Beyond Halle Berry and LeBron James, this 78-square-mile city has given the world much more. The United States would be significantly different without Cleveland: Cleveland's thriving steel industry and manufacturing facilities helped it become (and continue to be) an industrial powerhouse. A large portion of the raw materials, particularly steel, needed throughout the Industrial Revolution and crucial to the growth of the nation as a whole, were produced in the city.

Cleveland should be considered while planning a city vacation, even though it might not immediately spring to mind. This northeastern Ohio city, situated on Lake Erie's beaches, is not only a gastronomic mecca but also a haven for outdoor adventurers. Cleaner parks and streets, as well as the opening of new hotels and hip restaurants, are changes that only serve to increase the already long list of things to do and see.

While Cleveland has all the activity you'd anticipate from a large metropolis, it also retains a small-town atmosphere. While the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Cleveland Museum of Art honor the city's rich heritage, its 23,000 acres of parks and wildlife preserves offer a convenient respite from the city. Cleveland is a destination that appeals to people who enjoy the outdoors, sports, and good food. By the conclusion of your journey, you might even develop into what Clevelanders call a "Cleveland-gelical."

Rankings:

• #1 in Best Places to Visit in Ohio
  
• #16 in Best Weekend Getaways in the Midwest

Location: Ohio

Directions

Charles Dickens, a renowned author, described Cincinnati as "a wonderful city; bright, prospering, and active." Even if some of Cincinnati's areas are dilapidated, the city is experiencing a strong revival. You need only glance at the famed Over-the-Rhine (OTR) neighborhood to see proof: This area is home to the renowned Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and the thriving Findlay Market, which attracts throngs of foodies on the weekends. Another illustration of this resurgence may be found in downtown, as evidenced by the relatively recent repairs to the riverfront Great American Ball Park and the pedestrian-friendly Fountain Square.

However, Cincy, one of the Best Places to Visit in Ohio, is more than just urban growth. Some of the more pastoral regions have stayed exactly that way. This can be demonstrated by strolling around Eden Park or the Spring Grove Cemetery & Arboretum, both of which are situated next to the Cincinnati Art Museum. Dickens' statement that "The citizens of Cincinnati are proud of their city as one of the most intriguing in America: and with good reason" should come as no surprise.

Rankings:

• #2 in Best Places to Visit in Ohio
  
• #19 in Best Weekend Getaways in the Midwest

Location: Ohio

Directions

Columbus, one of the Best Places to Visit in Ohio, continues to draw more and more tourists each year for a variety of reasons, including new parks, expanding museums, an exciting state fair, and a developing culinary scene. You might be surprised by the affordability of this Midwest resort, which is teeming with attractions for all types of tourists.

The Columbus Museum of Art is a great place for art enthusiasts to pursue their passion, and the North Market and the city's many restaurants are great for foodies. Sports enthusiasts can watch a baseball game at Huntington Park or root for the Ohio State Buckeyes football team at Ohio Stadium in the interim. Additionally, hundreds of thousands of tourists throng Columbus during the summer for its yearly state fair, which has performances, rides, regional cuisine, and more.

Speaking of culture, The Ohio State University's almost 50,000 students fill a huge campus north of downtown, making this nation's capital a college town. The college is surrounded by the expected cheap eats and boisterous bars, but you can also find more upmarket eateries in places like Easton Town Center and the charming German Village. (Did you know that in the early 19th century, German immigrants played a significant role in settling Columbus?) You ought to hoist the sails and use your compass to navigate this central Ohio city, just like the city's namesake. You might wish to relocate after your stay.

Rankings:

• #3 in Best Places to Visit in Ohio
  
• #22 in Best Weekend Getaways in the Midwest

Location: Ohio

Directions

Water enthusiasts and adventure seekers are drawn to Sandusky, which is situated along the shores of Lake Erie. In addition to being close to beaches and waterfront paths, Cedar Point, an entertainment park with some of the tallest and fastest roller coasters near the world, is located in the town.

