4 Star Places To Visit in Ohio, United States (50)
4.5Rock & Roll Hall of Fame(9.822 reviews)from $35.90 - Bucket list item for rock and roll fans Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums
Headquartered in a boldly designed building on Lake Erie's shore, The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a 150,000-square-foot museum featuring ever-changing exhibits documenting the history of rock and roll, from Elvis to our days. You’ll see hundreds of original artifacts, from Jimi Hendrix outfits to The Beatles’ handwritten lyrics. Experience the excitement of a Rock Hall induction night at the Power of Rock Experience or have your very own jam session at the Garage. You can also watch a concert while you're here, so check out the Rock Hall’s schedule and plan ahead. – TripadvisorSee more..
4.5Cedar Point(9.187 reviews) - Not Thrilled by the Thrill Rides but that's my issue, Cedar Point truly offers a lot for those who aren't faint of heart Saturday: 11:00 AM - 12:00 AM Amusement & Theme Parks • Water Parks
More than just an amusement park, Cedar Point features hotels, restaurants, beautiful grounds along with an impressive variety of thrill-rides.See more..
4.0JACK Cleveland Casino(7.381 reviews) - Love this place. Saturday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Casinos
Originally recognized as Horseshoe Casino Cleveland, we opened as Ohio's first full-service casino inside the historic Higbee Building in downtown Cleveland, OH in May 2012. Adding to the city's impressive sports, entertainment and cultural attractions, JACK Cleveland Casino welcomed more than give million guests to the casino in its first year of operations. The $350 million gaming destination employs 1,600 team members and features 1,600 slot machines 89 table games and a large Poker room; along with lounges, a buffet restaurant and a three-outlet food court. JACK Cleveland also has partnerships with a dozen local restaurants and three downtown hotels. During construction the development created nearly 2,000 construction jobs.See more..
4.5West Side Market(4.433 reviews) - Surprising Experience! Saturday: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites • Flea & Street Markets
Built in 1912, this thriving public market offers fresh produce, meat, dairy products and a delicious variety of prepared foods.See more..
4.5Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden(3.922 reviews) - Many Animals! Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Zoos • Gardens
This second oldest zoo in the U.S., considered one of the best in the country, is most renowned for its endangered species and birthing programs, particularly for gorillas and white tigers, and has a wonderful collection of felines and a delightful manatees exhibit.See more..
4.5Easton Town Center(3.292 reviews) - A great shopping,dining and entertainment experience Saturday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM Neighborhoods • Points of Interest & Landmarks
In stark contrast to the old-country aura of German Village, Easton is the most modern neighborhood in the city, its architecturally contemporary town center drawing shoppers and tourists to an array of nationally and regionally known stores, plentiful restaurants and varied entertainment.See more..
4.0Kings Island(2.934 reviews) - Way too expensive, super hot with No shade, $21 for a chick fil a sandwich! Saturday: 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Amusement & Theme Parks
The largest theme and water park in the U.S. Midwest offers more than 40 thrill rides including riding a tornado on "Delirium" and taking a white-knuckle ride on a runaway train.See more..
This new home for the Cincinnati Reds, the oldest major league baseball team in the U.S., balances its spiffy new look with nostalgic tributes to the team's history including reminders of Crosley Field, where it all began.See more..
4.0JACK Thistledown Racino(2.770 reviews) - Good Time Saturday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Casinos • Horse Tracks
JACK Thistledown Racino is home to the historic Ohio Derby & betJACK, Ohio's Sportsbook. Ohio's Gaming Company | Play Here. Win Here.See more..
4.5Columbus Zoo and Aquarium(2.630 reviews) - Nice zoo Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Zoos • Aquariums
Home to more than 11,000 animals representing nearly 600 species from around the globe, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium leads and inspires by connecting people and wildlife. The Zoo complex is a recreational and education destination that includes the 22-acre Zoombezi Bay water park and 18-hole Safari Golf Course. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium also operates the Wilds, a 10,000-acre conservation center and safari park located in southeastern Ohio. The Zoo is a regional attraction with global impact; annually contributing $4 million of privately raised funds to support conservation projects worldwide. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Columbus Zoo has earned Charity Navigator’s prestigious 4-star rating.See more..
4.5Progressive Field(2.410 reviews) - A five star - no hit experience. Yep, a NO HITTER. Arenas & Stadiums
Cleveland Indians ballpark seats more than 43,000 people and features three levels of suites and a large-tiered stadium club.See more..
