The Fairy Tale Road Trip That’ll Lead You To Some Of Ohio’s Most Magical Places
Although words like “magical” and “fairy tale” rarely come to mind when most people think of the Buckeye State, Ohio is actually a state that’s surprisingly full of enchanting destinations. From authentic castles and charming villages to hidden waterfalls and stunning gardens, there are plenty of magical places to explore in Ohio. We’ve compiled a list of some of the most enchanting places you can visit in Ohio and mapped out a road trip just for you. With 2-3 days worth of exploration and overnight accommodations included, our Ohio Fairy Tale Road Trip is perfect for a weekend adventure.
The Fairy Tale Road Trip in Ohio covers more than 400 miles, and the total drive time clocks in at about 8 and a half hours. To view a Google Map of the trip in a separate tab or window, click here.
During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
Kick off your trip with a brisk hike to a magical metro park castle. Squire’s Castle at North Chagrin Reservation in Willoughby, Ohio, is a lovely little hidden gem you’ll want to explore. This unfinished castle has an interesting history and is easy for hikers and bikers to access. You can take a 2.2-mile loop trail that leads right to the castle. (Note: This trailhead is located at 2794 River Road, Willoughby, OH 44094.)
This elaborate country estate in Akron is one of the largest homes in the U.S. An accredited museum of the American Alliance of Museums, Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens is open to the public for tours and other events and features five historic buildings, eight gardens and 70 acres. Tours typically begin for the season in April. Check their website for tour dates and prices.
Located in Loudonville, this lovely little getaway features gorgeous suites, murder mystery dinners and other amenities sure to make you feel like the king/queen of this whimsical castle in the middle of the forest. At Landoll's Mohican Castle, there are a total of 11 suites, varying in features and price.
Start your second day chasing waterfalls. Hayden Falls Park in Dublin features a truly unique natural ecosystem, rare plants and animals, and a majestic 35-foot waterfall along the western shore of the Scioto River. The gorge where the falls are located features a boardwalk and overlook area, making the emerald-hued waterfall easily accessible to visitors.
Just south of downtown Columbus, you'll find this quaint, historic village, which was settled by a large number of German immigrants in the mid-1800s. Today, German Village is home to beautiful parks, a 32-room book store, charming shops and plenty of local restaurants that make excellent lunch stops. While you're here, stroll the cobblestone streets and spend some time admiring the German architecture.
Ready for another night in an enchanted castle? This lovely little Medieval structure is tucked away in the scenic Hocking Hills in New Plymouth. You can choose to stay in a castle room or a Medieval Village Cottage. You can also stay in a cabin in the Huntsman's Hollow out back. Ravenwood Castle is a true fairy tale experience.
Kick off your final day with a visit to one more unexpected Ohio castle. Also known as the Loveland Castle, this lovely little medieval structure was built by hand—brick by brick—by one man, Sir Harry Andrews. Today it is open for the public to explore for $6 a person, and is operated by modern day knights. Read more at Loveland Castle's website.
If you’ve never been to Krohn Conservatory within Cincinnati’s Eden Park, you’re truly missing out. This stunning conservatory was built in the early 1930s. The aluminum and glass walls are eye-catching enough, but it's nothing compared to the magic inside. Inside, you'll find more than 3,500 plant species from around the world. Find hours and admission prices at Krohn Conservatory's website.
Tucked away behind the Kroger shopping center on Springfield Pike, you'll find this hidden gem. It's the perfect way to end your trip, especially if you have children. Glenwood Gardens is a tranquil park that features multiple nature trails, gazebos, fountains, a really fun kids area and even a gift shop. Adults and children alike will love this whimsical oasis from the city.
What do you think? Would you take this Fairy Tale Road Trip in Ohio? Are there any other destinations you would add to this route? Let us know! For more epic castles in Ohio, be sure check out our previous article: Visit 11 Majestic Castles That Are Hidden Throughout Ohio.
Address: 2844 River Rd, Willoughby Hills, OH 44094, USA
Address: Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N Portage Path, Akron, OH 44303, USA
Address: Landoll's Mohican Castle - Luxury Hotel in Central Ohio, 561 Township Road 3352, Loudonville, OH 44842, USA
Address: Hayden Falls Park, 4326 Hayden Run Rd, Dublin, OH 43017, USA
Address: German Village, Columbus, OH, USA
Address: Ravenwood Castle, 65666 Bethel Rd, New Plymouth, OH 45654, USA
Address: 1501 Eden Park Dr, Cincinnati, OH 45202, USA
Address: 10397 Springfield Pike, Cincinnati, OH 45215, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Fairy Tale Road Trip In Ohio
January 21, 2021
Sarah
What’s the most magical place to visit in Ohio?
From natural wonders and towering waterfalls to hidden castles and ancient ledges, there’s beauty everywhere you turn in the Buckeye State — you just have to know where to look. Close to Toledo, you’ll find what’s considered to be Ohio’s rarest ecosystem (and one of the world’s rarest ecosystems) where rare plants and animals, oak forests, sand dunes, savannas, tall-grass prairies and swamp forests all thrive in harmony. Oak Openings Metro Park truly looks like something out of a fairy tale (or at the very least, the Land of Endor from Star Wars) and it will truly make you feel like you’re not in Ohio anymore.
What are some scenic road trips to take in Ohio?
Ohio — the heart of it all — is a visually stunning state. For a truly epic excursion, you can’t beat our Ohio Waterfalls Road Trip. From the unexpected urban waterfalls to the secluded waterfalls surrounded by nature, this scenic road trip showcases some of Ohio’s most beautiful waterfalls, including Hayden Falls and Indian Run Falls, both located just outside Columbus.
What is Ohio’s most unique castle?
Ohio is full of castles (seriously — we share 11 of our favorites here!), but for a truly unique experience, this castle library in Van Wert is amazing. Located in a small town in Northern Ohio, the Brumback Library is housed inside a small castle, which makes a visit here feel like something straight out of a novel. A truly unique attraction, this library castle in Ohio is absolutely worth a visit.
Address: 2844 River Rd, Willoughby Hills, OH 44094, USA
Address: Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N Portage Path, Akron, OH 44303, USA
Address: Landoll's Mohican Castle - Luxury Hotel in Central Ohio, 561 Township Road 3352, Loudonville, OH 44842, USA
Address: Hayden Falls Park, 4326 Hayden Run Rd, Dublin, OH 43017, USA
Address: German Village, Columbus, OH, USA
Address: Ravenwood Castle, 65666 Bethel Rd, New Plymouth, OH 45654, USA
April is the Ohio staff writer for Only in Your State. She is an Ohio native with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from E.W. Scripps School of Journalism. With more than 10 years of writing experience and a background in news reporting for Ohio newspapers, she's published pieces in multiple print and online publications. When she's not on deadline or chasing after her toddler, she's hunting for hidden gems in Ohio or getting lost in a good book.
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