The attraction also has kid-friendly rides, a sports complex, and a water park. In addition to Cedar Point, tourists can visit the Merry-Go-Round Museum and Kalahari Resorts & Conventions Sandusky, the biggest indoor water park in the state, which are also family-friendly attractions.

Sandusky, a community on the banks of Lake Erie between Cleveland and Toledo, is one to be proud of. The city's most well-known attraction is Cedar Point Amusement Park, where you can ride some of the Midwest's most exhilarating and extreme roller coasters.

The Cold Creek Trout Camp is located in Sandusky if you'd prefer something a little more leisurely. From here, you may travel to the area where Lake Erie and Sandusky Bay converge, and there are even stunning views of Cedar Point's coasters.

Rankings:

• #4 in Best Places to Visit in Ohio

Location: Ohio

Directions

Hocking Hills State Park in southeast Ohio is one of the most picturesque places in the state with its magnificent caves and majestic waterfalls. There are numerous hiking paths inside the park, such as the Ash Cave Gorge and Ash Cave Rim trails, which lead to Ash Cave (the largest recess cave in Ohio). The Old Man's Cave, which is the most visited location in the Hockessin Hills, is reached through the 6-mile Grandma Gatewood Trail. From there, you can continue to Cedar Falls, which is home to the park's biggest waterfall by volume.

Hocking Hills State Park is one of the Best Places to Visit in Ohio. You may find deep gorges, spectacular waterfalls, and stunning rocks within the sizable park. There are also several caverns, many of which contain artifacts attesting to the presence of the Adena people in the region more than 7,000 years ago. Visitors can explore Old Man's Cave and Ash Cave, two of these caverns that are most well-known. Numerous hiking trails with signs beckon for miles, and incredibly tall hemlocks provide shade on hot summer afternoons.

Rankings:

• #5 in Best Places to Visit in Ohio

Location: Ohio

Directions

One of Ohio's most popular Lake Erie islands is Put-in-Bay, which is less than 23 miles northwest of Sandusky and reachable by Jet Express ferry. Visitors to Put-in-Bay can either tour must-see sites like Perry's Victory & International Peace Memorial and the Lake Erie Islands Nature & Wildlife Center on their own or take Island Transportation's Tour Train to gain a general overview of the island. Families with young children might also visit Perry's Cave Family Fun Center, which offers attractions including a gigantic maze, a rock climbing wall, a miniature golf course, and a butterfly house.

The quaint village of Put in Bay is located on South Bass Island in northern Ohio. Since it offers stunning views, a rich history, and some incredible beaches, it is frequently referred to as the "Key West of the North." There are numerous historical sites and museums in the region that document its distinctive historical past. You must board the Jet Express ferry to travel to Put in Bay. It departs from the piers at Sandusky and Port Clinton and costs $8 for passengers over the age of 11 and $1.50 for those under.

Rankings:

• #6 in Best Places to Visit in Ohio
  

Location: Ohio

Directions

Cuyahoga Valley National Park is the only national park in the state. The stunning Cuyahoga River is the park's biggest draw, and it's only a short drive outside of Cleveland. Nearly 200 miles of hiking trails pass by rolling hills, shadowed valleys, sandstone ledges, and more than 70 waterfalls.

If strenuous hiking isn't your idea of fun, there's a fantastic substitute that still lets you take in a lot of the scenery. With its many stations, the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad is a great opportunity to view a lot of ground in a short period of time.

To get away from the noise and pollution of adjacent cities like Cleveland and Akron, visit Cuyahoga Valley National Park. This national park offers plenty of hiking, biking, fishing, and kayaking possibilities during the warmer months, along with entertaining family-friendly activities like junior ranger programs and seasonal train rides. Additionally, during the colder months, Cuyahoga Valley transforms into a winter paradise, attracting visitors interested in spending their vacations sledding, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing.

