This Rural Road Trip Will Lead You To Some Of The Best Countryside Hidden Gems In Ohio

Ohio is fondly referred to as "the heart of it all," and true to form, you'll discover all sorts of treasures in the heart of the Buckeye State. Just outside the hustle and bustle of Columbus, there is some of the most beautiful bucolic landscapes in the state -- but don't write off this area as mere cornfields and cows. From larger-than-life roadside attractions to gorgeous old barns, we think you'll be delighted by the hidden gems on this rural road trip in Ohio.

This rural road trip in Ohio covers 120 miles and takes a couple hours, excluding stops. We recommend factoring in some time into the trip itinerary to stop and explore some of these attractions and points of interest!

Not a state to take itself too seriously, Ohio takes its "corny" stereotypes in stride, as evidenced with this epic outdoor art display in Dublin.

Known as the "Field of Corn," this display includes 109 human-sized ears of corn that stand upright in realistic row patterns. It's a delightful place to stop and snap a few photographs.

As you drive through the countryside of Central Ohio, you'll head into Sunbury, a quaint town that's home to the Ohio Fallen Heroes Memorial.

The Ohio Fallen Heroes Memorial was founded in 2005 by local veterans who had a vision to build a tribute to all of the men and women in uniform from Ohio that perished in 9/11. It's a humbling reminder of their service and sacrifice.

Sunbury is a beautiful country town that's sure to capture your heart, and the Glass Rooster Cannery is your quintessential Central Ohio farmstead.

A sustainable farm and licensed cannery, this destination is a beautiful landmark to drive by; they also offer homesteader "how to" courses and a farm market.

Central Ohio is home to one of the most beautiful college towns in the country: Gambier.

Gambier is peak Buckeye State beauty, with the bucolic hills and idyllic farms dotting the landscape around this college town. If you're looking to stop and grab a bite to eat, there are lots of places around Kenyon College, including the acclaimed Kenyon Inn and Restaurant.

Continuing our journey through the heart of Ohio, we're visiting one of the state's most iconic roadside attractions. Deemed the World's Largest Basket, this one-of-a-kind building was home to the Longaberger Company once upon a time.

Today, this Newark monolith is a favorite spot for photo ops and Insta feeds.

Circling back to the starting point of our rural road trip in Ohio, we'll pass through Granville, a delightfully charming small town with a Main Street that will beckon for you to stop, which we encourage you to do.

The final roadside attraction on this trip is the Everal Barn and Homestead in Westerville. It's listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a beautiful site in the heart of Westerville that's a favorite location for weddings and events.

This is peak Buckeye State bucolic beauty; a beautiful old farmstead that's been lovingly maintained and stands as a proud testament to Ohio's agrarian roots.

When was the last time you took road trip through rural Ohio? It's a region that's often overlooked for its big city brethren, but, in our opinion, is a refreshing change of pace and wonderful reminder of just how beautiful the Buckeye State is!