4.5A Christmas Story House(2.272 reviews) - Tour the house used in "A Christmas Story" Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Points of Interest & Landmarks
A Christmas Story House, now restored to its movie splendor, is open year round to the public for tours. Directly across the street from the house is the official A Christmas Story House Museum, which features original props, costumes and memorabilia from the film, as well as hundreds of rare behind-the-scenes photos. Among the props and costumes are the toys from the Higbee's window, Randy's snowsuit, the chalkboard from Miss Shields' classroom and the family car. After reliving A Christmas Story at Ralphie's house don't forget to visit the museum gift shop for your own Major Award Leg Lamp and other great movie memorabilia.See more..
4.5Pro Football Hall of Fame(2.218 reviews) - Take the Insiders Tour Saturday: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Speciality Museums • Sports Camps & Clinics • Sports Complexes
Visit the Pro Football Hall of Fame and create unforgettable family memories. Teach your kids about the Legends of the Game in the historic Bronzed Bust Gallery. Make the call in our interactive replay booth. Take a family photo next to the iconic Lombardi Trophy. Witness the Super Bowl like never before in our Super Bowl 55 Theater and see the full collection of all 55 Super Bowl rings.See more..
Enjoy making memories as you and your family explore indoor and outdoor exhibits that feature more than 10,000 individual animals representing over 720 species! Find adventure for the whole family between the Aquarium, ProMedica Museum of Natural History, and interactive Nancy L. and Martin Davidson Barnyard.See more..
4.5Cincinnati Museum Center(1.834 reviews) - You Could Spend All Day Here Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Natural History Museums • Science Museums • Children's Museums • History Museums
Visit cincymuseum.org for details on updates regarding the museums, programs, events, hours and more!See more..
4.5Cleveland Metroparks Zoo(1.683 reviews) - Asian Lantern Festival Amazing Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Zoos
Don't miss this exciting metropolitan zoo best known for having the largest collection of primates in the United States and for its Rainforest exhibit, which features a thrilling simulated tropical rain storm.See more..
4.5Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens(1.658 reviews) - Magical holiday lights Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Art Galleries • Historic Sites • Gardens
A botanical landmark just two miles east of downtown Columbus, Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens features exotic plant collections and displays, seasonal exhibitions, outdoor gardens (including community and culinary gardens) and a variety of educational programming. All set within the 88-acre Franklin Park. Inspired by horticulture, Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens elevates quality of life and connects the community through educational, cultural and social experiences. All ages can partake in a variety of special events and activities throughout the year. A full menu of classes, workshops and camps are offered in gardening, cooking, fine art and wellness. With its natural surroundings, both indoors and out, the Conservatory serves as a premier venue for special events and corporate gatherings.See more..
COSI, the #1 Science Museum in the Country as voted by USA Today’s 10Best, is an esteemed science center that has delighted Central Ohio, with all things science for 58 years, inspiring interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) topics and delivering our experiential, "hands-on fun" brand of learning. As a trusted educational resource for families, schools and community partners, COSI is an essential element of our community, engaging more than one million people annually through onsite, offsite and online experiences.See more..
4.0Kalahari Waterparks(1.435 reviews) - 2nd Visit During Covid; Zero Tolerance Policy Saturday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Water Parks
Join us for 174,000 square feet filled with Wet. Wild. Fun. At the Midwest's Largest Indoor Waterpark. Water you waiting for? Come splash! Waterpark included with your stay or Day Passes available!See more..
4.5Fountain Square(1.281 reviews) - Park, seating & fountain Points of Interest & Landmarks
Fountain Square is the center of Cincinnati since 1871. There are shops, restaurants, tables & seating along with many transportation stops. The square, was a gift from Henry Probasco in memory of Tyler Davidson. Probasco traveled to Munich & commissioned a bronze fountain from Ferdinand von Miller named The Genius of Water.See more..
A highway bridge over Interstate 70 is all that separates the German Village Historic District from downtown Columbus, but as one looks east from the interstate, the difference between old and new is glaring. A 20 story structure sits just north of the interstate bridge, and just south, in German Village, no structure is higher than three stories. Five blocks south, the spire of St. Mary Church stands 197’ off the sidewalk and towers over everything around it. Structures and sidewalks are orange masonry, and many streets (about half) are still brick pavers. German Village does not have a recreated sense of history or kitschy Bavarian feel ~ rather, it is a neighborhood with architecture dating from the 1840s-1890s that has been preserved, and its use as a shared residential and commercial neighborhood has been maintained. People walk to their destinations, park on the street due to the overwhelming absence of driveways, and live life at a very pedestrian level. The neighborhood is extremely dense ~ very often only inches separate neighboring structures, and many structures were built for multi-family use. German Village is notably different because its appearance has changed so little.See more..
