Best of the Buckeye State - Ohio's best things to do

Travel to Ohio and experience an authentic metropolis packed with history and flair. While it’s not the biggest state by area, the Buckeye State exudes a wealth of unique and wonderful destinations to explore. Whether it’s uncovering a hidden cave, conquering a world-class roller coaster, or venturing through botanical gardens, Ohio is the gift that keeps on giving. From Cleveland to Dayton, you’ll find lush lakes and cool spots for outdoor activities. Rent a car with Hertz and uncover the best things to do in Ohio from summer through to winter.

Cedar Point

1 Cedar Point Drive, Sandusky, OH 44870

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Ohio, Cedar Point is a treat for the whole family. Located on the Lake Erie Shore in Sandusky, the 364-acre amusement park boasts 17 roller coasters, kid-friendly attractions and live music. The resort opened in 1870, making it the second-oldest operating amusement park in the U.S, so you can soak up some history too.

After even more adventure? Cedar Point sits next to two marinas and an outdoor sports complex alongside the mile-long white-sand beach. The Cedar Point Shores and Castaway Bay water parks promise summer fun, complete with fountains, aquatic gadgets and water slides for the whole family to enjoy.

Want to extend your stay? Choose from a range of accommodation options, from hotel suites to cabins. Don’t forget to grab a bite at one of the immersive diners to complete each day.

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Hocking Hills State Park

19852 OH-664, Logan, OH 43138

Become one with nature at Hocking Hills State Park, one of the most tranquil places to visit in Ohio. Located in the southeast city of Logan, this expansive park features gaping caves, pristine waterfalls and towering cliffs. The forested areas can be enjoyed all-year round, with blooming wildflowers in springtime and vibrant foliage in the fall. Embark on the one-way trail system complete with well-marked hikes. Along the way you’ll see the prominent Rock House and Conkle’s Hollow. Activities are aplenty at Hocking Hill, ranging from archery and fishing to hunting and mountain biking.

Pack a bag and stay in the selection of cabins and cottages. There are also special events available throughout the year, with the winter hiking program drawing thousands from across the state.

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Crystal Cave

978 Catawba Avenue, Put-In-Bay, OH 43456

Unearth the literal gem that is Crystal Cave. Dubbed an “ecological marvel”, the cave is a unique treasure nestled in Put-In-Bay’s Heineman Winery. The natural wonder is home to the world’s largest geode and huge celestite crystals growing up to three feet in width. It was discovered in 1897 by miners who accidentally came upon it while digging a well for the winery. The crystals were originally mined and sold for manufacturing fireworks, which eventually expanded the cave to reach 40 feet underground .

As one of the top Ohio attractions, the luminous cave is open to the public seven days a week. Inside, you’ll see the rock-strewn walls covered in strontium sulfate – or celestite – radiating a bluish hue. You may want to wear a sweater even in the summer, as temperatures are much cooler inside.

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Toy and Plastic Brick Museum

4597 Noble St, Bellaire, OH 43906

Unleash your inner child and stop by the Toy and Plastic Brick Museum. Set in northern Bellaire, the “unofficial Lego Museum” is host to an eclectic collection of Lego sculptures and brick displays. The museum is larger than life, with many of the figures standing taller than the average person. It also featured in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s largest Lego mosaic[LD(S1] , designed by Brian Korte of Brickworkz. View the 44-foot by 19-foot masterpiece in person, along with the impressive brick figures of Spider-Man, Hagrid and Darth Vader. Kids can enjoy the vibrant playroom, and there’s a gift shop for picking all those last-minute souvenirs.

The museum is adjacent to the Ohio River Scenic Byway and is just over an hour’s drive from Pittsburgh along the I-70.

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Ohio Caverns

2210 OH-245 E, West Liberty, OH 43357

Hailed as “America’s most colorful caverns”, Ohio Caverns offers an extraordinary stroll through more than 125 years of history. The show cave is located near the Salem Township of West Liberty, just 50 miles from Dayton International Airport. Ohio Caverns is the largest in the state, with passageways spread across two miles that lead you 103 feet below the surface. The caverns contain stalagmite and stalactite formations, of which 90% are active, and have a constant temperature of 54 degrees Fahrenheit – perfect for all seasons.

Take a tour and uncover the history behind this geological beauty. Each tour – from the Discovery Lantern Tour to the Historic Tour – allows you to access different areas of the caverns. Afterwards, resurface to the park grounds for further activities, picnic areas and a gift shop. With an opportunity to create your own rock and fossil collection, this unusual attraction remains one of Ohio’s best places to visit for a fun-packed family day out.

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West Side Market

1979 W 25th St, Cleveland, OH 44113

West Side Market sits in the Ohio City neighborhood of Cleveland, offering fresh produce, dairy products, fine meats and a variety of ready-to-eat foods. The bustling market opened in 1912, making it Cleveland’s oldest publicly owned market. Despite its European style, West Side features over 100 vendors of great diversity, allowing patrons to taste cuisines from around the globe. Appearing on the Travel Channel and Food Network, the market attracts more than one million visitors each year.

Stroll through the aisles and try fresh samples before purchasing. Take your pick from Hungarian pastries, Cambodian Pad Thai, and even award-winning popcorn. Whether you need to stock up with weekly essentials or just want to soak up the bustling market atmosphere, West Side Market is the place to be.

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Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

1100 E 9th Street, Cleveland, OH 44114

The iconic Rock & Roll Hall of Fame brings music aficionados from across the world to Cleveland’s waterfront. Comprising a glass tetrahedral design, the pilgrimage site bustles with electric energy reminiscent of the music it celebrates. Visit the landmark museum for a journey through rock and roll over the decades. Floors zero to seven feature legendary music instruments, galleries, costumes and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees.

Jam out to live music hitting the outdoor stage as part of the Rock Hall Live summer series. There are also food trucks nearby to keep you fueled up and raring to go. The pyramidical museum is just a 15-minute drive from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport – perfect if you’ve only in town for a short time.

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Ice Fishing

Ice fishing is one of the best things to do in Ohio during the wintertime. Once temperatures drop and the glistening lakes freeze over, grab your rod and reel and take to the ice. There are plenty of lakes up north to choose from – many of them man-made. Visit the local bait store to get the most accurate information on which fish are available. You also want to make sure ice conditions are safe and that you have a valid fishing license.

Lake Erie offers the biggest haul of crappie, walleye and yellow perch. Due to its sheer size, expert guides are hired to find the best spots for active fish. Elsewhere, Indian Lake in western-central Ohio often freezes over first. With its shallow waters, anglers can find saugeye and sunfish.

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There’s still plenty of ground to cover and hidden gems waiting to be explored. Rent a car with Hertz today and take to the roads in Ohio.