strange places to visit in ohio

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24 Amazing Hidden Gems in Ohio

A lot of the Midwestern states are overlooked when one is planning a trip to the U.S., and most people don’t consider spending time in a place like Ohio. However, they’d be missing out because Ohio has a lot to offer travelers from all walks of life. From bustling metropolitan areas like Cincinnati and Cleveland, to the lakefront of Lake Erie or the peaks of the Appalachians, there is something for everyone, whether they’re interested in urban settings or getting back in touch with nature.

Give the Buckeye State a change and check out our recommendations for the best hidden gems in Ohio!

1. The Chateau Laroche (Loveland)

Chateau Laroche is located on the banks of the Little Miami River just north of Loveland, and is often called “Loveland Castle” because of the town name. Medieval enthusiast and former Boy Scout Troop Leader Harry Andrews was inspired by ancient European castles and modeled the architectural design with that in mind, bringing Old World grandeur to the New World. He started construction in 1929 and gradually built it with stones hauled from the river. It took several years to build Chateau Laroche, (“Rock Castle” in French after the hospital where he was stationed during WWI), and Andrews passed away before he could finish. It was left it to the Knights of the Golden Trail Boy Scout Troop who still guard it to this day. Isn’t it sweet that he left something for the future generations?

Chateau Laroche has undergone extensive renovations after his death and has now been mostly completed. Come visit this remarkable and eco-friendly castle on the gorgeous riverbank. You’ll feel like you stepped back in time to a European Castle as you wander the interior and the outside gardens and green house. The Boy Scouts are committed to leaving a small carbon footprint, so you will be contributing to a good cause when you are here! Just leave before sundown as there are rumors that ghosts haunt the halls, reported by some of the castle’s own volunteer knights. It just adds an extra touch of mystique to this medieval castle.

2. American Sign Museum (Cincinnati)

The American Sign Museum is located in Cincinnati and has been open to the public since 2005. Ever looked up to big advertisement panels and wonder how they came to be? This place can give you all the answers and a greater appreciation for signs! It’s a curious and fascinating assortment of signs that are preserved, archived, and displayed, as well as an exhibit featuring the equipment used to manufacture said signs.

It was founded by Tod Swormstedt, whose family has owned a signage industry trade journal that has been in circulation since 1906. Tod himself worked at the journal and was inspired to start a museum to preserve sign history! Over 200 signs and objects are displayed here, with an additional 3,800 items cataloged. You can see collections that walk you through the history of signs and advertising, starting at the late nineteenth century and up to the 1970s. See Las Vegas showcards and even an arch from a McDonalds. It’s an educational and fun space to learn about a part of life to which we’re so accustomed: seeing signs and advertising without understanding the process or strategy of grabbing our attention.

3. Mike’s Place (Kent)

Mike’s Place is located in the town of Kent and probably one of the more offbeat restaurants you’ll come across in your lifetime. It’s an odd mixture of restaurant, hangout, visitor destination and mish-mash of crazy pieces stuck together to form a wild and unique restaurant space. Stop by when you’re in the area, you can’t miss it – there is a giant Star Wars X-Wing replica out front, and that is just the beginning!

Once you walk past the space craft, Mike’s Place itself is welded together from many different parts, like a castle, buses and a boat that is now a seating area. It’s a veritable maze of a restaurant with signs that attempt to guide you to the themed seating areas or bathroom. Visit for yourself to get an idea of the mazes awaiting you. Even the menus are crazy huge and full of humorous anecdotes courtesy of the staff. Enjoy a drink and see how long it takes you to pick out a food selection from the menu!

4. The Wilds

The Wilds is located in Cumberland and is one of the few safari experiences you can visit in the U.S. It is a non-profit safari park and conservation center that funds conservation science and educational programs, and combines them with providing visitors adventure and real-life experience with the animals. It stretches over 9,150 acres and is covered with exotic and endangered species, as well as hiking trails and mountain bike trails.

Go on safari here and appreciate the land on which The Wilds stands was reclaimed from strip mining and devoted to animals. It’s a wildlife immersion experience complete with zip line tours, horseback riding, fishing and so many wildlife viewing opportunities! You can stay overnight at Nomad Ridge in rooms with a great view of rhinos! It’s an unforgettable experience and a true gem worth your time when you find yourself in Ohio.

5. Ravenwood Castle (New Plymouth)

Growing up, many of us dreamed of living in a castle with all the luxuries and grandeur of kings and queens from centuries ago. Ravenwood Castle is a real-life replica of these castles and can make this dream become reality, even if just for a night or two! It was opened as a hotel by 1997 and designed with English and Welsh castle architecture in mind.

You can have your pick of old-fashioned experience in this medieval complex: stay in a decadent castle room, a house in the medieval town, or a rustic creekside or gypsy themed cabin. Feel like you’ve walked back in time here with dungeons and King Arthur themed features. It’s a perfect blend of old with new, stone walls and antique furniture complete with whirlpool hot tubs. What more could you ask for?!

