Ohio is one of the top wine producing states in the country, has the largest Amish population in the world and is known as the roller coaster capital, thanks to the thrill seekers paradise, Cedar Point. Ohio is pretty diverse. My goal this year is to explore that diversity and uncover some of the places, attractions and events that make Ohio not only a great place to live, but also a great place to visit. So I’ve compiled a list that I have dubbed “ The Ultimate Bucket List for those who want to Explore Ohio ” to help me stay on track.
My goal is to begin checking items off my list this month. As I discover new reasons to love my home state, I’ll write a post about it and share it here. Hopefully my experiences will help you as you plan outings with your own children, spouse or travel friends. I’ll also add a button to my sidebar so you can easily reference this post as I make updates.
Do you have a favorite state park in Ohio, know of a great place to eat in the Buckeye State, have gone on a really fun factory tour, or have a favorite festival that you enjoy year after year? Please leave a comment and share your suggestions.
Visit each of the 88 counties in Ohio.
Visit all of the National Park sites in Ohio that I’ve not already visited.
Go camping at least one time.
Stay overnight somewhere really unique.
Travel along the length of the Lake Erie Coastal Trail.
Follow a portion of the National Road, stopping at anything that piques my interest.
Take a train ride.
Go on a Lake Erie island excursion.
Visit 13 National Historic Landmarks.
Take 13 factory tours.
Visit 13 cultural attractions or events.
Hike at 13 places that I’ve never hiked before.
Visit 13 of the Ohio Historical Sites.
Visit 13 roadside attractions.
Visit 13 festivals that I’ve never been too.
Eat at 13 new restaurants.
Visit 13 state parks.
Visit 13 new thrift stores, antique stores, unique stores or boutiques.
Visit 13 places in my hometown that I’ve never been to.
Visit 13 museums that I’ve never been to before.
Spend a weekend in each of the major metropolitan areas: Columbus, Cleveland, Toledo, Akron/Canton, Cincinnati, and Dayton.
This may seem like a pretty ambitious list, but let me remind you, I love me some road trips. So what do you think? Can I mark off each of the items on “ The Ultimate Bucket List for those who want to Explore Ohio? ”
Wish me luck!
And don’t forget to share your suggestions in the comments below!
© 2013, Tonya Prater . All rights reserved.
I was always under the impression Amish made Pennsylvania home, thanks for pointing out its your state! This post makes me want to visit now!
I know, shocking right? A 2012 census shows that the Amish population in Ohio has bypassed that of Lancaster, PA. When I was little, my family took a trip to PA just to see Amish Country. Now I can drive an hour from my home. You should visit Ohio, Xenia. I’m a great tour guide. You know, there are several blogging conferences next year in the Buckeye State.
I want to hit Cuyahoga National Park and Hocking Hills in Ohio. We are not too far from you guys here in Illinois. I did not know that about the Amish though, I had thought about visiting Lancaster County but Ohio is closer
. What blogging conferences are there? I’ve been thinking about going to one, but I wasn’t sure how to find where they are located. The only one I know of is through TBEX and that one is in Toronto this year. Love the idea of checking out your home state, I should do some of my own research on my home state.
Cuyahoga National Park is on my list to visit. I’d actually like to take my train ride through the park in the fall. I think it’d be beautiful. Hocking Hills is beautiful. My parent’s visit often and had raved about it for years but we never went. After we finally did make the trek (under two hours from my house, not bad at all), and saw how beautiful the area was, we decided we needed to visit at least once a year. This year my goal is to find another trail to love there.
My kids and I visited a beach last summer that was small, but had a really neat waterfall. It is great for dog owners because many of the locals walk their dogs on the beach. My kids loved the waterfall and climbed up and down almost the entire time we were there and did very little swimming. Here is a link to the website http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/coastal/Coastal_Main_Menu/LEPAG/Cu_ColumbiaPark/tabid/22771/Default.aspx
I loved it so much because it was quiet and we were the only actual beach goers without a dog, the dog owners just walked their dogs and then left.
