The 9 Most Underrated Tourist Spots in Ohio, According to Locals

Ohio is too often overlooked as a vacation destination, but locals know that our state has some unusual bragging rights. Sure, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Pro Football Hall of Fame deserve a spot on any local travel itinerary, but that's just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to incredible attractions in Ohio. To compile some of the very best tourist spots in Ohio, we did a deep dive on Reddit and compiled some of the least-known, most-recommended, and most off-the-beaten-path tourist attractions that you'll want to visit. These tried and tested destinations are an absolute must for adventure seekers in Ohio!

1. Newark Earthworks - Newark

The Great Serpent Mound in Ohio is famous for being the largest serpent effigy in the world, but it's not the only archaeological site worth visiting. In fact, we have a number of fascinating indigenous sites throughout the state that have captured attention on the national stage, from the Clovis site in Sharon Center to the various younger sites throughout the state. The Newark Earthworks, located in Newark and Heath, Ohio, span circa 3,000 acres. They're the largest known earthen enclosures on the planet, a status that has earned it a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. Built by the Hopewell culture circa 1600 years ago, these structures are a bit of a mystery, but archaeologists certainly have some guesses about what they may have been used for. The Octagon Earthworks, for example, were believed to be a lunar observatory. Nowadays, they're an incredible opportunity to view just how long mankind has been shaping and observing the world we still know today.

2. National Museum of the U.S. Air Force - Dayton

Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is hard to overlook if you're an Ohioan - after all, it's not uncommon to look up and see military craft flying overhead! Out-of-towners may not realize, however, that the base is also home to the National Museum of the United States Air Force, and it's downright fascinating to visit. In addition to being a super cool site, it's the largest and oldest aviation museum anywhere. Hundreds of aircraft and missiles await visitors, and other memorabilia and artifacts defy explanation. You'll see famous planes like those used by presidents alongside Wright brothers artifacts, and that's just barely scratching the surface of all they have to offer.

3. Glacial Grooves - Kelleys Island

Tucked away on Kelleys Island, the Glacial Grooves are something you almost need to see to believe. Spanning 400 feet and dipping down 15 feet into the earth's surface at its deepest points, these fascinating striations are a remnant of the last ice age. They're a natural side effect of glacial movement: As the ice moved across the surface of the earth, debris caught in its path is dragged along with it. These leave scratches in the earth, and the example of this phenomenon here in Ohio is the largest example of glacial grooves anywhere in the world. Plan to stay for a while and observe them; this experience is a look back in time that's unrivaled.

4. Armstrong Air & Space Museum - Wapakoneta

If you haven't heard the joke that Ohioans are more likely to become astronauts because, after living here, they literally want to flee the earth, you probably aren't from Ohio. This age-old adage has some basis in fact, as more than 20 American astronauts have hailed from the Buckeye State, including Neil Armstrong. And Clevelanders? Our city has provided more astronauts to NASA than any other city in the United States. Of course, no matter how you slice it, Neil Armstrong is the most famous Ohio astronaut: He was the first person to walk on the moon. Nowadays, the Armstrong Air & Space Museum preserves his story, and it has some fascinating artifacts. Two of his space suits and the the original Gemini 8 spacecraft he piloted are just waiting to greet visitors!

5. The Wilds - Cumberland

Rhinos and cheetahs and camels... Oh my! These certainly aren't species you'd expect to find in Cumberland, Ohio, but The Wilds has these critters and more. Part conservation center, part safari park, part coolest-camping-spot-ever, this unique destination in Ohio almost evades words. Spanning more than 10,000 acres, this is the largest wildlife conservation center in North America, and it preserves a piece of Ohio history by operating on a former coal mine. Whether you take a tour or spend the night, you'll instantly see why locals recommend this underrated tourist destination.

6. Trammel Fossil Park - Sharonville

Sharonville, Ohio is home to the absolute best destination for fossil lovers, rock hounds, and history buffs: Trammel Fossil Park! Ohio may not be home to any known dinosaur fossils, but our rocks hide a vast array of history dating back so much further. Most of the fossils from Ohio date to around the Devonian, when an ancient ocean covered what is now the Buckeye State. Fossil hunters are free to go wild in Trammel Fossil Park, and yes, admission is totally free. From coral and shells to the more coveted crinoids and trilobites, you never know what ancient treasures you'll unearth here.

7. Hocking Hills

If you're craving a getaway in nature, there's no better spot to visit in Ohio than Hocking Hills. This region of Ohio, namely the state park of the same name, is full of natural splendor. It's located in Hocking County's Allegheny Plateau, and it's famous for extreme gorges with out-of-this-world features. Locals love visiting Hocking Hills State Park's caves, waterfalls, and scenic overlooks. Truly, you could spend your entire Ohio vacation exploring its 25 miles of trails alone!

8. Ohio Caverns - West Liberty

While Hocking Hills puts some of Ohio's most natural aboveground beauty on display, Ohio Caverns allows visitors to observe the state's hidden beauty. With its deepest point 103 feet underground, this gorgeous destination has the bragging right of being the deepest cave in Ohio. Like many of our most remarkable features today, water had a hand in forming this site - an underwater river carved through our soft limestone bedrock to form the cave we see today. Nowadays, stalactites, stalagmites, and other unusual formations make it an absolutely stunning stop for locals and vacationers alike.

9. Cedar Point - Sandusky

Cedar Point is one of the best things to do in the summer, and it's no secret why. Since 1870, locals have flocked to this site for its incredible array of attractions. Nowadays, it's perhaps best known for being the trendsetter in rollercoaster milestones. The GateKeeper's high inversion set records upon its grand opening, and so, too, did the Millennium Force's speeds and height. From family rides to thrillers, there's something for everyone in this incredible amusement park.

From Lake Erie to the Ohio River, there are countless incredible attractions hiding in the Buckeye State. While these nine tourist spots in Ohio are a great way to plan your next adventure, they're just the beginning of all that Ohio has to offer.

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.