127 West Maple Avenue, Allendale, New Jersey, United States
Ohio is a land of contradictions. Simultaneously derided as a Midwestern flyover state and celebrated as a bellwether state, Ohio correctly predicted the outcome of each Presidential election between 1964 and 2016 (and was only wrong twice before that). The state has produced eight presidents, dozens of actors, astronauts, sports superstars, and several serial killers. Even Superman can claim to be a “Buckeye”—a term that anyone with Rust Belt roots may recognize as not only the state tree’s shiny, nutlike seed, but also as a delicious chocolate-and-peanut-butter candy, as well as an Ohio State alum. There is no shortage of attractions from Cleveland to Cincinnati, with Columbus in the heart of “the Heart of It All.” Here are our top 10 favorite things to do in Ohio.
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Sherry Groom currently holds the Guinness World Record for “largest collection of trolls.” As of 2018, there were 8,130 unique trolls in her collection—when you add in duplicates that number increases drastically—and you can see them all (and more) at the Troll Hole Museum in downtown Alliance. The museum is part traditional exhibition space and part art gallery, with several floors of troll history packed into two adjoining buildings. The Grumpy Troll cafe, located in the back of the obligatory gift shop, serves coffee, teas, and waffles. Guests are encouraged to bring in a customized troll and add it to the crowd outside of the museum’s miniature football stadium (a nod to the nearby Pro-Football Hall of Fame), and Groom has future plans to add a Rock n’ Troll Hall of Fame as well.
About Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad is a tourist excursion railway and private sector, nonprofit 501(c)3 organization operating in partnership with Cuyahoga Valley National Park located in Northeast, Ohio. CVSR is dedicated and committed to preserving and renovating historic railcars so that they may be enjoyed by future generations. In addition to providing event excursions year-round, we also offer a membership program and have a volunteer base of more than 1,000.
https://www.cvsr.org/stations/
Luckily, the state’s only national park is a good one. Situated in between two of Ohio’s largest cities, Cleveland and Akron, Cuyahoga Valley National Park is full of native plants, wildlife, and other attractions. The Cuyahoga River runs through the more than 30,000-acre park, which features dozens of wooded biking and hiking trails. The Towpath Trail follows the route of the historic Ohio and Erie Canal—look for remnants of canal structures, a covered bridge, and several historic homes that are located within the park. You’re almost guaranteed to spot some of the thousands of animals that call the park home, including great blue herons, beavers, bald eagles, river otters, and seven species of bats.
It’s Christmastime in Cleveland’s Tremont neighborhood year-round: Filming for the holiday classic A Christmas Story wrapped up here in January of 1983, but the famous house from the movie has since been restored to its original appearance. Next-door, the Bumpus House and three other houses situated across the street include authentic movie props, costumes, and a gift shop. Superfans can book an overnight stay in the Christmas Story or Bumpus houses and even casual guests are able—and highly encouraged—to recreate their favorite scenes as they explore the house (just don’t shoot your eye out).
https://www.shoresandislands.com/
SHORES & ISLANDS OHIO Shores & Islands Ohio is not just a place...it's a feeling. It's the memories people have from unforgettable experiences here that live in their hearts for a lifetime. Boundless adventures and discoveries await. Shores & Islands Ohio embodies the excitement felt from the very first time you visit, to becoming a seasoned regular or a part of the community. It's where you find your Lake Erie Love. Start planning your next Lake Erie vacation.
Shawshank Prison may not be real, but its walls are—and they belong to the Ohio State Reformatory (OSR), located in Mansfield. OSR opened in 1896 and housed more than 155,000 inmates during its nearly 100 years in operation. Three years after it closed, the reformatory served as a primary filming location for the Shawshank Redemption, and today it’s the epicenter of the Shawshank Trail, which includes all 16 of the movie’s filming locations. A preservation society has hopes to eventually restore OSR—home of the largest free standing steel cell block in the world—to its original state but it’s pretty perfect in its current crumbling and peeling state. Proceeds from tours and events help fund grounds maintenance and structural improvements.
https://www.visitamishcountry.com/
“Shuttered Corporate Headquarters of the Longaberger Company” No longer open to visitors, but viewable from outside, this gigantic basket building was the location of the Longaberger Company, an American manufacturer of handcrafted maple wood baskets. The basket may is on private property but can still be viewed from a distance. The seven story, 180,000 square foot building opened in 1997. The basket handles weigh almost 150 tons and can be heated during cold weather to prevent ice damage. Originally, Dave Longaberger wanted all of the Longaberger buildings to be shaped like baskets, but only the headquarters was completed at the time of his death. After his death, further basket-shaped buildings were vetoed by his daughters.
https://www.hockinghills.com/
Hocking Hills State Park is a state park in the Hocking Hills region of Hocking County, Ohio, United States. In some areas the park adjoins the Hocking State Forest. Within the park are over 25 miles (40 km) of hiking trails, rock formations, waterfalls, and recess caves. The trails are open from dawn to dusk, all year round, including holidays.
The park contains seven separate hiking areas: Ash Cave, Cantwell Cliffs, Cedar Falls, Conkle's Hollow (nature preserve), Old Man's Cave, Rock House and Hemlock Bridge Trail to Whispering Cave.
Known as the art and soul of Columbus, the culturally rich Short North Arts District is a pioneer in the urban revitalization of Central Ohio. Visitors are invited to explore our vibrant neighborhood known for its wide variety of amazing art, dining, nightlife, fashion, home décor, and unique gifts. Check out the Event Calendar for weekly happenings at District businesses. Shop for clothes, gifts, and more; dine at one of the many restaurants; view and collect art in the galleries; and receive excellent service at a salon, tailor, and more. Experience fun activities such as candle-making, mead-tasting, and beauty workshops explained on the DIY Workshops & Educational page, or sign up for a walking art tour, local libation-maker tour, or food tour on the Tastings & Tours page. https://shortnorth.org/
There’s nothing that says classic road trip more than the sight of an Airstream rolling down a scenic highway. If you’ve ever wondered how they’re made, you can take a free, two-hour walkthrough tour at the production plant in Jackson Center. Tours are currently on hold due to the construction of a new 750,000-square-foot facility completely powered by renewable energy, but once they resume we guarantee you’ll be—much like the iconic silver trailers themselves—riveted.
The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio, is the world’s largest military aviation museum. With free admission and parking, the museum features more than 350 aerospace vehicles and missiles and thousands of artifacts amid more than 19 acres of indoor exhibit space. https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/
