Sometimes, the Three C’s get a little bit too much attention. Often times, we forget about the mid-size cities, which can be just as entertaining if you know where to look. And life in these cities certainly provides a happy medium to big city and small town life. The following are 11 cities in Ohio that aren’t too big and aren’t too small—they’re just right. (And slightly underrated.)
- Akron
David Wilson/Flickr Akron features an array of attractions in addition to its shopping and eateries. The beautiful Stan Hywett Hall and Gardens is a must-see. Other amenities to check out in the Akron area include Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Quaker Square, Akron Zoo, Akron Fossils and Science Center and the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad.
- Zanesville
maraca/Flickr Vase Henge (pictured) and the Y Bridge are two unique things you’ll want to check out here. In fact, the Y Bridge in Zanesville is the only bridge in the world that you can cross and still be on the same side of the river. (Also, be sure to stop by Tom’s Ice Cream Bowl for some delicious ice cream and a nostalgic time.)
- Youngstown
Turfgrasss Doctor/Flickr Youngstown is home to the second largest metropark in the U.S. (after Central Park in New York City,) and it’s unbelievably gorgeous. This quiet gem amid the hustle and bustle of the city features some of the area’s most popular attractions such as Fellows Riverside Gardens and Lanterman’s Mill.
- Springfield
JR P/Flickr Home to the beautiful Wittenburg University and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Westcott House, this underrated city is full of hidden gems. While you’re here, you’ll want to check out the Little Miami Scenic Trail, Hartman’s Rock Garden and Heart of Ohio Antique Center.
- Canton
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr Maybe Cleveland is home to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but Canton is the proud home of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Other destinations you’ll want to check out in Canton include the National First Ladies Library, Canton Classic Car Museum and the Canton Museum of Art.
- Sandusky
Michelle/Flickr You have to admit, being home to the Roller Coaster Capital of the World is pretty impressive. In addition to Cedar Point Amusement Park, Sandusky is home to multiple waterparks and features picturesque Lake Erie beaches that are the perfect way to spend a sunny day.
- Dayton
The Moody Views/Facebook For all things aviation, Dayton is the place to be. The city is home to both the National Museum of the United States Air Force (where admission is FREE,) and the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park. Other attractions to make sure you check out in Dayton include Five Rivers Metroparks, the Dayton International Peace Museum, SunWatch Indian Village, the Victoria Theatre, Dayton Art Institute and Carillon Historical Park.
- Cuyahoga Falls
David Wilson/Flickr There’s always something going on at Falls River Square in Cuyahoga Falls. (On a hot day, you can always cool off in the splash pad.) Other popular places to see here are Gorge Metro Park and Sarah’s Vineyard.
- Newark
Vicki Timman/Flickr This mid-size central Ohio city is home to the world’s largest basket, (also known as Longaberger’s headquarters.) After you’ve taken a selfie with the unique office building in the background, check out Dawes Arboretum and the beautiful Midland Theatre.
- Lima
Bill Walsh/Flickr Lima is also home to some pretty distinct destinations and attractions you won’t find anywhere else, including the rare fast food joint, Kewpee, and the Allen County Museum’s “Things Swallowed” exhibit.
- Lorain
Rona Proudfoot/Flickr Lorain Lighthouse (pictured) serves as the iconic image of this lovely mid-size city. Be sure to check out Lakeview Park and Flinger’s Market while you’re in town.
What other mid-size cities are there in Ohio that are “just right?”
David Wilson/Flickr
Akron features an array of attractions in addition to its shopping and eateries. The beautiful Stan Hywett Hall and Gardens is a must-see. Other amenities to check out in the Akron area include Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Quaker Square, Akron Zoo, Akron Fossils and Science Center and the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad.
maraca/Flickr
Vase Henge (pictured) and the Y Bridge are two unique things you’ll want to check out here. In fact, the Y Bridge in Zanesville is the only bridge in the world that you can cross and still be on the same side of the river. (Also, be sure to stop by Tom’s Ice Cream Bowl for some delicious ice cream and a nostalgic time.)
Turfgrasss Doctor/Flickr
Youngstown is home to the second largest metropark in the U.S. (after Central Park in New York City,) and it’s unbelievably gorgeous. This quiet gem amid the hustle and bustle of the city features some of the area’s most popular attractions such as Fellows Riverside Gardens and Lanterman’s Mill.
JR P/Flickr
Home to the beautiful Wittenburg University and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Westcott House, this underrated city is full of hidden gems. While you’re here, you’ll want to check out the Little Miami Scenic Trail, Hartman’s Rock Garden and Heart of Ohio Antique Center.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
Maybe Cleveland is home to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but Canton is the proud home of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Other destinations you’ll want to check out in Canton include the National First Ladies Library, Canton Classic Car Museum and the Canton Museum of Art.
Michelle/Flickr
You have to admit, being home to the Roller Coaster Capital of the World is pretty impressive. In addition to Cedar Point Amusement Park, Sandusky is home to multiple waterparks and features picturesque Lake Erie beaches that are the perfect way to spend a sunny day.
The Moody Views/Facebook
For all things aviation, Dayton is the place to be. The city is home to both the National Museum of the United States Air Force (where admission is FREE,) and the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park. Other attractions to make sure you check out in Dayton include Five Rivers Metroparks, the Dayton International Peace Museum, SunWatch Indian Village, the Victoria Theatre, Dayton Art Institute and Carillon Historical Park.
There’s always something going on at Falls River Square in Cuyahoga Falls. (On a hot day, you can always cool off in the splash pad.) Other popular places to see here are Gorge Metro Park and Sarah’s Vineyard.
Vicki Timman/Flickr
This mid-size central Ohio city is home to the world’s largest basket, (also known as Longaberger’s headquarters.) After you’ve taken a selfie with the unique office building in the background, check out Dawes Arboretum and the beautiful Midland Theatre.
Bill Walsh/Flickr
Lima is also home to some pretty distinct destinations and attractions you won’t find anywhere else, including the rare fast food joint, Kewpee, and the Allen County Museum’s “Things Swallowed” exhibit.
Rona Proudfoot/Flickr
Lorain Lighthouse (pictured) serves as the iconic image of this lovely mid-size city. Be sure to check out Lakeview Park and Flinger’s Market while you’re in town.
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