One of the largest farmers markets anywhere, covering more than 4 acres, virtually any type of food item is available.See more..
4.5Cincinnati Art Museum(1.093 reviews) - Highly recommend Saturday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Ballets • Art Museums
One of the most prestigious art museums in the country, with over 67,000 works of art, this grandiose building atop an Eden Park hill, is well-known for its 19th-century European and American paintings, but also contains numerous other works including an outstanding pottery gallery.See more..
4.0African Safari Wildlife Park(1.074 reviews) - Another Great Experience! Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Zoos
Have you ever fed a Camel? Been nose-to-nose with a Bison? If not, you will at African Safari Wildlife Park! From Alpaca to Zebra, we have hundreds of exotic animals awaiting your arrival. The Park is celebrating its 54th WILD Season in 2022. We can’t wait to see you at THE Ohio Safari Park!See more..
Located in Cincinnati, Ohio, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center stands as the nation's newest monument to freedom. It brings to life the importance - and relevance - of struggles for freedom around the world and throughout history, including today.See more..
4.5Lake View Cemetery(1.029 reviews) - A Busman's Holiday for Me. Saturday: 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM Spent 2-3 hours Cemeteries
As a tourist destination, The Lake View Cemetery offers a variety of walking, bus, and self-guided tours. Among the tour topics are geology, architecture, horticulture, nature, animals, and history. In addition, there are picnic sites and hiking trails. Some of the well-known points of interest include: The Garfield Monument Open April 1 - November 19, seven days a week, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm. Both buildings are staffed with interpretive guides during open hours. Dedicated in 1890 to honor James A. Garfield, 20th President of the United States 180' tall, 154 steps Architect — George Keller Caskets of the President and his wife, Lucretia, are displayed for viewing Listed on the National Register of Historic Places Wade Chapel Open April 1 - November 19, seven days a week, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm. Both buildings are staffed with interpretive guides during open hours. Built in honor of Jeptha Wade, founder of the Western Union Telegraph Company and first president of The Lake View Cemetery Association Made of granite from Barre, VT with an interior and window by Louis Comfort Tiffany studios Architect — Hubbell & Benes Listed on the National Register of Historic Places Rockefeller Monument Erected to honor the family of John Davison Rockefeller, financier and philanthropist, founder of Standard Oil Company 65' tall; 357,680 lbs. Made of one piece of granite, the largest piece ever quarried for memorialization purposes in Barre, Vermont Community Mausoleum Dedicated in April, 1990 1148 crypts, 928 niches Contemporary architecture Architects — Harley Ellington Pierce Yee Associates, Inc., Southfield, Michigan Builders — Carbone Construction Lake View Cemetery Dam (Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District Project) Dedicated in 1978 The largest concrete-poured dam east of the Mississippi at the time 500' across, 60' above grade, 30' below grade Holds 80M gallons storm waterSee more..
4.5The Wilds(1.012 reviews) - Excellent Anniversary Visit to Nomad Ridge at The Wilds Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas • Educational sites
Our Anniversary visit to The Wilds and especially Nomad Ridge was fantastic. My wife has always wanted to stay in a Yurt, so I booked a stay at the Nomad Ridge Yurts. We really enjoyed our visit and would do it again. The reservation comes with an Open-Air Bus Tour, the tour was good but next time I will book one of the smaller tours that puts you up and close with the animals. Upon checking in at Nomad Ridge we met Teresa, our Concierge, She was great and really worked hard to make our stay memorable. The Yurt was clean and comfortable with a view over the wildlife park. We slept well to the sounds of nature. Dinner and Breakfast came with the stay. Excellent service and the food was quite good, especially when you factor in Supply Chain Issues and rising costs. I highly recommend staying at Nomad Ridge during your visit to the Wilds.See more..
4.5Ohio Stadium(972 reviews) - The Ohio State University at Ohio Stadium Arenas & Stadiums
Just went here to The Game between Michigan and Ohio State… wow was it electric. 108,000 People in the stands, it was loud, it was passionate, and boy was it fun. Our seats in sec 14C were great, could see the whole field… still $700 though which is the only downfall of college sporting events, expensive! Don’t wait to buy tickets. Regardless, its a awesome stadium and good experience!See more..
