What to do and see in Ohio, United States: The Best Specialty Museums

September 9, 2021 Malia Yoakum

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. Warther Museum

331 Karl Ave, Dover, OH 44622-2767 +1 330-505-6003 [email protected] http://thewarthermuseum.com/
Excellent
90%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 412 reviews

Warther Museum

The Warther Museum is home of the world famous woodcarvings of steam engines by Ernest Mooney Warther carved out of ivory, ebony, and walnut. Mrs. Warther's button collection numbers over 73,000 buttons in patterns, and her Swiss style gardens still bloom seasonally to this day. The Warther Museum is more than you can imagine as you see what two people created in just one lifetime.

Reviewed By D8535WFrobertk

I learned of this museum through pure serendipity. It’s an incredible and captivating experience with a terrific gift shop and unique and surprising content.

2. National Museum of the US Air Force

1100 Spaatz St Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, OH 45433-7102 +1 937-255-3286 [email protected] https://www.facebook.com/AFmuseum/
Excellent
93%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 4,908 reviews

National Museum of the US Air Force

Reviewed By I6851YTnickg - Chesterfield, United Kingdom

Fantastic museum, great staff, had a great day here, taking tours, using the cinema and flight simulators and looking at the great collection of aircraft on display here. It has the best collection of US aircraft ive ever seen, where else can you go and see a B36 peacemaker, a B2 spirit and a B58 hustler in the same room! Dont miss this place, its worth the flight to the US to visit this place! If you've never been go!

3. Snook's Dream Cars

13920 County Home Rd, Bowling Green, OH 43402-8670 +1 419-353-8338 http://www.snooksdreamcars.com/
Excellent
87%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 70 reviews

Snook's Dream Cars

Automobile history comes alive in Snook's Dream Cars Automobile Museum, fittingly located adjacent to one of America's first cross-country highways, U.S. 6, in Bowling Green, Ohio. Your journey in the "past lane" begins as you step into an authentically recreated 1940s-era Texaco filling station, featuring an extensive collection of "automobilia" - everything from hood ornaments and window cranks to seat covers, bug remover and backseat touring games. You will continue past an operational, four-bay mechanics' area where vintage vehicles are repaired, and into a working museum of coin-operated amusements, ranging from pinball and slot machines to a Model-T Kiddie Ride (bring along your quarters!). You won't want to miss the antique pedal cars, Texaco promotional gimmicks or the classic collection of automobile decanters, some still holding their original Jim Beam brew. When you've had your fill of these "time machines" wheel into a spectacular showroom of dream cars from the '30s, '40s, '50s and '60s. The Snooks' eclectic collection reflects the elegance of years past. Displayed in authentic settings, these vintage vehicles will take you back to a 1930s general store, a 1940s stroll throught downtown Bowling Green, a 1950s diner, and a 1960s Sebring raceway pitlane. A collection of classic military vehicles completes the living museum, where all the cars are running, reliable and ready to show. Before you leave, be sure to stop in the gift shop, and take a little bit of history home with you. PLEASE CALL FOR WEEKEND AVAILABILITY.

Reviewed By LupeFL - St. Petersburg, United States

Well, we found this place through Harvest Hosts as we use them with our RV. What a gem of a place. Such a great little “museum” if you will. So much memorablilia and so well put together, and the gorgeous cars that Jeff has on display and they all run! Neat as a pin, fun, interesting too. We played old slot machines, pin ball, and other fun restored game machines. A step back in history for sure. Loved it. Right off I75 too!

4. 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
0%
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.

5. 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.

6. Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

1100 Rock and Roll Blvd Main Terminal, Cleveland, OH 44114-1023 +1 216-781-7625 [email protected] http://www.rockhall.com/
Excellent
61%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 9,466 reviews

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is alive with the energy, passion and the spirit of music we celebrate. The 150,000 square-foot museum features seven floors, four theaters for films and ever-changing exhibits. Get a front row feeling for 30+ years of induction performance highlights through the all-new Power of Rock Experience. You can spend as little as an hour, or up to an entire day exploring all the Rock Hall's exhibits. Right here in Cleveland, Ohio, you will find the only museum devoted to the story of rock and roll! Photos and video encouraged!

