After Toledo, Akron, and Canton, its time to put lights on some tourist spots in Ohio, a state famous for its natural attractions and aviation history, and has no shortage of tourist spots. whether you like visiting natural preserves, museums, or art galleries, you will find them in every city.
However, their is a side of Ohio that remains unheard and not many tourists got to know about. That’s why today we tried our best to come up with the top 15 hidden gems in Ohio, including restaurants that can make your trip even better.
Table of Contents
Outdoor Hidden Gems in Ohio
1. Marblehead Lighthouse State Park, Lakeside Marblehead
Address: 110 Lighthouse Dr, Marblehead, OH 43440
Starting with the outdoor hidden gems in Ohio, the first one is the Marblehead Lighthouse State Park in Lakeside Marblehead. With lake views, if you want a place for a picnic with family or just want someplace to relax, this underrated gem is perfect.
The first thing that’ll catch your eye is the lighthouse, which was built in 1821, is 65 feet tall and is among the oldest lighthouses in operation at the Great Lakes. What makes this lighthouse the primary spot is the Lake Erie views on its back. After clicking some pictures in front of the lighthouse, spend some in front of the lake, whether you want to view the lake from a rocky shoreline or from the beach, both options are there.
Lastly, there is also a small museum and a gift shop along with a good amount of area covered with grass and trees. The walking trails are also well-maintained, with benches, restrooms, and bathrooms, making this place even better.
Also Read: 15 Underrated Tourist Spots in Prescott, Arizona
2. Mill Creek Park – South End, Boardman
Address: Boardman, OH 44512
Part of a more extensive Mill Creek MetroPark System, the Mill Creek Park – South End is where you will see a stunning landscape with different activities for visitors in Ohio.
This side of the park is generally known for its quiet woodlands and peaceful creek views. You will also see the park’s beauty changing in different seasons. In the summer and spring seasons you will find this place more colorful, and is also the primary time to visit this place.
There are also several well-maintained hiking and biking trails inside, with East Golf Hike & Bike Trail is among the best for wildlife and nature views. These trails aren’t difficult and are accessible to everyone. Lastly, there are a lot of activities for the visitors as well, whether you like to go fishing, birdwatching, wildlife viewing, hiking, biking, or simply just want to sit among the natural beauty, the choice is yours.
3. Hudson Springs Park, Hudson
Address: 7095 Stow Rd, Hudson, OH 44236
For those looking for a peaceful picnic spot with a range of things to see, Hudson Spring Park should be your priority. It’s a very peaceful spot specifically loved by families as a picnic spot in Ohio.
This park spans over 260 acres, with almost 50 acres of space is covered with the lake. The Hudson Springs Lake is the primary spot for visitors here. You can go fishing here and can also use boats and kayaks to navigate the lake, which are available in the park. At sunset and sunrise, this lake with back views of trees and greenery made the views even more special.
There is also a hiking trail of around 2 miles through the trees and green area. These trails are easy, and along the hike you will see different birds and beautiful lake views.
Apart from that, there is a kid’s playground in the park, and on its back is the disc golf course for visitors. Overall, there is a wide range of things to do in this park of Ohio.
4. Ledges Overlook & Trail, Peninsula
Address: 405 Truxell Rd, Peninsula, OH 44264
For those who like to visit the overlook sites and hike, then Ledges Overlook and Trail in Peninsula, Ohio is an ideal place for those. This site is located inside the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
The main highlight of this destination is the sandstone ledge that juts out and offers stunning views of the Cuyahoga Valley. On clear days, you can see for miles. To reach the overlook site, you have to go through the ledges trail, which is more or less a moderately challenging hike and can take anywhere from 60 to 80 minutes to complete.
During your time hiking, you will encounter serene landscapes, specifically the geological rock formations, which are a mystery for most visitors. You will also see local flora and fauna like hemlocks, ferns, deer, and other small mammals.
5. SunWatch Indian Village/Archaeological Park, Dayton
Address: 2301 W River Rd, Dayton, OH 45417
If you like to visit historical places and learn more about the ancient tribes, then simply head to the SunWatch Indian Village/Archaeological Park, where you will learn about the Fort Ancient people, who used to live here around 800 years ago.
The main highlight of this site is the reconstructed village, which is designed to reconstruct to replicate how the ancient tribes used to live here. These reconstructed houses, communal areas, and food storage facilities are all based on findings from archaeological research.
There is also an indoor interpretive center where you’ll see different artifacts related to these tribes which includes pottery, tools, ceremonial items, and other artifacts related to their culture.
Lastly, before leaving, spend some time near the Great Miami River, which is close to that museum, along with walking trails and ponds, which are not far away either, to complete your visit.
Indoor Hidden Gems in Ohio
6. Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park, Dayton
Address: 16 S Williams St, Dayton, OH 45402
Whether you want to learn about history’s important individuals like the Wright brothers and Paul Laurence Dunbar, an African-American poet, or have an interest in flights, then Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park should be on your list.
The most prominent section here is the Wright Cycle Company Complex, which was the bicycle shop of the Wright brothers, inside, you will see different artifacts, documents, posters, and pictures related to the Wright brothers and their journey of flying the first-ever plane. You will also see different replicas and recreated models of planes and equipments. The addition of the Parachute Museum is also among the best things in this park.
After that, head to the Paul Laurence Dunbar House, who was an influential African-American poet and was a close friend of the Wright brothers. Lastly, end your visit to the Wright Brothers memorial.
7. Greater Cincinnati Police Museum, Cincinnati
Address: 308 Reading Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Greater Cincinnati Police Museum in Cincinnati, Ohio, is one of the rare and unique types of museum that you won’t see in many areas.