Hollywood Casino Toledo is located on Miami Street, just off I-75 on the banks of the Maumee River. Hollywood Casino Toledo has over 2,000 slot machines, 60 table games and a 20 table live poker room. It also features the Final Cut Steak & Seafood, Scene Sports Bar & Grill, Epic Buffet, Take 2 Grill & H Lounge featuring live entertainment. Hollywood Casino's gaming floor is smoke-free.See more..
Cuyahoga Valley NP is an unusual national park in several ways. While it has the usual scenic trails, natural beauty and history, it’s intermixed with towns, farms and especially roads, including the two interstates that bisect the park, and whose traffic you can hear virtually everywhere in the park. There’s a ski resort, an outdoor music venue and operating industry within the park boundaries, This is not, in other words, an isolated back country getaway, and it’s even unclear when you are in the park and when you are in a neighboring community. As a National Park, it’s pretty understated. The most interesting and unique geographic features are the “ledges” rock formations visible on a 2-mile hike. There’s also the picturesque Brandywine Falls and smaller Blue Hen Falls, and a beaver marsh; nice enough, but more like the kinds of features you see in state parks rather than in a national park. The park was originally a canal with industrial uses, and remnants of these and exhibits about this history are plentiful. A passenger train and towpath traverse the sprawling park and would be a good way to see it. Overall, it’s a park with nice hiking and biking trails, a river to paddle, and historic villages to enjoy, but it doesn’t have the incredible vistas and natural features of the most famous national parks. It also doesn’t have an entrance fee, which seems to be a recognition that it’s not a top tier national park.See more..
We are home to a visual history of American Signage from 1870 through 1970. Hand carved wooden signs, gold leaf, electric light bulbs, and neon all grace our walls and tell amazing stories, especially when told by our founder and avid collector Tod. Take a trip down memory lane and visit us in the Camp Washington neighborhood of Cincinnati!See more..
4.5Cleveland Botanical Garden(834 reviews) - A Real Gem in the City of Cleveland Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Gardens
The collection is so impressive with many one of a kind pieces. The staff is helpful and helped me find a piece I wanted to view. I urge anyone with some free time when in Cleveland to stop by the Art Center and be surprised by what you find.See more..
4.5Akron Zoo(827 reviews) - Put Your Walking Shoes On Saturday: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Zoos
The Akron Zoo appears to have been built in the mountains. When entering the park, there are many parking spaces and, easy access to the main buliding for purchasing tickets. Once you step into the zoo proper, it's a little confusing walking from site to site but, once you get the drift of the trails, it becomes pretty clear where you're heading; and, that would be UP. I must admit, for an older guy with back issues, it wasn't the most pleasant walk but, I made it to the top and found plenty of benches to park it for a few moments before heading on. The animal exhibits were very nice although, the birds were not on display at the time of our visit. The zoo docents were extremely helpful, friendly and, knowledgable. Definitely a great time and glad we were able to walk to all the exhibits.See more..
4.5Krohn Conservatory(826 reviews) - A bucket list place in Cincinnati Parks • Gardens
This place is awesome, My favorite time is to visit during the annual holiday displays. They have trains running and building unique to Cincinnati made from nature materials. Its decorated for the Holiday Season. Its just beautiful. Other great times are Easter and the butterfly shows. Great place for couples, families, kids or on a date.See more..
4.5The Ohio State Reformatory(824 reviews) - Amazing Experience at the Prison Saturday: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM City Tours • Ghost & Vampire Tours • Historical & Heritage Tours
We had a fabulous time wandering around this large and very interesting prison. We are big Shawshank Redemption fans and couldn't have been more pleased to see so many of the spots where the movie was filmed. Plus, there are lots of pictures from the film and some items also. Not only that, but there was also numerous rooms and information about the history of the prison itself. And then upstairs, which is in rough condition, was fascinating. The fact that it is in its natural, peeling paint, condition makes it that much more authentic and interesting. We also walked along actual small cells with peeling paint. It was nicely spooky (: We were there nearly 3 hours and enjoyed it so much! We did have to make reservations online a couple weeks ahead to be sure to have a spot. It was great!!!See more..
Central Ohio's only public market has been serving the community since 1876.See more..
