It’s no secret that Ohio is home to some really beautiful towns. But it’s the smaller, lesser-known towns (with populations less than 10,000) that are the real hidden gems. We’ve gathered a list of some of what we consider to be the most charming, picturesque small towns in Ohio and created a road trip for those of you looking to see some of the most beautiful small towns in Ohio. We guarantee that you’ll fall in love with these charming villages and small towns.
Screenshot via Google Maps
Grab a friend or two, start at the small town nearest you and work your way to the others. To view the Google Map of the trip in a separate tab or window, click here.
Screenshot via Google Maps
- Yellow Springs
JR P/Flickr
wormwould/Flickr If you’ve yet to visit Yellow Springs, you’re truly missing out. It’s home to a population of approximately 3,513 residents, Antioch College, a colorful downtown, a working dairy farm, the nearby John Bryan State Park and, (you guessed it), the official “Yellow Spring” the town is named after. This artsy little town offers unique shops, local eateries and small town life at its finest—but the nature scene really thrives here too.
- Grand Rapids
Starley Shelton/Flickr
Starley Shelton/Flickr This charming village is located along the southern bank of the Maumee River, just southwest of Toledo. This restored canal town is truly one of a kind, with a population of about 986. (You can even ride on a canal boat pulled by mules down the restored Miami & Erie Canal.)
- Marblehead
Frank DiBona/Flickr
TravelingOtter/Flickr At the tip of the scenic Marblehead Peninsula, the charming town of Marblehead features the iconic Marblehead Lighthouse, beautiful views of Lake Erie and Sandusky Bay and boating culture. The lighthouse is the Great Lakes’ oldest continuously operating lighthouse and is open for tours during the summer.
- Oberlin
Edsel Little/Flickr
Edsel Little/Flickr Home to the private liberal arts college, Oberlin College (the first American higher education institution to admit female and black students,) this progressive little town has a close-knit community, a rich history and a lively arts and cultural scene. In 2012, it was voted one of the state’s “Best Hometowns” by Ohio Magazine.
- Chagrin Falls
Wendy Soucie/Flickr
Jon Dawnson/Flickr This Cuyahoga County village is the epitome of charm. The town’s name is derived from the waterfalls of the Chagrin River. Chagrin Falls (pictured) flows in the heart of the town, which was established in 1845.
- Roscoe Village
buckeye45601/Flickr
buckeye45601/Flickr The Historic Roscoe Village is a restored 1830 Ohio and Erie Canal town, and it’s truly delightful. Shopping, dining, gardens, live history tours and canal boat rides are just a few of the many fun things to do here. This town is a historic gem you don’t want to miss.
- Granville
Gone-Walkabout/Flickr
VasenkaPhotography/Flickr Known for its historic architecture and New England character, this Licking County village is home to the historic Avery Downer House, The Buxton Inn, The Granville Inn and Denison University. Additionally, it is the location of the prehistoric Alligator Effigy Mound, built by people of the Fort Ancient culture.
What do you think? Are you up for this road trip? For even more scenic towns in Ohio, check out our previous article; These 12 Towns In Ohio Have The Most Breathtaking Scenery In The State.
JR P/Flickr
wormwould/Flickr
If you’ve yet to visit Yellow Springs, you’re truly missing out. It’s home to a population of approximately 3,513 residents, Antioch College, a colorful downtown, a working dairy farm, the nearby John Bryan State Park and, (you guessed it), the official “Yellow Spring” the town is named after. This artsy little town offers unique shops, local eateries and small town life at its finest—but the nature scene really thrives here too.
Starley Shelton/Flickr
This charming village is located along the southern bank of the Maumee River, just southwest of Toledo. This restored canal town is truly one of a kind, with a population of about 986. (You can even ride on a canal boat pulled by mules down the restored Miami & Erie Canal.)
Frank DiBona/Flickr
TravelingOtter/Flickr
At the tip of the scenic Marblehead Peninsula, the charming town of Marblehead features the iconic Marblehead Lighthouse, beautiful views of Lake Erie and Sandusky Bay and boating culture. The lighthouse is the Great Lakes’ oldest continuously operating lighthouse and is open for tours during the summer.
Edsel Little/Flickr
Home to the private liberal arts college, Oberlin College (the first American higher education institution to admit female and black students,) this progressive little town has a close-knit community, a rich history and a lively arts and cultural scene. In 2012, it was voted one of the state’s “Best Hometowns” by Ohio Magazine.
Wendy Soucie/Flickr
Jon Dawnson/Flickr
This Cuyahoga County village is the epitome of charm. The town’s name is derived from the waterfalls of the Chagrin River. Chagrin Falls (pictured) flows in the heart of the town, which was established in 1845.
buckeye45601/Flickr
The Historic Roscoe Village is a restored 1830 Ohio and Erie Canal town, and it’s truly delightful. Shopping, dining, gardens, live history tours and canal boat rides are just a few of the many fun things to do here. This town is a historic gem you don’t want to miss.
Gone-Walkabout/Flickr
VasenkaPhotography/Flickr
Known for its historic architecture and New England character, this Licking County village is home to the historic Avery Downer House, The Buxton Inn, The Granville Inn and Denison University. Additionally, it is the location of the prehistoric Alligator Effigy Mound, built by people of the Fort Ancient culture.
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