6. Hartman Rock Garden (Springfield)

Located in Springfield, Hartman Rock Garden was originally created in 1932 by Ben Hartman, an unemployed local during the Great Depression who decided to keep himself busy. He poured concrete to build a stone concrete fish pond, but was so inspired by his first attempt that he continued expanding, scavenging for stones in construction sites, breaking them down and building little stone houses, cathedrals and parapets.

Stop in to appreciate his hard work and vision when you come to the Rock Garden. There are replicas of Independence Hall, the White House, and Mount Vernon! There is also a large castle with a drawbridge and moat. The family had maintained the gardens for public visits until the last son, named Ben himself, ultimately died in 2007, at which point the property was maintained by the Kohler Foundation who continued maintaining the space. Explore this hidden gem to absorb Hartman’s creativity and use of leftover construction materials to create this fascinating rock garden.

7. Beer Barrel Saloon (Put-In-Bay)

Beer Barrel Saloon is a popular local watering hole in Put-In-Bay, a town located on South Bass Island. Well known for its large seating capacity and the “world’s longest bar”, the bar rose from the ashes of the beloved Colonial building that disappeared in flames in 1988. Stop in and grab a seat at the seemingly never ending bar and enjoy a drink or two.

While it is especially busy on weekends, there should be room for you along the 405 foot bar. Try any of the 56 beers on tap and enjoy some of the island’s best entertainment. Sit outside on the patio for a great lake view. The bar also serves delicious burgers, fries, and pizza to help you pace yourself as you sample some of the great beer offered here.

8. Healing Chapel (Coolville)

Coolville is home to Ohio’s smallest church, the Healing Chapel. It is only 10 by 14 feet, and seats just 8 people total in its four pews. Possibly the smallest church in the state, it is open 24 hours a day to anyone who wishes some time to reflect, as intended by its founder, Lloyd Middleton. His wife has maintained it since his death in 2006.

An open space for those of any faith, it is meant to provide a corner available at any time to anyone. The inside is a bit kitschy in its decor, and the guest book’s previous entries prove to be especially entertaining. Enjoy the gardens during the day and take some quiet time for reflection or meditation if you need it.

9. Lustron Houses (Whitehall)

Whitehall, Ohio was home to houses that were thought to be the futuristic answer to the post-WWII housing shortage for returning GIs. These Lustron Houses were manufactured in nearby Columbus and transported all over the country because they were made from durable materials and with the intent to take them apart and put them together somewhere halfway across the country. While the idea did not ultimately catch on, the area was well-known for a time for their production of said houses.

Given its closeness to the factory that manufactured and shipped these houses nationally, the Whitehall Historical Society recognized the historical importance of this housing idea and that specific time of extreme change and transition in the U.S., and decided to disassemble one still-standing home and transfer it to the local park. Stop in and tour this well-known prefabricated home, and learn more about a little known part of post-WWII U.S history.

10. Piatt Castles

Nestled in the countryside of Logan County, Piatt Castles has been around for over 100 years and is awaiting your visit. The land was owned by Benjamin and Elizabeth Piatt who moved there with their children from Cincinnati. They had a great respect for nature and the valley in which Piatt Castles is located, much as the original Ohio inhabitants had, and made the relocation permanent. The two Piatt homes were modeled after castles and lived in by two of their children who stayed on at the family estate, and are now open to the public as a museum.

The museum has been operating as a private, family-owned museum that works to interpret and preserve over 200 years of history of the Ohio people and land. Take a self-guided tour of these 19th century buildings to appreciate the architecture and history of the local area. The idyllic Ohio countryside provides the perfect backdrop for this museum, and makes it a true Ohio gem.

11. Glacial grooves (Kelleys Island)

On the north side of Kelleys Island are visible glacial grooves that were carved into the rock over 18,000 years ago by the great ice sheet that covered this part of North America. Now, these grooves are some of the most easily accessible and largest glacial grooves in the world, spanning a trough of 400 feet long and 35 feet wide. It’s a perfect destination for a geologist or evolutionary theory enthusiast.

While a good section is fenced off to protect this National Natural Landmark, a walkway and stairs have been designated to allow visitors a good up-close view of the rocks. Much of it contains marine fossils that are hundreds of millions of years old! Take a ferry to the island and rent a golf cart to have an easy means of transportation to move around and soak in all the sights! It will be hard to imagine this land being covered in ice when you see how green it is today.

12. Topiary Park (Columbus)

Topiary Park is located in Columbus and is a true historic gem. The park’s history has been long connected to the Ohio School for the Deaf, and was originally founded by James and Elaine Mason, who dreamed of opening this garden and creating a visual experience that lacks no sound. Make some time to tour this haven for living sculptures, boasting plants artistically cut to reflect Georges Seurat’s famous painting, A Sunday Afternoon on the Isle of La Grande Jatte.

