Updated Apr 9, 2024

11 Quirky Facts About Ohio That Sound Made Up, But Are 100% Accurate

Ohio has a fascinating and unique history with many surprising facts.

Updated Apr 9, 2024

Written by

Sarah McCosham

State Pride|Fun Facts

Published Apr 30, 2024

Did You Know The Cuyahoga River Is One Of The Most Unique Rivers In Ohio?

Published Apr 30, 2024

Written by

Sarah McCosham

I love regaling my kids with fun facts about Ohio, and I'm always on the hunt for new Buckeye State trivia to share. In my endless quest for knowledge, I discovered a unique trivia tidbit that blew my mind. In Northern Ohio, the Cuyahoga River is known for many things: its ties to our national park, infamously catching on fire in 1969, and, its unique U shape. Let's learn all the unique facts about the Cuyahoga River in Ohio, shall we?

The Cuyahoga River is famous -- and infamous -- here in Ohio.

alt — Laser1987/iStock via Getty Images Plus

The body of water is most famous for catching on fire throughout the 20th century, with the disaster on June 22, 1969, the final straw in a series of fires that plagued the river for decades.

When the Cuyahoga River caught fire in 1969, it was such a common occurrence that nobody even photographed it. In fact, the increase of factories and industrial activity along the river in the 1800s led to extreme pollution that consequently set it ablaze at least 13 times.

alt — Cuyahoga Valley National Park/Facebook

After the 1969 fire, an exposé published by "Time Magazine" served as a call to action, not only putting in place actions that would stop the fires, but also fueling movements that ultimately led to the passage of the National Environment Policy Act, the Clean Water Act, and the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency.

Today, the Cuyahoga River is an environmental success story, National Heritage River, and beloved Ohio icon. It has been a transportation route, a boundary, a birthplace for myriad industries, and a power source. It's also known for its unique "U" shape which allows the waters to flow both north and south.

The 100-mile Cuyahoga River flows these two polar opposite directions before emptying into Lake Erie at Cleveland, Ohio. Its serpentine shape reflects the river’s geologic history. As melting glaciers retreated from the last Ice Age, their waters tried to find their way to Lake Erie.

The final glacial retreat, which occurred 10,000–12,000 years ago, caused changes in the drainage pattern near Akron. This change in pattern caused the originally south-flowing Cuyahoga to, curiously, flow to the north.

The river has rural beginnings in Geauga County, yet its lower river basin is one of the most densely populated and industrialized urban areas in North America.

For these reasons and so many more, the Cuyahoga River is a special and unique place in Ohio that most definitely deserves recognition!

alt — Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park/Facebook

Whether it’s through hiking, kayaking, or simply taking in a nice view at the end of a long day, there are so many ways to enjoy this iconoclastic Ohio river.

alt — Akron Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau/Facebook

Did you know all of these unique facts about the Cuyahoga River? This is just one more reason to visit Cuyahoga Valley National Park! And if you're looking for a place to stay near Cuyahoga Valley, this waterfront Airbnb in Ohio is simply divine.

State Pride|Fun Facts

Updated Apr 26, 2024

12 Extremely Weird Things Only People From Ohio Do

Ohioans have unique habits and traditions that make them easily recognizable, even when traveling.

Updated Apr 26, 2024

Written by

April Dray

Even when Ohioans travel to other states or countries, we’re pretty easy to spot. From diehard sports rivalries, we'll never let go of, to strange pronunciations, some undeniable trademarks of those of us who live here may have folks from other states wondering, "What is weird about Ohio?" Once you've lived in the Buckeye State long enough, it's not hard to spot signs that you're from Ohio. The following are just a few definite (and slightly strange) tip-offs that indicate if someone is from Ohio - and we'll wholeheartedly deny their weirdness. Let’s see how many of these funny things about Ohio you are guilty of doing.

1. We often randomly yell “O-H” and fully anticipate an “I-O” reply

It doesn't matter where we are. We want to know where our Ohioans at.

2. We spell our state’s name with our arms and take a photo - no matter where we are

We do this because WE CAN. You try spelling out Michigan with your arms and see how that goes.

3. We avoid ALL things blue and yellow

(Is that Michigan fan for real right now?!)

4. Many of us use the term “pop” instead of “soda”

AND YOU KNOW WHAT WE MEAN SO STOP ACTING LIKE WE’RE ALIENS.

5. We eat large amounts of shredded cheese and chili on top of spaghetti…

…because we dare to be different.

6. We also dip our French fries in our Wendy’s frosty…

alt — goblinbox_(queen_of_ad_hoc_bento)/Flickr

…and we were doing it way before it was cool/socially acceptable.

7. We sometimes use the AC and heat on the same day

You don't have us fooled. We know the concept of four designated seasons is an absolute myth.

8. We can’t seem to agree on the way that “wash” is pronounced

Sometimes there’s an "r." Sometimes there isn’t.

9. We usually give directions based on a location’s proximity to a major city, and we give them in time increments, not miles

"It’s an hour outside of Cleveland" will be the sort of answers you get from us, and you really can’t expect anything else.Another example would be, the beautiful Hocking Hills are about an hour outside of Columbus:

10. Buffalo Wild Wings is “B-Dubs” to us

Don’t ask for an explanation. That’s just the way it is.

