Ohio is probably more unique, beautiful and interesting than you think. To help you see this, we’ve highlighted a variety of tours that we think will show you some of Ohio’s best scenery, history and culture. From the scenic hills to the gorgeous coasts, here are 10 quintessential tours that will show you Ohio in ways you’ve probably never seen it.
- The Ohio Statehouse
Arienz CHEN/Flickr Officially finished in 1847, our beautiful state capitol is known for its distinctive rotunda and regularly hosts tours organized by the Ohio Statehouse Museum Education Center. Free, guided tours of the Statehouse are offered Monday through Friday on the hour from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays from noon until 3 p.m.
- Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
cvsr.com Take a scenic tour through the Cuyahoga Valley National Park on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the year until the first weekend in October. For more information click here.
- Amish Heartland Tours
Trip Advisor Everyone needs to experience Ohio Amish Country at least once. Amish Heartland Tours in Millersburg offers some great tour options, including bus tours and back road tours. For more information click here.
- East Sandusky Bay Water Trail
Thomas Gehrke/Flickr Bring your own kayak, canoe or rowboat and tour the scenic views, cultural history and recreational opportunities of the area from a unique view along this 15-mile eco-tourist water trail.
- The Wilds
The Wilds/Facebook Although Ohio is full of several impressive zoos, The Wilds in Cumberland offer a unique way to observe exotic animals. Depending on the tour option you choose, you can get an up-close encounter with the animals or board a Safari Transport so you can observe them (from a safe distance) roam freely while learning all about the rare and endangered species the facility conserves.
- Ashtabula County Covered Bridge Tour
Mark K./Flickr Drive through America’s shortest and longest covered bridge along this scenic route, which features 18 covered bridges in Ashtabula County. Begin your drive at the Netcher Road bridge near Jefferson and continue to the Smolen-Gulf Bridge (pictured) near the Ashtabula River. To view a map of the complete routes of this drive click here.
- The Adena Mansion and Gardens
Maia C./Flickr Located in Chillicothe, (which was actually Ohio’s first capital,) this 2,000-acre estate was once home to the sixth governor of Ohio and one of the state’s first United States Senators, Thomas Worthington—who is also considered by many to be the father of Ohio and the Ohio-Erie Canal. (Fun fact: You can also find a beautiful view of The Great Seal of Ohio on the grounds of this site.)
- BB Riverboats Tour
April Dray/Only In Your State “Because it’s better on the river,” BB Riverboats in Newport, Kentucky offers a fantastic dinner cruise on the Ohio River, as well as a Historic Cincinnati Sightseeing Cruise. For more information, click here.
- Hocking Hills Canopy Tour
Zack F./Yelp Hocking Hills Canopy Tours offers a unqiue expereince unlike any other in Ohio. Along their zipline canopy tour, you’ll complete 10 zip lines and cross five adventure skybridges. It’s a beautiful, unique way to tour the Hocking Hills region.
- SegAway Tours of Columbus
Veronika R./Yelp Tour the big city via segaway. Choose from the Original City Tour and the River and Bridges Tour. For more information click here.
Have you taken any of these tours? What was your experience like? What other tours would you recommend? Share your thoughts with us!
Arienz CHEN/Flickr
Officially finished in 1847, our beautiful state capitol is known for its distinctive rotunda and regularly hosts tours organized by the Ohio Statehouse Museum Education Center. Free, guided tours of the Statehouse are offered Monday through Friday on the hour from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays from noon until 3 p.m.
cvsr.com
Take a scenic tour through the Cuyahoga Valley National Park on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the year until the first weekend in October. For more information click here.
Trip Advisor
Everyone needs to experience Ohio Amish Country at least once. Amish Heartland Tours in Millersburg offers some great tour options, including bus tours and back road tours. For more information click here.
Thomas Gehrke/Flickr
Bring your own kayak, canoe or rowboat and tour the scenic views, cultural history and recreational opportunities of the area from a unique view along this 15-mile eco-tourist water trail.
The Wilds/Facebook
Although Ohio is full of several impressive zoos, The Wilds in Cumberland offer a unique way to observe exotic animals. Depending on the tour option you choose, you can get an up-close encounter with the animals or board a Safari Transport so you can observe them (from a safe distance) roam freely while learning all about the rare and endangered species the facility conserves.
Mark K./Flickr
Drive through America’s shortest and longest covered bridge along this scenic route, which features 18 covered bridges in Ashtabula County. Begin your drive at the Netcher Road bridge near Jefferson and continue to the Smolen-Gulf Bridge (pictured) near the Ashtabula River. To view a map of the complete routes of this drive click here.
Maia C./Flickr
Located in Chillicothe, (which was actually Ohio’s first capital,) this 2,000-acre estate was once home to the sixth governor of Ohio and one of the state’s first United States Senators, Thomas Worthington—who is also considered by many to be the father of Ohio and the Ohio-Erie Canal. (Fun fact: You can also find a beautiful view of The Great Seal of Ohio on the grounds of this site.)
April Dray/Only In Your State
“Because it’s better on the river,” BB Riverboats in Newport, Kentucky offers a fantastic dinner cruise on the Ohio River, as well as a Historic Cincinnati Sightseeing Cruise. For more information, click here.
Zack F./Yelp
Hocking Hills Canopy Tours offers a unqiue expereince unlike any other in Ohio. Along their zipline canopy tour, you’ll complete 10 zip lines and cross five adventure skybridges. It’s a beautiful, unique way to tour the Hocking Hills region.
Veronika R./Yelp
Tour the big city via segaway. Choose from the Original City Tour and the River and Bridges Tour. For more information click here.
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