The Topiary Park is the only landscaped plant interpretation of a painting currently in existence, and consists of 50 people, 8 boats, and animals shaped from plants and flowers that surround a real pond and trees. Both the entrance and docent tours are free and open to the public from dawn to dusk all year round. Enjoy this homage to a gorgeous painting that manages to capture its essence using nature. It’s a real treat for the eyes.

13. The Mohicans (Glenmont)

Are you a nature lover who also loves some of the more modern comforts of home? You wish you could spend more time in nature but that hot shower and coffee maker can’t always be taken with you in a backpack. The Mohicans Treehouses located just outside Loudonville provide the perfect answer – glamping! It’s a bit of having your cake and eating it too, with three different treehouses to choose from that all are eco-friendly and made from reused and repurposed materials, so you don’t even have to feel guilty!

Enjoy modern day luxuries like heating, hot water, coffee maker, a mini bar and much more! Relax and kick back as you live in luxury high up in the trees! Enjoy the peaceful night times so far removed from noisy cities, and soak in the views of the Mohican Valley. It’s a perfect place to disconnect but still stay comfortable.

14. Ghost lore in Peninsula, Ohio

Formerly known as the Boston Mills region, this area has been notorious in recent years for the folklore and rumors that surround the region. The town was originally founded in 1806 but abandoned by the residents when President Gerald Ford ordered the land turned into a park and started acquiring houses through eminent domain. The government hit some delays after acquiring the land and the town has sat abandoned ever since then.

Because it was abandoned so suddenly and without warning, the empty town has created fodder for ghost stories, conspiracy theories of chemical spills, and even the rumor that Satanist cults were involved in the building of the Presbyterian church. A gigantic mutant snake is also said to roam the town, and a bus to be haunted by lingering ghosts of supposedly murdered townspeople. While these theories have never been substantiated, it is still an intriguing and slightly eerie place to spend the afternoon. Just don’t let your imagination get to the best of you as you explore abandoned streets.

15. Hocking Hills State Park

Hocking Hills State Park is located in Logan off of State Route 664. It’s a beautiful natural paradise to visit during any season, and ideal for hikers, cyclists, campers and the casual day visitor. Nestled in the hills of the sandstone region in Southeastern Ohio, it is home to some of the most scenic natural attractions in the state! Visit this gem of a natural getaway to appreciate the rugged cliffs and intriguing gorges.

Hike or bring your mountain bike, or binoculars if you are a bird watcher. You can explore any of the 6 different hiking areas, and camp or stay at the cabins if you want to spend some quality time here and explore more. Discover the waterfalls, deep caves and lush green forestlands and bring your camera to capture photos because this is one place you won’t want to forget.

16. Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad

The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad operates excursion trips through Peninsula in the Cuyahoga Valley and Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The railroad starting running in 1880, and transported both coal and passengers across the valley. It went into decline until being revived in 1972 with the renewed interest in the track as a scenic excursion route through the beautiful Cuyahoga Valley.

Now, you can take a variety of excursions through the beautiful Ohio countryside. The railroad operates on weekends only except for the months of June to August and October, when it runs Wednesdays to Sundays. Some trains come complete with Dining Cars and Sleeping Lounges for longer trips and to make a whole event out of traveling the rails like people used to do so long ago.

17. Crystal Cave, Put-In-Bay

Crystal Cave is located in Put-In-Bay on South Bass Island in Lake Erie. It’s a limestone cave that was discovered by Gustav Heineman, an immigrant who moved to Ohio and established a winery. He was digging a well underneath his winery in 1897 when he discovered this cave. Initially he mined the limestone cave for celestine, used in fireworks, until he decided it was better served to open it up to tourists.

Come visit this impressive cave, filled with what remains of the celestine tabular crystals. It actually kept the Heineman winery open during Prohibition due to visitor revenue. Check out the crystals that can stand up to 3 feet tall and line the limestone walls of the Crystal Cave, which is over 30 feet deep! When you’re done exploring, pop back up to the top and enjoy a glass of wine at Heineman Winery to add the finishing touch to this day!

18. The Cincinnati Subway

The Cincinnati Subway is a system of incomplete tunnels and stations that were supposed to be used for a rapid transit system that never got off the ground. Originally started to upgrade the streetcars, it was abandoned during the economic crisis of the Great Depression and is the largest abandoned subway system in the United States.

All four of the original stations have been kept intact along with long, winding tunnels. It should be noted that while the city used to offer tours of this neglected project, they no longer open the subway maze to the public, and most people are unaware that beneath their feet lies a network of forgotten passageways. Most entrances are gated off, so use caution if you decide to explore. The only people who venture down here are urban explorers and city workers, but you’ll see some street art as well.

