From the Pro Football and Rock & Roll Halls of Fame to underground tunnels and caverns to roller coasters and beaches, you’ll be well-served to consider these 25 experiences for the ultimate Ohio
bucket list. Whether you are a born-and-bred Buckeye, a transplant, or just visiting, making the most of all Ohio has to offer is a tall task. Here to ensure you see the best of the Buckeye State is Jerry
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Outdoor activities for your Ohio bucket list
1. Ride all the coasters you can at Cedar Point
When: May through Labor Day
Why: Cedar Point
is home to 70 roller coasters, as well as lots of other fun like a water park! Plus, it’s located just an hour west of Cleveland. How much: $49.99 and up for single-day admission
2. Traipse through Old Man’s Cave
Why: It’s not every day you get to waltz through an Old Man’s Cave, but at Hocking Hills State Park, that’s exactly what you can do! This state park features waterfalls, caves,and amazing rock formations,all on a convenient and easy 0.6-mile hike.
3. Take in beautiful Brandywine Falls
Why: Cuyahoga Valley is Ohio’s only national park, so take in its beauty and adventure along the Brandywine Gorge Trail, which culminates with the stunning Brandywine Falls, a 60-foot waterfall cascading over Berea sandstone. It’s a short 1.5-mile hike to get there.
4. Gawk at exotic animals at The Wilds
When: Open year-round, but some tours are summer- or winter-specific
Why: Come see exotic animals on Safari tours at The Wilds
, a non-profit park where a portion of the fees is used to support endangered species. See rhinos, cheetahs, giraffes, and other exotic creatures up close (but not that close—you’ll be in a Safari Transport vehicle to keep you safe). How much: Varies depending on tour, date, and time
5. Underground adventures at Ohio Caverns
When: Open year-round, except Thanksgiving and Christmas
Why: Gaze at “America’s most colorful caverns” at Ohio Caverns
. These subterranean caves were formed thousands of years ago. Get a good look at Crystal King—the world’s most perfectly shaped stalactite, measuring 5 feet in length, weighing 400 pounds, and estimated to be 200,000 years old! How much: Ranges from $10 to $30 depending on tour
6. Hit the beach… at Lake Erie
Why: Who says California has a monopoly on summer? Enjoy the heat with a refreshing day at an Ohio beach, such as Maumee Bay State Park Beach
with its secluded inland lake, and Headlands Beach State Park
, which features Ohio’s longest natural sand beach. 7. Chateau Laroche (Loveland Castle)
When: Open every day from 11 am to 5 pm
Why: It’s not every day you can visit a gargantuan, medieval-style castle, but if you’re in Loveland, Ohio, you can! The Chateau Laroche
(or Loveland Castle, as it is more commonly known) was built by one man—Harry Andrews, a WWI veteran—who laid the first brick in 1929 and finished 50 years later! How much: $5 for adults, kids are free
8. Stroll down Columbus’ Scioto Mile Promenade
When: Open every day from 7 am to 11 pm
Why: Columbus’ Scioto Mile
was originally built in the 1920s and has been restored to its former glory. Enjoy miles of walking trails, water fountains, food vendors, a cultural arts center, and of course, free WiFi. 9. Admire Ohio’s Marblehead Lighthouse
When: Open every day from 6 am to 11 pm
Why: The Marblehead Lighthouse has been in use since1822, guiding ships to safety along the shores of Lake Erie. It also earned the distinction of having the first female lighthouse keeper in U.S. history—Rachel Wolcott was in charge of Marblehead from 1832 to ‘34.
10. All aboard—see Cuyahoga Valley by train
When: Open daily from 9 am to 4 pm
Why: Tour the Cuyahoga Valley National Park by train aboard the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad tour! There are several boarding stations along the route. Keep your eyes peeled for eagles, deer, otters, beavers, and more.
How much: $16 for adults, $11 for kids
11. Visit Ohio’s ghostly maritime vessel
Where:On the shores of the Ohio River, near Cincinnati
Why: On a small creek on the banks of the Ohio River near Cincinnati, sits Ohio’s ghost ship, moored and rusting in its current spot since the1980s. The C Line, as it is known, was originally launched in 1902 in Delaware. This steam engine boat did plenty in its day, serving in both World Wars, as well as being a luxury yacht that was used for a music video.
How much: Not open to be toured, as it sits on private property, but no one can stop you from gawking from afar
12. Lurk around Ohio’s abandoned subway tunnel
Why: Around the turn of the 20th century, Cincinnati had a mass transit fever dream, and an attempt was made to build a subway line. Due to poor planning, lack of money, and lack of vision, the project was officially scrapped in 1928. Since then, the tunnels have stood still as time moved on—eerie, creepy, and abandoned, burdened by the fact that they never transported a single passenger.
How much: The tunnels have been deemed unsafe, so tours are no longer offered
13. Test your sanity at the Athens Lunatic Asylum
When: Open daily 9 am to 5 pm
Why: The Athens Lunatic Asylum sits on land now owned by Ohio University, but from 1874 to 1993, it was a mental health institution with a dark history. Patients were often subjected to horrible treatments, including lobotomies. Cemeteries dot the 1,500 acres, with headstones adorned with patient numbers—but no names. Rumor is it is haunted.
