Here in Ohio, there's likely a hidden gem just minutes away from you, waiting to be discovered. From castles built by hand to truly amazing natural attractions you won't find anywhere else in the world, there's always something in the Buckeye State to surprise the doubting out-of-state visitor. Here are several of what we consider to be the best-kept-secret hidden gems in Ohio. Which ones do you plan on visiting? Let us know in the comments.
1. The Ohio Railway Museum
The Ohio Railway Museum is a great day trip destination for train enthusiasts and the whole family to enjoy. It’s a train station, museum, and railroad that offers fun, round-trip demonstration rides on some of the streetcars and interurbans. This one is perfect for the train lover in your life, and even if you (or someone you know) isn't huge on locomotives, we promise this one's still worth a visit.
2. Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park and Museum
Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park in Hamilton, Ohio is a hidden gem you need to explore this spring, summer and fall. Year-round, it’s a fun day trip destination you can spend hours exploring. Within this outdoor museum, you'll find a wide variety of sculptures standing in meadows, forests and gardens. The park also features an indoor Ancient Sculpture Museum, which displays Egyptian, Greek, Roman and Etruscan sculptures that are thousands of years old. If you're looking for an excellent way to kill an entire day, this little park is ideal.
3. Deer Creek State Park Lodge
The best getaways are the little-known getaways tucked away in (seemingly) the middle of nowhere. Near central Ohio you’ll find just that. Deer Creek State Park is home to an incredible lodge and conference center that’s the perfect place for some peace, quiet and a little adventure. With 75 state parks in Ohio to choose from, it can be a little overwhelming to decide where to go. Be sure to add this one to your bucket list!
4. The Château Laroche/Loveland Castle Museum
If we told you there was a castle in southern Ohio operated by modern-day knights, would you believe me? Close to Cincinnati, you can find just that. The Château Laroche, (more commonly known as the Loveland Castle,) is a museum on the banks of the Little Miami River in Loveland, Ohio - and it’s truly charming.
5. Nelson Kennedy Ledges State Park
While most people are familiar with the beauty of Ohio’s beloved Old Man’s Cave hiking trails and the Hocking Hills State Park, less people are aware of the similar breathtaking, adventurous nature hike you will experience at Nelson Kennedy Ledges State Park. While it’s not technically "hidden," it’s a highly underrated, lesser-known state park that’s a true hidden gem in Ohio. With so many state parks to explore, who needs a day job? Not us.
6. Nomad Ridge
Nomad Ridge at The Wilds in Cumberland is arguably one of Ohio’s best kept secrets. It’s a hidden gem tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city and miles away from the small town life. This glampground features several private yurts that provide all the comforts of home just steps away from open pastures, breathing views and exotic animals.
7. Malabar Farm Restaurant
If you live in Ohio and have yet to visit Malabar Farm State Park, you’re truly missing out. Nestled in the hills of Pleasant Valley in Lucas, Ohio is a picture-perfect farm with an unbelievably nice restaurant. It’s beloved by locals and a hidden gem to Ohioans who don’t live in the area. This spectacularly unique hidden restaurant in Ohio is a gem like no other, and well worth a visit or ten.
8. Dogwood Pass
Most people don’t know there’s an impressive replica of an Old West town tucked away in the hills of southern Ohio. Dogwood Pass near Beaver, Ohio was built to look and feel as authentic as possible, complete with bath houses, saloons and gun fights. Step back in time into the Old West at this unique town that’s anything but ordinary. If you're a fan of history, you'll love this one - and even if you're not, there's still so much to enjoy.
9. Jungle Jim’s International Market
With rows and rows of fresh produce, meat, seafood and other foods you’ve likely never seen before, a trip to this international market is truly an unforgettable experience. You’ll find much more than food here, although the food selection itself is certainly worth the trip. This is one secret grocery store in Ohio you'll never know you needed in this life.
10. Landoll's Mohican Castle
Landoll’s Mohican Castle is one of those pleasantly unexpected places - and when you step foot onto its grounds, you feel like you’ve stumbled across an enchanted Ohioan secret. Located in Loudonville, this lovely little getaway features gorgeous suites, murder mystery dinners and other amenities sure to make you feel like the king/queen of this whimsical castle in the middle of the forest. JRR Tolkien would be proud, that's for sure.
11. Holden Arboretum Canopy Walk
Not many people are aware that Ohio is home to an incredible canopy walk. It’s a breathtakingly beautiful experience—unless you’re absolutely terrified of heights, that is. The Judith and Maynard H. Murch Canopy Walk at Holden Arboretum in Kirtland, Ohio features a 500 ft. long elevated walkway suspended 65 ft. above the forest floor. (And as an added bonus, there’s an observation tower on site that takes you up even further up—so much further that you end up above the trees.) We can't get enough of this awe-inspiring Ohio canopy walk and we suspect you'll be just as impressed.
12. Mike's Place
Out of all the unique places to eat in Ohio, Mike’s Place is undeniably Ohio’s quirkiest. From palm trees and tiki bars to Star Wars memorabilia and castles, it’s hard to pinpoint the overall theme of this unforgettable restaurant that truly marches to the beat of its own drum.
13. Topiary Park
Few people know about the quaint, seven-acre park in Columbus that features one of Ohio’s most unique gardens, where art and plant life blend. Topiary Park is a "landscape of a painting of a landscape," or so sayeth the park’s website. Specifically, the topiary garden depicts Georges Seurat’s famous painting A Sunday Afternoon on the Isle of La Grand Jatte—and it is the only known topiary representation of a painting. You've never seen so much green!
14. The Mohicans Treehouses
Remember the days when you were a kid and all you wanted was a treehouse to stay overnight in? Today, you can revive that very dream, complete with running water, heat, air conditioning, and all the necessary amenities for a good night’s rest. Just a few miles south of Loudonville are The Mohicans, a family-owned and operated business in Glenmont, Ohio that features cabins, an event center, and state-of-the-art treehouses aimed to connect you with nature and bring you back to the basics of life. Come enjoy these one-of-a-kind treehouses in Ohio for the ultimate getaway.
15. Glacial Grooves Geological Preserve
Although you'll have to take a ferry to see this natural wonder in Ohio, it's absolutely worth it. Few people are aware that Kelleys Island is home to the largest accessible glacial grooves in the world. The Glacial Grooves Memorial measures 400 feet long and 35 feet wide. If you're into geology, this one's for you! Enjoy!
16. Ravenwood Castle
If you’ve ever longed for a medieval experience (complete with many of the comforts of home,) you’ll definitely want to check out Ravenwood Castle. This lovely little inn is tucked away in the scenic Hocking Hills in New Plymouth. Stay in the castle itself, or out back in the Huntsman's Hollow, Medieval Village Cottages or Gypsy Wagons. Yes, there is a such thing as a dream come true: it's this castle. Seriously.
17. White Star Quarry
Most people don’t know there’s a stunning, sapphire quarry in Sandusky County. Tucked away in the small town of Gibsonburg, Ohio, you’ll find White Star Quarry. It’s a little-known diving resort that Ohio explorers will fall in love with, and if you’d rather not scuba dive, you can always check out the designated swimming area in the summer months or have a picnic by the quarry. This little spot is perfect for a day trip!
Did you know about all of these hidden gems in Ohio? What other attractions would you add to this list? Share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments!
If you can't get enough of all the amazing things to do in Ohio, don't worry - we have you covered. Check out even more of our all-time favorite hidden gems in Ohio for even more inspiration.
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