I am an Ohio Native and it was difficult for me to determine what destinations I wanted to feature in my first Ohio blog. The five destinations that I have decided to write about are what I believe are Ohio’s Top Five.

This road trip idea begins at the great Serpent Mound Historic Site in Southern Ohio, along with a stop along the road at Fort Hill Earthworks and Nature Preserve. We then drive Northeast into Ohio’s hidden gem, the Hocking Hills. After spending time in the splendor of the forest hills, we drive North into the beauty of the Farm Hills in Amish Country. Once we are ready to move on from the countryside, we travel to the big city on Lake Erie, Cleveland, for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. We conclude this road trip, at Ohio’s top Adult Tourist Attraction and one of the most important Naval Ports in American history, Put-In-Bay. This road trip idea requires one to two weeks; however, each of these sights can be visited as a day trip with the consideration of staying overnight.

Ohio is the 7th most populous state with 80% of Ohioans residing in metropolitan areas while the Appalachian hills in the Southeast are the least densely populated. Ohio became the 17th state in 1803 and its name comes from the Iroquois word, “OH-why-oh” which means Great River for the Ohio River that runs along the southern border. Ohio’s leading industries are agriculture, manufacturing, steel production, insurance and banking, and research and development. People have been living in Ohio since 9000 BCE and some of the ancient civilizations include the Adena, Hopewell, and Fort Ancient cultures. In the 18th century when French Fur Traders first arrived in Ohio, the forest land was occupied by the Miami, Wyandot, Shawnee, Delaware, Iroquois, and Ottawa.

During the War of 1812, the Battle of Lake Erie became the most important naval campaign, protecting the American Border from the British in the North and preserving control over Lake Erie. In the early 19th century, Ohio had the most active Underground Railroad networks that gave thousands of runaway slaves a pathway to freedom. During the American Civil War, Ohio was the 3rd most populous state in the Union but gave over 10% of its eligible men to the military forces, more than any other state. Many of the Civil War’s leading officers were from Ohio to include Ulysses S. Grant, William T. Sherman, Philip H. Sheridan, George Armstrong Custer, and James A. Garfield. Ohio has produced more Presidents than any other state and merits the nickname "the Mother of Presidents."

Ohio has eight national park service sites. Some of the parks include Cuyahoga Valley National Park; the First Ladies National Historic Site, and the Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument.

Ohio has three of the 20 U.S sites nominated to be on the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage List. The U.S. Tentative List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites include the Dayton Aviation Sites, Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks, and Serpent Mound. In March 2022, the National Park System announced that the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks with its group of eight sites would become America’s next UNESCO World Heritage site nominee. Our first destination on this Ohio Road Trip is the Ancient Serpent Mound.

Serpent Mound Historic Site

Serpent Mound in Adams County — *Serpent Mound Effigy Mound from Above*

The Great Serpent Mound is one of the most important sites in North America and was built from earth and stone, representing a snake with a curled tail. The Native American Ceremonial Site overlooks Ohio Brush Creek and is located on the edge of a massive meteor crater that was formed approximately 300 million years ago. he origins of Serpent Mound are still debated but the leading theory in recent years is that the sculpture was constructed at approximately 1,000 AD by the Fort Ancient culture. Another theory suggests that it was built by the Adena around 300 BC.

The Ohio River Valley had three prehistoric mound building civilizations to include the Adena, Hopewell, and Fort Ancient. There are three grave mounds on site with Serpent Mound, two of which belonged to the Adena people, while one was from the Fort Ancient.

It has not been decided why Serpent Mound was built, but some believe that the prehistoric effigy mound was created for rituals linked to the sun. The summer solstice’s sunset aligns with the head of the serpent which points across the valley at the position of the horizon. Some theories go further to conclude that the egg or eye shape at the head of the depiction, represents the sun.

The massive earthwork is approximately one-quarter mile in length, 20-25 feet wide, and its height ranges from less than a foot to over three feet. The captivating Serpent Mound is the largest documented surviving example of a prehistoric effigy mound in the world. It is also a National Historic Landmark that was the first privately funded archaeological preserve in the United States in 1886.

Serpent Mound is managed by the Ohio History Connection and parking requires an $8 fee that is paid at the gift shop. The park includes an informative museum that displays ancient artifacts and informative panels that explain Serpent Mound, burial mounds, the timeline for the area’s Indigenous cultures, and the mounds’ archaeology. Furthermore, the park includes an observation tower for splendid views of the entire effigy mound.

If interested, the park features a 1-mile moderate trail next to the river. You could also visit the intriguing, House of Phacops, Rock Shop” which is 5 minutes down OH 73W and on State Route 41 to view a trilobite gallery.

