Things to see and do in Ohio

Attractions in Ohio

African Safari Wildlife Park

Experience the Midwest's only drive-through safari at Ohio's African Safari Wildlife Park (www.africansafariwildlifepark.com). Animal lovers can also head to the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo (www.clemetzoo.com), which allows visitors to wander through such colourful habitats as The Rainforest, the Australian Adventure, and the Waterfowl Lake.

Cedar Point Amusement Park

Spend the day riding rollercoasters at Cedar Point Amusement Park (www.cedarpoint.com) or Kings Island Theme Park and Soak City (www.visitkingsisland.com), featuring over 50 wet-and-wild activities.

Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Indians Baseball

Grab a hotdog and watch a ballgame with either of the state's two pro baseball teams: the Cincinnati Reds (www.mlb.com/reds) and the Cleveland Indians (www.mlb.com/indians).

Cincinnati's National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

Tour Cincinnati's National Underground Railroad Freedom Center (www.freedomcenter.org), focusing on the struggle for freedom experienced by runaway slaves. See five history galleries, changing exhibits, and a Slave Jail.

Cuyahoga Valley National Recreation Area

Find many nature-based activities in the 13,355-hectare (33,000-acre) Cuyahoga Valley National Recreation Area (www.nps.gov/cuva). The 35km- (22-mile-) long river surrounded by steep, forested hills, sandstone gorges and hidden waterfalls is popular with birdwatchers and hikers. Kids and parents alike will also enjoy the Hale Farm and Village (www.wrhs.org), a living-history museum depicting life in the mid 19th century.

German Village

Enjoy a touch of German culture in Columbus at the lavishly restored German Village (germanvillage.com), complete with fine restaurants and taverns, and the 11-hectare (27-acre) Brewery District, which you’ll find packed with with vintage beer-making factories now converted into restaurants, speciality shops and taverns.

Hocking Hills State Park

Go underground in Hocking Hills State Park to explore Ash Cave, Ohio's largest recess cave, which features a 27m- (90ft-) high waterfall (www.hockinghills.com). While you’re there, don't miss the Rock House (a series of large rooms mysteriously carved into the side of a cliff), the 46m- (150ft-) high Cantwell Cliffs and Hocking Forest, where rock climbing is permitted.

Holden Arboretum

Tour Cleveland's Holden Arboretum (www.holdenarb.org), one of the largest arboreta and botanical gardens in the USA.

Johnny Appleseed Heritage Center

Visit Johnny Appleseed country in the picturesque north central region. Attend a musical drama in the outdoor amphitheatre (seating 1,600) at the Johnny Appleseed Heritage Center (www.jahci.org) in Ashland.

Kelleys Island

Explore Kelleys Island (www.kelleysisland.com), on the National Register of Historic Places. Along with old, picturesque homes, it offers impressive historical sights such as Inscription Rock, an exceptionally large Native American pictograph.

Lake Erie

Participate in water activities on Lake Erie (www.shoresandislands.com) on Ohio's northern border. Watersports options include fishing, swimming, boating and jet-skiing.

Middle Bass Island

Do a little wine tasting and touring on Middle Bass Island (www.middlebass.org). This gorgeous island is dominated by the Gothic castle of the Lonz Winery, which was established in 1860 and now serves as the centrepiece of the family-friendly Middle Bass Island State Park.

Museum Center

Visit the Museum Center (www.cincymuseum.org) at Cincinnati Union Terminal, where the Cincinnati Historical Museum and the Cincinnati Museum of Natural History are housed in an art deco train station. The Baseball as America exhibition will delight sports fans.

National Museum of the US Air Force

Visit the National Museum of the US Air Force (www.nationalmuseum.af.mil) in Dayton, the world's largest and oldest military aviation museum. The museum follows the history of flight from the days of the Wright brothers to stealth fighter aircraft and today's precision technology.

Neil Armstrong Air & Space Museum

Relive the historic moment in 1969 when Neil Armstrong became the first man to walk on the moon. Visit the Neil Armstrong Air & Space Museum (www.armstrongmuseum.org) in Wapakoneta, named in his honour.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum

Stop by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland (rockhall.com), one of Ohio's biggest and best tourist attractions. Browse the seven floors of rock memorabilia and exhibits and live vicariously through the lives of the over 700 Hall of Fame inductees, including The Beatles, Bruce Springsteen, The Clash, and U2.

Serpent Mound State Memorial

Explore Serpent Mound State Memorial, a giant snake effigy mound created by the Adena Native Americans over 2,000 years ago.

Toledo Museum of Art

Discover art treasures at the century-old Toledo Museum of Art (www.toledomuseum.org) and adjacent University of Toledo Center for the Visual Arts (www.utoledo.edu). They are among the top 10 art museums in the USA.

Yoder's Amish Home

Visit Amish Country in the northeast of the state. Shop for handwoven baskets, handmade quilts, antiques and fresh produce. For a glimpse into the Amish lifestyle, the Yoder's Amish Home (www.yodersamishhome.com) in Holmes County, which has two reproduction Amish farmhouses open to visitors, and buggy rides for children.

Zanesville

Follow in the footsteps of famous Western writer Zane Grey on a narrated sternwheeler cruise in Zanesville. Visit the National Road/Zane Grey Museum, and learn about the building of America's first highway and the town's famous Western writer.

Tourist offices

Ohio Division of Travel & Tourism