There are so many exciting and family-oriented things to do and see in Ohio. I have lived here my whole life and still find plenty of fun and exciting things to do. It offers hiking, ziplining, fishing, canoeing, apple-picking, skiing, and rock climbing just to name a few. There is no question that Ohio is the place to go for some family adventure. In this blog, I'm going to list five of my top picks for Ohio adventures. This task is harder than you may think because I'm leaving out a ton of other great attractions that everyone should experience, but if you manage to get these on your list of adventures this year, you won't regret it!
Located in Logan, Ohio, this state park is full of adventures. I recently took a trip here for the first time in years. During my visit, I quickly regretted not traveling here more often. It just has some of the most beautiful sightseeing opportunities and gave our family some time to bond without the usual daily interruptions. Open all year round, there is so much here to experience with each season. It offers seven major hiking trails to explore, all unique in their own way. Between the cliffs, caves, and waterfalls it leaves your outdoor desires full. If you are traveling far from out of town, I would suggest booking a cabin. Of course, if you are more in tune with nature, you could also opt for the RV or tent experience. Hocking Hills offers it all.
If you're traveling by West Liberty, Ohio, make sure you stop at the Ohio Caverns. Known as the most colorful caverns in Ohio, it is home to the largest cave system in Ohio and contains several crystal formations. Roughly 90% of its stalactite and stalagmite formations are still active. The cavern system was originally an aquifer, holding an underground river of melted glacier water. Eventually, the river receded to lower levels, revealing this amazing environment. It's always 54 degrees in the cave, so the Ohio Caverns are open all year long. You definitely don't want to miss this experience!
On 10,000 acres in rural southeastern Ohio, The Wilds is a private, non-profit conservation center. This attraction allows you to get up close and personal with a variety of exotic animals. They provide daily tours where you can take exclusive photos on a one-of-a-kind safari. If that isn't enticing enough, you can also schedule a zip-lining tour overlooking the terrain. There are four different tours to choose from, but the Howl at the Moon Zipline Tour is my favorite. Who doesn't love the sound of wild animals at night? And let's not forget the hue of the moon; Breathtaking. This is a must on your bucket list.
In the North-East corner of Ohio sets Holden Arboretum. Together with the Cleveland Botanical Garden, it created Holden Forests & Gardens. It is the 12th largest public garden in the United States. It contains more than 3,500 acres, including 200 acres devoted to exquisitely cultivated gardens. The Murch Canopy Walk is a 500-foot-long elevated walkway that rises 65 feet above the forest floor. Home to the 12-story Kalberer Emergent Tower, you can enjoy a birds-eye view of the entire Arboretum and a peak of Lake Erie. During the winter months, you can experience some cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. There is no doubt that this will quickly become one of your family's favorite getaways.
A Japanese-style garden, the Schnormeier Gardens is a hidden gem located in Gambier, Ohio. With 50 acres of manicured lawns, lakes, whimsical garden areas, and waterfalls, the trip here is spiritual. Make sure to go online to secure your tickets, as they are limited every year. When you arrive, the owner is normally sitting outside of the visitor building welcoming everyone to his private garden. My family and I spent hours there taking in all the beauty he and his wife created. It was such a peaceful trip as we learned about the Japanese heritage portrayed there. My all-time favorite experience there was feeding the koi at the large pond in front of the house. Altogether, the property contains 9 exquisite gardens surrounding the house. Every one of them has their own experience and history. This trip will be one for the soul.
While there are hundreds of adventures offered in Ohio, these five will fulfill everyone's outdoor needs. Who doesn't want to get up close and personal with animals, or stroll through beautiful gardens? Why miss out on skyline views, or underground wonders? These are all must-dos as adventurers. However, if you are like me, you will still want to get your hands dirty and throw that kayak or canoe in the water. The joy of throwing out your fishing line and landing a storytelling fish makes for a special day. Why not load up the family and hit one of the several orchards located throughout Ohio. Craving a day out with some friends? Take a wine or brewery tour. It's one of my favorite things to do when I need a getaway. Whatever you're into, you can find it here. Your next adventure is just a car ride away.
If there is somewhere in Ohio you think I should visit, drop me a message below! I'm always open to new adventures.