The Buckeye State is full of surprises, and one of our favorite things to do is get out and explore the most bizarre and amazing hidden gems in Ohio -- via an epic road trip, of course! That's why we created this beauty, The Ultimate Ohio Hidden Gems Road Trip. From ideal family day trip destinations to little-known natural wonders, the following trip leads to some of our absolute favorite hidden gems in Ohio. See which ones you've visited before and which ones you need to add to your Ohio bucket list. Ready for a fun adventure? Let's go!
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 in Beaver, Ohio was built to look and feel as authentic as possible, complete with bath houses, saloons, and gun fights. Show and event schedules begin in May. It's one of the most fun little-known attractions in Ohio.
The largest (and most strangely shaped) effigy mound in the entire world can be found right here in Ohio in Adams County. The 1,348 feet long uniquely shaped mound depicts a snake, with an oval shape at its head. Although no artifacts or written records were found near the mound to determine who built it, a nearby village site shows evidence of occupation by both the Adena and the later Fort Ancient Cultures. The original purpose of the mound remains a mystery, though there is some evidence for astronomical correlations.
If we told you there was a real-life castle in southern Ohio operated by modern-day knights, would you believe us? 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.
Discover America's largest collection of signs at this Cincinnati museum. It's a hidden gem few people know is hiding in Ohio. The American Sign Museum is truly one of a kind, featuring surprises around every corner. This is one of the best hidden gems in Ohio.
Year-round, this is a unique and 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. We absolutely love this hidden gem in Butler County! It's one of the most extraordinary of Ohio's hidden gems.
Most people are surprised to find out that Ohio has a tunnel of trees you can hike through—and it’s simply stunning. Sugarcreek MetroPark in Bellbrook, Ohio features the Osage Orange Tunnel, and it’s a magical place. The tunnel was formed by large arching branches of old Osage orange trees, which were purposefully planted in rows in the late 1800s to serve as a farm fence.
Observe a mixture of history, religion, and depression-era pop culture via this unique garden, built by Harry "Ben" Hartman between 1932 through 1944. It's a backyard folk art display that's downright mesmerizing. And, okay, a bit bizarre, but that just makes us love it all the more!
Few people know about the quaint, seven-acre topiary 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," according to 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. Of all of Ohio's hidden gems, this one is a must-visit!
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.
What do you think of this adventure? Would you take this road trip? What other hidden gems in Ohio would you add to this trip? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
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...
There's just something magical about small-town bookstores, right? If you're anything like me, you grew up reading the most incredible books, which has a tendency to spark a lifelong love of reading... and book collecting, which is arguably a different hobby than reading. (If you know, you know.) Whether you're a voracious reader or a collector and re-reader, this six hour road trip from Cleveland to Cincinnati will introduce you to ten of the very best bookstores in Ohio. You can navigate via Google Maps to make it easy, but don't forget to check out our road trip packing list before you head out. Whether you're planning on breaking this trip up into a few trips or powering through it all at once, it's best to be prepared!
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To kick off our adventures in Cleveland, we're going to visit the famous Loganberry Books.
yooperann/Flickr
Loganberry is Cleveland's largest independent bookstore, and it's home to more than 100,000 tomes. Deliciously cozy and tended to by a friendly little cat named Alice, this cute bookstore has served the Larchmere neighborhood for circa three decades. Its massive floor-to-ceiling shelves and cozy little sitting areas make it a fan favorite, and the vast selection ensures there's something for everyone.
This cozy book business opened its doors in 2023, and it has since expanded to include two houses of books. Yeah, you read that right. Both houses have vast selections in different genres, with a particular focus on indie authors and local writers. With a slew of merch and stickers to pair with your literary adventures, you really can't go wrong with a visit! Plus, cool decorations make for the perfect photo props.
From here, we'll start making our way toward Columbus. But along the way, there's one flawlessly organized little storefront we have to visit: Holly's Book Rack in Ontario, Ohio.