That was during the week that I took my kids and a friend (or two or three) and visited something different each day. We went to Seneca Caverns, Akron Zoo (with a side trip to Mr Bulky’s), COSI, the Santa Maria museum, Topiary Gadens, Lake Erie Nature and Science Center (LENSC), Columbia Park Beach, and finished out the week with the Crestline pool and Kingwood Center. I hadn’t been to any of those places before except the Crestline pool and Kingwood Center. It was fun finding new things to do with the kids and I am hoping to do a vacation like that again for them this year.
I want to go on some of your road trips with you
Maybe we could plan a couple together.
Thanks for the tip. I’m going to plan on checking out that beach. When the kids were little we found a wonderful beach along Lake Erie that wasn’t very crowded and we spent the entire day there. I think it was near Huron. I wish I remembered which one it was. It would be fun to revisit now that my kids are older.
We’ll definitely plan some day trips this summer when your little ones are out of school. I have some ideas that would be perfect for them! And I think you’ll enjoy them too!
I went on a trip to Ohio when my husband and I were still dating. As an AA-er we stopped by Dr.Bob’s house in Akron. Even if someone’s not AA, the history of that home and the many different people who detoxed and became sober is a remarkable thing. Great experience visiting.
We also hit the Quaker Oats factory. Delicious! Highly recommend it the drive
I just learned something new. I have never heard of Dr. Bob’s house. I’ll definitely look into that. Thanks for the tip! I’ll check out the Quaker Oats factory too!
When do we start? Maybe I could fit some inexpensive or free ones in before February!
Sounds great! I’ll give you a call and we can figure out what to do. I have a few ideas that our families can do together too if your hubbie is up for it.
I live in Tuscarawas County, which has a lot of great hiking trails at the Norma Johnson Center and The Wilderness Center (which is actually in Stark Co. in Wilmot, but just across the border from Tusc.). We go camping a lot, and we always go to Hocking Hills every year. It’s probably our favorite place in Ohio. Our county borders Holmes County, which is Amish country, so that obviously is a place we go regularly. A state park that we enjoy is Dillon S.P. in Zanesville. It is never crowded and there is a lot to do there. We always stop at Tom’s Ice Cream Bowl when there…yummy! If you’re still looking for suggestions for a unique hotel, try Landoll’s Mohican Castle in Loudonville. We stayed there for our 3rd anniversary and it was MAGICAL! While there, check out Mohican S.P. – my hubby loves it for the mountain-biking. A place we are going to try to make it to this year is Jungle Jim’s International Market in Cincinnati.
As much as I complain about the weather here, I have to admit that Ohio is an awesome place that offers a lot do. Best wishes on your bucket list!
What great suggestions, Linda! I’m so glad you shared your ideas!
Mohican State Park is near our home so we visit a lot. While we normally just spend the day hiking, we sometimes camp there. Last fall, my husband and I stayed at the resort for a church retreat. We had a great time! Have you been to nearby Malabar State Farm? Not as extensive as Mohican, but there are hiking trails there as well- one leads to a cave that you can actually walk through and climb out of.
We stayed at Landoll’s last July for our anniversary and loved it. You can see my pictures and post here: http://www.thetravelingpraters.com/landolls-mohican-castle/ I can’t wait to go back. While we were there we took a carriage ride. The driver told us that winter is the best time to visit because they do sleigh rides. I’ve been dying to go back since we got snow! Landoll’s actually spoiled my husband, since then he’s decided that he won’t stay in a normal hotel room again if it’s a trip for he and I! Too funny!
I would love to hear your recommendations for Amish Country. I’ve been there many times, but it’s beginning to feel like I see the same things each time- Heini’s Cheese Factory, Kaufmann’s Bakery, etc. This year I’d love to visit Behalt!
I will definitely look into the state parks that you suggested and next time we’re in Zanesville I’m sure my teens wouldn’t complain too much if we stopped at Tom’s Ice Cream Bowl!
I always complained about living in Ohio until we began traveling with my husband’s job and weren’t able to visit the things here that I loved. I do really hate the cold, but more than that, I hated the Alabama heat in the middle of July!
