It’s Official: Ohio’s Very Own Chillicothe Is One Of The Country’s Best Small Towns To Visit This Year

Here in Ohio, we're no strangers to accolades. From the most scenic drives to the most adventure-filled parks, the Buckeye State has gotten national attention time and time again. Today, we're pleased to share yet another spotlight award from Smithsonian Magazine. On their list of the best small towns to visit for the year, Ohio's very own Chillicothe was featured as a truly remarkable "pre-historic small town." Here's more on Chillicothe, one of the very best small towns to visit in Ohio.

Tucked away in the Appalachian foothills of southern Ohio awaits a special place whose history dates back thousands of years.

With a population of 22,000, Chillicothe is a small town yet offers an abundance of cultural appeal. In fact, it has served as the state's capital twice in the past 200 years.

The Commercial District is especially famous for its unique, 19th-century Victorian architecture.

Yet what the area is most famous for dates back well before Ohio reached statehood.

Chillicothe served as the chief settlement of the five Shawnee tribes that once lived in this area.

A visit to the Hopewell Culture National Historical Park is one of the best ways to learn about this important history. You can take a guided tour of the earthworks, which are ceremonial earthen wall enclosures dating back nearly 2,000 years. In fact, these earthworks may soon become a Unesco World Heritage site.

When you visit Chillicothe, you'll find there's simply no shortage of things to do. From outdoor parks to small-town activities, there's always something going on.

And while this town is beautiful to visit any time of the year, summer is a clear favorite.

No matter if it's your first visit to Chillicothe or your hundredth, you'll quickly discover why this corner of Ohio really is unique.

When was the last time you explored Chillicothe? Do you agree that it's one of the best small towns to visit in Ohio? Be sure to share your thoughts with us in the comments below -- we'd love to hear from you!

If you're in town visiting and wondering "where should I eat in Chillicothe?" then you'll want to check out this nostalgic diner in Ohio for an unforgettable meal!