Here in Ohio, we’d like the world to know that we are more than Cedar Point Amusement Park and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Contrary to what you might think, there’s plenty to see and do in the Buckeye State. The next time you have out-of-state family or friends visiting, be sure to recommend them a list of lesser-known attractions that are just as cool.
You can start with this list:
- Instead of Cedar Point Amusement Park…
Jeremy Thompson/Flickr
…consider Kings Island Amusement Park.
Warren County CVB/Flickr Instead of flocking to the Roller Coaster Capital of the World along with every other tourist who visits Ohio, check out its sister amusement park near Cincinnati. The roller coasters here are only slightly less big and bad—but the crowds will likely be smaller. You’ll find it at 6300 Kings Island Dr., Mason, OH 45040.
- Instead of Put-In-Bay…
Rick Austin/Flickr
…consider Kelleys Island.
James St. John/Flickr Let’s face it: South Bass Island gets too crowded. Especially in the summer. So consider visiting Ohio’s largest (and most underrated) island, which is home to Glacial Grooves State Memorial, Inscription Rock, Kelleys Island State Park and other attractions. Few people are aware that the largest accessible glacial grooves in the world are located on Kelleys Island (pictured.)
- Instead of Hocking Hills State Park…
dave ungar/Flickr
…consider Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park
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. While it’s not technically “hidden,” it’s a highly underrated, lesser-known state park that’s an true hidden gem of Ohio. You’ll find it at 12440 OH-282, Garrettsville, OH 44231.
- Instead of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame…
Mark Goebel/Flickr
…consider the Cleveland Museum of Art.
Tim Evanson/Flickr In addition to less crowds, few people know that viewing fine art is free of charge at the Cleveland Museum of Art. You’ll save money and leave just as impressed. The Cleveland Museum of Art is located at 11150 East Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44106.
- Instead of the Pro Football Hall of Fame…
Joseph Novak/Flickr
…consider the American Sign Museum.
Kurt S./Yelp Observe another side to American entertainment and pop culture at this little-known museum. It’s home to a massive collection of retired signs that will make you nostalgic for decades past. You’ll find it at 1330 Monmouth Street Cincinnati, Ohio, 45225.
- Instead of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium…
Joe E./Yelp
…consider The Wilds.
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. You’ll find it at 14000 International Rd., Cumberland, OH 43732.
- Instead of the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park…
Jasperdo/Flickr
…consider the United States Air Force Museum
Michael/Flickr Few people know that Dayton is home to the National Museum of the United States Air Force—and admission is FREE. It’s an Ohio gem that’s fun for the whole family to explore and is located at 1100 Spaatz St., Dayton, OH 45431.
- Instead of the Newport Aquarium…
Mohan S./Yelp
…consider Krohn Conservatory.
April Dray Don’t be like most Cincinnati tourists and cross the bridge when you arrive. If you’ve never been to Krohn Conservatory within Cincinnati’s Eden Park, you’re truly missing out. It’s a lesser-known gem that you can visit any time of year. No matter the season, you can enjoy exotic plants, the “rainforest” and other nature-related marvels here. You’ll find it at 1501 Eden Park Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45202.
What else would you add to this list? Share your thoughts, experiences and opinions with us!
Jeremy Thompson/Flickr
Warren County CVB/Flickr
Instead of flocking to the Roller Coaster Capital of the World along with every other tourist who visits Ohio, check out its sister amusement park near Cincinnati. The roller coasters here are only slightly less big and bad—but the crowds will likely be smaller. You’ll find it at 6300 Kings Island Dr., Mason, OH 45040.
Rick Austin/Flickr
James St. John/Flickr
Let’s face it: South Bass Island gets too crowded. Especially in the summer. So consider visiting Ohio’s largest (and most underrated) island, which is home to Glacial Grooves State Memorial, Inscription Rock, Kelleys Island State Park and other attractions. Few people are aware that the largest accessible glacial grooves in the world are located on Kelleys Island (pictured.)
dave ungar/Flickr
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. While it’s not technically “hidden,” it’s a highly underrated, lesser-known state park that’s an true hidden gem of Ohio. You’ll find it at 12440 OH-282, Garrettsville, OH 44231.
Mark Goebel/Flickr
Tim Evanson/Flickr
In addition to less crowds, few people know that viewing fine art is free of charge at the Cleveland Museum of Art. You’ll save money and leave just as impressed. The Cleveland Museum of Art is located at 11150 East Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44106.
Joseph Novak/Flickr
Kurt S./Yelp
Observe another side to American entertainment and pop culture at this little-known museum. It’s home to a massive collection of retired signs that will make you nostalgic for decades past. You’ll find it at 1330 Monmouth Street Cincinnati, Ohio, 45225.
Joe E./Yelp
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. You’ll find it at 14000 International Rd., Cumberland, OH 43732.
Jasperdo/Flickr
Michael/Flickr
Few people know that Dayton is home to the National Museum of the United States Air Force—and admission is FREE. It’s an Ohio gem that’s fun for the whole family to explore and is located at 1100 Spaatz St., Dayton, OH 45431.
Mohan S./Yelp
April Dray
Don’t be like most Cincinnati tourists and cross the bridge when you arrive. If you’ve never been to Krohn Conservatory within Cincinnati’s Eden Park, you’re truly missing out. It’s a lesser-known gem that you can visit any time of year. No matter the season, you can enjoy exotic plants, the “rainforest” and other nature-related marvels here. You’ll find it at 1501 Eden Park Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45202.
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