Ohio has a surprisingly wide variety of quaint tiny towns full of character and history, despite being frequently disregarded in favor of its more coastal neighbors. Hidden gems abound in Cleveland and Cincinnati, just waiting to be found within the busy daily life.
Discover the best-kept secrets of Ohio with this guide, which provides an inside look at the Buckeye State.
Travelers looking to get away from it all can have a distinct and genuine experience in these little towns, which have charming main streets lined with ancient buildings and stunning natural settings.
Yellow Springs
The main draws of Yellow Springs are its Main Street’s charming old-town atmosphere and breathtaking natural beauty. Young’s Jersey Dairy Farm, where visitors may sample fresh ice cream and even ride a cow carousel, is a short distance from the town center.
But the Glen Helen Nature Preserve will always be Yellow Springs’ biggest draw, especially for nature lovers. Yellow Springs is a nature lover’s paradise, featuring hiking paths that lead to a small waterfall, a museum showcasing native plants of Ohio, and a Raptor Center for injured birds.
Marietta
Marietta, the earliest permanent settlement in the Northwest Territory, has a wealth of historical landmarks and museums that are still open to visitors.
With several of its tours—such as the Segway River Trail Tour and the Historic Marietta Tour—Marietta also blends the modern and the historic!
There are also Trolley Tours available if you’d rather have a more retro ride. Take a picturesque ride on the Valley Gem Sternwheeler along the Muskingum River to get an alternative viewpoint of Marietta.
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Granville
See how Granville has maintained its Native American heritage by starting your visit with the Alligator Mound.
Once this historic relic has left you both fascinated and perplexed, visit the 100-year-old Granville Inn, which is still bursting with Ohioan hospitality. The inn enjoys arranging unusual events, such dinners with a murder mystery and afternoon tea!
Other noteworthy locations in the community that support Granville’s passion for history and the arts include the Robbins Hunter Museum, the Granville Historical Society Museum, and the art hub of Bryn Du Mansion. At Three Tigers Brewing Company, make sure you get a snack and a drink.
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Ashtabula
Ashtabula, another lovely ancient town on the Lake Erie shore, is about an hour’s drive from Cleveland. The Hubbard House Underground Railroad Museum has more information about the town’s important role in the Civil War Underground Railroad movement.
From there, you can see the lighthouse—which is said to be the last manned lighthouse on Lake Erie.
Other attractions in and around the town include Briquettes Smokehouse, a popular destination for BBQ, Hil-Mak Seafood Restaurant, Lake Shore Park and Concessions, and a Christmas light display that takes place every December.
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Sugarcreek
Known affectionately as “The Little Switzerland of Ohio,” the Alpine Hills Museum, which features German, Swiss, and even Amish ancestry, can teach you more about the region’s history.
Additionally, you may go in September for the Ohio Swiss Festival, which brings the town to life with parades and dinners featuring Swiss cuisine. The Swiss Village in Sugarcreek is home to the World’s Largest Cuckoo Clock, so don’t forget to snap a selfie there!
Other non-Swiss attractions in Sugarcreek include the local wineries of Breitenbach Wine Cellars and Baltic Mill Winery, as well as The Age of Steam Roundhouse Museum, which explores the heyday of railroading.
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To Conclude
Every traveler can enjoy a different spectrum of experiences at Ohio’s hidden gems, from the lively arts scene in Yellow Springs to the historic charm of Marietta. Every community has its own distinct character, such as Sugarcreek’s Amish tradition or Ashtabula’s outdoor experiences. So escape the throng and discover the Ohio State’s interior.
These quaint little villages provide a welcome diversion from the norm and let you take in the natural beauty, local culture, and history. Keep in mind that this is only the beginning; explore each location further to find the undiscovered gems that Ohio’s most charming little towns have to offer.
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