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Top 10 Places to Visit in Ohio

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Photograph by Jsjessee, via Wikimedia Commons

#0 Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

The Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is a renowned botanical garden located in Columbus, Ohio, USA. It's a premier horticultural and educational institution that features a wide variety of plant collections, exhibitions, and educational programs.

The conservatory occupies 88 acres of land and includes various biomes such as tropical rainforests, desert landscapes, and bonsai gardens. Visitors can explore different ecosystems and plant species from around the world, including rare and exotic plants.

In addition to its extensive plant collections, the conservatory also hosts art exhibitions, educational workshops, and special events throughout the year. It serves as a popular destination for tourists, nature enthusiasts, and families looking to enjoy the beauty of nature and learn about conservation and sustainability.


Center of Science and Industry (COSI)
Photograph by Jsjessee, via Wikimedia Commons

#0 Center of Science and Industry (COSI)

The Center of Science and Industry (COSI) is a popular science museum located in Columbus, Ohio. It is one of the largest modern-built science centers in the United States, covering approximately 320,000 square feet of space.

COSI offers a wide range of interactive exhibits and hands-on activities designed to educate and entertain visitors of all ages. Its exhibits cover various scientific topics, including biology, chemistry, physics, astronomy, technology, and more. Visitors can explore themed areas such as the Ocean, Space, Energy, Gadgets, and Life.

The museum also hosts traveling exhibitions, live demonstrations, workshops, and educational programs for school groups and families. It aims to inspire curiosity and a love for science through engaging experiences and interactive learning.


Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
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#0 Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a world-renowned zoo located in Powell, Ohio, just north of Columbus. It's one of the largest and most prestigious zoos in the United States, known for its extensive collection of animals and its commitment to conservation, education, and research.

The zoo covers approximately 580 acres of land and is home to over 10,000 animals representing over 600 species from around the globe. Visitors can explore various themed regions within the zoo, each showcasing different habitats and ecosystems. These include the Heart of Africa, Asia Quest, North America, Australia and the Islands, and the Shores region, which features aquatic animals.


Columbus Museum of Art
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#0 Columbus Museum of Art

The Columbus Museum of Art (CMA) is an art museum located in downtown Columbus, Ohio. It is recognized for its diverse collection of American and European art spanning from the late 19th century to the present day, as well as its engaging exhibitions, educational programs, and community outreach initiatives.

The museum's permanent collection features works by renowned artists such as Edward Hopper, Mary Cassatt, Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso, and Andy Warhol, among many others. It encompasses various mediums, including paintings, sculptures, prints, photographs, and decorative arts.


North Market Downtown
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#0 North Market Downtown

The North Market is a historic public market located in downtown Columbus, Ohio. It has been a centerpiece of the city's culinary scene since it first opened in 1876. The market is known for its diverse array of vendors offering fresh produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, spices, and prepared foods from around the world.

Visitors to the North Market can explore a wide variety of food stalls and specialty shops, ranging from local favorites to international cuisine. Whether you're in the mood for tacos, sushi, barbecue, crepes, or artisanal chocolates, you're likely to find something to satisfy your cravings.


Cincinnati
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#1 Cincinnati

Known as the "Paris of America", Cincinnati is a beautiful city located on the northern bank of Ohio river. The city is home to major sports teams and tallest building including 665 feet Queen City Square and Carew Tower. Downtown Cincinnati is popular for many top attractions. Places to visit and things to do include Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Cincinnati Art Museum, Fountain Square, and Carew Tower Observation Deck.
THINGS TO DO

Cleveland
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#2 Cleveland

Located along the southern shore of Lake Erie, Cleveland is the 2nd largest city of Ohio. Known as "The Forest City", Cleveland is the most popular tourist destination of Ohio. The city offers plenty of things to do and attractions for all ages. Cleveland is home to the largest performing arts center Playhouse Square and The Cleveland Orchestra. With 6,000 years of ancient art, Cleveland Museum of Art is another top attraction. Top places to visit include Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland Zoo, Cleveland Botanical Garden, Greater Cleveland Aquarium, and Cleveland Museum of Natural History.
THINGS TO DO