19. Oak Openings

Oak Openings Preserve Metropark is located between Whitehouse and Swanton, and is the largest of the Toledo Area Metroparks. It has been referred to by the Nature Conservancy as one of the “Last Great Places on Earth”, and is home to 180 rare species of plants and animals. Come explore this extensive region filled with curiosities for both botanists and animal lovers.

Wear comfortable shoes because there are over fifty miles of trails in the preserve, as well as sand dunes. Spend some time at the Beuhner Center, an interactive nature center filled with useful information about the local ecosystem. You’ll love the oak trees that tower over you and in between the dunes and wetlands. It will feel like walking through a mystical forest!

20. Haserot Angel in Cleveland

Usually people don’t want hang around cemeteries because it’s a little creepy. However, the Lakeview Cemetery in Cleveland actually has many famous graves of fallen greats like presidents and business moguls, and more importantly, a mesmerizing statue known as Haserot’s Angel. If you’re in the mood for something different and don’t mind being around graves, this angel is worth the visit.

Named for the grave it marks, the angel stands watch over Francis Haserot. It is made of bronze and is life-sized, holding an extinguished torch upside down, signaling the spark of life extinguished. While artistic, that’s not the interesting part – the angel also appears to weep black tears. Over time and with the elements, the bronze has aged in such a way that black tears appear to pour down the angel’s face. Check it out in section 9, lot 14. It might be eerie, but is also sort of beautiful in an unusual way.

21. Nelson Kennedy Ledge State Park

Nelson Kennedy Ledges State Park is located in Nelson Township in Portage County. The state of Ohio created the park in 1949 in an effort to preserve the area, which had long been a popular local get-away spot. If you’re an avid hiker, then this is the place for you! It offers a full range of moderately easy to extremely difficult hiking trails just begging to be explored.

The trails are color coded per the level of difficulty, with yellow being the easiest and red the most challenging. You’ll hike under a lush leafy canopy filled with songbirds serenading you and through a beech-maple forest. Enjoy the up-close view of the sandstone cliff formations. On the more challenging hikes, some rock climbing is always required. Get a workout in at the best gym ever – nature herself.

22. Mound City at Hopewell Culture National Historic Park

Hopewell is a national historical park that preserves earthworks and burial mounds of the Hopewell culture. The Hopewell lived in the area from 200 BC to 500 AD, and six of their sites are encompassed in this national historic park. Come visit these historic mounds and archeological site to learn more about this advanced Native American culture.

These mound sites contain earthworks in many shapes: circles, squares, and many other geometric shapes. Appreciate the craftsmanship that went into them – the Hopewell knew how to mix the earth to create the most stable structures. Covered by bright green grass, these mounds teach us a lot and are visually very interesting. There is also a visitor’s center and museum with artifacts that were excavated and a lot of information about their history. Come visit to soak in the ancient history that seems so far removed from us now. It’s well worth the time investment.

23. Temple of Tolerance

This maze of rocks and art is hidden in owner and creator Jim Bowsher’s backyard in Wapakoneta. It took him 18 years to build, and features a Temple and some satellite shrines from rocks that Jim salvaged and hauled himself. It’s meant to be a retreat in which any and every person is accepted, and features rocks with some pretty colorful history: there is a stone countertop that outlaw John Dillinger jumped over, or the rock that used to mark the headquarters of the KKK in Wapakoneta. Who knew rocks could be so interesting?

Come visit for a free, full tour by Jim, who will walk you through his story and theory of karma and tolerance that he has poured into this garden. His pride and joy, the Temple of Tolerance, is maintained for visitors and open at any time. Have an afternoon chat with this unique man and appreciate the vision and creativity that went into building this rock temple and garden.

24. Dysart Woods

Dysart Woods is a 50 acre old-growth oak forest in Belmont Count, and the largest remaining section of Southeastern Ohio’s original forest. It is located in a picturesque, hilly area that stands in sharp contrast to the glaciated, flat part of the state. Come visit this beautiful mixed deciduous forest, filled trees that line the lush ravines and slopes that have literally stood the test of time to flourish to this day.

The Dysart Woods present a rare opportunity to visit undisturbed forests of mixed old oaks. The woods are protected and never touched to preserve the old-growth environment. Follow the trails to admire but not injure the surrounding nature. You’ll get the chance to see towering, tall oak trees that are over 4 feet in diameter and 140 feet high. It’s a truly majestic gem that you shouldn’t miss.

