Ohio

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Great Falls of Tinker's Creek in Cuyahoga County, Ohio.

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Overview

Ohio has a split personality. The nation's seventh most populous state has big cities Cleveland, Cincinnati and Columbus that lead its urban charge, rolling out a spread of kicky eateries, IPA-loving breweries and one-of-a-kind museums. Northern Cleveland exudes a feisty, rock and roll vibe, while southern Cincinnati feels more languorous and European. Columbus is the polished art and tech hub that rises up in the middle. Meanwhile, Ohio's rural side is way off the grid, from the horse-and-buggy-filled roads of its enormous Amish community to the moonshine makers in its southeastern hills. It makes for an intriguing mash-up, with just a short drive between wildly different lifestyles. In between, the roadways lead to the world's fastest roller coasters, rocking party islands, beatnik towns, pie shops and a mist-draped national park.

01 / Attractions

Must-see attractions

Cedar Point Amusement Park
Ohio
Cedar Point is one of the world's top amusement parks, known for its 18 adrenaline-pumping roller coasters. Stomach-droppers include the Top Thrill…
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame & Museum
Cleveland
Cleveland's top attraction is like an overstuffed attic bursting with groovy finds: Jimi Hendrix's Stratocaster, Keith Moon's platform shoes, John Lennon…
Cleveland Museum of Art
Cleveland
Cleveland's whopping art museum houses an excellent collection of European paintings, as well as African, Asian and American art. Head to the 2nd floor…
National Museum of the US Air Force
Ohio
Located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, 6 miles northeast of Dayton, this huuuuge museum has everything from a Wright Brothers 1909 Flyer to a Sopwith…
Young's Jersey Dairy
Ohio
Young's is a working dairy farm with a famous ice-cream shop, the Dairy Store, which many say whips up Ohio's best milkshakes. There are also lots of fun…
COSI
Ohio
The acronym stands for Center of Science and Industry, and it ranks high in the pantheon of children’s museums around the country. Of the 300-plus hands…
Cincinnati Museum Center
Cincinnati
This museum complex occupies the 1933 Union Terminal, an art deco jewel still used by Amtrak. The interior has fantastic murals made of local Rookwood…
Money Museum
Cleveland
Pop into this small gallery inside the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, and you'll emerge richer than when you entered. Literally, since the Money…