The Definitive Guide To Uncovering Ohio’s Best Attractions — Small Towns, Gorgeous Parks, Museums, And More!

Yellow Springs is absolutely delightful; this petite village in Greene County is home to about 3,700 residents. The name of the village is a nod to a nearby spring that's rich in mineral content, and it evokes a sense of exuberance that's perfect for this winsome place. Yellow Springs is known for its open-minded residents, vibrant arts community, and commitment to harmony between people from all walks of life. In fact, this town was full of Civil Rights Movement leaders, and to this day it has the largest LGBTQ+ population of any Ohio village. It's a scenic slice of Ohio where residents and visitors alike can enjoy the natural beauty of the area, including nearby Clifton Gorge and Clifton Mill.

Hudson is your quintessential, Hallmark movie town. While this quaint Northeastern Ohio community is home to more than 20,000 residents, it has an unshakable small-town atmosphere. This town features all sorts of historic architecture clustered around an enchanting downtown district. Hudson is full of natural beauty, too: you'll find a number of parks hiding in this little community. Add it all up, and Hudson really is the ideal Ohio small town.

Oberlin is quite possibly the most idyllic college town in the country; this Northern Ohio gem is home to Oberlin College, one of the top liberal arts institutions in the state. This progressive little town of approximately 8,400 residents has a close-knit community, rich history, and thriving arts scene. There's always some something happening here, from organized events to special shows at Oberlin's historic Apollo Theatre. Visit this winsome small town, and you may never want to leave!

Here in Ohio, we like to keep the spirit of Christmas alive all year long. And happily, Tis The Season Christmas Shoppe lets us do just that. It's Ohio's largest year-round Christmas shop and one of the most festive places in the state. Tucked away in Ohio Amish Country, you'll find this gem of a store in Millersburg. It's a magical wonderland of all things Christmas, featuring more than 20,000 square feet of festive decor and holiday gifts, and a hefty dose of Christmas cheer any time of year!

Highfield Discovery Garden in Cincinnati is one of Ohio’s coolest hidden gems, and it’s just waiting to be explored! This discovery park in Ohio is a beautiful place to spend a sunny afternoon with the whole family. Tucked away behind a shopping center in Cincinnati, within Glenwood Gardens, you'll find this hidden gem. It's one of those places where there are surprises at every turn, from a whimsical outdoor train display, to a butterfly garden, to a larger-than-life treehouse that feels like something out of a fairy tale.

Along the southern bank of the Maumee River just southwest of Toledo, you’ll find a restored canal town that’s a historic treasure. The canal is probably the most unique and beautiful feature about Grand Rapids, and you can see the canal towpath from Providence Metropark. This Ohio park is home to original canal locks, as well as the historic Isaac Ludwig Mill and Interpretive Center. You can sit and enjoy the scenery at the park, or ride on a canal boat pulled by mules down the restored Miami & Erie Canal. It's a truly an only-in-Ohio experience!

With more than 1,600 vendor spaces and five miles of aisles, Roger's Community Auction and Flea Market is the largest open air market in Ohio. At this amazing Ohio flea market, you'll find all sorts of one-of-a-kind treasures, from Amish-crafted furniture and antiques to big-ticket items like farm equipment and lawn tools. Visiting this Ohio flea market is an experience, and you're sure to find whatever you're looking for here (and even some things you didn't know you needed!).

A ride aboard a train is inherently magical, and LM&M Railroad really takes things to the next level. This little gem, located in historic Lebanon (about 40 minutes from Cincinnati), offers scenic excursions throughout the year that are memorable adventures. Passengers will ride in the historic train cars, and bask in the beauty of the Ohio countryside. There are also numerous themed rides offered throughout the year, sure to please the littlest locomotive lovers!

The Smolen-Gulf Covered Bridge is 613 feet long, stretching the length of State Road across the picturesque Ashtabula River. It's both Ohio's and America's longest covered bridge. This superlative superstar is about as charming as it gets, too, with rustic wood beams and a weathered exterior. In the fall, when foliage is at its peak in Ohio, this bridge is downright irresistible.

One of The Buckeye State's coolest claims to fame is its connection to "A Christmas Story" -- one of the greatest holiday films of all time, if you ask any Ohioan. Purportedly, the film production team visited 20 cities before deciding to film in Cleveland, a city known for transforming into a winter wonderland each year. From shots of Higbee's downtown to the iconic parade in Public Square, you'll spot Cleveland all throughout this movie. You may also recognize, of course, the Parker's House. This place has become an Ohio landmark -- literally! Today, Ralphie's house operates as a museum, where you can relive iconic moments from the movie. And, perhaps most exciting, you can even spend the night here! It's pretty much a bucket list item for any fan of the cult classic.

Zoombezi Bay, located across from the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, is a 22 acres of pure fun. This Columbus waterpark boasts 17 water slides, an amazing wave pool, private cabanas, a lazy river, and a kiddie play area. The park’s most noteworthy attractions include the newly renovated SoundSurfer, the first waterslide in the country to incorporate light and audio effects, and Baboon Lagoon, an imaginative, multi-level play structure with a 1,000-gallon bucket dump. Zoombezi Bay has won countless accolades across the country, and is one of the very best places to go during Ohio's notoriously hot and humid summers!

For a delightful day on the farm, look no further than Young's Jersey Dairy. This Yellow Springs farm is one of the most beloved family-friendly destinations in the state, offering a wholesome experience that's unique and memorable. There are plenty of things to do here, from petting the friendly farm animals and watching cows being milked, to barrel train rides and even mini golf! Once you're all tuckered out, enjoy a scoop of homemade ice cream or fresh-from-the-fryer cheese curds... it's the perfect ending to a day on the farm!