Ohio is a humble state full of humble people, and we don't like to brag. But if we did like to brag, I would tell you that, in my little corner of the Buckeye State, you'll find a world-renowned zoo and botanical garden (with an Insta-famous hippo starlet, no less), one of the most robust urban parks systems in Ohio, the world's second-largest Oktoberfest event, and, wouldn't you know, a vibrant and thriving arts scene. From the oldest children's theatre in the country to numerous nationally acclaimed museums, the arts are alive and well in Cincinnati. And nowhere are the arts more fun, fascinating, loud, proud, and wholly accessible in Cincinnati than Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park. This expansive outdoor sculpture park in Butler County is one of my family’s very favorite places to visit, especially this time of year in the height of fall foliage in Ohio.

My name is Sarah, and I’m a writer and editor here at OnlyInYourState. Born and raised in the Buckeye State, I am endlessly inspired by this beautiful country of ours and feel as though I might have lived in the Pacific Northwest in a previous life. As a mom of four kids, I’m always on the lookout for new adventures, and despite living in Ohio for 35 years, I am constantly surprised by the state’s natural beauty. Enough about me — welcome to OnlyInYourState’s Everyday Explorers. 

When was the last time you stopped to smell the roses? It's something we all ought to do more of, especially during this most splendid fall season here in Ohio.

This fall, set aside an afternoon for a day trip to Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park in Hamilton, Ohio. You'll be awestruck by the amazing artwork, stunning natural scenery, and breathtaking beauty of fall here in the Buckeye State.

A bright red monument marks the entryway; from there, the hills and valleys of Pyramid Hill’s 300 acres are marked with 80 larger-than-life sculptures in an environment of meadows, forests, and gardens.

The art stands out in a way that’s impossible to miss; you’ll traipse through woods to find rustic sculptures, encounter colorful creations standing front-and-center in fields, and admire shocking artistic spectacles dotting idyllic hills. Art is everywhere at Pyramid Hill -- and that’s the point.

Pyramid Hill is perhaps the most kid-friendly art museum in the area. Outdoors, enormous, and full of pieces meant to be experienced, it’s an irresistible place for kids to wander, run, and explore.

Certain installations in the park even invite guests to touch, feel, and interact; Paul by Martin Gantman is a bold red bench that’s split in the middle (perfect for any bedroom-sharing siblings who have ever drawn a boundary line straight down the center of their room), while Jim Tilly’s Gyro Chair II is a spinning seat that’s a whirling good time for kids.

What's most fun about this outdoor museum is that it's a dynamic experience. No two people -- even children -- will have the same reaction to the artwork, and having a dialogue about art, nature, and culture, is something that will happen naturally while you're here. Yes -- even with the littlest kids!

Recently, this outdoor museum added living, breathing artwork to the mix. Created by the Hopewell people, Fortified Hill is an ancient earthwork that's pristine and perfectly preserved.

A passion project by dedicated archaeologists, naturalists, and historians, the rock portions of this 1,800-year-old structure are beginning to emerge on Pyramid Hill's rolling hills and forest grounds after removing lots of brush and foliage.

It's not yet open to the public, but Pyramid Hill has been sharing updates via their Facebook page.

With the addition of these incredible earthworks, Pyramid Hill has cemented its status not only as a place of immense artistic ingenuity and aesthetic beauty but also a site of great historic significance, too.

Art, culture, history, and life -- all of these things intersect at Pyramid Hill in perfect, natural harmony.

You know how some people go to the same fall festival each year, and there's some sort of photo op that lets you see how big your kids are this fall? Well, here's a little secret...

...you don't have to attend a fall festival to do this. You can do it with any tradition that your family enjoys, year after year.

Because what else are traditions, other than special experiences we can count on in an ever-changing world?

Visiting Pyramid Hill is my family's favorite fall tradition, and I bet that once you visit this delightful Ohio hidden gem for yourself, it will become part of your most treasured annual traditions, too.

One of the best things about Pyramid Hill, in terms of planning a larger fall adventure, is its proximity to several other amazing Ohio attractions. Young's Jersey Dairy is easily the best pumpkin patch and fall festival in Southwest Ohio, while Yellow Springs offers myriad parks, quaint lodging, historic charm (including a gorgeous old mill and covered bridge), and lots of family-friendly dining options. Lebanon, too, is a nearby town that offers so much for families to see and do, including a historic train and the state's oldest restaurant. So if you're looking to turn your day trip to Pyramid Hill into an epic, multi-day fall adventure, you have lots of options!

Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park is open daily; admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children 6-12, and free for tots 5 and under. The park's sculptures can be viewed along the 1.75-mile walk, but you'll want to note that there are several steep hills. (Often, my family just wanders, picking a few sculptures to visit and not worrying about seeing them all!) Art Carts can be rented from March through November for an additional fee for those with limited mobility. More information on the Fortified Hill, including a detailed history of the tribes native to this region of Ohio, can be found via the Pyramid Hill website. Additionally, Pyramid Hill hosts several amazing events throughout the year; most notably, a seasonal holiday drive-thru experience known as Journey Borealis.

To discover more incredible boots-on-the-ground adventures across America from our team of local travel experts, check out all of the articles in OnlyInYourState’s Everyday Explorers series. What destinations would you like to see featured next? Tell us where we should go on our nominations page.