This Enchanting and Historic Town in Ohio Is the Perfect Day Trip Destination

There are so many charming small towns in Ohio that undoubtedly, some will fall under the radar. Oberlin, Ohio is one such place. This enchanting town in the northern part of the state is one of the best small towns in Ohio. Whether you're a history buff, nature enthusiast, or a fan of world-famous architecture, you'll certainly find some inspiring things to do in Oberlin, OH.

In Northeast Ohio, Oberlin is a delightful college town that's overflowing with small-town charm. This progressive little town has a community-minded ethos, a rich history, and a lively arts and cultural scene. More than a mere college town, Oberlin College was the first interracial and coeducational college in the United States, something that speaks to the culture of kindness and acceptance of Oberlin, Ohio.

The town is set up like a grid, with a central park surrounded by tree-lined neighborhoods, stately college buildings, and historic monuments. Tappan Square is the heart of the town: a 13-acre green space listed on the National Register of Historic Places where college students study, families picnic, and walkers stroll.

This park is by no means the only historic site in town...not even close! One of the most striking structures in Oberlin, the Apollo is a 1913 art-deco moviehouse located in the heart of the downtown district. Maintained by Oberlin College, the Apollo is notable as one of the earliest theaters to screen "talkies" and for its use as one of Northeast Ohio's film forums.

In other architectural marvels, Oberlin's Weltzheimer/Johnson House is one of just a handful of Usonian-style houses in Ohio designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Constructed in 1948 and 1949, today, the home is owned by Oberlin College and is operated as part of the Allen Memorial Art Museum. Speaking of which, the Allen Memorial Art Museum is a must-visit when in Oberlin. Founded in 1917 on the campus of Oberlin College, the Allen Memorial Art Museum is widely recognized as one of the best academic art museums in the country!

As you wander through town marveling at the immaculate green spaces and commanding architecture, you'll also find a smattering of delightful restaurants and longstanding local businesses. Oberlin is the kind of friendly and walkable town that harkens back to another time; an era when you could wander into a five and dime for candy or a soda.

Oberlin's historic Ben Franklin store opened in 1935 and has been serving generations of town residents ever since! Today, it operates as a bookstore, fabric and frame shop, and all-around variety store, and is an impossibly charming place to peruse.

All that exploring is bound to work up an appetite, and in true college-town fashion, you'll find a world of delicious cuisine in Oberlin! Stop into The Feve for a burger and tater tots, grab a falafel plate from Aladdin's, or order a couple 'zas from Lorenzo's. You certainly won't go hungry here.

There's pretty much always something going on in bustling Oberlin, a place that warmly welcomes everyone. Come and explore this enchanting Ohio town for yourself, and be prepared to be swept off your feet!

Have you visited this enchanting Ohio town before? Oberlin is a fascinating and stunningly beautiful Buckeye State town sure to capture your heart! What are some of your favorite things to do in Oberlin, Ohio? Do you agree that it's one of the best small towns in Ohio? Share this article with someone you'd like to visit Oberlin with! Then, check out a few more charming towns near Cleveland.

If you need a place to stay while you're exploring, take a look at this list of unique vacation rentals near Oberlin, Ohio.