Ohio Travel: 100 Questions Answered based on NeemTime research
General Ohio Travel Questions
1. Is Ohio worth visiting? Yes, while it might not be a top-tier international destination for a trans-Atlantic trip, many travelers agree it is an underrated state with a lot to offer, especially if you appreciate things like industrial heritage, art museums, 19th-century architecture, and amusement parks.
2. What are the major cities in Ohio to visit? The “three C’s” are the main urban hubs: Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati. They are all within a two-hour drive of each other and offer a variety of attractions. Dayton is also mentioned frequently for its aviation history.
3. What’s the best time of year to visit Ohio? Many suggest visiting in the summer to enjoy Lake Erie and outdoor activities, or in the fall to see the beautiful autumn foliage, especially from mid-October to late October.
4. What’s a good itinerary for a first-time visitor? A popular suggestion is to start in one of the major cities and then take day trips. For example, you could spend a couple of days in Cleveland, then drive to Sandusky for Cedar Point and the Lake Erie islands, and finish with a trip to Hocking Hills. Another option is a North to South trip, hitting Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati.
5. What is the weather like in Ohio? Ohio experiences all four seasons. Summers can be hot and humid, while winters can be cold with lake-effect snow in the northern part of the state. Spring and fall offer some of the best weather.
6. Is public transportation a good way to get around Ohio? No, most travelers agree that a car is essential for getting around Ohio, especially if you plan to visit a variety of attractions that are spread across the state.
7. Are there any unique Ohioan foods I should try? Discussions often mention a variety of local restaurants and markets, but specific to Cincinnati is Jungle Jim’s International Market. In Columbus, Schmidt’s in German Village is a popular spot for German food and live music.
Cleveland Area Questions
8. What are the must-see attractions in Cleveland? Top recommendations include the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the Cleveland Museum of Art (which offers free general admission), the West Side Market, and the Cleveland Metroparks system.
9. Is the Cleveland Museum of Art really free? Yes, general admission to the Cleveland Museum of Art is free.
10. What’s there to do near Cleveland besides the big attractions? You can visit the Great Lakes Science Center, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, or take a scenic train ride on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. The nearby Cuyahoga Valley National Park is also a popular destination for hiking and biking.
11. What is the Cuyahoga Valley National Park like? It’s a small, developed national park that is unique for its proximity to a major city. You can hike, bike on the Ohio & Erie Towpath Trail, or take a train ride through it.
Columbus Area Questions
12. What are the best things to do in Columbus? Visitors suggest exploring the unique neighborhoods like German Village and Victorian Village. Other highlights include the Columbus Zoo, the Franklin Park Conservatory, and the Topiary Park, which features a living sculpture of a famous painting.
13. What is there to do in Columbus with kids? The Columbus Zoo is a nationally recognized zoo. COSI (Center of Science and Industry) is also a highly recommended science museum for all ages.
14. Are there any good day trips from Columbus? Due to its central location, Columbus is a great base for day trips. You can easily get to Cleveland or Cincinnati, or visit outdoor destinations like Hocking Hills State Park or Mohican State Park.
Cincinnati Area Questions
15. What are the top attractions in Cincinnati? The Cincinnati Museum Center (located in the historic Union Terminal), the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, and the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center are frequently recommended.
16. What’s the deal with Cincinnati’s Jungle Jim’s International Market? It’s described as a “shopping experience” and a unique destination with a massive selection of international foods, a huge hot sauce department, and other quirky features like a monorail that doesn’t carry people.
17. What’s the best way to experience the Ohio River? You can take a riverboat cruise with lunch or dinner to see the Cincinnati skyline and enjoy a scenic trip.
18. What is the American Sign Museum? Located in Cincinnati, this museum is a popular and unique destination for anyone interested in American history and pop culture, showcasing a large collection of vintage signs.
Amusement Parks and Fun
19. What are the best amusement parks in Ohio? Ohio is home to two of the country’s best: Cedar Point in Sandusky and Kings Island near Cincinnati.
20. What makes Cedar Point so special? Cedar Point is often ranked among the best amusement parks in the world for its number, quality, and variety of roller coasters. It is a major international tourist destination.
21. Should I buy a Fast Lane pass for Cedar Point? Many visitors recommend getting a Fast Lane pass, especially if you are visiting on a weekend or during a busy time, as it can save you a lot of time waiting in line.
22. Is Kings Island worth visiting? Yes, Kings Island is also a top-tier amusement park and a great alternative or addition to a trip to Cedar Point.
23. What about other, smaller amusement parks? The smaller, family-friendly amusement park Waldameer in Erie, Pennsylvania is mentioned as an option, which has free admission and a top-ranked roller coaster (you pay for the rides separately).
Nature and Outdoors Questions
24. Where is the best hiking in Ohio? Hocking Hills State Park is consistently mentioned as having the best hiking in the state. Other popular spots include Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Mohican State Park, and John Bryan State Park.
25. Is Hocking Hills State Park crowded? It can be very crowded on weekends, so many people recommend visiting during the week if possible.
26. What are the must-see spots in Hocking Hills? Cantwell Cliffs, Old Man’s Cave, and Ash Cave are some of the most popular trails.
27. What are the Lake Erie Islands like? They are a great destination, especially in the summer. Put-in-Bay is known for its party atmosphere, while Kelleys Island is a more relaxed option. You can take a ferry to get there.
28. What’s a good activity on the Lake Erie Islands? Renting a golf cart or a bike is a popular way to explore the islands.
29. What is there to do on Lake Erie itself? You can enjoy beaches like Headlands Beach or Edgewater Park, or go kayaking and other water activities.
Historical and Cultural Questions
30. What is the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force? Located in Dayton, it is the world’s largest military aviation museum and is free to visit. It has a massive collection of historic aircraft and spacecraft.
31. Where can I see some of Ohio’s historical mounds? Serpent Mound is a famous effigy mound. The Newark Earthworks are also mentioned as a significant site.
32. Is there a connection between Cincinnati’s Union Terminal and the Hall of Justice? Yes, many people mention that the DC Super Powers Hall of Justice was modeled after the Art Deco architecture of Union Terminal.
33. What is the Ohio State Reformatory? Located in Mansfield, it is the historic prison where the movie “The Shawshank Redemption” was filmed. You can take tours of the facility.
Miscellaneous Questions
34. Is it worth going to see an Ohio State football game? For many, a game day in Columbus is a unique and exciting experience that is better than visiting an amusement park.
35. What are some good places for antiquing? There are many antique shops across the state. Specific recommendations include the large antique malls near Springfield and the antique district on Lorain Avenue in Cleveland.
36. Are there any cool markets to visit? Beyond Jungle Jim’s, the West Side Market in Cleveland and the 2nd Street Market in Dayton are popular for their variety of food and goods.
37. What is the “Troll Hole Museum”? Located in Alliance, this is a unique museum with a world-record-holding collection of over 20,000 troll items.
38. What is the deal with the “In Ohio” meme? The meme is often used to poke fun at the state, but many locals push back, arguing that the state has plenty of beautiful and interesting places.
39. Can I go birdwatching in Ohio? Yes, the shores of Lake Erie, particularly the Magee Marsh Wildlife Area, are famous among birders for the spring warbler migration.
40. Are there any good wineries in Ohio? Yes, there are several wineries, particularly in the Geneva-on-the-Lake area, which is known for its “wine tours.”