24 Amazing Hidden Gems in Ohio:

• The Chateau Laroche (Loveland)
• American Sign Museum (Cincinnati)
• Mike’s Place (Kent)
• Ravenwood Castle (New Plymouth)
• Hartman Rock Garden (Springfield)
• Beer Barrel Saloon (Put-In-Bay)
• Healing Chapel (Coolville)
• Lustron Houses (Whitehall)
• Piatt Castles
• Glacial grooves (Kelleys Island)
• Topiary Park (Columbus)
• The Mohicans (Glenmont)
• Ghost lore in Peninsula, Ohio
• Hocking Hills State Park
• Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
• Crystal Cave, Put-In-Bay
• The Cincinnati Subway
• Oak Openings
• Haserot Angel in Cleveland
• Nelson Kennedy Ledge State Park
• Mound City at Hopewell Culture National Historic Park
• Temple of Tolerance
• Dysart Woods

Beyond The Buckeye State: 19 Weird Things To See And Do In Ohio

Ohio is a wonderful place to visit, with its 3 C’s (Columbus, Cleveland and Cincinnati) offering a lot of interesting places to visit and explore. There’s nature with state and national parks, ice fishing in the winter, Amish Country, amusement parks, museums and also many weird things to see and do in Ohio. While some may be known ones there’s also some that are not that well known but should be explored if you’re in the area.

1. House of Trash

2. Cincinnati Mushroom House

Created between 1992 and 2006, architecture professor Terry Brown (who sadly passed away at 53 in 2008 just 2 years after finishing this project), this house is like anything you’ve ever seen. Brown used warped shingles to create a look that’s very similar to mushrooms. The magical-looking house has been widely published and remains one of the hallmarks of the neighborhood.

3. American Sign Museum

4. Cornhenge

How about an unusual version of Stonehenge? Oversized concrete corn cobs, anyone? This is surely a great place for some quirky, interesting selfies. On one side we have the beautiful, natural background and then there’s these concrete sculptures that look out of place at first. But once you take all in, they look like they weirdly belong here. This Field of Corn is composed of 109 human-sized corn cobs and it’s pretty awesome.

5. Serpent Mound

This 411 meters mound dates back from the prehistoric era and scientists still don’t know who and why they built it. It may have been of spiritual purpose as many native cultures used to revere snakes and/or it may have been used to mark seasons or time. Whatever it may be, it looks strange and you get a certain vibe when you’re close to it.

6. The Percy Skuy Collection on the History of Contraception

Located in the Dittrick Medical History Center, this place is something else. With more than 1000 items that span over 1000 years, this weird exhibit shows just how far humans will go in order to prevent pregnancies. And believe us, some of these “items” are painful to watch, not to mention imagine how they were used. Among the many exhibits let’s just name a few so you get an idea of what’s in store here: beaver testicles, ear wax from a mule, Goodyear Tire rubbers, sponges, rhythm beads. There’s a LOT of weird things to see so if you’re a fan, be sure to visit.

PS: There’s a few very “juicy” things about Casanova here but we won’t spoil the surprise 😉

7. The Crystal Cave

So what’s so special about a cave you may ask? Well this is not any cave, it’s actually the biggest geode on earth. And while experience is quite something on its own you can also add to it by taking the Heineman winery tour. A bit of booze goes well with a crystal cave ;)! Know that the tour is just 15 minutes long.

Bonus: If you’re in the area make sure to visit the Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial

While in Put-in-Bay, Ohio (that’s where the Crystal Cave is) also visit the 107 meters (350 feet) monument that celebrates an important US Navy victory over the British navy.

8. Findlay Ghost Town

How about an eerie, spooky Ghost Town? And not just any, but the best and probably more known ghost town in Ohio. Plus it’s all pretend as this was created by the Galitza family as an 1880s replica of a real town but was never lived in. Yet, it still looks and feels very real.

First opened in the 1950s this place hasn’t been looked after all that much which contributes to the feel of an authentic ghostly town. Among other fairs and events, during Halloween, this place hosts the well known Haunted Ghost Town Findlay (which you should definitely visit if you’re a Halloween fan).

9. Loveland Castle

Hmm… a castle. Why a castle? Is it weird? The real question should be who built the castle in Loveland, Ohio? Answer: one man. Yes, you’ve read that correctly! One man, Sir Harry Andrews, has built a 1/5th scale replica of a medieval castle. Most men can barely build a house not to mention an entire castle (although a smaller one).

This man had an AMAZING life living from 1890 to 1981, serving as a medic during WWI and even being declared DEAD for 6 months! During this time his fiance married another man. Harry later had over 50 marriage proposals later in life which he turned down!

Harry was truly a special human being and his creation, the Loveland Castle has Harry written all over it as you’ll discover when you visit. Fun fact: Harry had an IQ of 189!

10. Things Swallowed Exhibit

This is one weird exhibit. Housed by the Allen County Museum, this exhibit is made up of things swallowed and removed. And it’s a real treat! Over 100 different (and some quite peculiar) objects await in Lima, Ohio.

