The 11 Best Hidden Gems In Ohio

I’ve lived in Ohio most of my life and even so, I am still constantly surprised by all of the tricks up our state’s proverbial sleeve. Whether it’s happening upon a new-to-me park, random roadside attraction, or delightful local business, the Buckeye State is a treasure trove of hidden gems and new experiences. Today I’m sharing what I consider the 11 best hidden gems in Ohio; with experiences all across the state, adventure awaits in your own backyard!

Carillon Brewing Company, 1000 Carillon Blvd, Dayton, OH 45409, USA

Carillon Brewing Co./Facebook

Ohio is known for its many breweries (hello, Octoberfest!), but only one holds the title as the country's only production brewery in a museum (and the only U.S. brewery replicating the historic brewing process). At Dayton's Carillon Historical Park, Carillon Brewing Co. is a unique place to grab a bite and drink -- and, if you're not a big drinker (same!), the brewery makes a delicious root beer that could rival any craft soda.

South Main Plaza, 201 S Main St, Mt Vernon, OH 43050, USA

South Main Plaza/Google Local

Wishing fountains seem to be in short supply nowadays, and whether or not you’re actually throwing a coin into the water (which, depending on what fountain you visit, might be frowned upon), the idea of pausing and conjuring up a positive thought seems as necessary as ever. In Mt. Vernon, Ohio, there is a public fountain where it’s pretty much impossible *not* to pause (or paws?) and think about a wish or two: the South Main Plaza, AKA the Mt. Vernon Dog Fountain, is a quirky attraction that’s, well, doggone delightful.

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Canal Fulton Canalway Center, 125 Tuscarawas St NW, Canal Fulton, OH 44614, USA

Ohio & Erie Canalway/Facebook

One of the coolest things I’ve come across in my adventures in Ohio is a visitor center that, pardon the pun, blows all other visitor centers out of the water. It’s the Canal Fulton Canalway Center, a seasonally operated visitor center in Canal Fulton that has its own dock where you can rent a canal boat for an afternoon cruising down the Ohio & Erie Canal.

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Indian Run Falls, 700 Shawan Falls Dr, Dublin, OH 43017, USA

City of Dublin, Ohio - Government/Facebook

There are lots of lovely waterfalls worth chasing in Ohio; Hocking Hills is a treasure trove of falls, as is our one and only national park. One of the most enchanting waterfalls in Ohio, though, is a charming little cascade in the charming little town of Dublin. This is a village teeming with verdant gardens and scenic splendor; the kind of place where you'd expect to find a pot of gold at the end of the waterfall. Or, the next best thing: Indian Run Falls!

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, 1777 E Broad St, Columbus, OH 43203, USA

Sarah McCosham/OnlyInYourState

Located on 13 acres of picture-perfect land, Franklin Park Conservatory takes you by surprise. It’s located just two miles from the heart of Downtown Columbus, and it’s shocking to find a place so peaceful and pastoral just a stone’s throw from the city’s urban core. One of my favorite parts about this hidden gem in Ohio is the outdoor playscape for kids; with so many colorful, climbable, and interactive features, this park is the perfect day trip for families!

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The Cliffs at Hocking Hills, OH-374, Rockbridge, OH 43149, USA

The Cliffs at Hocking Hills

A Bali-inspired getaway in the wilds of Hocking Hills, Ohio? That's my kind of hidden gem! Welcome to The Cliffs at Hocking Hills, a trio of two-bedroom bungalows that offer quite possibly the most romantic getaway in Ohio. Step inside and you'll be bathed in warm cedar walls that, in conjunction with the expansive picture windows, creates an impossibly cozy cocoon that feels like an Instagram filter come to life. This is only the beginning, though; these cozy cabins open up to cascading waterfalls and swimming ponds that transform the grounds into a real-life oasis… in Ohio!

Richland Carrousel Park, 75 N Main St, Mansfield, OH 44903, USA

Diego Collado/Google Local

Looking for a family-friendly day trip in Ohio that's a whirlin' good time for all? Head to Mansfield (yes, the same Mansfield as the infamous Ohio State Reformatory). It's not all haunts and scares in this charming locale; the town is home to a little-known Richland Carrousel Park. This indoor attraction in Mansfield, Ohio, is a hidden gem most people who aren’t from the area don’t know about, but once you do know about this charming attraction, you'll want to return time and time again.

Squire's Castle, 2844 River Rd, Willoughby Hills, OH 44094, USA

Cleveland Metroparks/Facebook

Looking for a royal adventure? Located at North Chagrin Reservation, Squire's Castle is a Cleveland icon; a stately old gatehouse from the 1890s that's modeled after German and English baronial castles. Beautiful all year-round, visiting this hidden gem near Cleveland feels like a fantasy come to life.

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Toledo Zoo, 2 Hippo Way, Toledo, OH 43609, USA

The Toledo Zoo/Facebook

Who's up for a high flying adventure? (Raises hand.) Set three stories above the Africa! exhibit, the Toledo Zoo's Expedition Africa Aerial Adventure Course is a wholly unique and wonderful way to take your zoo-going experience to, well, new heights.

Shawnee State Park, 4404 OH-125, West Portsmouth, OH 45663, USA

Ohio State Parks/Facebook

Known for its breathtaking beauty and scenic splendor, Shawnee State Park is a darling of the Ohio State Parks, boasting some 1,095 acres perfect for recreation of all varieties. At the Ohio River Campground and Marina, every dog can have his (or her) day at the epic dog playground with tons of space to run, next-level jungle gym/obstacle course, and even water features!

Ohio Caverns - Open All Year, 2210 OH-245 E, West Liberty, OH 43357, USA

Ohio Caverns

No list of hidden gems in Ohio would be complete without mention of an attraction that's hiding, quite literally, below acres and acres of Buckeye State farmland. In West Liberty, the Ohio Caverns are one of the Midwest's most glorious -- and colorful -- hidden gems and make for an epic underground adventure for explorers of all ages. Depending on the season, different guided tours are offered, each offering a unique experience of these extensive caves. For guests with limited mobility (or younger families), Ohio Caverns offers a seasonal Limestone Tour with advanced reservations, making this incredible underground cavern system one everyone can experience.

These unique attractions and local secrets offer the unique opportunity to experience Ohio in an all new way. Cheers to going out and exploring all our beautiful state has to offer… starting, of course, with these 11 completely captivating and wholly unique hidden gems in Ohio.