In addition, 22 minutes away is one of the best-preserved examples of an ancient hilltop enclosure at Fort Hill Earthworks and Nature Preserve. The park features a seasonal museum and 11 miles of lovely hiking where pets are permitted on the trails. The stone and earthen-walled earth-work enclosure is not immediately noticeable since it has been covered for centuries with trees and wildflowers. Before driving through this region, ensure that you have your driving route planned since cellular and Internet service is limited. Next, we travel an hour and a half on scenic roads to enjoy the outdoors in the Hocking Hills.

Hocking Hills State Park

Hocking Hills is the most popular getaway for Ohioans seeking natural spaces. The scenic park is magnificent in every season and includes beautiful waterfalls, recess caves, cliffs, gorges, and hardwood forest covered hills. The picturesque area has campgrounds, cabins, and a lodge at the state park along with plenty of privately owned facilities available for rent. Cabins in the woods that include hot tubs are particularly popular so if that is your intention, book months in advance. A list of properties in the area can be found at “hocking hills .com” or you can reserve a state park site from “reserveohio.com”

Some of Hocking Hills’ outdoor activities include canoeing, fishing, ziplining, rock climbing, mountain biking, horseback riding, and stargazing at the John Glenn Astronomy Park. The state park has over 25 miles of hiking in seven separate areas and is open year-round from dawn until dusk. Dogs on a leash are allowed on the trails unless the area is a nature preserve. If you want to avoid crowds, hike in the morning or on a weekday.

The beloved Old Man’s Cave is the most preferred Hocking Hills destination and is part of Ohio’s Buckeye Trail in addition to the National North Country Scenic Trail and America’s Discovery Trail. The Hocking Hills State Park Visitors Center is located next to the Old Man’s Cave parking area. If you are interested in a breath-taking moderate hike, travel the six-mile loop from Old Man’s Cave to Cedar Falls or try a longer hike continuing onto Ash Cave for a 12.3-mile loop.

Ash Cave is the state’s largest recess cave which feels like a natural amphitheater and is where Indigenous inhabitants once held ceremonies. The 1/4 mile leading up to Ash Cave is wheelchair accessible and takes the traveler through a stunning gorge.

For spectacular views of the surrounding forest and rolling hills, hike Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve’s upper rim. The trek is 2.5 miles and not suitable for small children since the trail is along some cliff edges. The mile and a half Conkle’s Hollow’s Gorge to lower falls trail is gorgeous, ADA accessible for most of the route, and features a rewarding waterfall. Conkle’s Hollow is my favorite hiking area.

Other outstanding moderate hikes in the Hocking Hills are the Rock House’s .8-mile loop, Rockbridge Nature Preserve’s 2.7-mile loop that features a natural bridge, the moderate .9-mile Cantwell Cliffs Loop, and Boch Hollow Nature Preserve and Robinson Falls 7.2-mile loop in Northern Hocking County which requires a permit to hike.

After spending time in the forest, we enjoy the scenic drive through farmland to visit Amish Country.

Amish Country

Ohio has the densest concentration of Amish in the United States. Holmes and the adjoining counties have a population of nearly 37,000. Ohio’s Amish Country region has strong Swiss and German heritage.

During the 1700s, the Amish migrated to the United States from Europe, mostly from Switzerland and Germany, to escape persecution from their government and state church for their anabaptist and conservative Christian beliefs. The Amish roots stretch back to the 16th century Protestant Reformation, and they are known for their simple living, along with following the ordnung which is a set of behavioral rules. The first Amish people arrived in Ohio in the early 1800s and farming remains the core of their daily lives. Today, the Amish speak 3 languages; their dialect, English, and High German which is their written language.

The Ohio Amish Country has a lot to offer and at least 2 days in the region is recommend. This video will only point out some of the attractions because Ohio’s Amish Country deserves a video of its own and could be a week vacation. Keep in mind when planning your trip that most facilities are closed on Sunday, but the beautiful Mohican State Park is nearby; as well as the city of Canton, home of the National First Ladies' Library and the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Your first stop in Amish Country should be at the “Amish & Mennonite Heritage Center” to view the exhibits in the museum coupled with the two offered tours. You will learn the Amish and Mennonite history through story telling while the guide walks visitors around the Behalt, which means, “to keep, hold, remember,” a circular 10 feet by 265 feet painting by Artist Heinz Gaugel. The masterpiece tells the history and travels of the Amish and Mennonite people, who we are visiting. Another tour at the center explains Amish education in a one-room school and then leads everyone inside an Amish barn to discuss Barn Raising and modes of transportation.

Sugarcreek calls themselves the gateway to Amish Country. Check out the World’s Largest Cuckoo Clock which goes off every 30 minutes and plays Swiss polka music. The small downtown is an easy stroll with interesting shops, the Alpine Hills Historical Museum, and their Brick Wall Sculpture that depicts the area’s history. Keep a look out for beautiful paintings of the Alpine Countryside along of the top of some of the buildings in Sugarcreek.

