Are you still looking for fun places to take your kids before the summer season is over? If so, there's a small town petting zoo hiding in southern Ohio you should know about. Muddy Boots Petting Farm in Laurelville, Ohio is a true hidden gem. Tucked away in one of the most scenic regions of the state, this little-known petting zoo, farm and antique shop is worth its own day trip during your next visit to Hocking Hills.
Here's why the whole family will love exploring this unique day trip destination:
Welcome to Muddy Boots Petting Farm, where you'll get a newfound love for animals and feel like a kid again.
You can visit Muddy Boots (weather permitting) from April - October on the weekends. It's open Friday - Sunday from 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.
In addition to all the traditional farm animals you'd expect to encounter here, you'll also get to meet some interesting faces you wouldn't expect to see.
Someone recently told me, "Ohio is like five states in one, culturally and physically." I laughed at first, because we definitely have a diverse culture that varies from region to region... but then I started reflecting on the landscape aspect of that comment. Up north, the Pleistocene-era glaciers created a flat landscape with one Great Lake. In the southern reaches of The Buckeye State, the Appalachian foothills add some movement to the landscape. We have waterfalls, plains, sandy beaches, sand dunes, and, overall, so much natural variety. Today, we're going to visit some of Ohio's most iconic views to experience the very best of its diverse landscape. This road trip takes 6.5 hours in driving alone, so don't be afraid to break it up with some overnight stays. This is the perfect opportunity to break out some snacks and a good travel scavenger hunt game, because you're going to adore seeing Ohio like never before.
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Naturally, the first stop on our road trip is in the stunning Cleveland Metroparks.
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For over a century, the Cleveland Metroparks' landscape has delighted Northeast Ohioans with diversity. Berea Falls in Rocky River Reservation is one of the park district's most calendar-worthy locations, and visitors can't help but snap photos. Rocky River Reservation is so large that it stretches into several cities — Berea, Brook Park, Cleveland, Fairview Park, Lakewood, North Olmsted, Olmsted Township, and Rocky River — but we'll just stay in one area for this road trip.
At the Berea Falls Scenic Overlook, the famous Berea Sandstone is carved and shaped by post-glacial waters left behind during the last ice age. Historic bridges, which are still in use by railroads, prove that thoughtful engineering can enhance natural urban beauty. A small parking lot provides easy access to the falls, making this an effortless choice for starting our road trip.
However, you can't just visit one waterfall in Northeast Ohio. That should qualify as a crime! We're going to take an easy drive down to Brandywine Falls from here.
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Brandywine Falls is an impressive 60 feet tall, which is nine feel shorter than the smallest features on the American side of Niagara Falls. It's absolutely stunning, and it's surprisingly easy to reach. From the parking lot, you'll just take a short staircase alongside fern and lichen-covered stone walls until you reach this roaring cascade.
The might of the waterfall depends on local rainfall, of course, so don't be surprised if your visit ends up looking a bit different than the picture above. You can treat this stop on the road trip as a quick photo op, but you're also encouraged to explore more of Cuyahoga Valley National Park while you're in the area. It's the only national park in Ohio, and it has so much to offer... especially if you're a fan of waterways and waterfalls.
Next, we're going to inch our way closer to Ohio's Appalachian bioregion with a visit to Richland County.
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This gorgeous landscape belongs to Malabar Farm State Park, one of Ohio's many working farms that's open to the public. The historic landscape of the park once belonged to Pulitzer Prize-winning author and socialite Louis Bromfield, who managed to make this region famous in his Hollywood circles. While his historic home (and other local places of interest like the Ceely Rose house) are often the main draw for visitors, it's Mount Jeez that earns this place a spot on our list of Ohio's most iconic views.
The Mount Jeez Overlook in Malabar Farm State Park has an elevation of circa 1320 feet, making it a lovely way to take in the surrounding landscape. Rolling hills and forested stretches of land will awe you, and it's easy to see why Louis Bromfield decided to settle in this area.
After visiting a hidden gem in Ohio, we might as well visit one of the state's most famous attractions, right?
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Upper Falls in Hocking Hills is yet another gorgeous example of how architecture can enhance the natural landscape. Also known as Upper Old Man's Cave Falls, this stunning spot is arguably the most famous natural attraction in The Buckeye State. Tucked away in Southeast Ohio's Appalachian foothills, this gorgeous spot is one of many attractions tucked away along circa 25-miles of trails. And as this spot is highly isolated, you might want to print off directions on the off-chance that you won't have a phone signal. Trust me on this one.
The gorgeous stone walls in this area are a reminder of Ohio's days as part of the Atlantic Ocean, as its Black Hand Sandstone predates the era when dinosaurs walked the earth. Stunning crystalline waters and lyrical birdsong make the region downright memorable.
Love waterfront views? You're going to adore the next stop on our list.
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The Ohio River Scenic Byway in and around Marietta, Ohio is always a treat to visit. It curves along Southern Ohio, spanning 14 counties along its 452-mile expanse. However, the stretch of this byway we're going to visit for this particular road trip is in Marietta.