How much: Guided walking tours $15 to $20, walking the grounds is free
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14. A chili dog at Tony Packo’s & Bun Museum
When: Open daily from 10:30 am to 10 pm
Why: Not only must you eat Ohio’s best chili dog, you’ll get to visit the Bun Museum at Tony Packo’s
, which features its signature buns (okay… styrofoam replicas of their famous buns) signed by various celebrities. The first bun to be signed (a real bun) was in 1972 by actor Jamie Farr, who played Klinger in the war comedy M*A*S*H. How much: Menu items range from $3.99 to $39.99
15. Sink your teeth into an out-of-this-world grilled cheese sandwich
Where:Various Ohio locations
When: Open daily from 10:30 am to 10 pm
Why: With our apologies to the lactose intolerant, you’ll need to try the incredible grilled cheese sandwiches at Melt Bar and Grilled
. This Ohio haunt has been featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, as well as other must-see food TV. How much: Menu items range from $4 to $18
16. Indulge your inner Kraut with German food at Schmidt’s
When: Open daily from 11 am to 11 pm
Why: Established in 1886, Schmidt’s Sausage Haus
in Columbus’ German Village is the place to be if you’re hankering for some Deutschland sustenance. You’ll find sausages of all flavors and textures, not to mention salads, sauerkraut, and of course, the cream puff. How much: Menu items range from $3.50 to $20
17. Stay at Ohio’s oldest hotel
When: Monday to Saturday 11:30 am to 9 pm; Sunday 12 pm to 8 pm
Why: The Golden Lamb Inn
opened in 1803 and offers the oldest hotel experience in the Buckeye State. Enjoy unique dining experiences, antique furnishings in your suite, and the thrill of knowing that you’re staying in the same hotel that hosted such luminaries as Harriet Beecher Stowe, Mark Twain, and 12 presidents. How much: Inquire for room rates
18. Eat like the Amish do
When: 11 am to 8 pm every day but Sunday
Why: If you’ve ever wanted to eat like the Amish (and even if you didn’t, you should), you’re in for a treat! Visit Mrs. Yoder’s Kitchen
(we here at Jerry were alsoshocked that Mrs. Yoder has a website) for some delicious fried chicken, mashed potatoes, homemade pies, a salad bar, and warm hospitality! 19. Eat like the Buckeyes do
When: Every day between 11 am and 7:30 pm
Why: Enjoy the Buckeye Express Diner
, a renowned Ohio greasy spoon. This locomotive-themed diner is decked out in Buckeye scarlet and gray. Enjoy local favorites such as Lake Erie perch, the corned beef Reuben, and awesome hamburgers. Don’t forget to check out the train as well! Only-in-Ohio experiences for your bucket list
20. Rock out at the Hall of Fame
When: Daily from 10 am to 5 pm
Why: Bow to the music gods at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
, where you can lose yourself in all the memorabilia, records, interactive exhibits, and performances offered in this 150,000-square-foot space. The hall is located in Cleveland to honor the legacy of Alan Freed, a local DJ who helped popularize rock and roll. Party on! How much: $35 general admission, $25 for children, $30 for Northeast Ohio residents, Cleveland residents free
When: Daily 9 am to 5 pm (9 am to 8 pm during summer)
Why: If you’re a fan of the gridiron, you’re going to want to pay a visit to the Pro Football Hall of Fame
in Canton. Whether it's touring this interactivefacility, admiring the Hall of Fame bronze busts, or taking in the annual Hall of Fame Game in late summer, this place is a football fan’s dream! How much: $33 for adults, $26 for kids, free for kids under 6 and Hall of Famers
22. Fly, Fight, and Win at the U.S. Air Force Museum
When: Daily from 9 am to 5 pm
Why: Top Gun wasn’t just inspired by imagination alone—the National Museum of the United States Air Force
has been inspiring Americans since 1960. This museum features tons of exhibits, events, and education programs, not to mention the 350 aerospace vehicles and missiles on display, along with thousands of artifacts. 23. Indulge in culture at the Ohio Theatre
Why: The Ohio Theatre
has been attracting world-famous acts to its 2,791-seat facility since 1928. It is adorned by ornate high ceilings, incredible Spanish-Baroque architecture, and gorgeous plush red seating. How much: Varies by event
24. Test your inner strength with a visit to “Shawshank Prison”
When: Open daily from 11 am to 4 pm
Why: The Ohio State Reformatory was where The Shawshank Redemption was filmed. This former prison is rumored to behaunted, and the facility offers ghost tours.
How much: Ghost hunts for $99, ghost walks for $35, guided facility tours for $35-$40, self-guided tours for $25, ghosts can come and go as they please
25. Learn everything you wanted to know about Ohio
When: Wednesdays through Sundays from 10 am to 5 pm
Why: Immerse yourself in Ohio’s best stories with a visit to the Ohio History Center
. Whether learning about this great state’s history and culture or attending a Brutalist Garden Party, there’s always something going on at the epicenter of Ohio history. How much: $13 for adults, $11 for seniors and students, $7 for kids ages 4 to 12
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Before you build your Ohio bucket list and head out on your adventures, make sure to protect your vehicle with a robust car insurance
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