14 Amazing Field Trips Every Ohioan Took As A Kid (And Should Retake Now)

Officially finished in 1847, our beautiful state capitol is known for its distinctive rotunda and regularly hosts tours organized by the Ohio Statehouse Museum Education Center. Free, guided tours of the Statehouse are offered Monday through Friday on the hour from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays from noon until 3 p.m. You'll find it at 1 Capitol Square, Columbus, OH 43215.

Indulge your inner mad scientist with this one of a kind, hands-on science museum in Columbus. In 2008, Parents Magazine named COSI the #1 science museum for families in America. With constantly updated exhibits, it's tons of fun for both kids and adults alike. COSI is located at 333 W Broad St., Columbus, OH 43215.

Located in Chillicothe, (which was actually Ohio's first capital,) this 2,000-acre estate was once home to the sixth governor of Ohio and one of the state's first United States Senators, Thomas Worthington—who is also considered by many to be the founding father of Ohio and the Ohio-Erie Canal. (Fun fact: You can also find a beautiful view of The Great Seal of Ohio on the grounds of this site, pictured above.) You'll find it at 847 Adena Rd., Chillicothe, OH 45601.

Observe sites related to the Wright Brothers, their flight experimentation and ties to Dayton at this historic park. Pictured is the Wright Cycle Company Building, which is the only remaining building in Dayton where the Wright Brothers operated a bicycle shop. You'll find this impressive landmark at 16 S Williams St., Dayton, OH 45402.

Mounds abound at Mound City Group in Ross County where you will find the largest collection of Hopewell culture burial mounds in eastern North America, as well as a museum that showcases the Hopewell culture. Hopewell Culture National Historical Park is located at 16062 OH-104, Chillicothe, OH 45601.

You'll find the only manufacturer of metal whistles in the entire country right here in Ohio. Each factory tour lasts about 45 minutes and guests get to leave with a newly made "American Classic" whistle. Be sure to call ahead to check for availability and reserve a tour. American Whistle Corporation is located at 6540 Huntley Rd., Columbus, OH 43229.

Visitors can observe a reconstruction of the original 1813 fort of Ohio's War of 1812 Battlefield in Perrysburg. On Memorial Day, staff and volunteers reenact camp life for soldiers and a special wreath laying ceremony takes place at the Fort Meigs Monument. You'll find it at 29100 W River Rd., Perrysburg, OH 43551.

Built by his father, Samuel O. Edison in 1841-42, this historic brick house was the birthplace of the American inventor Thomas A. Edison and sits on a hill in Milan. It is located at 9 N Edison Dr., Milan, OH 44846.

There’s no place quite like the Ye Olde Mill in Utica—where you can see how Velvet Ice Cream is made, take a free tour of the mill and try delicious flavors of ice cream you won’t find anywhere else. It is located at 11324 Mt Vernon Rd., Utica, OH 43080.

The largest (and most strangely shaped) effigy mound in the world can be found right here in Ohio in Adams County. The 1,348 feet long, uniquely-shaped mound depicts a snake, with an oval shape at its head. Although no artifacts or written records were found near the mound to determine who built it, a nearby village site shows evidence of occupation by both the Adena and the later Fort Ancient Cultures. The original purpose of the mound remains a mystery, though there is some evidence for astronomical correlations, according to arcofappalachia.org. Great Serpent Mound is located at 3850 OH-73, Peebles, OH 45660.

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.

It can be fun to explore your local art museum on a rainy day, many of which are free of charge. The Toledo Museum of Art's collection (pictured) is world renowned, featuring more than 30,000 works of art from all around the world.

Ohio's zoos make impressive day trip destinations no matter how old you are. In fact, USA Travel Guide deemed the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium the best zoo in the country in 2009. It is also the 8th largest zoo in the world.

You don't need a field trip as an excuse to get some fresh, locally grown produce anymore. Gather the family, gas up the car and head on over to the closest u-pick farm for an unforgettable afternoon.