10 Best Things to Do in Ohio

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland houses numerous artifacts and memorabilia from some of the most iconic rockers in history. This museum provides valuable insight into these legendary artists as well as interactive exhibits you won't be able to find anywhere else. With 7 floors to explore, you can easily spend some serious time here without even touching on everything the museum has to offer. Just be sure to check out the wing of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees.

The National Museum of the US Air Force is located on an Air Force base near Dayton. Within its massive hangar and the surrounding outside area, you can explore more than 360 artifacts on display showcasing the history of aviation in America. Numerous actual aircraft are on display as well, with a history dating back to the Wright brothers' first flights to crafts designed to take people into space. You'll even find a presidential gallery that showcases planes used by former presidents.

Cedar Point Amusement Park is a classic vacation destination in Ohio, as it draws in visitors from all over the state and beyond every summer. At this theme park, you'll find over 17 roller coasters with terrifying and exciting drops, twists, and turns. Kids who aren't quite tall enough for the coasters have their own fun areas as well, and you can catch exciting live performances at the park. Don't forget to check out the adjacent water park portion of the theme park if you're looking to cool down on a hot day.

Outdoor adventurers won't want to miss out on Hocking Hills State Park, a rugged area that's packed full of breathtaking natural features, including massive caves, waterfalls, and plenty of vibrant forested areas. You won't have to look far to find a hiking trail even if you travel during the winter, and you'll find additional opportunities for zip-lining and rock climbing as well. Numerous waterways are present throughout the park also, allowing for kayaking and canoeing. Even the wildlife is impressive, especially if you're interested in bird-watching.

Amish Country is a particularly peaceful and serene part of Ohio that's perfect for travelers looking to relax and get away from the noise and busyness of the city. Instead of cars racing down the road to get to some arbitrary destination they're already late for, you'll see horse-drawn buggies chugging along the road. Amish Country has much to offer, including freshly made ice cream, candy, and cheese readily available all year long, as well as household goods like handcrafted chairs.

At The American Sign Museum, you can explore more than 100 years of sign history dating back to the early 20th century, including fancy gold-leaf glass signs. Followed by that, you'll find light-bulb signs, but that's still just the beginning. The stars of the show here are the neon signs from the '30s and '40s when neon lights were all the rage, illuminating streets and buildings in vibrant colors. Of course, the funky signs that followed are also on display throughout the building's 19,000 square feet of exhibit space.

You'll find the iconic Haserot Angel within the Lakeview Cemetery, one of the oddest and most alluring landmarks in all of Cleveland. This bronze statue is both frightening and humbling, yet there's something oddly appealing about seeing its determined gaze and intricate detailing. What stands out the most, though, is how time has affected this structure. Since it's made from bronze, its coloring has warped over time. The sculptor planned for this, so the statue looks as if it's crying black tears.

When you visit the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, you can explore an array of fascinating natural wonders with exotic plant collections sourced from around the world. More than 400 species of plants are present here, including some that only grow naturally in places as far as the Himalayas and the Pacific Islands. Of course, that's just the beginning, as Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens also houses several seasonal exhibitions, so what you'll be able to see changes depending on what time of year you visit.

The Cleveland Museum of Art is one of the most iconic attractions in Cleveland and all of Ohio. The museum is home to a wide variety of works from all over the world, including American and European art as well as an extensive collection of Asian art. Some of the notable artists featured include Botticelli, Goya, Rubens, Corot, Monet, Picasso, and Warhol. You could also see early photography and a renowned collection of decorative art and design exhibits. Even the building itself is a work of art, sporting impressive neoclassical designs.

At Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, you can explore a living piece of history. This historic home dates back to the early 20th century, and it's one of the largest historic homes open to the public in the entire country. Among its 70 acres, you can explore brilliantly maintained gardens as well as the home itself, which is packed with historic furniture and decor. You'll also find a gift shop and café on the property where you can relax after perusing the elegant historical wonders of the home.