The state of Ohio is known for many things. It’s in the Midwestern United States and is the 34th largest state by area. The capital of Ohio is Columbus and it’s the 7th most populous state in the country.
From national parks to interesting museums, there’s something for everyone in Ohio. It boasts strong college athletics, a rich history, and beautiful scenery.
The state is also home to landmarks that are famous for their uniqueness, beauty, or historical significance. Here are some of the most famous landmarks in Ohio.
Famous Landmarks in Ohio
1. Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a national park located in northeastern Ohio, between Akron and Cleveland. The park is the only national park in the state of Ohio and is a popular tourist destination.
The park includes many different attractions, such as the Cuyahoga River, waterfalls, hiking trails, and the Towpath Trail.
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It’s run by the National Park Service and was established as a national recreation area in 1974. However, it officially became a national park in 2000.
The park is also home to the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, which offers visitors a chance to take a scenic ride through the park.
The Iroquois, Munsee, Shawnee, and Potawatomi were some of the Native American tribes that lived in the area before European settlement.
2. The Cleveland Museum of Art
This world-renowned art museum is located in the University Circle neighborhood of Cleveland, Ohio.
It’s one of the largest art museums in the country and is home to a collection of over 45,000 works of art. The museum was founded in 1913 and has been housed in its current building since 1916.
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The museum is particularly well-known for its collection of Asian and Egyptian art, as well as its contemporary art collection. The museum also offers a variety of educational programs, events, and concerts.
It’s one of the most visited attractions in Cleveland and is a must-see for anyone interested in art. Visitors can enjoy over 61,000 artworks from over the world.
3. Cedar Point
Cedar Point is an amusement park located in Sandusky, Ohio. It’s the second oldest amusement park in the country and is often referred to as the “Roller Coaster Capital of the World.”
The park first opened in 1870 and now features over 70 rides, including 16 roller coasters. Cedar Point is also home to the world’s tallest and fastest roller coaster, the Top Thrill Dragster.
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The park attracts over 3 million visitors each year and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Ohio. It’s also a popular spot for roller coaster enthusiasts, as it has some of the most famous and popular coasters in the world.
4. Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is located in Cincinnati, Ohio and is the second oldest zoo in the country.
It was opened in 1875 after being founded in 1873 and is home to over 500 different animal species. The zoo also has a botanical garden with over 3,000 different plant species.
The zoo is particularly well-known for its work in conservation and is a leader in the field of animal care. So much so, it has accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The Cincinnati Zoo is also home to the world’s only successfully bred white tiger.
The zoo’s education department also offers a variety of programs and classes for children and adults. The Cincinnati Zoo is a must-visit for anyone interested in animals or plants.
5. Kings Island
Kings Island is an amusement park located in Mason, Ohio. It’s the largest amusement park in the state and is home to over 80 rides and attractions. The park first opened in 1972 and is now owned by Cedar Fair Entertainment Company.
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Kings Island is particularly well-known for its collection of roller coasters, including the world’s longest wooden coaster, The Beast.
The park also has a water park, Soak City, which is included in the price of admission. Kings Island is a popular tourist destination for families and thrill-seekers alike.
6. Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Even if you aren’t a music fan, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is worth a visit. It’s located in Cleveland, Ohio on the shores of Lake Erie.
The museum first opened in 1995 and is dedicated to honoring the history and legacy of rock & roll music.
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The museum has interactive exhibits, a library and archives, and a concert venue. It’s also home to the world’s largest collection of rock & roll artifacts.
The museum attracts over 700,000 visitors each year and is a must-see for any music fan. Inductees have included everyone from The Beatles, Tina Turner, James Brown, and The Rolling Stones.
7. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is located in Powell, Ohio, and was founded in 1927. It’s home to over 9,000 animals representing over 600 different species.
The zoo is particularly well-known for its work in conservation and is a leader in the field of animal care.
It has contributed as much as $3 million to conservation projects in various countries. So much so, it has accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
The zoo also has a water park, Zoombezi Bay, which is included in the price of admission. The Columbus Zoo is a popular tourist destination for families and animal lovers alike. The zoo got the distinction of being named the Best Zoo in the U.S. by USA Travel Guide.
8. Hocking Hills State Park
Hocking Hills State Park is located in Logan, Ohio and is one of the most popular state parks in the country. The park is home to hiking trails, waterfalls, caves, and cliffs. There are over 25 miles of hiking trails in the park, which are perfect for a day trip or a weekend getaway.
The park is particularly well-known for its Old Man’s Cave, which is a 500-foot long gorge with a waterfall. The park also has the largest concentration of arches in the state. It’s also a popular spot for camping, as there are over 200 campsites in the park.
The park first opened in 1924 and covers over 2,000 acres. Hocking Hills State Park is a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. As many as 2 million people visit the park each year.
While you are in the area, you can also visit other Hocking Hills gems, such as the Rockbridge State Nature Preserve and Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve.
9. National Museum of the US Air Force
The National Museum of the US Air Force is located in Dayton, Ohio, and is the largest military aviation museum in the world. The museum first opened in 1923 and is dedicated to preserving the history of military aviation.
The museum has over 360 aircraft on display, as well as a variety of artifacts and exhibits. Visitors can enjoy seeing several presidential aircraft such as those used by Truman, Roosevelt, and Nixon.
The museum also has the plane used to bring JFK to Dallas and later transport him back to Washington after his assassination.
The museum also offers a variety of educational programs and events. The National Museum of the US Air Force is a must-visit for anyone interested in aviation or military history.
10. Cincinnati Art Museum
The Cincinnati Art Museum is located in Cincinnati, Ohio, and is one of the oldest art museums in the country.
The museum first opened in 1881 and is home to over 67,000 works of art. The museum is particularly well-known for its collection of American art, as well as its fashion collection.
History and art buffs can enjoy over 6,000 years of human history on display at the Cincinnati Art Museum.
The museum also has a variety of educational programs and events. The Cincinnati Art Museum is a popular destination for art lovers and families alike. The museum is also home to the Cincinnati Wing, which is one of the largest art museums in the world.
If you find yourself in Ohio, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to things to see and do. From world-renowned museums to natural wonders, there’s something for everyone in Ohio. So, whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, or just looking for a fun day out, be sure to check out some of these famous landmarks in Ohio.