The Ultimate One-Tank Ohio Road Trip For Scenic Stops And Adventure

Who doesn't love an awesome road trip? Fortunately, some of the best road trips in Ohio don't even require more than one tank of gas—and the more places you can see on just one tank of gas, the better. The following 10 places are some of the state's best attractions for a one-tank trip in Ohio. We've designed a road trip to see them that covers about 230 miles and takes 5 hours of drive time.

The trip starts in central Ohio, taking you from Columbus to Cleveland (or vice versa). View the Google map link to see a map and add your own stops along the way if you'd like. (Please note: Lodging and dining stops are not included, but can easily be found along the way.)

1. The Ohio Statehouse in Columbus

Kick off the trip with a little history and state pride. 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 also have the option f taking a self-guided tour. Visit the Ohio Statehouse website for more information about one of the most historically significant Ohio attractions worth the drive.

2. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Don't leave the state capital without visiting the animals. 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. For rates, hours of operation, to purchase tickets, and more information, visit the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium's website.

3. German Village in Columbus

Perfect for a quaint day trip getaway, this lovely little neighborhood 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. This historic neighborhood prides itself on preserving its German heritage and architecture. For some restaurant recommendations and other information about German Village, visit the Experience Columbus website.

4. Ye Old Mill

A visit to the Velvet Ice Cream Company and Ye Old Mill in Utica not only offers smooth, freshly made ice cream, but also an inside look into how it's made. It's a one-of-a-kind experience that can only be found here. For more information about this whimsical factory, perfect for one of the best Ohio day trips, visit the Velvet Ice Cream website.

5. Ohio Amish Country

Drive through one of the state's most popular Amish Country destinations in Holmes County, enjoy the view, and rest if (or when) you need to. Millersburg is home to several charming overnight accommodations, including The Barn Inn Bed and Breakfast (pictured) and The Inn at Honey Run. You can also take one of the best Ohio road trips along the Amish Country Byway.

6. Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton

You can't drive through Canton without checking out the Pro Football Hall of Fame, where you can discover all your favorite sports stars who are in the Hall of Fame, take a museum tour, and check out the Super Bowl Gallery. If you're traveling with a sports fanatic, they'll especially appreciate this stop. For admission rates, hours of operation, and other information, visit the Pro Football Hall of Fame's website.

7. Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens in Akron

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, this estate is open to the public for tours and other events and features five historic buildings, eight gardens, and 70 acres. For more information about and to book a tour at this impressive estate, a stop on one of the most scenic Ohio road trips, visit the Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens website.

8. Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Ohio's very own national park features some of the most breathtaking scenery and hiking trails. If you don't have time to explore for a while, be sure to at least stop and see Brandywine Falls (pictured above), which should be a stop on any number of Ohio waterfall road trips you take. For more information about the park's most popular waterfall and hiking spot, visit the National Park Service website. Best of all, no fee is charged to enter this national park!

9. Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland

As your trip starts to come to an end, take some time to check out the Birthplace of Rock and Roll. It's as much a must-see Cleveland attraction as it is a world-renowned attraction. The museum is filled with special exhibits, the Hall of Fame, where you can see what artists have been inducted over the years, and interactive displays. You can even catch a live concert here if you time your visit right and purchase tickets in advance. For hours, tickets, an event schedule, and special exhibits, visit the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame website.

10. Cleveland Botanical Garden

Located in Cleveland's University Circle, this truly unique attraction features 10 acres of outdoor gardens and an 18,000-square-foot glasshouse garden. It’s an ever-changing urban escape of beauty, whimsy, and wonder year-round. For more information and hours of this truly stunning attraction and to purchase tickets, visit the Cleveland Botanical Garden website. This is perhaps one of the best day trips in Ohio you can take.

What do you think? Are you up for this one-tank outing to the best road trips in Ohio? It's always good to know that you don't have to travel too far or keep filling your gas tank repeatedly in order to enjoy a memorable road trip through the Buckeye State.

For more one-tank road trips through the state, check out our waterfalls and wineries road trip, as well as our antiques and ice cream road trip.