Ohio is a place of many offerings.
Bordered by Lake Erie on one side and the Appalachian Mountains on another, the unassuming Buckeye State contains a hidden and diverse wealth of attractions suitable to many types of travelers. Thrill seekers will love its amusement parks and vast network of state parks, while those looking for leisure will be charmed by its many museums and rolling hills. Its cultural offerings range from ancient Indigenous gathering sites to Amish communities and monuments immortalizing the idols of rock music. Groups have the choice to sleep in the trees or in the epitome of luxury in one of Ohio’s metropolises, and they can enjoy a brewpub’s casual fare or the finest wining and dining. Travelers can take their pick or have it all on their next trip through the state.
Popular Demand
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
On the shores of Lake Erie in Cleveland, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, also known as the Rock Hall, has been celebrating one of the most legendary music genres since the 1980s. From early rockers like Buddy Holly and Elvis Presley to more recent acts like the Foo Fighters and Depeche Mode, groups can see exhibits focused on hall of fame inductees. Famous instruments and memorabilia are also on display. An on-site café and gift shop make great stops to round out a day of exploring the museum. Groups can also get their picture taken in front of the iconic Rock and Roll Hall of Fame sign.
National Museum of the U.S. Air Force
In Dayton, one of the state’s most popular museums delights visitors interested in military history and aviation alike. The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force is the world’s largest aviation museum and contains several galleries with aircraft of great significance. These include World War II planes like Bockscar, the Boeing B-29 that dropped one of the atomic bombs, and the Memphis Belle, another plane that completed missions all over Europe. Aircraft from other notable wars can be found throughout the museum. Exhibits also detail aviation history with interactive exhibits and documentaries.
Amish Country
Ohio’s Amish Country is a staple for groups. Located in the central portion of the state halfway between Columbus and Cleveland, the rolling hills and quiet way of life found in Ohio’s Amish Country consistently charm visitors by offering a glimpse into their simple way of living. Family-owned shops and markets selling Amish wares, such as handmade furniture and made-from-scratch foodstuffs, decorate the countryside. Theaters, tours and museums offer wholesome entertainment for groups, while restaurants and home-cooked meal experiences ensure groups leave stuffed to the gills with Amish favorites like fried chicken and handmade pies.
Up and Coming
New Ride at Cedar Point
Ohio is home to several well-known amusement parks. In the northern part of the state, Cedar Point is exceedingly popular and known for its variety of amusement rides and events. The park is currently constructing a new roller coaster, Top Thrill 2. It will be the world’s tallest and fastest triple launch “strata coaster,” according to the park’s website. It will be 420 feet tall, reach speeds of 120 miles per hour and rides will last two minutes. The coaster is expected to be completed this summer.
Ohio State Parks
2024 was declared the “Year of Ohio State Parks” by Ohio’s governor because it’s the 75th anniversary of Ohio Department of Natural Resources and because of the upcoming opening of Ohio’s newest state park, Great Council State Park. Some of the state’s most famous parks such as Hocking Hills, Tar Hollow and Mohican State Park already bring countless visitors into the state each year. The newest park, which will be near Xenia, will include a cultural interpretive center and honor the legacy of several Indigenous tribes. The park is being created in conjunction with three federally recognized tribes and is expected to be completed later this year.
Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks
“Hopewell” refers to a network of trade works shared by multiple ancient Native American cultures from around 200 B.C. to 500 A.D. What is present-day southern Ohio is at the center of Hopewell culture and is home to the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks. These earthen enclosure complexes built along the Ohio River are massive and correspond to complex cycles of the sun and moon. These extraordinary examples of landscape architecture were recently named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, joining other world wonders such as Egypt’s pyramids, the Great Wall of China and Stonehenge.
Overnight Sensations
The Lytle Park Hotel
The Lytle Park Hotel, part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, combines historic charm with modern amenities. The 1909 building, in Cincinnati’s Lytle Park Historic District, was once two buildings but was combined and renovated to open in 2020. The hotel has many gorgeous architectural features, such as a neo-Tudor exterior, a grand atrium in the lobby and a rooftop terrace. Many of its 106 guest rooms have excellent views of the nearby park or the river, and each is equipped with luxurious features like marble bathrooms with rain showers. Luxurious finishes, such as towering greenery and gold accents in the lobby, can be found throughout.
Mohicans Treehouse Resort
Ohio’s abundant nature gives way to some very distinct lodging. Groups can sleep among the trees, literally, by staying at the Mohicans Treehouse Resort. Located on 77 acres in Mohican Valley, in the state’s northeast region, the property offers nine treehouses and four cabins to guests. These treehouses are more upscale than the backyard treehouses of your youth, including amenities such as bathrooms, kitchens and climate control, but they still let guests enjoy the magic and adventure of sleeping above the forest floor. One of the best parts of the lodging is its disconnected nature — without Wi-Fi or satellite TV, guests can reconnect with nature, themselves and each other.
Memorable Meals
Twin Oast Brewing
An oast, also known as a hop kiln or oast house, is a building for drying hops. Twin Oast Brewing picked these interesting structures to model their brewery after. This German-inspired brewery on a 60-acre farm in Port Clinton serves craft beers (often with a Bavarian twist) and elevated pub fare to go with it. Groups can try dishes like the brewery’s signature smash burger; the “Brewben,” their take on a Reuben; or buffalo chicken dip. Pizzas, salads and pub plates are also available. Dishes pair well with what’s on tap, from year-round staples such as Ship Burner, a brown porter, or Oasteweizen, a hefeweizen, to other seasonally offered brews.
Gervasi Vineyard
Located on 55 acres in Canton on a former tree farm, Gervasi Vineyard is a Tuscan-inspired vineyard that aims to give guests a slice of Italian countryside in the Midwest. With breathtaking view of a lake, the vineyards, surrounding forests and Tuscan-inspired architecture, the estate houses a winery, a distillery, a coffeehouse and three restaurants. The Bistro serves upscale Italian fare, such as brick-fired pizzas, house-made ravioli and braised beef short ribs. The Crush House, a wine bar and eatery, serves slightly more relaxed fare, such as sandwiches, salads and pastas. The Piazza is an outdoor restaurant open during the warm season. At each venue, meals are paired with delicious wines from the vineyard and craft cocktails.
