Known for its cornfields and agricultural wonders, Ohio may not be everyone’s first choice when traveling to the United States. What many don’t know is that Ohio is home to an eclectic mix of small towns, villages and islands that can provide you with a wealth of unique USA vacation adventures.
A Swiss-inspired village, an island getaway, and one of the oldest American settlements are just a few of these unique experiences! So if you’re ever in the Midwest’s Buckeye State, here are the best small towns in Ohio to visit in 2024. Discover the charm of Ohio and learn why its anthem is called “Beautiful Ohio”!
Loveland
With its museums, historic sites, parks and great views of the Little Miami River, it’s hard not to love Loveland! Start by learning about the town’s history and developments during the Victorian era, such as its incorporation into the Loveland Historical Society Museum. Then travel north to visit the inspiring Loveland Castle Museum, built as a reminder of the honor, resilience and bravery of the knights of a bygone era.
The city also has something for outdoor enthusiasts. For example, you can rent a bike from Loveland Bike Rental and enjoy a scenic ride on the Little Miami Scenic Trail and River. Nisbet Park & Amphitheater is another outdoor gathering spot in town where locals gather for a barbecue picnic, watch live performances or just enjoy nature. Other places to check out in Loveland include The Quilter’s Studio of Loveland, the Narrow Path Brewing Co.’s small-town tavern and the 1950s-era dessert joint Loveland Dairy Whip.
Yellow springs
Yellow Springs is primarily visited for its amazing natural wonders and quaint old town atmosphere on Main Street. A stroll through downtown will take you to the town’s most popular watering hole, Ye Olde Trail Tavern, the charming small-town movie theater, Little Art Theatre, and the enchanting Little Fairy Garden gift shop.
Just outside of the town center is Young’s Jersey Dairy Farm, where you can try homemade ice cream and even ride on a cow carousel! However, Yellow Springs’ main attraction, especially for nature lovers, will always be the Glen Helen Nature Preserve. With hiking trails leading to a tiny waterfall, a Raptor Center for injured birds, and a museum of Ohio’s native plants, Yellow Springs is a nature lover’s wonderland.
Millersburg
Discover Millersburg’s old-world charm in the heart of Ohio’s Amish Country with attractions and excursions like the Victorian House Museum, heritage and cultural tours, and the 19th-century Hotel Millersburg. The Victorian House Museum showcases the former lives of Millersburg residents as well as the opulent lifestyles of the wealthy. Attached to the house is the Millersburg Glass Museum, which showcases the artistry of the town’s glassblowing history.
If you want to treat yourself to some luxury, stay at the historic Hotel Millersburg, which has been in operation since 1847 and is considered Millersburg’s oldest and largest building. If you’re looking for a more grounded approach to life in Millersburg, you can take the introductory Amish and Mennonite Heritage Tour to learn about Amish traditions, or take the full cultural tour to get a better understanding of the town.
Granville
From Effigy Mounds to old inns, Granville offers a mix of colonial and Native American history in its tourist attractions. Make the Alligator Mound your first stop in Granville to see how the town has preserved its Native American roots. After being amazed and astonished by this historic relic, head to the Granville Inn, a 100-year-old inn that has stood the test of time and still exudes Ohio hospitality. The inn enjoys hosting unique events like afternoon tea and Murder Mystery Dinners!
Other interesting places in town that demonstrate Granville’s love of art and history include the Bryn Du Mansion art center, the Granville Historical Society Museum, and the Robbins Hunter Museum. Don’t miss stopping by Three Tigers Brewing Company for a sip and a snack.
Sugar Creek
Sugarcreek stands out among all the small towns in Ohio for its Swiss heritage. Affectionately called “The Little Switzerland of Ohio,” you can learn more about its heritage by visiting the Alpine Hills Museum, which is full of Swiss, German, and even Amish tradition. You can also visit the town during the Ohio Swiss Festival every September, when the town comes alive with Swiss food banquets and parades. Don’t forget to take a selfie at the world’s largest cuckoo clock in the center of Sugarcreek’s Swiss Village!
Sugarcreek also has non-Swiss attractions, such as the Age of Steam Roundhouse Museum, dedicated to the golden era of railroading, and the nearby Baltic Mill Winery and Breitenbach Wine Cellars. For souvenirs and food, head to the Secret Garden, which features trinkets from around the world, while the Dutch Valley Restaurant and Bakery serves hearty and flavorful meals.
Insertion bay
With its resorts, tropical activities, and stunning views of Lake Erie, Put-In-Bay is one of Ohio’s most popular island getaway destinations. Choose Commodore Resort for condos with lake views, or opt for Benson Ford Shiphouse to sleep in a ship converted into a vacation home!
Then, explore the town on land by taking a ride on the scenic Tour Train, followed by a snapshot at the iconic Put-In-Bay sign. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can sail over the waves on a floating tiki or view Put-In-Bay from above by parasailing! Hungry after your island adventure? The Boardwalk prides itself on its lobster dishes and world-class views of Lake Erie.
Marietta
As the first permanent settlement in the Northwest Territory, Marietta is full of museums and historic sites that travelers can still enjoy today. The Campus Martius Museum, which focuses on the founding of Marietta; the Castle Historic House Museum, an 1855 Gothic Revival mansion that is open for tours; the macabre exhibits of the Cawley & Peoples Mortuary Museum; and the Quadranaou Native American Mound are just a few of the city’s must-visit historic and fascinating sites.
Marietta also combines new and old on some of its tours, namely a historic Marietta tour and a River Trail tour on Segways! If you prefer a more nostalgic ride, trolley tours are also available. For a scenic tour, ride the Valley Gem Sternwheeler along the Muskingum River to see Marietta from a different perspective.
Ashtabula
Just an hour from Cleveland is Ashtabula, another beautiful historic town on the shores of Lake Erie. The town was a significant contributor to the Underground Railroad movement during the Civil War, which you can learn more about at the Hubbard House Underground Railroad Museum.
Nearby, the Ashtabula Maritime & Surface Transportation Museum, housed in the old lighthouse keeper’s house, tells the town’s maritime history. From there, you can see the lighthouse, believed to be the last manned lighthouse on Lake Erie. Other attractions in and around town include Lake Shore Park and Concessions, a Christmas lighting display every December, Hil-Mak Seafood Restaurant and Briquettes Smokehouse barbecue pit.
Final thoughts
Because Ohio is surrounded by such amazing states as Pennsylvania and Michigan, not many travelers make Ohio their vacation destination when visiting the USA. There are often misconceptions like Ohio is simply a farmland state or doesn’t have all that exciting attractions to offer. However, this list proves that Ohio can offer fun and excitement in its small towns alone.
From historic towns like Ashtabula and Marietta to the charming Swiss village of Sugarcreek and the resort town of Put-In-Bay, these small Ohio towns should put the Buckeye State in the spotlight. It’s time to add Ohio to your travel plans and discover the wealth of historical and recreational attractions this Midwestern gem has to offer!
