People Live Their Whole Lives in Ohio and Somehow Miss These 4 Places

If you’re from Ohio (or are a longtime transplant), then you’ve probably visited some of the popular, must-visit places in Ohio, like Hocking Hills State Park, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and Geneva-on-the-Lake. Of course, the list of must-see spots goes on forever, but we only have so many hours in a day!

Playing tourist in your own state is a great way to deepen your connection to it. Whether it’s a hiking trail, a restaurant, or a museum, Ohio is full of incredible adventures just waiting for you to explore. Make it your mission to visit some of these must-visit places in Ohio this year. 

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

There’s a lot to love about Cleveland, and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is just the tip of the iceberg. As the birthplace of Rock and Roll, Cleveland has a longstanding history with some of your favorite musical icons. Folks like David Bowie, Bruce Springsteen, and Rush all launched U.S. tours in Cleveland. Visitors to the museum can dive into the world of these legendary artists and learn about the cultural impact of this genre. 

Bender Mountain Loop Trail

Visitors to Cincinnati should not pass up the opportunity to visit Bender Mountain Nature Preserve. This family-friendly, 130-acre nature preserve offers over three miles of hiking trails plus some stunning views of the Ohio River. The Bender Mountain Loop Trail isn’t just one of the most popular trails at the preserve, but it’s also one of the most popular hiking trails in Ohio. It’s a scenic, two-mile loop with a great mix of forest and river views, perfect for families or a nice little solo adventure. 

Lake Alma State Park

This quiet 292-acre state park tends to get overshadowed by its nearby neighbor, Hocking Hills, which is only a 30-minute drive away. Much of the state park is centered on the 60-acre lake and offers a refreshing spot to swim on a hot summer day. There are five hiking trails at Lake Alma State Park, and all of them are under two miles, so you can mix and match to fit your schedule. The campground offers full hookup and electric sites, and it’s a great camping spot for those weekends when you just want to connect to nature. 

The National Museum of the Great Lakes

Located in the Toledo Maritime Center, the National Museum of the Great Lakes does a deep dive into the Great Lakes. The SS Col. James M. Schoonmaker, a Lake freighter, is docked here, and it’s absolutely a must-see. There are always a few rotating exhibits on display, including over 300 artifacts, thousands of photographs, and endless stories that span generations. 

How many of these iconic spots have you visited? Share this article with someone you want to play tourist with! Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip to one (or more) of these must-visit places in Ohio using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.