Reviewed By boscobrand - Stamford, United States

Held our attention all the way through. Great exhibits & memorabilia showcase music history, highlighting guitars & items from the private collections of legends, and presentations that immerse you in concert like experiences. They also have live bands on occasion too. We will be back with the rest of the family.

7. Biblewalk

500 Tingley Ave Diamond Hill Cathedral, Mansfield, OH 44905-1234 +1 419-524-0139 [email protected] http://www.biblewalk.us
Excellent
57%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 74 reviews

Biblewalk

We are delighted to announce that our new hours starting April 1st, 2021 are Wednesday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. Beginning June 1st our we will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. You will be encouraged in your faith in God by walking through the Old and New testament tours. Lifesize wax figures depicting Bible scenes narrated by Scripture and including music, special effects and original artwork. Enter the old world and for just a short time leave behind the stresses of today. Our four half hour tours include the Reformation, the Martyrs, the Journeys of Paul and the Kingdom of God. Be refreshed, be lifted up. Take a short moment to focus on Jesus today, won't you??

Reviewed By annemariek176 - Ypsilanti, United States

Well researched and displayed. This museum has integrity and a sound theological base. Even serious students of the Bible and church history will find it informative and inspiring, unlike the gaudy and off-putting Creation Museum in Kentucky. The museum offers several self-guided tours and one can spend 3 hours or just an hour there. Plus there are odd Bible paraphernalia from across the globe. Don’t be put off by the bleached out silk flowers and older carpeting. . . This museum is well worth stopping in.

8. Pro Football Hall of Fame

2121 George Halas Dr NW, Canton, OH 44708-2699 +1 330-456-8207 [email protected] http://www.profootballhof.com
Excellent
62%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,137 reviews

Pro Football Hall of Fame

Visit the Pro Football Hall of Fame and create unforgettable family memories. Teach your kids about the Legends of the Game in the historic Bronzed Bust Gallery. Make the call in our interactive replay booth. Take a family photo next to the iconic Lombardi Trophy. Witness the Super Bowl like never before in our Super Bowl 54 Theater and see the full collection of all 54 Super Bowl rings.

Reviewed By 229BrianC229 - Ohio, United States

The HOF was great. There’s plenty of staff to direct you around, great exhibits and displays. Everything flowed smoothly and things were nicely explained. Great to see the busts of the enshrined and the uniforms of so many great players. Close parking was a plus too. The Joe Namath interactive movie in the locker room with Coach Halas and Coach Lombardi was just awesome and really well made.

9. Canton Classic Car Museum

Market Avenue @ 6th St., SW, Canton, OH +1 330-455-3603 http://www.cantonclassiccar.org/
Excellent
63%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 199 reviews

Canton Classic Car Museum

Ohio's nostalgia museum filled with cars from 1904-1981, and lots of memorabilia.

Reviewed By R3035RCdavidh

I went there last week with my friend. So much to see other than the cars. Very friendly staff, especially Char, she is so friendly and very knowledgeable about her cars,and Canton's history. She could truly write a book, and should.

10. MAPS Air Museum

2260 International Pkwy, North Canton, OH 44720-1375 +1 330-896-6332 [email protected] http://mapsairmuseum.org
Excellent
71%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 224 reviews

MAPS Air Museum

MAPS Air Museum is an internationally known museum of aviation and serves as a center of aviation history for Northeast Ohio. The museum features over 130 exciting educational displays in it's collection of acquired artifacts, interactive exhibits and historical archives in its own library. The museum currently has over 50 aircraft in the inventory and is a War Memorial as we have a piece of the Battleship Arizona on display.

Reviewed By DocMarkS - Uniontown, United States

This museum is so well done. Lots of history, lots of items, and a staff that is so passionate about preserving impact parts of our past. I went 6-8 years ago and it was good. When I took some family recently, it was so much better and expanded a lot. Definitely a hidden treasure in the Akron/Canton area. Well worth a couple of hours. (Make sure to visit outside aircraft.)

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