The 10 Best Hidden Gems Things to do in Ohio, United States

February 22, 2022 Madelene Haan

If you are looking for an active place to stay with world-class attractions, Ohio’s major cities can satisfy any vacation desire. Each offers its own distinct flavor of fun, from professional sports – Bengals (Cincinnati), Cavaliers (Cleveland) and Indians (Cleveland again) – to museums, outdoor activities and more. One of the most famous is the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. If football is your thing, don’t miss the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton. For the science-minded, visit the meat eaters at the Carnivore Conservation Center in the Wilds near Cambridge, dedicated to the breeding and scientific study of endangered mid-sized carnivores. Kids will also love Planet Snoopy in Sandusky or the Columbus Zoo’s Zoombezi Bay Waterpark and Jack’s Landing rides.
Restaurants in Ohio

1. Toledo Museum of Art

2445 Monroe St, Toledo, OH 43620-1500 +1 800-644-6862 [email protected] http://www.toledomuseum.org
Excellent
86%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,184 reviews

Toledo Museum of Art

Art from all over the world and every time period is housed at this outstanding museum, considered one of the world's best. From paintings by Renoir to sculptures by Alexander Calder to a vast glass collection, you'll find wonderful treasures here. Founder and first president Edward Drummond Libbey wanted to build a place where art was accessible to everyone, hence the museum's free admission policy, which continues to this day. The Toledo Museum of Art is open: Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.Friday & Saturday: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.Closed Mondays & Tuesdays, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

Reviewed By bookgirl211

Museum is free but you pay for parking which is one amazing deal. Lots of great art in the permanent collection, always great exhibits - saw one on sneakers a year or two back and just went for the Rebecca Olmstead Law one this past weekend. The restaurant is always very good but only open in the afternoon. Definitely worth a road trip.

2. Carillon Historical Park

1000 Carillon Blvd, Dayton, OH 45409-2023 +1 937-293-2841 http://www.daytonhistory.org/destinations/carillon-historical-park/
Excellent
80%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 940 reviews

Carillon Historical Park

Reviewed By JaneanPhillips - Kettering, United States

This is a must-see in the Dayton area, for everyone young and old. This museum is filled with historical artifacts, featuring the first flight Wright flyer, the Wright Bros cycle shop, other historical buildings that have been relocated there, massive amounts of inventions and their inventors all unique to Dayton. The gift shop offers many unique gifts, including purses, etc, made from pop tops.

3. The Farm at Walnut Creek

4147 County Road 114, Sugarcreek, OH 44681-9473 +1 330-893-4200 [email protected] http://www.thefarmatwalnutcreek.com
Excellent
87%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
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Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 331 reviews

The Farm at Walnut Creek

At The Farm at Walnut Creek, you will find both a unique and educational experience for the entire family. On your visit, you will have the opportunity to view and feed 650 domestic species as well as animals from six different continents – buffalo, llamas, giraffes, deer, elk and much more. Enjoy hand feeding these animals from the comfort of your own car or take our leisurely horse drawn wagon ride with our experienced Amish guides. Also, plan to visit our barns - all built to resemble a working Amish farm. Depending on the season, you can experience plowing, thrashing, sowing seeds, growing produce, canning, milking, quilting, and baking. Be sure to take a stroll through our non-electric farm houses, the produce stand for all of your fresh produce needs, and don’t forget your camera to capture the memories. Be sure to ask questions of our Amish staff - they'll be happy to explain. We recommend you budget about 2 to 3 hours for a visit to The Farm.

Reviewed By DownEast47 - Finger Lakes, United States

My granddaughter and I spent a hot August day here; next time we'll come earlier in the morning. Our wagon tour guide - an older man - was beyond excellent ... a good sense of humor, informative, encouraging about feeding the animals along the way ... and just superb!! We then walked around the beautiful property - saw the other animals, walked across on the covered bridge, walked thru the house; and my granddaughter even continued to feed the curious - and hungry - goats. It was a memorable day; and will be a "repeat" if we're back in the area!! I thank the women in the Craft Mall at Schrock's Village for recommending it!

