Believe it or not, Ohio has several small castles for travelers and road trip enthusiasts to explore. While it's not fair to compare them to castles of Ireland or France, it's fair to say these destinations are worth checking out for anyone who's into uncovering the unexpected and taking selfies with Medieval suits of armor. The next time you're looking for some castles in Ohio to visit or you feel like uncovering some hidden gems in Ohio, consider taking a road trip to these fun and historic sites. The following are 11 of the best Ohio castles that you can visit, tour, stay overnight in, or at least view from a distance.
We'll start with a personal favorite, which is more commonly known as the Loveland Castle, built by Sir Harry Andrews—brick by brick, literally—in 1927 for the Knights of the Golden Trail. Knighthood is taken very seriously here, and visitors can explore the castle today inside and out for a small fee any day of the week during the months of April-September in Loveland. From October - March, you can visit on Saturdays and Sundays.
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Click here for more information about this unique castle in Ohio.
Located in Logan County are two chateaux style castles with Gothic design. This private, family-owned museum features more than 200 years of Ohio history. Tour hours vary throughout the year, so be sure to call ahead before planning your visit. Check out more about this incredible Ohio castle.
Owned by the Cleveland Metroparks in Willoughby Hills, visitors are free to wander around this castle, which was never fully completed due to the death of Mr. Squire's wife. (Rumor has it, it's haunted.) Find out more about the best castles in Ohio to visit.
This elaborate country estate in Akron is one of the largest homes in the U.S. An accredited museum of the American Alliance of Museums, this estate is open to the public for tours and other events and features five historic buildings, eight gardens and 70 acres. Find out more about the best castles in Ohio to visit.
Looking to stay all night in a castle? This bed and breakfast in Sidney features a ballroom, conservatory, a spa and various other amenities in addition to the overnight suites. Click here for more information about this unique castle in Ohio.
Another great castle getaway option is this lovely little Medieval structure, tucked away in the scenic Hocking Hills in New Plymouth. Spend the night a castle room, rent a cottage in the Medieval village or camp in Huntsman's Hollow. Check out more about this incredible Ohio castle.
If this doesn't look like the place to find a good book we don't know what does. The historic public library in Van Wert was the first library in the country to serve an entire county, and its unique architectural design sets it apart even more. Click here for more information about this unique castle in Ohio.
Cleveland is home to this historic home, which features four stories and more than 20 rooms. (Before venturing here you should probably know that it's considered to be the most haunted house in Ohio. Just a little FYI.) Although you can't tour this privately owned building, you can view it from the street.
Another resort in which visitors can stay overnight in one of the castle's multiple suites or cottages, this little getaway also offers murder mystery dinners and other amenities sure to make you feel like the king/queen of the castle.
Click here for more information about this unique castle in Ohio.
This is by far the coolest school district administration office building in the history of all school district administration office buildings. (Well, you get the point.) This castle was originally constructed in the early 1900s, but was purchased by the Alliance City School District in the 70s.
OK, so this one is obviously a joke. The fast food restaurant's headquarters is located in Columbus in case you were wondering (but you probably weren't.)
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Grab your friends and take a few days exploring these castles in Ohio to visit. They'll be grateful and you'll get some pretty cool pictures out of it. (Of course, feel free to leave that last one out—unless you'd like to "save the best for last" and pull one over on them. That could be fun.)
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Ohio trivia time: Ohio became a state in 1803, the same year the Louisiana Purchase was completed. While it was an exciting time for the U.S., the field of archaeology was still very much in its infancy. Things would really take off roughly seven decades later when Heinrich Schliemann discovered the remains of Troy, which added extra legitimacy to the young science. Unfortunately, before archaeology really had its footing as a field, we lost many fascinating landmarks in the U.S. to development and curiosity. Nevertheless, Ohio has managed to keep a few of its historic sites intact for us to enjoy. Today, we're going to take a look at a site in the Licking Park District that still has a significant Hopewell cultural site intact, though it will take a bit of searching to uncover. As the area of interest is hidden in a public park, you can get to know its hiking trails on AllTrails before you even hit the road.
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Once upon a time, the Hopewell peoples flourished in and around the Granville area. Today, this culture is known for its mounds, which are ancient earthworks used for a variety of different purposes including funerary burials, religious ceremony, and even construction. Some of these mounds required millions of cubic feet of dirt to construct, and this culture is responsible for building the very largest earthworks in North America. In fact, some Hopewell earthworks rank as the largest on the planet, earning them much-deserved recognition on UNESCO's World Heritage list.
Infirmary Mound, which we're going to visit today, is rather quaint compared to these massive examples of ancient engineering, but it's still got a remarkable history. It's one of several mounds in Licking County, though, and it's well worth a visit.
kathryn lally/AllTrails
About 70 feet in diameter and rising a mere three feet above the landscape, Infirmary Mound is a bit hard to spot. This is unfortunately due to human activity in the region... farming, landscaping, and footfall have made it susceptible to erosion. This isn't all modern, of course. Back in the 1850s (before the discovery of Troy and before widespread acceptance of the importance of preservation), this landscape housed the county home. It went by many different names, including The Infirmary.
As the landscape has been worn down, you might want to reference a trail map to locate the old mound. Unlike some of the more famous mounds, the Granville ones likely were not burial sites. Likely ceremonial sites, these Licking County mounds preserve a long-lost culture rather than the remains of that long-lost culture. Without significant artifacts and archaeological study, this site is a bit of a mystery. However, it does make one thing clear: generations of ancient peoples called this area home.
Rachel Pack/AllTrails
Though the site isn't huge, it's a true hidden gem that history lovers are going to want to (metaphorically, of course) dig into. It's a fascinating reminder that though our country is young, Ohio has been populated by humans for as many as 15,000 years. The first European settlers (many of whom were French fur trappers exploring the wild Northwest Territory) must have been humbled to see massive and, in some cases, elaborate earthworks greeting them.
Nature lovers can also enjoy the park's 316 acres without feeling like they need to do some homework to understand the landscape's significance. It's beautiful, quite simply put, and it has unique trails like Wildflower Fairy Trail waiting to be explored. This trail is just a quarter mile in length, but it features fairy houses, secret doors, and magic around every corner. It's perfect for hikers of all ages!
Mike Hearty/AllTrails
All in all, the park has about nine miles of trails encircling its acreage. There's a scenic lake, forested stretches, meadows, and just an endless dose of beauty awaiting nature lovers. Of course, the real magic at this site is not on the Wildflower Fairy Trail, but hidden in one ancient earthwork that only history buffs know to look for.
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