11. Hartman’s Rock Garden

The creation of H.G. “Ben” Hartman, back in 1932 during the Great Depression, this Rock Garden is made up of many thousands of stones that the author cut down to size. A small replica of The White House, Mount Vernon, a castle with a drawbridge or many stone animals trying to get on Noah’s Ark can be found here. A truly beautiful and one of a kind garden, it’s a place that mixes weird, unusual and downright cool things made out of stone.

12. World’s Largest Horseshoe Crab

How about a wedding inside a horseshoe crab? Sounds like fun? Well then you’re in luck because in Hillsboro, Ohio, you can do just that. The HUGE 21 (67 feet) meters long , 8.5 (28 feet) meters wide and 3.6 (12 feet) meters high has already had 4 different homes. Baltimore, a creationist Kentucky museum, outside a church from Blancherter and now Hillsboro. “Crabbie” was created in 1995 and can host dozens of people so events can easily be held here.

13. The Dog Fountain from Mount Vernon, Ohio

Clearly one of the most unique fountains we’ve ever seen! There’s 18 dog statues and also a horse, birds and a cat! There’s also many other important and small details you have to see for yourself. Not a lot of people (outside the city) know about the fountain although more should as it’s something different, weird (in a good way) and special.

14. World’s Biggest Baskets

Which is the biggest basket in the world? It’s in Newark, Ohio. A huge basket-like structure built by the Longaberger Company which was once the number 1 handmade basket company in the US. It cost a whopping $30 million dollars, is 185,000 feet long and very visible from the road. Today it’s abandoned and for sale and it has seen better days.

But how about the world’s largest apple basket? Yep, Ohio has that as well and it’s close by, in Frazeysburg. It looks great but the area feels and looks deserted although it was once bustling with tourists.

15. Wall of Gum from Greenville

Why is the gum wall a thing? This all started in the 90s when Unexpected Productions performers started plastering their used gum on this wall. It soon attracted others to do the same and the wall is now filled to the brink of different colored gums.

16. World’s 2nd Smallest Street

McKinley Street in Bellefontaine was once the smallest street on earth at just 15 feet. The smallest is now Ebenezer Place in Wick, Scotland at just 6ft 9 inches in length (2.06 m).

17. The Pencil Sharpener Museum

Found in Logan, Ohio, it has more than 3,400 pencil sharpeners! If you can think of something, it’s a good bet there’s a museum for it. This collection is a must see if you’re in the area.

18. World’s Largest Rubber Stamp

One of the more known structures from Cleveland, Ohio, it was built by Standard Oil of Ohio but it was not used for its intended purposes and was not shown for many years. It now stands proudly in Willard Park.

19. The Living Bible Museum

If you’re a wax and Bible fan then this has the perfect mix of both. Giant wax figures recreating 70 famous moments from the Bible.

Recommended reading next : These 13 Weirdest Buildings Will Blow Your Mind

Hope you’ve enjoyed our list of weird things to see and do in Ohio and hopefully you will get a chance to do a few of these things if you’re ever visiting Ohio.

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12 Magical Secret Spots And Hidden Gems In Ohio

August 19, 2022 by //  by  Midwest Explored

Are you looking for hidden gems in Ohio?

Then you have come to the right place because there are so many things to do in Ohio .

This list is full of fun and unique secret places in Ohio, or at least secret to the casual Ohio visitor.

My home state is full of some really cool places that are maybe a little bit off the beaten path but totally worth a visit.

From ancient Native American effigy mounds, castles, historic restored villages, stunning state parks, and so much more.

You can, and should, visit Ohio’s major cities like Columbus, Cincinnati, or Cleveland.

But I highly suggest taking a detour to some of these Ohio hidden gems on your next vacation in Ohio.

So, let’s take a look at 12 magical secret spots and hidden gems in Ohio!

Explore The Depths Of The Ohio Caverns

One of my favorite hidden gems in Ohio is the Ohio Caverns.

You can find them about 30 miles away from Dayton and they are open for tours, rain or shine.

There are several different tours available to purchase tickets for and time slots are first come first serve.

With tours running every 10 minutes, you never have to wait very long to explore the 54 F-degree caverns on your guided tour.

While most of the tours are not wheelchair accessible, there is one, the Limestone Tour that is. However, you’ll need to reserve tickets for that particular one in advance.

But you will still get to see most of the epic sites inside the caverns.

You don’t want to miss a chance to explore this epic hidden gem in Ohio.

Serpent Mound

Serpent Mound is located in Peebles Ohio and is one of the most fantastic hidden gems in the Midwest , so obviously it belongs on the list of best hidden gems in Ohio.

It’s actually a world-historic site and is the world’s largest surviving prehistoric effigy mound as well.

The effigy mound is estimated to be anywhere from 1,000 to 2,000 years old and winds in the shape of a serpent for over 1,300 feet in a wooded area of Ohio.

Despite years of research and study, archeologists are stumped as to who the Native American’s were that built it and why.