Columbus
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#3 Columbus

Columbus is the state capital and popular tourist getaway. The city is home to the largest Ohio State University. The city has many tallest buildings including the 41-story Rhodes State Office Tower and 47-story LeVeque Tower. Columbus is also home of many performing arts center. Places to visit and family attractions include Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Center of Science and Industry (COSI), Columbus Museum of Art, and Ohio Statehouse.
THINGS TO DO

Hocking Hills State Park
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#4 Hocking Hills State Park

Located in the Hocking Hills Region, Hocking Hills State Park is a popular tourist attractions. The park is known for its 25 miles of hiking trails, waterfalls, caves, and rock formations. It includes seven separate hiking areas: Ash Cave, Cantwell Cliffs, Cedar Falls, Conkle's Hollow, Old Man's Cave, Rock House and Hemlock Bridge Trail to Whispering Cave. Park offers campgrounds, picnic areas, dining, overnight lodge, zip line, and archery range. Fishing is also allowed at the 17-acre Rose Lake. Canoeing, kayaking, boating, rafting, and rock climbing are popular activities of the area.
THINGS TO DO

Cuyahoga Valley National Park
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#5 Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Cuyahoga Valley National Park preserves native plants and wildlife in Northeast Ohio. The park features over 125 miles of hiking trails, forests, rolling hills, narrow ravines, wetlands, rivers, and about 100 waterfalls. The 65-foot Brandywine Falls is most popular and the tallest waterfall in the park. Cuyahoga Valley National Park offers many outdoor activities: hiking, biking, paddling the river, golfing, picnicking, fishing, horse trails, and winter sports.
THINGS TO SEE

Cedar Point Amusement Park
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#6 Cedar Point Amusement Park

Located on a Lake Erie in Sandusky, Cedar Point is a popular amusement park. The park features outdoor Cedar Point Shores water park, indoor Castaway Bay water park, and number of rides including 17 roller coasters. With many thrill rides, family rides, Children rides, and Water rides Cedar Point offers fun for everyone. The amusement park also offers vacation packages with access to the mile long Cedar Point Beach along Lake Erie and park.

Canton
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#7 Canton

Located south of Cleveland, Canton is known as the home of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the birthplace of the National Football League (NFL). The city is a popular tourist attraction for its museums, historic sites, and live music. Things to do and fun family activities include Pro Football Hall of Fame Museum, Canton Museum of Art, First Ladies National Historic Site, McKinley Presidential Library & Museum, Canton Classic Car Museum, and William McKinley National Memorial.

Dayton
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#8 Dayton

Known as the "Gem City", Dayton is the 6th largest city of Ohio. The city is home to the National Museum of the United States Air Force. Dayton has world class performing arts center Benjamin and Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center and the city is also home venue of the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, Dayton Opera, and the Dayton Ballet. Best places to visit and things to do include National Museum of the United States Air Force, Carillon Historical Park, National Aviation Hall of Fame, Dayton Art Institute, Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park, and America's Packard Museum.

Lake Erie Islands
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#9 Lake Erie Islands

Lake Erie Islands are chain of about 36 popular islands in Lake Erie with 14 in Ohio. Popular tourist attractions include include Kelleys Island, Erie Island, Pelee Island, the Bass Islands. Most of the islands can be access by car ferries while some has small airports. Kelleys Island beaches are known for swimming, boating, camping, wildlife viewing and fishing. South Bass Island, also known as the "Key West of Lake Erie" is a popular tourist destination. It is the third largest island in the Lake Erie Islands.

Toledo
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#10 Toledo

Toledo on the west bank of the Maumee River is one of the largest city of Ohio. Known as "The Glass City", the city has large collection of glass art in Toledo Museum of Art. Toledo is home to many performing arts centers including The Toledo Opera, The Toledo Symphony Orchestra, the Toledo Jazz Orchestra and the Toledo Ballet. Toledo Symphony Orchestra is known for hosting international orchestras. Places to visit and fun things to do for family includes Toledo Zoo, Toledo Museum of Art, Toledo Botanical Garden, Imagination Station, and National Museum of the Great Lakes.

Ohio Places to Visit by Interest

  1. Ohio Aquariums
  2. Ohio Zoo

Best State Parks to Visit in Ohio