Ohio, with its rich history, diverse landscapes, and scenic river valleys, offers much for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Though Ohio doesn’t have as many national parks as other states, it boasts several national park sites and historic locations that highlight its unique natural beauty and cultural heritage. From riverside trails to ancient mounds, here’s a guide to the best national parks to visit in Ohio.
1. Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Location: Between Cleveland and Akron, Ohio
Why Visit: Cuyahoga Valley National Park is Ohio’s only national park and one of the most visited in the country. This beautiful park stretches along the Cuyahoga River and is known for its lush forests, wetlands, rolling hills, and waterfalls. With over 125 miles of hiking trails, the park offers an array of outdoor activities that include hiking, biking, birdwatching, and even horseback riding.
One of the park’s highlights is the scenic Towpath Trail, which follows the historic route of the Ohio & Erie Canal. Visitors can explore the park’s rich industrial history by seeing remnants of the canal and hearing stories about Ohio’s past. Brandywine Falls is another popular spot; this 65-foot waterfall is accessible via a short, scenic boardwalk trail. The park is also home to the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, where visitors can take a leisurely train ride through the park and enjoy the picturesque landscape.
Highlights:
- Explore the historic Towpath Trail along the Ohio & Erie Canal
- See the stunning Brandywine Falls
- Take a scenic train ride on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
- Enjoy year-round activities like hiking, biking, and birdwatching
2. Hopewell Culture National Historical Park
Location: Chillicothe, Ohio
Why Visit: Hopewell Culture National Historical Park offers a fascinating glimpse into ancient Native American history. The park preserves the remnants of the Hopewell culture, a prehistoric society that thrived in Ohio around 2,000 years ago. The Hopewell people are known for constructing large earthwork mounds in geometric shapes, used for ceremonial, religious, and astronomical purposes.
Visitors can explore the mounds, learn about the archaeological findings, and discover the complex social and ceremonial practices of the Hopewell culture. The visitor center provides detailed exhibits, showcasing artifacts like pottery, tools, and jewelry crafted by the Hopewell people. The park’s trails allow guests to view the earthworks up close and imagine the lives of the ancient people who constructed them.
Highlights:
- See the well-preserved ancient mounds built by the Hopewell culture
- Explore archaeological exhibits at the visitor center
- Learn about Native American history and early societies in Ohio
- Walk trails through historic and scenic areas around the mounds
3. Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park
Location: Dayton, Ohio
Why Visit: Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park celebrates the legacy of the Wright brothers, Wilbur and Orville, pioneers of human flight, and poet Paul Laurence Dunbar, one of the first African American poets to gain national recognition. This park is a tribute to Ohio’s contributions to the fields of aviation and literature.
The park includes multiple sites, such as the Wright Cycle Company Complex, where the Wright brothers designed and built their early bicycles and eventually their first powered aircraft. The Huffman Prairie Flying Field, where the Wrights perfected their flying techniques, is also part of the park. Visitors can also explore the Paul Laurence Dunbar House, which offers insight into the poet’s life and works. The visitor centers provide exhibits and interactive displays that bring aviation history and literary contributions to life.
Highlights:
- Discover the Wright Cycle Company where aviation history was made
- Visit Huffman Prairie Flying Field to see where the Wright brothers refined flight
- Tour the Paul Laurence Dunbar House and learn about his legacy
- Explore interactive exhibits about flight and early aviation history
4. James A. Garfield National Historic Site
Location: Mentor, Ohio
Why Visit: The James A. Garfield National Historic Site preserves the home and legacy of the 20th U.S. President, James A. Garfield. This beautifully restored Victorian mansion was Garfield’s family home and became known as “Lawnfield” during his 1880 presidential campaign.
Visitors can tour the Garfield home, filled with period furnishings, family artifacts, and Garfield’s personal library, which was the first presidential library in the United States. The site includes a visitor center with exhibits about Garfield’s life, political career, and tragic assassination. The guided tour offers a unique opportunity to learn about Garfield’s achievements, challenges, and family life, making this historic site a must-visit for anyone interested in presidential history.
Highlights:
- Tour the Victorian-era Garfield home, “Lawnfield”
- See the first presidential library in the U.S.
- Learn about Garfield’s life, career, and contributions
- Explore exhibits detailing the history of 19th-century America
5. Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial
Location: Put-in-Bay, Ohio, on South Bass Island in Lake Erie
Why Visit: Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial commemorates the Battle of Lake Erie, a pivotal naval battle in the War of 1812. Built in honor of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry’s victory over the British fleet, the 352-foot Doric column stands as a symbol of peace between the United States, Canada, and Great Britain.
Visitors can take an elevator to the top of the memorial, where they’ll be treated to panoramic views of Lake Erie and the nearby islands. The visitor center has exhibits on the War of 1812 and the battle’s significance, as well as the peace and friendship that emerged between the U.S. and Canada. The memorial also hosts events that celebrate the lasting peace and cooperation between these nations.
Highlights:
- Ascend to the top of the memorial for stunning views of Lake Erie
- Learn about the War of 1812 and its impact on U.S. history
- Visit the peaceful grounds and monuments around the memorial
- Participate in annual events promoting peace and unity
6. First Ladies National Historic Site
Location: Canton, Ohio
Why Visit: The First Ladies National Historic Site, located in Canton, Ohio, is dedicated to exploring the lives and legacies of America’s First Ladies. This historic site includes the restored home of Ida Saxton McKinley, wife of President William McKinley, as well as a visitor center with exhibits on the influential roles First Ladies have played in shaping U.S. society.
Visitors can tour the Saxton McKinley House, filled with period artifacts and furnishings that bring the Victorian era to life. The visitor center hosts rotating exhibits on the lives of various First Ladies, showcasing their contributions to the nation and their unique influences on politics, culture, and humanitarian efforts. Special programs and events throughout the year focus on the evolving roles of First Ladies in American history.
Highlights:
- Tour the Victorian Saxton McKinley House
- Learn about the influential role of First Ladies in U.S. history
- Explore rotating exhibits on different First Ladies’ lives and legacies
- Attend events and programs that celebrate the contributions of First Ladies
7. Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument
Location: Wilberforce, Ohio
Why Visit: Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument honors Colonel Charles Young, one of the first African American officers in the U.S. Army and a distinguished member of the Buffalo Soldiers. The site preserves Young’s home, which served as a hub for his work advocating for equality and excellence in the military.
The monument tells Young’s inspiring story, highlighting his military achievements, leadership, and contributions to civil rights. Visitors can tour his home and learn about the Buffalo Soldiers’ legacy through exhibits and interpretive displays. The park emphasizes the importance of African American contributions to the U.S. military and civil rights movements.
Highlights:
- Visit the historic home of Colonel Charles Young
- Learn about the Buffalo Soldiers and their role in U.S. history
- Discover Young’s contributions to military leadership and civil rights
- Experience educational programs on African American history
Conclusion
Ohio’s national parks and historic sites offer diverse experiences, from exploring ancient Native American mounds at Hopewell Culture National Historical Park to learning about the state’s aviation history in Dayton. The Buckeye State’s national park sites celebrate its rich natural landscapes and significant historical contributions, making it a rewarding destination for visitors seeking adventure, knowledge, and inspiration. Whether you’re drawn to the scenic trails of Cuyahoga Valley, the legacy of the Wright brothers, or the peaceful memorials of past conflicts, Ohio’s national parks have something for everyone to enjoy.