It remains somewhat of a mystery, but it is an incredibly moving and awe-inspiring site to admire that is tucked away just outside of a small Ohio town .

Check Out The American Sign Museum

When most people visit Cincinnati they know they should visit the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens, the Cincinnati Art Museum, the National Underground Rail Road Freedom Center, or one of the many William Taft sites.

But what you don’t typically find on the lists of things to do in Cincinnati is the American Sign Museum.

Don’t let its lack of appearances on top things-to-do lists deter you, because you really should visit the American Sign Museum when you visit Cincinnati.

Inside the museum, you’ll find some really cool examples of historic commercial signs.

The signs are vintage and antique and many of them feature classic neon or other vintage lighting styles.

Along with the vintage signs, the museum is also home to a neon workshop that specializes in reviving the art traditions of classic neon lighting.

If you are traveling to Cincinnati, definitely add a trip to the American Sign Museum to your itinerary.

It is one of the coolest things to do in Cincinnati!

Enjoy A Hike At Nelson Kennedy Ledges State Park

Because it is one of the smaller Ohio parks, Nelson Kennedy Ledges State Park often gets overlooked by more prominent ones like Hocking Hills State Park or Cuyahoga Valley National Park .

It is one of the coolest state parks in Ohio and has some really unique rock formations you can explore.

Within the park, there are massive sandstone cliffs that you can explore and hike to. All along the cliffsides in the spring and summer, you can see beautiful wildflower blooms.

The park isn’t just unique rock formations though.

There is also a dense beech and maple forest with lush layers of ferns blanketing the forest floor.

You can also spend some time bird watching, hiking, and picnicking at various spots around the park.

Nelson Kennedy Ledges is one of the best secret places in Ohio that is just waiting for you to come and explore it.

The Piatt Castles

I bet you didn’t think of castles when you thought about hidden gems in Ohio.

Don’t worry, most people don’t realize that there are several, yes several, castles in Ohio .

One of my favorites is also one of the coolest Ohio secret places.

The Piatt Castles are two massive private homes that were built by the Piatt brothers.

Designed with classic Gothic architecture in mind, the homes were originally built in the 1860s and 1870s in West Liberty Ohio.

Today, these castles in Ohio are still standing.

One was sold by the Piatt family and is a private residence. The other is still owned by the family and open for self-guided tours.

Don’t miss the chance to explore one of the most charming castles in Ohio.

Take A Day Trip To See Kelley’s Island Glacial Grooves

Kelley’s Island is one of the best day trips in Ohio if you want to see a unique Ohio natural wonder.

The glacial grooves were created over millions of years by a glacier slowly carving into the stone that makes up most of the island.

The island itself is very small, but you can easily spend a day examining the grooves and hiking around the island.

You can only get to Kelley’s Island by ferry, so make sure to plan ahead if you want to take the trip out there.

There are also absolutely no cars allowed on the island, so plan on walking the entire time you are on the island.

The Temple Of Tolerance

The Temple of Tolerance truly is one of the coolest secret places in Ohio.

Located in the suburban backyard of a local man’s home in Wapakoneta Ohio, it is a massive stone temple and shrine complex created by artist Jim Bowsher.

Bowsher has spent over 25 years building and adding to the stone complex that is roughly the size of 12 ‘standard’ backyards.

It is completely free to visit the temple and it’s open 24/7, 365 days.

He designed it as a sort of retreat for those looking to feel accepted or find an escape, especially young people.

It’s one of the most fascinating hidden gems in Ohio.

Take An Amish Heartland Tour

I grew up around the Ohio Amish country and not many people have had the opportunity.

The Amish are mostly found in the Northern and Midwestern United States, but there are a few groups in other spots in the country.

While you are in Ohio, why not take a tour of the Amish Heartland.

There are so many things to do in Amish Country OH.

The Amish Heartland Tour company is located in Berlin Ohio, which is often considered the center of Ohio’s Amish community.

They offer a variety of tour levels to fit every schedule and budget.

Because they have been in the community so long, they have a great relationship with the local Amish, so you can experience things like enjoying a home-cooked Amish meal.

It’s a really unique way to respectfully learn about Ohio’s Amish community and it’s definitely not something most people think to do when they visit my home state!

Walk Down The Osage Orange Tree Tunnel

You can find the Osage Orange Tree Tunnel in the SugarCreek Metropark in Bellbrook, near Dayton.

The trees were intentionally planted in a neat row back in the late 1800s and were intended to be a sort of fence for the farm that was on the land.

Over time the trees started to bend over a path and created a magical tree tunnel.

To get to the tree tunnel you’ll need to hike on the Orange Trail. The trail is a little over 1 mile long, but it’s not super difficult.

No matter what time of year you visit, the Osage Orange Tree Tunnel is truly a magical Ohio hidden gem.

And one of the coolest things to do in Dayton OH.

Chapel Cave Is A Very Interesting Hidden Gem In Ohio

Ohio is full of so many natural wonders that people often don’t even realize exist.

One of those is the Chapel Cave, or the Twenty One Horses Cave.

It’s rumored to be able to fit twenty-one horses, with their riders, inside its depths, which means it is pretty deep.

You’ll also hear it called the Chapel Cave because its entrance resembles the entrance of a massive stone chapel.

Whatever you choose to call it, it’s definitely one of the coolest secret places in Ohio to explore.

You can find the cave just off of the Bridle Trail in Hocking Hills State Park .

If you want to spend some time in the great outdoors and see a cool hidden gem, you don’t want to skip a visit to the Chapel Cave.

Learn About Historic Roscoe Village

Construction for Roscoe Village originally started in the late 1820s, near the Ohio and Erie Canal after the canal’s building cause the population in the area to rise.

It was officially named Roscoe Village in 1830 and quickly became a thriving port town.

The town would continue to thrive until the advancement of the railroad in the late 1860s.

As work left the area, the population began to twindle, but the town still held on.

Tragically, the entire town was wiped away in 1913 in the Great Flood. For many years its ruins were left and forgotten.

However, in the late 1960s, a movement began to restore the town as a living history museum.

Since then, the entire town has been restored and it’s like stepping back in time.

You can tour the restored historic buildings, learn about 1800s canal life, and explore one of the most unique Ohio secret places.

Admire Berea Falls

One of the prettiest hidden gems in Cleveland Ohio is Berea Falls.

Not many people think to go chasing waterfalls in a big city like Cleveland, so Berea Falls often gets overlooked.

However, if you find yourself with some free time while you’re exploring Cleveland , I highly suggest making a stop.

While technically located in a Cleveland Metropark, you’ll need to travel just a little bit outside of the city to admire Berea Falls.

You can find the falls overlook in the Rocky River Reservation in Berea Ohio.

While there, take some stunning pictures of the falls and make sure to learn a little bit about the history of this Ohio glacial formations history.

Packing List Suggestions When Searching Out Secret Spots In Ohio

Read about how to travel with just carry-on sized luggage to make your trip easier and more organized.

A  concealed travel pouch may be one of the most important items you bring along when searching for hidden gems in Ohio.  It is  always   important  to protect your personal information. Identity thieves are everywhere.

This  unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is  lightweight and comes in several colors. It has lots of organization to give you peace of mind. You can place it under your hiking clothes next to your body to carry your ID safely.

If you have a pouch already that does not come with RFID protection, as I do, these  RFID  sleeves  are the perfect solution.

This configuration comes with enough credit card sleeves that the entire family would be protected. They are slim too, so they will easily fit into your pouch or wallet.

If you are planning on taking a lot of pictures with your phone you will definitely want to consider an  external  charging battery . This  Anker high-speed phone charging battery  is  the exact one  I carry with me on all of my trips.

It can be used on a variety of phones, not just an iPhone like I have. And wow is it fast!

I like that it holds its charging capabilities for several uses so I do not have to worry about it while out and about, and if I forget to recharge it at night, it will still be good to go the next day.

My daughter gifted me with this  FugeTek selfie stick and tripod   setup for my birthday. I absolutely love it! It is made of lightweight aluminum and is so easy to use.

It has Bluetooth connectivity and is a breeze to use for taking selfies with all those nature shots in Iowa.

Hydration is so important when hiking. You want to remain hydrated throughout your travels to support your immune system which in turn will be stronger to fight off any germs you will encounter during your travels.

You will want to bring your own  refillable water bottle  with you.

I never leave home on a trip without my  Bobble filtration bottle .  The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for hiking and it fits nicely in the pocket of a backpack.

The replaceable carbon filter ensures fresh water when you want it.

Perhaps you are traveling a long distance and packing space is a premium in your suitcase, or in your car. Then this collapsible silicone foldable water bottle  would work well for you. Would not take up much space at all.

You will want a  backpack or daypack  with you to store snacks, your water bottle, phone, extra clothes, etc.. when visiting Ohio. No matter the time of day or evening.

This   foldable water-resistant backpack   would be great.

It is very affordable and is available in many color options for you to choose from. The fact that it folds down into a zippered pouch will make it easy to pack!

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My home state of Ohio has some really unique and fun secret spots and hidden gems.

No matter what kind of attractions you are interested in, I guarantee there is an Ohio hidden gem just waiting for you to come and explore it.

Have you been to any of these hidden gems in Ohio? What secret spots in Ohio do you think more people should know about?

Let me know in the comments!

Reader Interactions

August 28, 2022 at 1:36 pm

Been to Kelly’s island many times and it’s a great place. You can take your car there.

[…] you are looking for a kitschy museum and hidden gem in Ohio, that the whole family will love, you need to stop by the American Sign Museum in […]