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

March 24, 2022 Nicolette Lion

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. Cleveland Museum of Art

11150 East Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44106-1797 +1 216-421-7340 [email protected] http://www.clevelandart.org
Excellent
88%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 3,468 reviews

Cleveland Museum of Art

The Cleveland Museum of Art creates transformative experiences through art, “for the benefit of all the people forever.” The Cleveland Museum of Art is renowned for the quality and breadth of its collection, which includes more than 61,000 objects and spans 6,000 years of achievement in the arts. The museum is a significant international forum for exhibitions, scholarship, and performing arts. One of the top comprehensive art museums in the nation and free of charge to all, the Cleveland Museum of Art is located in the dynamic University Circle neighborhood.

Reviewed By journeymaid48 - Fairport, United States

This was a tremendous pleasure to tour this museum again. The collections and the buildings are wonderful. The list of artists represented there is amazing including, Caravaggio, Gainsborough, Lawrence, Constable, Whistler, Goya, El Greco, Thomas Cole, Gilbert Stuart, John Singer Sargent, Charles Wilson Peale, Monet, Courbet, Caillebotte, Gauguin, Van Gogh, Rosseau, Seurat, Pissarro, Matisse, Diego Rivera, Picasso, Braque, Dali, Magritte, Max Ernest, Pollock, Joan Mitchell, Miro, Calder and so many others! A definite half day or longer experience. If visiting Cleveland please stop and admire these wonderful works.

3. 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!

4. Cedar Point

1 Cedar Point Dr, Sandusky, OH 44870-5259 +1 419-627-2350 https://www.cedarpoint.com/
Excellent
65%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
4%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 8,979 reviews

Cedar Point

More than just an amusement park, Cedar Point features hotels, restaurants, beautiful grounds along with an impressive variety of thrill-rides.

Reviewed By 766courtneyl

If your looking for a place to ENJOY some of the BEST rollercoasters....LOOK no further than Cedar Point!! This amusement park has an AMAZING selection of rides for NEWBIES and the experienced rider!! You’ll have a great time and the cost of a daily admission is well worth it...you won’t be disappointed!! Be sure to ride the DRAGSTER!! Enjoy!!

5. Hocking Hills State Park

19852 State Route 664 S, OH 43138-9537 +1 614-641-6403 http://parks.ohiodnr.gov/hockinghills
Excellent
80%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,447 reviews

Hocking Hills State Park

Reviewed By HappyCamper512

I know it is already popular and I grew up here, but just cannot get enough of the Hills. Whenever I travel throughout the State of Ohio all of the tourist pamphlets read, “Head to the Beautiful Hocking Hills!” So beautiful and awe inspiring. Something for everyone! God’s creation ! Absolutely untouched beauty. Come for a retreat, a family campout, picnic, climb, or wonderful refreshing hike. Rain, snow or shine it is magnificent.

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. Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

3400 Vine Street, Cincinnati, OH 45220-1333 513-281-4700 [email protected] http://cincinnatizoo.org/
Excellent
70%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3,800 reviews

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

This second oldest zoo in the U.S., considered one of the best in the country, is most renowned for its endangered species and birthing programs, particularly for gorillas and white tigers, and has a wonderful collection of felines and a delightful manatees exhibit.

Reviewed By 339matthewf - Cincinnati, United States

I've been coming to this zoo for 30 years and I cannot express in words the memories that have been made here. I remember when Bruiser the walrus would spit water on me as a kid (excellent way to cool off on a summer's day). I got to stay overnight and do a guided night tour, traveled behind the scenes to see how they take care of animals, and have watched this place grow throughout the years. 'Africa' added lions and a large paddock for grazers in addition to a nice balcony with tables overlooking the whole area. Cooling stations run all day when it's hot, penguins roam the paths with keepers when it's cold, and I proposed to my wife at the Festival of Lights 'round Christmas. They also have animal encounters which, while a bit pricey, contribute to conservation efforts and offer once in a lifetime experiences like being face to face with an elephant. You can feed a giraffe if you like. They have learning stations everywhere, rotating educational encounters, and anyone in a zoo uniform will tell you a personal story about one or more of the animals. Finally, if you plan to go, I strongly advise a membership pass if only for the free parking. You get discounts on food and merch, as well; it pays for itself in two trips. Check the website out, too; they have some really cool events that go to help with conservation efforts and are a lot of fun to attend. Give it a shot and you might find you keep coming back for the rest of your life.

8. West Side Market

1979 W 25th St, Cleveland, OH 44113 +1 216-664-3387 https://www.facebook.com/WestSideMarket/
Excellent
69%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4,349 reviews

West Side Market

Built in 1912, this thriving public market offers fresh produce, meat, dairy products and a delicious variety of prepared foods.

Reviewed By ZaeCat - Cleveland, United States

Stopped by the market to pick up some amazing bread from my favorite bread stand and ended up walking around admiring the architecture and buying some fresh pasta and macarons as well. Interesting place. Definitely somewhere to check out when exploring Cleveland!

9. Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

1777 E. Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43203-2040 +1 614-715-8148 [email protected] http://www.fpconservatory.org
Excellent
74%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,607 reviews

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

A botanical landmark just two miles east of downtown Columbus, Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens features exotic plant collections and displays, seasonal exhibitions, outdoor gardens (including community and culinary gardens) and a variety of educational programming. All set within the 88-acre Franklin Park. Inspired by horticulture, Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens elevates quality of life and connects the community through educational, cultural and social experiences. All ages can partake in a variety of special events and activities throughout the year. A full menu of classes, workshops and camps are offered in gardening, cooking, fine art and wellness. With its natural surroundings, both indoors and out, the Conservatory serves as a premier venue for special events and corporate gatherings.

Reviewed By 612BarbaraH612 - Worcester, United States

The botanical garden is a small portion of Franklin Park, so you have the opportunity to wander the grounds outside the botanical garden in addition to enjoying the outside gardens and indoor exhibits of the botanical garden itself. There's a very nice children's garden, a small formal garden area with a beautiful sculpture, an area devoted to community garden education, a conservatory with a variety of exhibits, a glass blowing demonstration, an excellent gift shop and a cafe. June 1, 2019 marked the start of a Chihuly exhibit that will be throughout the garden areas until the end of March, 2020. We just missed the Chihuly exhibit, but we will return to see it!

10. A Christmas Story House

3159 W 11th St, Cleveland, OH 44109-1803 +1 216-298-4919 [email protected] http://www.achristmasstoryhouse.com/
Excellent
65%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,176 reviews

A Christmas Story House

A Christmas Story House, now restored to its movie splendor, is open year round to the public for tours. Directly across the street from the house is the official A Christmas Story House Museum, which features original props, costumes and memorabilia from the film, as well as hundreds of rare behind-the-scenes photos. Among the props and costumes are the toys from the Higbee's window, Randy's snowsuit, the chalkboard from Miss Shields' classroom and the family car. After reliving A Christmas Story at Ralphie's house don't forget to visit the museum gift shop for your own Major Award Leg Lamp and other great movie memorabilia.

Reviewed By Eva713 - Broken Arrow, United States

Childhood memories come to life! Such a great movie, neat to get to visit the house and museum in person and take pics with the BB gun, lamp, bar of soap, etc. the gift shop is amazing great place to pick up some souvenirs. If you haven’t seen the movie I don’t know that you will truly appreciate this stop. My only suggestion would be to have the tour guides just stationed in the house and museum to talk and answer questions but allow people to come and go on their own schedule, that way your not having to share the experience with 25 people at a time, or maybe just go early if possible. Glad we stopped and really enjoyed watching the movie again before this stop.

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