Here in Ohio, small town pride runs deep—and for good reason.
Often times, it's our small towns that help shape us into the people we become. And here in the Buckeye State, there are several historic, charming and downright friendly small towns that make excellent places to grow up in. The following are 9 of our favorites. See if we featured your own hometown!
1. Wapakoneta
With just under 10,000 residents, this small city in northwestern Ohio is the proud birthplace of astronaut Neil Armstrong. This quaint town is located on located on the Auglaize River and you'll want to visit the next time you're in the area. A few places you'll want to check out while you're here include the Armstrong Air & Space Museum and The Temple of Tolerance.
2. Port Clinton
The quaint fishing town of Port Clinton comes alive in the summer months. As a safe harbor for Lake Erie boaters and the "Walleye Capital of the World," Port Clinton eats, sleeps and breathes fishing. No matter the time of year, you're likely to see marina after marina packed with fishing boats, people fishing from the pier and the catch of the day being sold at local restaurants and markets.
3. Grand Rapids
This charming village is located along the southern bank of the Maumee River, just southwest of Toledo. This restored canal town is truly one of a kind, with a population of about 986. (You can even ride on a canal boat pulled by mules down the restored Miami & Erie Canal.)
4. Chagrin Falls
Residents and visitors alike can agree that Chagrin Falls is an enchanting little town. Maybe it’s because it’s centered around a gorgeous waterfall. Maybe it’s because it has a delightful popcorn shop that’s one-of-a-kind. Maybe it’s the friendly people you meet while you’re there. Whatever the reason, Chagrin Falls in northeast Ohio is a delightful small town you simply have to visit.
5. Huron
Here in Ohio, the small town of Huron is a gorgeous lakeside town that’s somewhat of a hidden gem to Ohioans not from the area. If you find yourself in northern Ohio this summer, you need to take a day and visit this quaint Lake Erie town. Be sure to stop by the Huron Boat Basin Marina and Amphitheater, Nickel Plate Beach and Huron Lake Front Park while you're here.
6. Yellow Springs
If you’ve yet to visit Yellow Springs, you’re truly missing out. It’s home to a population of approximately 3,513 residents, Antioch College, a colorful downtown, a working dairy farm and, (you guessed it), the official "Yellow Spring" the town is named after. This artsy little town offers unique shops, local eateries and small town life at its finest—but the nature scene really thrives here too.
7. Zoar
The small town of Zoar, Ohio is a historic German village most people in the state (surprisingly) don’t know about. Beautifully preserved and full of fun places to explore, you’ll fall in love with this little-known town. The village of Zoar has more than 50 of the original historic structures and buildings still standing today. Consequently, the town has preserved much of its old world charm.
8. Steubenville
With more than 20 downtown murals, this charming Ohio River town was named after the historic Fort Steuben from 1786. While you're in town, you'll want to take time to observe the murals and explore the fort site. (And if you're here during the holidays, be sure to check out the Steubenville Nutcracker Village in Fort Steuben Park, which features the largest display of life size nutcrackers in the U.S.)
9. Marblehead
At the tip of the scenic Marblehead Peninsula the charming town of Marblehead features the iconic Marblehead Lighthouse, beautiful views of Lake Erie and Sandusky Bay and boating culture. The lighthouse is the Great Lakes' oldest continuously operating lighthouse and is open for tours during the summer.
Did we feature your hometown? What other towns would you add to this list? Let us know!
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