4.5Heinen's Downtown(708 reviews) - Neat grocery in the middle of Downtown Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Solid small grocery in the middle of downtown. If you are staying at one of the downtown hotels, it is very walkable and have enough small stapes for either a light meal or snacks if you don't want to pay bar prices. Very good wine and beer selection as well as some varied cheeses. The nice thing is that they preserved the old architecture of the bank including the large stained glass that is the roof of the rotunda and the paintings along the walls. Even if you don't really buy anything, it is worth a visit to check out.See more..
The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad offers excursions year round. The train offers an excellent view of the natural scenery and wildlife of the national park and an opportunity to learn about the history of the railroad in valley. The train runs through Cuyahoga Valley National Park with stations from Independence to Akron.See more..
4.5Fifth Third Field(686 reviews) - MUST do when in Toledo Saturday: Arenas & Stadiums
Fifth Third Field is in the heart of Downtown Toledo and is home to the World Famous Toledo Mud Hens.See more..
Such a beautiful bridge and great way to cross to Cincinnati on foot. Bridge is under construction so it’s closed off to vehicles but still open to pedestrians. I highly recommend enjoying the Covington side first before getting on the bridge and looking at the murals and learning about the bridge’s history. See more..
4.0Great Lakes Science Center(656 reviews) - A Brilliant Place - A Must Visit Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Speciality Museums • Science Museums
Great Lakes Science Center makes science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) come alive for more than 300,000 visitors a year through hundreds of hands-on exhibits, exhibitions, the Cleveland Clinic DOME Theater, Steamship William G. Mather, daily science demonstrations, seasonal camps, and more. We're home to the NASA Glenn Visitor Center, where you’ll find an awesome space experience with galleries, interactive exhibits, fascinating artifacts and amazing NASA media. Visit The Cafe, located on the lower level of Great Lakes Science Center. See spectacular views of North Coast Harbor as you enjoy delicious meals and nutritious snacks, including oven-baked homemade pizza, hand-crafted sandwiches, homemade soups and seasonal salads. Burgers, chicken tenders, hot dogs and fries are always available as well! Don’t forget to stop at the Cleveland Clinic DOME Theater concession stand located on the main level for fresh popped popcorn, theater candy and assorted beverages.See more..
Have been here before for hockey games, but a first for a concert. We saw Andrea Bocelli here and, for a classical concert, the acoustics were very good. I was impressed with the staff at the fieldhouse and how attentive they were. The seats were very good, more than enough legroom and wide enough that you are not on top of the person next to you.See more..
One of the oldest lighthouses on the Great Lakes, it towers 65 feet into the air.See more..
4.5Carew Tower(642 reviews) - Come See How Beautiful Cincinnati Is! Architectural Buildings
Whenever people come to visit me, the first place I take them is to the top of Carew tower. It is one of the rare places you have open rooftop views of the entire city. You can look out across the river into Kentucky, or look north to the Over the Rhine area and take in views of the hills and river. If you have someone there to point out the sights, even better. I love Cincinnati and blog about it often. Carew Tower is one of my must-see’s in a city full of many great attractions.See more..
4.5Short North Arts District(624 reviews) - I love this neighborhood Neighborhoods • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Columbus's version of New York's artsy Soho district, this historic urban neighborhood is filled with boutiques, art galleries, coffee houses, restaurants and theaters.See more..
4.5Nationwide Arena(605 reviews) - Good venue, typical for an arena Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Arenas & Stadiums
The new home of the Columbus Blue Jackets ice hockey team.See more..
This innovative museum carries out its mission to "help people discover and explore the natural world" through a series of displays involving everything from dinosaur bones to astrological equipment plus "Lucy," one of the oldest skeletons of humanity's earliest ancestors.See more..
4.5USS Cod Submarine Memorial(579 reviews) - Extended Visit Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites • History Museums
Self-guided tour the submarine responsible for the sinking of more than 30,000 tons of Japanese shipping during WWII. She also performed history's only international sub to sub rescue when she saved the crew of a grounded Dutch submarine in WWII. Cod is a National Historic Landmark and among the finest submarine restorations in the world. Be advised Cod will be unavailable for tours from mid June to late July 2021 due to a shipyard overhaul program.See more..
4.5Findlay Market(570 reviews) - Fun afternoon! Saturday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Flea & Street Markets
A variety of merchants feature their produce and wares in these distinct location categories: Market House, Farmer's Market, Outdoor and Storefront.See more..