The Swiss brought cheese making knowledge to the Region. Many immigrants began their own farmstead cheese factory and today, Ohio is the number 1 producer of Swiss Cheese in the Country. In Amish Country, you will find the home to the original Baby Swiss Cheese, Guggisberg, which is in Millersburg, a few minutes from Charm, and across the street from the Guggisberg family’s Chalet in the Valley, a restaurant that opened in 1983. Heini’s Cheese has a large store in Millersburg, close to Berlin and across the street from Kauffman Country’s Bakery. Walnut Creek Cheese has its original location in Walnut Creek as well as a store in Millersburg. These popular stores sell a variety of goods like fresh meats, jelly, and fudge in addition to their cheeses. You will want to bring a cooler to store purchases.

Lehman’s, in Kidron, is an interesting store with an assortment of items that range from modern-looking products that use no electricity to old-fashioned treats. Lehman’s has been voted the best place to visit in Amish Country for the past 5 years. It’s truly worth the drive out to wander around the store. You can also check out some amazing hand-carved 3D wood carvings on display from Amish Artist, Paul Weaver.

Ohio’s Amish Country is known for its delicious American style home cooked meals. Fried Chicken is a local favorite, and some say that Mrs. Yoders Kitchen has the best. Der Dutchman in Walnut Creek has delicious food, is in a large facility, and has an amazing view of the Amish Countryside. Ask for a table near the window. Boyd and Wurthmann in Berlin is probably the most recommended and has some of the best homemade pies. There is usually a line for a table on the weekend, but it moves relatively quick.

Leave time for an enjoyable walk in Berlin’s downtown which is filled shops, antique malls, and restaurants. The area features handmade gifts, décor, furniture, and treats for sale in this charming town center.

Other interesting attractions in Amish Country include:

Schrock’s Heritage Village for many offerings to include a Craft Mall that offers locally made home décor and canned foods.

Historic Downtown Millersburg for Victorian architecture which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Victorian House Museum and Millersburg Glass Museum which is listed on the National Historic Registry.

Holmes County Open Air Art Museum for original works from local artists in a natural setting.

Yoder’s Bargain Store which is like an Amish Dollar General.

Age of Steam Roundhouse for the World’s Largest Privately held collection of Steam Locomotives.

Keim Lumber Company for a wide range of woods to include over 135 exotic woods and a vast selection of quality materials and tools.

Hershberger’s Farm and Bakery that is located off a stunning scenic by-way.

The J.M. Smucker Company Store and Café in Orville.

And if you are interested in touring an Amish Farm to learn more about Amish history, lifestyle, and culture, visit Yoder’s Amish Home in Millersburg or the Farm at Walnut Creek.

Additional information and accommodation options in Amish Country can be found at ohiosamishcountry.com and/or visitamishcountry.com

Our next destination is the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum along the Lake Erie shore in Downtown Cleveland.

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Cleveland

Rock and Roll HOF and Great Lakes Science Center — *Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum and Great Lakes Science Center on Lake Erie, Cleveland*

Rock and Roll music originated in the 1940s and 1950s and then evolved into an international style in the 1960s. The style derives from gospel, jump blues, jazz, boogie woogie, rhythm and blues, and country music. The Rock and Roll genre got its name from a Cleveland Disc Jockey, Alan Freed, who used the term, Rock and Roll, while promoting the music’s style on his Rock and Roll radio show and Rock and Roll Dance Party.

If you are interested in seeing Alan Freed’s jukebox illustrated headstone that tells his story, you can visit his grave at Cleveland’s Lake View Cemetery and add stops to a couple of his eternal neighbors, John D. Rockefeller and President James A. Garfield.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum commemorates the genre of music that felt like a revolution. The incredible modern glass-dominated building was created by Architect I.M. Pei and is often the backdrop for live music events as well as housing the museum’s frequently changing exhibits. The museum is an excellent venue that educates visitors on the evolution of Rock and Roll while featuring a diverse collection of memorabilia from the genre’s influencers.

The self-guided tour begins on the lower ground floor where most of the attractions are. The museum features interactive exhibits, historic memorabilia, relics, and artifacts. You will not only learn about the previous generations but see memorabilia from current artists like Beyoncé and Lady Gaga. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame calls Jimi Hendrix the most gift instrumentalist of all time and has several of his guitars and costumes on display. Level Three has the Hall of Fame exhibit that displays each year's inductee’s signature panel. If you visit on the weekend, buy your tickets in advance. The museum gets busy.

Next door to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is the incredible Great Lakes Science Center with its interactive exhibits and the NASA Glenn Visitors Center. A 5-mile drive west is Edgewater Beach that features a splendid view of the skyline, and an opportunity to swim in Lake Erie.

