14 Unique Day Trips In Ohio That You Can’t Take Anywhere Else In The World
Need to escape your daily routine? Here in Ohio you can do just that—and remind yourself that life can in fact be straight up fun when we let it be so. While a full-fledged vacation may not be in your budget (or schedule), the following are what we consider to be the best Ohio day trips. These should refresh you to help combat the weekday blues and spice up your normal Netflix-and-food-on-the-couch weekend routine.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
Also known as "The Roller Coaster Capital of the World," this truly amazing 365-acre amusement park is home to world famous coasters such as the "Top Thrill Dragster" and "Millennium Force." It's a must-visit for every Ohioan and visitor to the Buckeye State.
Ohio's very own island getaway is special. Tour everything from Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial to a quirky chocolate museum. (You can even spend this road trip virtually car free after you've arrived. Golf cart, moped and bicycle rentals are popular ways to get around the island.)
While the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is arguably the state's favorite zoo, Ohio has several other zoos that are home to all animals large, exotic and photogenic.
Don't find a zoo adventurous enough? Take your exotic animal scouting skills a step further with Ohio's own safari experience at The Wilds in Cumberland where the animals roam free.
Take a day to explore the Loveland Castle or several other small castles in Ohio. (If you're really ambitious to uncover these Medieval gems, take a few days to do our recommended "Castles of Ohio" tour.)
Perfect for a quaint day trip getaway, this lovely little village in Columbus will truly charm you with its book shop, (featuring more than 30 rooms of books!) authentic German food and a stroll through Schiller Park.
Try the Amish way for a day or two. You can experience the beauty, deliciousness and wholesomeness of the simple life of the Amish right in your very own state.
With more than 70 state parks in Ohio, hiking trails abound. Pitch a tent or rent a cabin in Hocking Hills for a classic nature getaway at one of the state's most beloved parks. Hike to Old Man's Cave, explore Conkle's Hollow and snap the perfect photo at Cedar Falls.
Although you have to travel off the beaten path somewhat, Trammel Fossil Park is one of the Cincinnati area's best kept secrets. Here you'll find trilobite fragments, coral, mini shells and more. It's perfect for avid fossil hunters or even little ones that need an Indiana Jones kind of adventure.
Located in Bellevue, Ohio is a geographical wonder that was first discovered in 1872. When you venture to these caverns you will travel through "The Earth Crack" and view the Ole' Mist'ry River.
A trip to the shores of Lake Erie is as close as you can get to an ocean without leaving the state.
With a little pre-planned budgeting and scheduling, you’d be amazed at what a literal dose of “Carpe Diem” and a day away from your normal life can do for you. You can try it without leaving the state! Head out for one of the best Ohio day trips and truly experience our fun-filled state.
Address: 1 Cedar Point Dr, Sandusky, OH 44870, USA
Address: Put-In-Bay, OH, USA
Address: 4850 W Powell Rd, Powell, OH 43065, USA
Address: 14000 International Rd, Cumberland, OH 43732, USA
Address: 333 W Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
Address: Short North Arts District, Columbus, OH, USA
Address: 11030 East Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
Address: 12025 Shore Dr, Loveland, OH 45140, USA
Address: German Village, Columbus, OH, USA
Address: 4843 Valley Dr Box 222, Berlin, OH 44610, USA
Address: 19852 OH-664, Logan, OH 43138, USA
Address: 11935 Tramway Dr, Sharonville, OH 45241, USA
Address: 15248 E Township Rd 178, Bellevue, OH 44811, USA
Address: Lake Erie
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Ohio Day Trips
December 20, 2019
April Dray
What is there to do in Ohio?
When you’re trying to think of something truly unique to do in Ohio, think beyond amusement parks, restaurants and the usual Ohio day trip destinations. Take some take to explore some of our under-appreciated state parks, take a factory tour and explore a castle or two. Some of the best Ohio attractions are the unexpected attractions. Check out this list of hidden gems for some of Ohio’s best kept secrets.
What are some of the most unique places you can visit in Ohio?
Along with plenty of Ohio day trip ideas, there are also plenty of unique stops to take along the way. From Hartman’s Rock Garden in Springfield to the World’s Largest Stamp in Cleveland, there’s something quirky around every turn in the Buckeye State. For a list of unique day trips in Ohio and quirky stops to take in Ohio, check out our previous article: 14 Bizarre Roadside Attractions In Ohio That Will Make You Do A Double Take.
What are the best family friendly day trips in Ohio?
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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