11. Stores such as Meijer, Kroger, and JC Penney are referred to in the possessive form

It’s "Meijer’s," "Kroger’s" and "JC Penney’s" here, and we don’t care if that’s wrong, because it just feels right to us.

12. We have the epitome of a love/hate relationship with our state. We relentlessly make fun of Ohio while claiming it’s the best state there is

It's complicated, but that's just one of those weird things about Ohio.

Want more weird things about Ohio? Check out this YouTube video by Hey There's this with some fun facts about things unique to Ohio.

https://youtu.be/sfXJwOViKtg?si=rfbtIfTatTKJhvbF

What are some other funny things about Ohio? There are several that I have no problem admitting to, that other folks might find weird. Can you think of any other telltale signs you're from Ohio? Share your thoughts with us!

Did you know that we created the first hot dog in Ohio? Read about more things unique to Ohio that might surprise you. If you're from Ohio - and as proud of your state as I am - why not show it off by wearing your Ohio roots for all to see? And if you’re searching for some one-of-a-kind adventures, check out these top-rated attractions in Ohio that we recommend you are bound to discover even more strange things in Ohio.

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11 Quirky Facts About Ohio That Sound Made Up, But Are 100% Accurate

1. Ohio really is The Heart of It All.

2. Neil Armstrong, the first person to walk on the moon, hailed from Ohio.

3. Ohio has one of the largest Amish populations in the U.S.

4. Akron was the first state in the U.S. to use police cars.

5. More U.S. Presidents were born in Ohio than any other state.

6. Ohio is the only state whose flag is a pennant.

7. Oberlin College was the first interracial and coeducational college in the United States.

8. The official rock song of Ohio is "Hang On Sloopy."

9. Ohio is home to the world's largest collection of trolls.

10. The first concrete street in America, which is still in use today, was poured in 1891 near the Logan County Courthouse in Bellefontaine, Ohio.

11. Ohio is home to the largest serpent effigy in the world.

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Did You Know The Cuyahoga River Is One Of The Most Unique Rivers In Ohio?

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12 Extremely Weird Things Only People From Ohio Do

1. We often randomly yell “O-H” and fully anticipate an “I-O” reply

2. We spell our state’s name with our arms and take a photo - no matter where we are

3. We avoid ALL things blue and yellow

4. Many of us use the term “pop” instead of “soda”

5. We eat large amounts of shredded cheese and chili on top of spaghetti…

6. We also dip our French fries in our Wendy’s frosty…

7. We sometimes use the AC and heat on the same day

8. We can’t seem to agree on the way that “wash” is pronounced

9. We usually give directions based on a location’s proximity to a major city, and we give them in time increments, not miles

10. Buffalo Wild Wings is “B-Dubs” to us

11. Stores such as Meijer, Kroger, and JC Penney are referred to in the possessive form

12. We have the epitome of a love/hate relationship with our state. We relentlessly make fun of Ohio while claiming it’s the best state there is

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

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This New Mexico Dining Experience Has Been Called One of the Best Restaurants in the U.S.

The Off-the-Beaten-Path Restaurant in New Mexico That Is Worth the Day Trip

1. Ohio really *is* The Heart of It All.

2. Neil Armstrong, the first person to walk on the moon, hailed from Ohio.

3. Ohio has one of the largest Amish populations in the U.S.

4. Akron was the first state in the U.S. to use police cars.

5. More U.S. Presidents were born in Ohio than any other state.

6. Ohio is the only state whose flag is a pennant.

7. Oberlin College was the first interracial and coeducational college in the United States.

8. The official rock song of Ohio is "Hang On Sloopy."

9. Ohio is home to the world's largest collection of trolls.

10. The first concrete street in America, which is still in use today, was poured in 1891 near the Logan County Courthouse in Bellefontaine, Ohio.

11. Ohio is home to the largest serpent effigy in the world.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

1. We often randomly yell “O-H” and fully anticipate an “I-O” reply

2. We spell our state’s name with our arms and take a photo - no matter where we are

3. We avoid ALL things blue and yellow

4. Many of us use the term “pop” instead of “soda”

5. We eat large amounts of shredded cheese and chili on top of spaghetti…

6. We also dip our French fries in our Wendy’s frosty…

7. We sometimes use the AC and heat on the same day

8. We can’t seem to agree on the way that “wash” is pronounced

9. We usually give directions based on a location’s proximity to a major city, and we give them in time increments, not miles

10. Buffalo Wild Wings is “B-Dubs” to us

11. Stores such as Meijer, Kroger, and JC Penney are referred to in the possessive form

12. We have the epitome of a love/hate relationship with our state. We relentlessly make fun of Ohio while claiming it’s the best state there is

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

All Stories

This Rhode Island Dining Experience Has Been Called One of the Best Restaurants in the U.S.

I Love To Escape the Crowds and Explore the Hidden Beauty of Campbell Creek Estuary in Alaska

I’ve Visited Dozens of Hot Springs and Durango Hot Springs is One of My New Favorites

This New Mexico Dining Experience Has Been Called One of the Best Restaurants in the U.S.

The Off-the-Beaten-Path Restaurant in New Mexico That Is Worth the Day Trip

1. Ohio really is The Heart of It All.