Click here for directions and more information.

Alexander West/Flickr

This historic site of Clifton Mill features a vintage mill, a covered bridge, a 1940s-era gas station and a quaint American restaurant. (John Bryan State Park is close to this serene attraction and offers beautiful hiking trails if you’re searching for something more adventurous.) It’s a lovely day trip destination. Click here for directions and more information.

Bob L./Yelp

We have the largest candy store in the country sitting right here in our very own state and you probably didn’t even know it. Can you imagine it? Aisle after aisle of any type of candy you could dream of. In fun size, king size and bulk. In every flavor that ever existed. With an inventory of more than 4,500 different items valued at $2,000,000, you really won’t find a better candy selection than at b.a. Sweetie Candy Company. Click here for directions and more information.

Brian Tmmermeister/Flickr

“America’s Most Colorful Caverns” can be found in West Liberty, Ohio. The caverns were formed thousands of years ago when an underground river cut through ancient limestone and created vast rooms and passageways. These passageways are now filled with crystal stalactites, stalagmites and many other formations. Click here for directions and more information.

Megs/Flickr

Cuyahoga Valley National Park in northeast Ohio is home to a breathtaking 65-foot waterfall that flows from Brandywine Creek. Known as Brandywine Falls, these easily accessible, beautiful falls are a popular highlight within the park and a must-see. Click here for directions and more information.

ravenwoodcastle.com

If you’ve ever longed for a mediaeval experience (complete with many of the comforts of home,) you’ll definitely want to check out Ravenwood Castle. This lovely little Medieval structure is tucked away in the scenic Hocking Hills in New Plymouth. Click here for directions and more information.

Erik Drost/Flickr

The Judith and Maynard H. Murch Canopy Walk at Holden Arboretum in Kirtland, Ohio features a 500 ft. long elevated walkway suspended 65 ft. above the forest floor. It gives visitors a truly unique perspective of the forest and the animals that live among the trees.

And as an added bonus, there’s an observation tower on site that takes you up even further up—so much further that you end up above the trees. Click here for directions and more information.

JR P/Flickr

Yellow Springs, Ohio is home to Antioch College, a colorful downtown, the nearby John Bryan State Park and, (you guessed it), the official “Yellow Spring” the town is named after. This artsy little town offers unique shops, local eateries and small town life at its finest—but the nature scene thrives here too. Click here for directions and more information.

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