If you've never heard of this Richland County community, it's probably because it's a teeny tiny town with a mere 6,000 residents. Its neighbor, Mansfield, helped bring industry into the area, and it's a fun road trip stop today. Holly's Book Rack is a great spot for both used and new books, and if they don't have what you're looking for, the staff is likely to go above and beyond to help you find it. The prices can't be beat, and the organization makes selecting your next read absolutely effortless.
Now, we're going to continue inching our way toward Columbus, and Mount Vernon is the next city of interest on our road trip.
Paragraphs Bookstore is the cutest little book shop in town, and the staff is famously passionate about literature. You'll find an incredible selection and all sorts of new releases, and you can even preorder upcoming books if you have something special on your TBR. With comfy chairs and bonus selections like puzzles and games, there's something for everyone at this quaint little store. And don't pass up the opportunity for conversation... shoppers can't help but rave about how kind the staff is!
Now that we've spent some time in the suburbs, we're going to venture into Columbus to visit The Book Loft of German Village.
Achim Barczok/Flickr
Before you even set foot in the bookstore, you've got to explore German Village a bit. It's one of my favorite places in Columbus, and it has a fascinating history and colorful architecture to boot. This National Historic District was once a cultural hub for German immigrants, and those roots are celebrated today with quirky businesses and annual events like Oktoberfest.
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The Book Loft of German Village is cozy as can be, and to say it's massive is an understatement. This cool independent book shop is one of the nation's largest, and its complex spans several pre-Civil War buildings. An astonishing 32 rooms of bargain books await visitors, and since the store is open seven days a week, it's always a good time to visit.
Once you're done exploring the charms of this unique Columbus neighborhood, we'll continue our road trip to Epic Book Shop in Yellow Springs, Ohio.
I just adore the atmosphere in Yellow Springs. With under 4,000 residents, it's a picturesque small town that just moves at a slower pace of life. Though it started as a utopian community, its book store carries various different genres. It's open seven days a week, and its cozy book-filled rooms are a literary dream come true. With new and used books alike, there's something for every type of reader. Don't be afraid to ask the staff about their featured picks!
Continuing our journey, we're going to head into Dayton for a book store that won't break the bank: Dollar Book Swap.
Sure, the merch selection is cool, but the draw here is truly the bargains. Most of the books are around $1, but some are even cheaper! This is an incredible spot for stocking up on children's books, and special deals might even let you snag a whole bag of books at a price you can't beat. Though it's rather like a warehouse in its setup, cute picture-perfect areas are ideal for snapping a photo or two.
Next up on our trip, we're going to visit Miamisburg, Ohio to stop at Monocle Comics & Coffee.
With books, comics, coffee, games, and merch, there's so much to love about this cool local shop. You'll love the coffee, and even if you're not much of a comics reader, you'll want to peruse their selection. The artistry in these books is incredible, and collectibles and new releases alike delight visitors.
Our road trip is winding down, but we still have two more stops to check out as we inch toward Cincinnati. Continuing our trend of visiting scenic cities, we're going to head into Loveland, Ohio to check out Bike Trail Books.
This charming family-owned bookstore opened its doors in 2023, but it already feels like a fixture of the community. That's thanks in part to an emphasis on local authors, but also to its location in the historic Bond Furniture Building. With a vast selection of children's and adult books, the shop is perfectly cozy and poised to help satisfy readers of every background.
Are you ready for the final stop on our trip? We're going to go to Cincinnati to visit a bookstore worthy of Princess Belle: Ohio Book Store.
Erica Minton/Flickr
This adorable little book shop has a whopping five floors of books and magazines, and it has served the area since 1940. For generations, avid readers have found a home at this incredible bookstore that's one of the finest in Ohio. Though it doubles as a bindery, the store is open Monday through Saturday, and if you can't find what you're looking for... well, you might have to check a different floor. With a helpful staff and a collection that will knock your socks off, you're going to love this Ohio bookstore.
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From Cleveland to Cincinnati, there are many incredible bookstores in Ohio. Visiting is a great way to support local businesses while fueling your literary appetite!
If you're a bookworm, you'll also love visiting Malabar Farm. It was home to Pulitzer Prize winning author Louis Bromfield, and it's said to be haunted.