Atleast when it’s cold in Ohio, I can bundle up and relax near a fire. When it’s hot in the South, it’s only legal to remove so much clothing! Ha!
Jungle Jim’s International Market is a blast! Make sure you double check the times for the tours and find out in advance when they’ll have the food samples out. We went in the evening and it was pretty quiet with no samples. I was disappointed.
Yes, we went to Malabar Farm this past summer, but didn’t hike. We just did the tour – it was super hot that day, so I don’t think my 4-year-old would have lasted long on a hike (probably mama wouldn’t either!) We’re definitely going back there again this year – they have some festivals coming up in the spring and summer that we’d like to go to.
Sorry, I missed that you already went to Landoll’s – I just stumbled upon your blog today when I was on a bunny trail. Glad you enjoyed it as much as we did!
We also tend to get in a rut with Amish Country…Heini’s, Flea Markets, Berlin, etc. We went to The Farm at Walnut Creek this past summer and loved it. They actually provide sleigh rides in the winter if there is enough snow on the ground – you still get to see most of the animals, but by sleigh! If you go to Sugarcreek, they offer wagon rides through town in the summer. They also have their 50′s Fling in June and the Swiss Fesitval in September. We also like Charm – Keim’s Lumber is more than a hardware store and Grandma’s serves up a great Amish breakfast. I’ll let you know if I think of anything more.
Thanks for the advice on Jungle Jim’s! I definitely will keep my eye on your blog now that I’ve found it. We also are homeschooling and love to travel, so we have a lot in common!
Oh…and if you’ve never been to the Hartville Flea Market or Rogers Flea Market, they are must-do’s!
We love flea markets so I’ll definitely add these to my bucket list. I’m beginning to think my list is going to turn into a monster.
What a great list! We are in Cleveland and have been to some of these places but there’s so many more to see. I’m bookmarking this so the next time we say to ourselves, what should we do?, we’ll have some ideas!
Thanks Tesa! I’m so glad you found this list helpful. And while you’re out adventuring, if you find anything really cool, I’d love it if you could tweet me (@travelermom) so I can check it out too!
That is awesome! Can’t say I have ever been dying to get to Ohio, but maybe after your year, my perspective will change a bit!
Thanks for linking up this week! I have missed you too!!
I’m convinced that I can sway your opinion. Just stay with me…
What an amazing list – you are going to be one busy lady! I have actually never been to Ohio so I look forward to reading about your adventures!
i love ohio!! my MIL lives near dayton – definitely head to the USAF museum – i could spend days there!! also, read terri weeks’ book, adventures around cincinnati – she covers a LOT of ohio, and really cool tips!
We’ve been visiting the USAF museum since my kids were little! It tops the list of one of our all-time favorite museums. There is so much there to see and learn! I so have Terri’s book and plan to use many of her suggestions when I head back to Cincinnati. I’m especially interested in the Sign Museum. I’ve never seen anything like that before. Thanks for stopping by!
I’ve done the Lake Erie Coastal Trail several times and written multiple stories about it (including one that lists many highlights along the 293-mile route and links to my other stories about individual sites along the trail. Among my favorites are Marblehead Lighthouse (a short detour off of the main route to the tip of the Marblehead Peninsula), Lake View Cemetery in Cleveland (for regional history, architecture and landscaping buffs), and the 18 covered bridges in Ashtabula County.
I love Marblehead Lighthouse! I never visit the area without stopping at the lighthouse. I’ll definitely check out your site for some recommendations when we prepare to head out on the Lake Erie Coastal Trail. The cemetery sounds like a fun stop and the covered bridges have long been on my list to see.
Nice list! We’ve spent fun days in Toledo and Columbus while driving through Ohio the past two summers. Definitely need to take the child to the USAF Museum. Haven’t been there since 2001.
Why not stay in the “honeycombs” at Honey Run, Amish country? That’d be a unique place to stay, crossed off the bucket list.
I’m so glad you mentioned the Honeycombs. I’ve never heard of them and it sounds like it would be a fabulous getaway!