10 Most Instagrammable Spots in Ohio

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Tanya Byelova
April 2, 2022

While there are many fantastic hidden treasures in the United States, one area you should not miss is the gorgeous, charming state of Ohio. Ohio is a fun tourist destination with various activities to do and places to visit around the state. Explore the attractions that teach a little something about the state's history, natural beauty, significant Ohio individuals, and some of the most distinctive museums in the US.

While big towns such as Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati are among the greatest locations to visit in Ohio, the best instagrammable spots are in hidden and unusual places. Let's find them

1. Ohio Caverns - Open All Year

West Liberty is home to the caves, which have long been considered a spot "where nature sculpted a fairyland."

According to the book "Ohio Caverns, Ohio's Outstanding Natural Wonder," the caves were found by accident in 1897 by 17-year-old Robert Noffsinger. Curious about a sinkhole and how swiftly rain drained into it, the youngster proceeded to dig and discovered a crack in the limestone bedrock. He was the caves' first visitor.

Tours take visitors into two sections of the cavern. The Historic Tour starts at the discovery location and encompasses the region that was first investigated between 1897 and 1925. The Natural Wonder Tour takes visitors on a mile-long stroll across areas discovered after 1925. It has The Crystal King, Ohio's tallest stalactite, and many other amazing formations and hues.

2. The Ohio State Reformatory

Ohio State Reformatory is located in Mansfield and is available to the public all year. A former Civil War army training camp that has been converted into the Ohio State Reformatory is a must-see sight in Ohio. Between 1910 and 1990, the Ohio State Reformatory was a functioning jail that closed its doors for good. The institution rose to prominence when it appeared in the 1994 film The Shawshank Redemption.

Depending on the time of year, it provides tourists with various experiences. During the majority of the year, it serves as a window into the prison's past. Offering guided tours of the prison, the institution's pop-cultural relevance, and excursions conducted by former prisoners. Halloween is a special time to visit the jail since it is transformed into a haunted home or utilized for ghost tours. It's a popular venue for community gatherings and festivals.

3. Hocking Hills State Park

Hocking Hills State Park is a beautiful spot. It is located in southeastern Ohio and is one of the state's most scenic locations, with spectacular caverns and breathtaking waterfalls.

There are hiking paths, caverns, camping areas, and cottages in the region. Hocking Hills is also one of the perfect destinations for a weekend escape, especially in the fall when the leaves in the wooded regions change to bright hues. Other local outdoor adventure choices include kayaking, ziplining, and rock climbing.

The most well-known of the caves are Old Man's Cave and Ash Cave, both of which may be visited. They are wheelchair-accessible

4. Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a wide expanse of natural beauty located between Akron and Cleveland. During the summer, this national park has plenty of hiking, bicycling, fishing, and kayaking options and entertaining kid-friendly activities like junior ranger programs and seasonal train trips. The park's major feature is the magnificent Cuyahoga River, only a short drive outside Cleveland.

The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad has multiple stations, and spending a day on the train is a great opportunity to see a lot quickly. Hiking routes flowing around the park provide visitors with the finest opportunity to observe animals while going up to some of the park's primary areas of interest, such as Brandywine Falls, the park's largest waterfall.

In addition, during the cooler months, Cuyahoga Valley transforms into a winter paradise, attracting winter sports enthusiasts who want to spend their holiday snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or sledding.

5. Lighthouse Drive

Marblehead Lighthouse is one of Lake Erie's most well-known and photographed sights. It is located on the Marblehead Peninsular, which is a rocky promontory that juts out into Lake Erie. It is the Great Lakes' oldest continuously operating lighthouse. Since its inception in 1822, the lighthouse has been continuously operational.

During the summer, visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse for amazing lake views. History aficionados will like the replica lifesaving station and the souvenir store. There are additional picnic sites and facilities in the vicinity.

East Harbor State Park offers a plethora of outdoor leisure activities. In Ohio's biggest state park campsite, boating, fishing, swimming, and picnicking are popular activities. At the same time, nature lovers will appreciate the variety of ducks, shorebirds, and other animals found in the park's wetlands.

6. The Cedar Falls Hiking Trail

The Cedar Falls Hiking Trail is located deep within the Hocking Hills National Park.

The main Cedar Falls route is only 0.4 miles each way. It's is ideal for a short stroll. The half-mile walk is bordered by towering hemlock, sheer rocky walls, grottos, and waterfalls, and it culminates with Cedar Falls, the park's biggest waterfall (50 feet). To get to Cedar Falls Trail, park in the lower parking lot and walk down the Lower Gorge of Old Man's Cave to Queer Creek.

The Grandma Gatewood Trail extends off roughly two miles on either way to Ash Cave and Old Man's Cave for those seeking a day trip walk.

7. Cedar Point

Cedar Point Amusement Park is located in Sandusky - a city between Toledo and Cleveland. Cedar Point is the world's fastest and tallest roller coaster. Families will have a great time visiting the Roller Coaster Capital of the World, which has roller coasters, thrill rides, and kid-friendly rides.

Sports fans will enjoy Sports Force Parks at Cedar Point. This sports complex, which was just built at Cedar Point, is a recreational development that holds sports events and provides families with additional activities such as mini-golf, a trampoline play structure, and a rope course.

8. John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge

The iconic Roebling Suspension Bridge is one of Cincinnati's most prominent structures. It was opened in 1867 and had the world's longest span of 1057 feet. The engineer responsible for designing this famous element was John A. Roebling, whose next project was the Brooklyn Bridge. The bridge is named for its architect, John A. Roebling, and it still transports hundreds of cars every day.

The bridge connects Cincinnati, Ohio, with Covington, Kentucky. You may stroll across the ancient bridge to see both cities and contemplate the expertise and daring of the men who built it. RoeblingFest held each June only feet from the bridge in Covington, Kentucky, commemorates this local gem.

9. Mill Creek Park

Mill Creek Park is located on the outskirts of Youngstown. It is one of the hidden Ohio treasures. Visitors to the park may enjoy tennis, golf (there are two 18-hole courses), fishing, boating, picnicking, and other activities.

Lanterman's Falls, a stunning 15-foot cascade fed by Mill Creek, is overlooked by a historic grist mill. The restored waterwheel and covered bridge at the mill create a historic and one-of-a-kind experience. There are also various trails surrounding the falls and the stream that will take you to different viewpoints of the falls for even better shots. The viewpoint is a short walk from a parking area on Mill Creek's north bank.

Hiking aficionados may enjoy 15 miles of footpaths, while cyclists, skateboarders, and hikers can utilize the Metro Parks Bikeway, an 11-mile paved track.

10. Hayden Falls Park

Hayden Falls Park is located south of Dublin and north of Columbus. It is a tranquil oasis in the midst of Central Ohio's bustling metropolis. The two acres around Hayden Falls provide a tranquil setting for a workday lunch or weekend picnic.

Hayden Falls is easily Central Ohio's most well-known waterfall. A stairwell may reach it from a parking lot off Hayden Run Road. A promenade at the base of the falls provides breathtaking views of the cascade. The waterfall has a 35-foot plunge into a clean lake below and is particularly impressive when heavy rains fall in the region.