Rankings:

• #7 in Best Places to Visit in Ohio

Location: Ohio

Directions

For fans of sports, Canton is a must-visit location. The Pro Football Hall of Fame and the NFL were both founded in Canton, which goes by the moniker "Hall of Fame City." Football lovers can visit the museum and take in its bronze busts of more than 300 Hall of Famers, as well as its collection of recent player relics and Super Bowl victory rings. A classic automobile museum, many breweries, and the William McKinley Presidential Library & Museum are just a few of the additional attractions and amenities that Canton has to offer for those who aren't fans of the game.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame, which celebrates National Football League players with a number of exceptional permanent and traveling exhibitions, is well known in the welcoming city of Canton. There are numerous family-friendly attractions and activities in and around Canton, Ohio. The Pro Football Hall of Fame, the William McKinley Tomb, and the McKinley Presidential Library and Museum are some of the top attractions. Prior to your visit, make sure to phone the restaurants and attractions to confirm the most recent operating hours.

Rankings:

• #8 in Best Places to Visit in Ohio

Location: Ohio

Directions

Athens, which is located in the Appalachian Mountains' foothills, has a wide range of attractions. The main campus of Ohio University is located in this college town and boasts more than 100 different tree species, the 45-foot-tall Civil War Soldiers Monument, and the serene Wolfe Garden in its charming College Green neighborhood. Additionally, you can explore the artwork at The Dairy Barn Arts Center, indulge in a craft beer at a nearby brewery (if you're at least 21 years old), and engage in outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, and fishing at Strouds Run State Park.

Anyone who has an adventurous spirit and a passion for the worlds of arts, culture, and learning can find that taking a holiday to Athens is the best vacation choice they have ever made. Athens, Ohio is a well-known city where the arts, culture, history, and learning flourish, thus there are a lot of interesting and enjoyable things to do there. Many people refer to its stunning and well-preserved past as the city's claim to fame.

In the southeast of Ohio, roughly 105 kilometers southeast of Columbus, Athens is the county seat of Athens County. The Hocking River is one of the city's most notable features because so many of Athens' hotspots are situated along it. The Hocking River is one of the city's most notable features because so many of Athens' hotspots are situated along it. Huge hills and picturesque scenery are delicately traversed by the majestic Hocking River. Athens' climate is very lovely and conducive to tourism.

Rankings:

• #9 in Best Places to Visit in Ohio

Location: Ohio

Directions

Dayton is the cradle of aviation, so it should come as no surprise that many of its top attractions are centered around flying and its background. Visitors can learn more about the first practical aircraft the Wright Brothers constructed and gain an insight into the lives of the inventive pilots at Wright Brothers Hill and the John W. Berry, Sr. Wright Brothers National Museum. For more information on aviation history, tourists should also visit the National Museum of the United States Air Force, the biggest and oldest museum in the world devoted to military aircraft, and the National Aviation Hall of Fame.

If you enjoy flying, Dayton, Ohio, should be at the top of your travel itinerary. As the acknowledged birthplace of aviation, you may find a variety of sights and activities that honor the Wright brothers, who invented flying. The aviation theme permeates the entire city, from the bicycle shop owned by the Wright brothers to the National Museum of the United States Air Force, which houses a NASA Space Shuttle. Dayton is proud of its history in aviation, but it also appeals to travelers who enjoy art, archaeology, science, horticulture, and the outdoors.

With the renowned Dayton Art Institute, a variety of music and theatrical performance spaces, and the Carillon Historical Park, where you will be astounded by the sheer amount of ideas that came from the city, Dayton is deeply anchored in history, culture, and creativity. While exploring some of Dayton's historic neighborhoods on foot is a great way to explore the early 19th- and 20th-century architecture and local flair, Dayton's numerous museums are well worth a visit.

Rankings:

• #10 in Best Places to Visit in Ohio

Location: Ohio

Directions