It turns out that one list — and even a second list — isn’t enough to cover all of the amazing hidden gems in Ohio. From hidden ghost ships to truly epic playgrounds, you never really know what sort of secrets Ohio is keeping until you decide to go out and find them for yourself. The following are 11 of what we consider to be some of the best-kept secrets and hidden gems in Ohio. How many have you visited before?

1) Landoll's Mohican Castle (Loudonville)
Brian Giese/Flickr
Tucked away in the heart of Ohio's Mohican country is a truly one-of-a-kind castle getaway that's extraordinary in every way. There are 11 rooms in this castle retreat, all fit for a king and queen. Each room feels like its own escape; the Thering Suite, for example, includes a private entrance, balcony, king-sized bed, and stone gas fireplace. For the ultimate royal treatment, there are two detached cottages available, each with indoor jacuzzi tubs! Read more about this hidden gem in Ohio in this article.
2) Ghost ship (Also known as the Circle Line V)
RBrittonArt/Flickr
The 186-foot steam-engine yacht is more than a century old and was first launched in April of 1902, as The Celt, by a rich railroad executive. Since then, the ship has been renamed numerous times and owned by multiple individuals throughout its lifetime. While it actually came to Ohio from Kentucky, it currently sits in a small creek off of the Ohio River, about 25 miles from Cincinnati, according to Roadtrippers.com. This abandoned ship is just one among many abandoned places in Ohio that nature has taken over; read this article to learn about more haunting and abandoned places in the state!
3) National Underground Railroad Freedom Center (Cincinnati)
Chang'r/Flickr
Many people don't realize that Cincinnati, Ohio, is home to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, which showcases exhibits that detail the history of the Civil Rights movement and the Underground Railroad. This must-visit spot in Cincinnati is one of many cool museums in the southern region of the Buckeye State.
4) Preston’s H.O.P.E Playground Park (Beachwood)
Preston's H.O.P.E. Playground Park/Facebook
Deemed "the largest fully accessible playground park in Northeast Ohio," this family favorite park is accessible to children of all needs and abilities, and features several designated age group areas, a play theater, an "Imagination Village" and a sand area."Imagination Village" (pictured below) features kid-sized houses, stores and streets. (This park is essentially the King of Ohio Playgrounds.) You can read more about Preston’s H.O.P.E Playground Park, as well as several other epic playgrounds in the Buckeye State, in this article!
5) The Villas at Gervasi Vineyard (Canton)
Gervasi Vineyard
Did you know you could experience a taste of Italy right here in Ohio?! Canton is home to this upscale Tuscan inspired inn housing six Gervasi Villas, each comprised of four individual suites. This beautiful Italian getaway also (appropriately) features an Italian restaurant and winery. This picturesque winery really is a must-visit for Ohio oenophiles!

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6) Charleston Falls (Tipp City)
Stephen/Flickr
Best seen after a good rain, this secluded, lesser known waterfall can be found in Charleston Falls Preserve in Miami County. If you're into exploring hidden waterfalls, Charleston Falls will not disappoint, and the hike to get to these glorious cascades is super scenic, too!
7) The Golden Lamb Inn (Lebanon)
Dave Lundy/Flickr
Ohio’s oldest continuously operating hotel can be found in Lebanon. The hotel features a unique dining experience, complete with antique furnishings and historic rooms upstairs where famous individuals such as Harriet Beecher Stowe, Charles Dickens and U.S. Presidents have stayed. Many of the hotel's rooms are named and themed after the famous guests. Pictured below: The Charles Dickens Room. This truly is a place you'll want to experience in full: dine, drink, stay overnight, and really get an immersive Buckeye State history lesson!
8) Blue Hole (Castalia)
Brian Herzog/Flickr
This 1920s popular tourist attraction did not in fact die with the 90s. Castalia State Fish Hatchery holds another blue hole that's open to public observation and speculation about where this deep, blue water actually comes from.
9) Chippewa Lake Amusement Park (Medina)
Rebecca Olarte/Flickr
If exploring the long forgotten and abandoned is your thing, then you'll want to check out Chippewa Lake. Remains of this abandoned amusement park, which closed in the late 70s, surprisingly still stand. You can read more about this unique and hauntingly beautiful hidden gem in Ohio in this article.
10) Hayden Falls (Columbus)
Carissa Andrea Thrush/Flickr
Located in the heart of the state, Hayden Falls is hidden in a suburb of Columbus and is becoming increasingly popular among locals. This lesser-known waterfall is quite stunning to see in person; it's a 35-foot-tall cascade that positively rushes after a healthy Ohio rainfall. Read more about this hidden gem in this article.
11) Moonville (McArthur)
Mike/Flickr
The abandoned coal mining town of Moonville in southeastern Ohio (Vinton County) was founded in 1856, when the Marietta and Cincinnati railroad ran through the area's woods. One structure of the town that remains today is the Moonville Tunnel; a haunted tunnel where legend has it the ghost of a man who was killed instantly by a train passing through the tunnel wanders along the track bed near the old tunnel at night. This abandoned coal mining town is an absolute must for those looking for thrills and chills in the Buckeye State!

Have you discovered all of these destinations for yourself? What other hidden gems in Ohio do you like to explore? Share them with us in the comments below!

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More to Explore

Hidden gems in Ohio

Sarah | August 04, 2021

How can I learn about more hidden gems in Ohio?

If you simply can't get enough hidden gems in Ohio, then you'll want to check out these 15 hidden places that only the locals know about. In fact, many of these places are *so* under-the-radar that lifelong Buckeyes might not even know of their existence!

Are there any other hidden waterfalls in Ohio?

If happening upon a hidden waterfall while hiking sounds like the perfect day to you, then you'll definitely want to tackle this hike in Hocking Hills State Park. If you’ve ever heard of “Hidden Falls” along the Old Man’s Cave trails within Hocking Hills State Park, you should know that it does, in fact, exist -- and it’s probably a lot easier to find than you think! Located no more than 50 yards from Cedar Falls, a little-known, seasonal (and off the map) waterfall is hidden behind a boulder. It's absolutely worth the effort to visit, though, as it's a glorious little cascade in one of the most scenic places in Ohio!

Is Ohio a fun place to explore?

Yes! Between our top-rate attractions and abundance of natural beauty, there is simply so much to see and do in the Buckeye State. If you're into outdoor recreation, definitely bookmark our Nature Lovers Definitive Guide To Ohio's Natural Beauty, which will take you to some of the best parks, rivers, lakes, waterfalls, and hidden treasures in the state!

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Featured Addresses
Landoll's Mohican Castle - Luxury Hotel in Central Ohio, 561 Township Road 3352, Loudonville, OH 44842, USA
Ohio River, United States
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, 50 E Freedom Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202, USA
Preston's H.O.P.E. Playground Park, 26001 S Woodland Rd, Beachwood, OH 44122, USA
The Villas at Gervasi Vineyard, 1700 55th St NE, Canton, OH 44721, USA
Charleston Falls Preserve, 2535 Ross Rd, Tipp City, OH 45371, USA
The Golden Lamb Restaurant & Hotel, 27 S Broadway St, Lebanon, OH 45036, USA
Blue Hole, Castalia, OH 44824, USA
Chippewa Lake, OH 44215, USA
Hayden Falls, Columbus, OH, USA
Moonville Tunnel, Hope-Moonville Rd, McArthur, OH 45651, USA