Here Are 11 Of Ohio’s Tiniest Towns That Are Always Worth A Visit
×
April Dray
Author
Small town charm is underrated—especially small town Ohio charm.
The following are 11 of Ohio’s smallest towns that have a lot to offer. From world famous sandwiches and historic landmarks, to scenic views and nature preserves, these small towns are always worth a visit. See how many you’ve explored before, and which ones you need to add to your Ohio-themed bucket list:
This quaint Ashtabula County village is home to just 1,288 residents but it truly comes alive in the summer months when it becomes a popular resort and camping spot. Enjoy stunning views of Lake Erie from this beautiful village.
Tucked away in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, you'll find this quiet Summit County township, home to just 1,664 residents. In the summertime, the little town comes alive with hikers and explorers passing though.
Advertisement
This charming village also sits in the middle of the stunningly beautiful Cuyahoga Valley National Park. In addition to hikers passing through, several visitors come to the town in the spring and summer months to board the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, which passes right through Peninsula.
Advertisement
Here in Ohio, the small town of Huron is a gorgeous lakeside town that’s somewhat of a hidden gem to Ohioans not from the area. If you find yourself in northern Ohio this summer, you need to take a day and visit this quaint Lake Erie town. Be sure to stop by the Huron Boat Basin Marina and Amphitheater, Nickel Plate Beach and Huron Lake Front Park while you're here.
The small town of Zoar, Ohio is a historic German village most people in the state (surprisingly) don’t know about. Beautifully preserved and full of fun places to explore, you’ll fall in love with this little-known town. The village of Zoar has more than 50 of the original historic structures and buildings still standing today. Consequently, the town has preserved much of its old world charm.
Related Stories
Escape To The Countryside When You Stay At This Rural Airbnb In Ohio
This Speakeasy Hidden In The Walk-In Cooler Of A Pizza Parlor In Ohio Is Perfect For A Date Night
Best Waterfalls in Ohio: 14 Local Favorites & Hidden Gems
Clifton is a gorgeous small town. It's home to the historic site of Clifton Mill (pictured), which features a vintage mill, a covered bridge, a 1940s-era gas station and a quaint American restaurant. (And don't miss the Legendary Lights of Clifton Mill during the holidays!)
With a population of just a little more than 300, the tiny village of Waldo in Marion County is unexpectedly hiding a delicious secret. G & R Tavern is a must-stop when you're in the area. For more than 50 years, it's been the village's best spot to eat and home to a world famous fried bologna sandwich you simply have to try.
If you try to find a village like the charming village of Grand Rapids, Ohio, you likely won’t be able to. Along the southern bank of the Maumee River, just southwest of Toledo, you’ll find a restored canal town that’s truly one of a kind. With a population of about 986, it’s a quaint place to live and the perfect place to visit for a day trip. (At the town's Providence Metropark, you can even ride on a canal boat pulled by mules down the restored Miami & Erie Canal.)
Advertisement
The quaint fishing town of Port Clinton comes alive in the summer months. As a safe harbor for Lake Erie boaters and the "Walleye Capital of the World," Port Clinton eats, sleeps and breathes fishing. No matter the time of year, you're likely to see marina after marina packed with fishing boats, people fishing from the pier and the catch of the day being sold at local restaurants and markets.
If you’ve yet to visit Yellow Springs, you’re truly missing out. It’s home to a population of approximately 3,513 residents, Antioch College, a colorful downtown, a working dairy farm and, (you guessed it), the official "Yellow Spring" the town is named after. This artsy little town offers unique shops, local eateries and small town life at its finest—but the nature scene really thrives here too.
Famously known as the home of the World's Largest Cuckoo Clock this Tuscarawas County village is home to approximately 2,220 people. "The Little Switzerland of Ohio" comes alive every summer with visitors touring Ohio Amish Country and the Ohio Swiss Festival in September.
What other towns would you add to this list?
For more small town charm in Ohio, check out our previous article: The 11 Most Romantic Small Towns In Ohio.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.