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Things to do in Ohio
In the heart of it all
Tucked into the northeastern edge of the American Midwest, Ohio is easy to miss and even easier to dismiss. Yet this often overlooked state offers a wealth of experiences that are unexpected and diverse—and you won’t have to battle tourist crowds to enjoy them. The state is largely rural and home to some beautiful state parks and waterways, yet its big cities are cultural heavyweights home to thriving dining, arts, and music scenes, as well as nationally renowned museums both sophisticated and swaggering—aka, the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame.
5-Star activities in Ohio
Top 9 attractions in Ohio
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
A Christmas Story House
Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden
Kings Island
Lake Erie
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
The Troll Hole Museum
National Museum of the US Air Force
African Safari Wildlife Park
Explore Ohio by interest
Explore our promoted experiences
All about Ohio
When to visit
Summer is undoubtedly the best season to visit Ohio. The days are long and sunny, and there are ample opportunities to cool off outdoors, from natural swimming holes to shaded waterfalls. Ohioans make the most of summer with a packed calendar of events. In Columbus alone you’ll find a festival nearly every weekend, from the renowned Columbus Arts Festival to Stonewall Columbus Pride and the Festival Latino.
Getting around
The car is king in Ohio. Driving is by far the main form of transportation, so renting a vehicle is highly recommended. If that’s not an option, you can make use of Amtrak train services to Cincinnati and Cleveland—though you can’t use the train to get around the state. Or try the Greyhound bus line, which serves more destinations. Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Columbus all have public transport systems that are limited but useful for getting around the city centers.
Traveler tips
Between Cleveland and Akron, the sprawling Cuyahoga Valley National Park offers history and nature in equal measure. Cycle or walk along the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail, a restored section of the Ohio Canal's original towpath; then dive into the 19th-century waterway’s rich history at the Canal Exploration Center. You can also take a picturesque ride on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad.