Ohio Uncovered: Unveiling the Must-See Destinations and Experiences

The state of Ohio stretches from the Appalachian Mountains in the southeast to the industrialized shores of the Great Lakes up north, with the vast expanse of the Ohio River Valley (in many ways, the heartland of the nation itself) filling the space in between.

While The Buckeye State is on the smaller side (just like most of the states east of the Mississippi River) as it pertains to area—ranked No. 34—it’s one of the most populous, with nearly 12 million people… good for the No. 7 spot.

With the combination of diverse natural landscapes and large amounts of people, you’re never lacking for things to do if you’re an Ohio native, or planning a visit to the Buckeye State. Here’s a look at some of the top things to do in Ohio: rest assured, there’s something for everyone.

Coming in first on our list is one of the quintessential experiences in the state, and a bucket list item for any fan of college football.

Ohio State University always fields a powerhouse football program, and Ohio Stadium (home of the eponymous Buckeyes) is one of the true cathedrals of college ball. ‘The Horseshoe,’ as it’s affectionately known, houses nearly 103,000 seats, making it the third-largest stadium in the United States… and that capacity can push much higher with standing room only tickets during sellouts, which happen frequently.

Are you a football fan? If you’re craving the exhilarating atmosphere of a live football match, then mark your calendars and get ready for an unforgettable experience at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, OH. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of the action with Ohio sportsbooks and create lasting memories as you join the roaring crowd, surrounded by the contagious enthusiasm that fills the air. Secure your tickets, grab your team gear, and prepare for a casual yet unforgettable football adventure in the heart of Ohio.

Tickets for the Buckeyes game against their hated rivals at the University of Michigan, which takes place the weekend after Thanksgiving every year to close out the regular season, can go for upwards of $500 for nosebleed seats… but the atmosphere will be like none other. It’s Michigan’s turn to host ‘The Game’ this year, but the Buckeyes will face the Penn State Nittany Lions (October 21) and Michigan State Spartans (November 11) in Columbus this year, a pair of games that could decide who wins the Big Ten.

Next on the list is a change of pace with Cuyahoga Valley National Park. If Ohio Stadium means sensory overload in a crowd that is 100,000 strong, enjoying a beautiful National Park is a great chance to get away from it all. Less than half an hour away from downtown Cleveland, Cuyahoga Valley is a real treat when it comes to transportation: you won’t be driving for hours from the nearest airport to get there like you would with more famous national parks like Yellowstone, Yosemite or the Grand Canyon.

Many of the longer trails in the park are suitable for mountain bikes, so you can speed up the process if hiking isn’t your thing, but they also have plenty of quick trails like the Virginia Kendall Ledges and the Brandywine Falls, as well as educational trails that tell the story of industrialization along the Cleveland-Akron corridor. .

Rounding out the list is the Cedar Point Amusement Park in Sandusky, Ohio, right along the shores of Lake Erie. The second-oldest operating amusement park in the country, Cedar Point opened its doors in 1870 but hasn’t ever struggled to keep up with the times. As of 2023, the 16 rollercoasters at the park rank as the second-most in the United States, and the third-most on the entire continent of North America.

With iconic coasters like the Top Thrill Dragster, which launches you 420 feet into the air (and brings you flying back to earth at 120 miles per hour), Cedar Point’s thrills rival those of Buckeye Stadium.