With the confluence of the Muskingum and Ohio Rivers right in town, water is highly important to this historic community. Indigenous peoples once prospered in this region, and archaeological earthworks keep this history in the public eye. When European Americans arrived, industry quickly blossomed, with railroads and oil becoming central to the region's success. Today, all that hustle and bustle has slowed down, making the sleepy community a gorgeous stop for natural attractions.
These five spots are some of Ohio's most iconic views, but they're far from the only incredible scenic overlooks in the state. Which are your favorites? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
With 88 counties and 40,848 square miles to explore, there's no shortage of adventure in The Buckeye State. However, with a landscape that could comfortably fit eight Connecticuts, we're a state that's home to many microcultures. As such, our various small towns have vibes all their own. Today, we're going to take a 350-mile road trip from North to South to experience some of the most charming small towns in Ohio. Make sure you have all your road trip essentials packed, because this adventure is going to be delightfully memorable.
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The first stop on our bucket list is Peninsula, Ohio, a charming small town in Greater Cleveland.
Peninsula is home to a mere 522 people, and it's one of the smaller communities on our list. The mighty Cuyahoga River runs right through this town, and it's rich in nature as a result... Cuyahoga Valley National Park, the only national park in Ohio, surrounds the community. Both in the national park and throughout the town, dozens of historic buildings wait to greet the eye. Many are on the National Register of Historic Places.
One of the more fascinating historic structures in town is the lovely Everett Road Covered Bridge, a truss-style bridge from circa 1877. One of my friends affectionately calls it the "Beetlejuice bridge" for its uncanny resemblance to the covered bridge in the movie. Interestingly, the cutesy title is somewhat appropriate here. The bridge was purportedly built in response to a death that occurred at the site, and some assert that the site is haunted to this very day.
Now, we're going to head about an hour south to scenic Millersburg, Ohio.
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With circa 3,151 residents, Millersburg certainly manages to feel open and airy. This lovely Holmes County community is a frequent day trip destination for Northeast Ohioans, as it's home to an impressive Amish population. The Hotel Millersburg is a coveted stay in town, and it dates back to 1847. Their Quilting Retreat is a fun way to get crafty!
With bakeries, farms, parks, and an abundance of horses and buggies on the road, this region just moves at a slower pace of life. You might not get great phone reception out here in the countryside, so don't be afraid to go old school and print off a few maps. There's so much to see and do in the area!
Once you've wrapped up your adventures in Millersburg, we're going to head 90 minutes south to explore Lancaster, Ohio.
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As the county seat of Fairfield County, Lancaster has small town vibes but a decently big population. Some 40,500 people call this pretty place home! As it's part of the Columbus metropolitan area, it's one of those "small towns by big city standards," but it's well worth a stop. Rising Park should be at the top of your Lancaster bucket list, as it allows you an almost bird's-eye view of the community.
While the area is known for its holiday spirit once things cool down, Christmas Rocks State Nature Preserve is an all-year-round type of getaway. Packed with unique rock formations and scenic overlooks, you're going to love hiking in this pretty park. There are plenty of places in town for a good meal after your outdoor adventures, so be sure to budget a bit of time to explore the local dining scene.
Once all is said and done in Lancaster, we're going to scooch over West a little bit to visit Yellow Springs, Ohio.
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Yellow Springs is home to circa 3,697 people, and it has been settled since 1825. As a result, historic buildings like its famous railroad depot pictured above are common sights in town. And, yes, the town does have a rich history to boot! This area had a vast abolitionist population back in the day, and freed slaves often settled in the area and owned land.
John Bryan State Park is a popular hiking destination in town, boasting 752 acres that are perfect for adventure. The nearby Glen Helen Nature Preserve has a waterfall, so it's another natural attraction that belongs on your Yellow Springs bucket list. When all is said and done, don't forget to swing by Young's Jersey Dairy for some farm-fresh ice cream. Yes, you read that right... this is some of the freshest ice cream in the state.
Next, we're going to head about two hours South to end our road trip on a high note in Portsmouth, Ohio.
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Since Portsmouth is right on the Kentucky border, it has a distinctly different culture than the other stops on our road trip. With circa 18,252 residents, it still manages to feel open, airy, and laid-back. European settlers spilled into the area during the American Revolution, but indigenous peoples had already been active in the region for thousands of years. Unfortunately, this area wasn't as friendly to freed or runaway slaves as Yellow Springs. As a result, local abolitionists worked hard to make it an important stop on the Underground Railroad, assisting their fellow humans in finding a more stable life.
Shawnee State Park, one of the town's shining natural features, was the first state park in Ohio. With gorgeous views of the Appalachian foothills, it's an attraction that every Ohioan should experience at least once.
If you're hungry after your long road trip, a stop at The Scioto Ribber is an absolute must. Their 32-ounce steaks are locally famous, though the size is a bit intimidating to some diners. Don't be afraid to grab carryout!
There are many charming small towns in Ohio, but these five destinations are some that you'll hear native Ohioans mentioning time and time again. Each has its own distinct attitude, and the views you experience as you journey from each area will absolutely knock your socks off.