4. Spring Grove Cemetery & Arboretum

4521 Spring Grove Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45232-1934 +1 513-681-7526 http://www.springgrove.org/
Excellent
83%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 736 reviews

Spring Grove Cemetery & Arboretum

Reviewed By chellye - Lexington, United States

Visited to see the grave of General Joseph Hooker. What a beautiful site! Very well maintained and tons of interesting monuments. Definitely going back in the spring when the weather is nice.

110 S 6th St, Zanesville, OH 43701-3609 +1 740-453-9822 http://www.alancottrill.com
Excellent
92%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 110 reviews

Alan Cottrill Sculpture Studio & Gallery

Reviewed By Roving825244

This was the highlight of our trip to the Zanesville area. The sculptures were incredible, but the stories behind them brought them to life. It was an honor to meet Allan and hear about his work/life. And the cat was adorable too!

6. Rock House

Rt 374 Hocking Hills State Park, Logan, OH http://www.hockinghills.com/rock_house.html
Excellent
81%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 542 reviews

Rock House

Reviewed By patriciagT6037MA - Indian River, United States

One-of-a-kind nature experience! The hike in was somewhat short-1/2 to 3/4 mile one-way, but I would say 3/4 of the trail was moderate in difficulty (especially for seniors like us!) but SO worth the effort! The Rock House was amazing! It was a good sized cave with beautifully colored rocks- reds & greens; tons of crevices, holes etc. Bring a flashlight & explore! Enjoy!

7. National Museum of the Great Lakes

1701 Front St, Toledo, OH 43605-1481 +1 419-214-5000 http://www.nmgl.org/
Excellent
81%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 335 reviews

National Museum of the Great Lakes

This is a maritime museum dedicated to the Great Lakes. There are six exhibit galleries, an outdoor maritime park, the Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship, and the Museum Tug OHIO. While the Ship is open seasonally May- October, the museum and maritime park open year-round. Capacity is limited and pre-purchased reservations is available online.

Reviewed By VegGardenPro - Cohocton, United States

The museum was fun and had some really interesting hands-on exhibits, including a diving simulation to explore the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald. But touring the freighter, Col. James M Schoonmaker was an incredible experience. The boat has been equipped so that visitors can go into the engine room, the crew quarters, the hold, the incredibly beautiful captain's and guest accommodations in the bow. The museum volunteer, Dave, was full of information and stories and made our visit extra special. The tug Ohio, only available by tour, is an amazing restoration in progress. This is a unique museum honoring and working toward preservation of our beautiful Great Lakes.

8. Mound Cemetery

5th and Scammel Streets, Marietta, OH 45750
Excellent
77%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 101 reviews

Mound Cemetery

Reviewed By SafeTravels20

Beautiful area! The grounds are very well kept although watch for uneven earth, footing could be tricky with tree roots etc. Lots of history within this gorgeous cemetery. Be cautious of the steps ascending the mound itself; can be uneven as well.

9. Wagner-Hagans Auto Museum

476 E Kossuth St Add Email Address, Columbus, OH 43206-2364 +1 614-271-0888
Excellent
95%
Good
4%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 170 reviews

Wagner-Hagans Auto Museum

We do not have regular hours. We do tours by appointment only. Due to my employment situation we do tours in the evenings and weekends.

Reviewed By gerasimp2019

Steve is a wonderful person! I’ve come all the way from Bulgaria and so far I’ve enjoyed his museum the most in Columbus. The collection is really nice and the combination of his classic american cars from the 50-60s, his very rare license plates, signs and items is a perfect combo and creates an unforgettable experience. He knows his stuff and he will be glad to give you a tour.

10. Ash Cave

Hocking Hills State Park, Logan, OH +1 740-385-6842 http://www.hockinghills.com/ash_cave.html
Excellent
84%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 520 reviews

Ash Cave

Reviewed By jdenz01 - Saint Clair Shores, United States

This trail and location was by far my favorite. A nice plus is that the trail is wheelchair/mobility challenged friendly. The standard return trail goes up some into the hills so those that wish for that experience can have it, while the accessible trail also remains an option. It’s a pretty trail with lots of nature, and the sandy large Ash Cave is really beautiful. If you’re going to Hocking Hills, this is my number one recommendation from the few trails we did.

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