As you enter inside, you will see various artifacts all around, which were once in use by the police department, while some are replica model. Among the artifacts are different weapons, walkie-talkies, police uniforms, badges, and many different types of systems that police use.
You will also learn about any fascinating crime cases and get to know about the officers who lost their lives on duty. There is a big section solely dedicated to them via pictures and other displays. Overall, it will be a very knowledgeable and exciting tour.
8. James A. Garfield National Historic Site, Mentor
Address: 8095 Mentor Ave, Mentor, OH 44060
James A. Garfield National Historic Site is a hidden gem that is specifically appreciated by the history enthusiasts. It was once the family of the 20th US President James A. Garfield.
Upon entering the main mansion, you will see 20 rooms with classic 19th-century furnishing, artifacts, and photographs. There is also a library which was designed by the man himself. Along with that, you will also see various documents and posters inside, sharing information about the early life of James A. Garfield, how he gained popularity, elected as the president of America, and how he was assassinated.
You will learn a lot about his life there. Overall, this place is suitable for those who like to learn about political figures.
9. Taft Museum of Art, Cincinnati
Address: 316 Pike St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Housed in a stunning 200-year-old mansion, the Taft Museum of Art is one of the most underrated art museums in Ohio, which you should definitely check out. This mansion is also listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Among the art pieces, you will see paintings of various European and American masters, collection of Chinese ceramics, sculptures, and most importantly, the murals inside. They also host special rotating exhibits that keeps the artifacts moving, and you will see something new every time.
Lastly, the Taft House itself is a piece of art, you will find well-decorated classic furniture inside, with each room giving vibes of a classic American mansion.
10. Canton Classic Car Museum, Canton
Address: 123 6th St SW, Canton, OH 44702
The last indoor attraction that you should visit in Ohio is the Canton Classic Car Museum, which is specifically appreciated and visited by automobile lovers.
Inside the museum, you will see different classic and vintage cars, which are carefully preserved to be in the museum. Some of the vintage cars include the 1937 Ahrens-Fox, 1937 Packard Hearse, 1937 Studebaker President Police Car, etc. The overall collection of the vehicles is 40.
Along with that, you will also see different photographs and memorabilia, which makes this museum even better.
Hidden Gem Restaurants in Ohio
11. Il Venetian
Address: 100 St Clair Ave NE, Cleveland, OH 44114
The first hidden gem restaurant in Ohio that you should definitely check out is II Venetian, which is in Cleveland and is among the most underrated Italian restaurant in Ohio.
As you enter, you will see a modern decor with different seating options like chairs and a sofa. At the same time, the chandelier in the middle also made the place look beautiful. The overall ambiance inside is comfortable and cozy.
On the menu, they offer Calamari, grilled octopus, meatballs, wagyu, shrimp, rollatini, roasted beef, parmesan chicken, salmon, filet, soups, different pasta options, and many others.
12. Szechuan Gourmet, Cleveland
Address: 1735 E 36th St, Cleveland, OH 44114
For Chinese, specifically Sichuan food lovers, Szechuan Gourmet in Cleveland, Ohio, is also a place you shouldn’t miss. This restaurant has a very simple yet inviting decor with different small lighting on every table, different seating options, LEDs, and walls filled with different photographs, which made it look good overall.
On the menu, you are going to have options like pancakes, crabs options, dumplings, wonton, lamb options, sesame chicken, fried chicken, mushroom chicken, fried rice options, and a wide range of lamb, soups, beef, seafood, and veg options.
13. Alexander Pierce Restaurant
Address: 797 E Market St, Akron, OH 44305
For those who like to eat in a fine-dining restaurant, this underrated restaurant is ideal for them. The ambiance inside is super comfortable, with modern and classic fine dining decor. There is different lighting with chandeliers, making it look even better, and especially the private event space is among the best in the town.
On the menu, you will have options like meatballs, mussels, calamari, salmon, crab, lobster, steak options like prime ribeye, prime strip steak, filet mignon, and different sandwiches and pasta bowls.
14. Taylor’s Tavern, Springfield
Address: 5539 Dayton Springfield Rd, Springfield, OH 45502
Taylor’s Tavern in Springfield, Ohio, is a hidden gem restaurant where you will get a big menu with a wide range of options. The ambiance inside is like a casual one but is like a classic one as well. The different lighting and seating options are impressive. There is also a patio area outside if you like outdoor seating.
The menu here is extensive, with a wide range of options, which includes buffalo-style chicken wings, egg rolls, mushrooms, their signature canyon fries, different steak options like chicken breasts, rib eye, filet mignon, New York strip, and a wide range of seafood, pasta, sandwiches, and salad options.
15. Pho Saigon, Boardman
Address: 6532 South Ave, Boardman, OH 44512
The last underrated restaurant in Ohio is Pho Saigon, which is an Asian restaurant with various Asian food options. The ambiance inside is comfortable, with open spaces, wooden tables and chairs, lighting options, and different paintings on the wall, making it look even better.
Their menu is one of the most extensive ones out there, which includes egg rolls, pho, dumplings, soups, salads, rice noodles, Vietnamese soups, steamed rice, chicken, beef, shrimp, fried rice, Thai curry, pad Thai, and veg options. Their menu has various Chinese, Vietnamese, and Thai food options.
FAQs
1. What makes Ohio different from other states?
From a tourist’s point of view, the natural attractions in Ohio are something that makes the difference. In Ohio, you will see various natural attractions.
2. Is Ohio expensive for tourists?
Though it depends on which city you are visiting in Ohio, but overall, you will find Ohio affordable in many ways.
3. Is Ohio a tourist spot?
Absolutely, there is no doubt that Ohio is a tourist spot.
4. What is the best time to visit Ohio?
June to September is the best time to visit Ohio.