While in Cleveland, I highly recommend eating a meal in Historic Little Italy and perusing the shops or enjoying the West Side Market which is on the National Register of Historic Places. Another option for food and entertainment is downtown’s East 4th Street, a pedestrian zone with outdoor seating.

If you have time to visit additional sights, Cleveland’s Wade Park is a wonderful place to take a walk and encompasses several attractions. The Wade Park District has an outstanding Botanical Garden, a World-Renowned Art Museum, and the insightful Museum of Natural History. The interesting Squire’s Castle is a Cleveland Metro Park that allows visitors inside and includes trails and picnic tables.

Our last destination on this road trip idea is Put-In-Bay.

Put-In-Bay / South Bass Island

South Bass Island, Village of Put-in-Bay — *Aerial panoramic view of Put in Bay on South Bass Island; view of the town and Perry's Victory & International Peace Memorial, Put-in-Bay Ohio*

Ohio’s South Bass Island, otherwise known for the village of Put-In-Bay, is an adult party island at night yet has an array of family activities during the day. The Put-In-Bay adventure starts with the ferry ride over to South Bass Island. Two companies provide transportation to the island. The Jet express drops visitors off in downtown Put-In-Bay while Miller’s Ferry is popular with those transporting their car over to the island. Make sure you research times before you arrive. Currently, the last ferry leaves the island at 8pm.

The must do on South Bass Island is visiting Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial which commemorates the War of 1812’s Battle of Lake Erie as well as, celebrates the lasting peace with the British and Canadians. There are three flags that fly at Perry’s Memorial: The American, British, and Canadian which stand five miles from the longest undefended border in the world. During the War of 1812, Put-In-Bay was an important naval base of operations. The port was used by Navy Captain Oliver Hazard Perry, Perry’s Memorial’s namesake, when his successfully captured an entire British Fleet which marked a major turning point towards the end of the war. The world’s most massive Doric column rises 352 feet. The National Memorial is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is operated by the National Park System. Visitors can climb up to the observation deck for views of the battle site and even Canada on a clear day.

A popular activity on the 2.5 square mile South Bass Island is renting a golf cart or riding your bicycle to get around. The island has many activities, restaurants, and shops. The Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center complex features a cave that is an Ohio Natural Landmark, the butterfly house, miniature golf, gem mining, rock climbing, and a Maze. Crystal Cave is located across the street from Perry’s Cave and is home to the world’s largest celestite geode which features crystals up to 18 inches long. The cave tour finishes in the owner’s Heineman’s Winery where adults are given wine and children grape juice to enjoy. Some other fun activities on the island include another winery, a lighthouse, a carousel, and plenty of water sports.

The island has facilities to rent kayaks, paddleboards, powerboats, and jet skis. South Bass Island has public boat ramps located in downtown Put-In-Bay and at the South Bass Island State Park. You can also book lodging that offers boat parking. Fishing for Walleye and Perch is popular on the island as well as Bass in Lake Erie. If you are interested, there are local guided fishing charters available, and they will provide the fishing gear needed.

If you are an adult looking to party, Thursday through Saturday night in the summer are ideal for you! If you are a family, try visiting Sunday through Thursday or during the day on the weekend if there are no big events going on.

There are many accommodation options on the island to include campsites, cabins and condo rentals, Bed and Breakfasts, lodges, and motels. In the summer and especially on the weekends, you will want to ensure that you reserve your accommodations in advance.

On the mainland, there are a lot of interesting attractions. People often find a place to stay overnight in this area and then take a ferry to the island during the day. I highly recommend visiting the picturesque Marblehead Lighthouse that includes the wonderful scenery of Lake Erie. You can also see Cedar Point, “America’s Roller Coast” Southeast from Marblehead. If you have time and enjoy amusement parks, Cedar Point features a world-record 70 rides which includes 17 roller coasters. East Harbor State Park is also in the area. It has a beach and places to stay to include camping, lodging, and cabins.

The following are just some of the other top Ohio destinations worth looking into.

In the North:

the Lake Erie Trail and Island hopping
Covered Bridges in Ashtabula
Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton
Roscoe Village in Coshocton
Ohio Caverns in West Liberty

In the South:

The village of Yellow Springs along with nearby Youngs Dairy, John Bryan State Park, and the Historic Clifton Mill
National Museum of the US Air Force at Wright Patterson Air Force Base
Marietta, Ohio’s first city which is located on the beautiful Ohio river
Ohio Ancient Earthworks
The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati

And some of the best Zoos in the Country are in Ohio to include: the Columbus, Cincinnati, Toledo, and Cleveland, as well as the Wilds, a Safari in Cumberland.

You might also want to consider one of Ohio’s National Park Service Sites.

Ohio has a lot to offer travelers from historic sites to beautiful natural sceneries and unique attractions. The state is a day's drive from within half the country’s population and is the heart of it all.

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Ohio Travel Guide, Road Trip Itinerary

Columbus