Welcome to your gateway to fantastic hiking, magnificent amusement parks, gorgeous lakes and rivers, baseball, and family fun for everyone! The Buckeye State has so much to offer for your Summer Bucket List. Summer in Ohio truly is a dream come true. Here are 10 captivating things you can get up to, in America’s Heartland. Let’s “take off” into the lineup.
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You can’t visit Ohio without spending at least one day in Sandusky’s celebrated, and well loved amazement park. Starting in 1870 as a beach and bathhouse, Cedar Point has come a long way to become the mega-resort that it is today. Cedar Point is the second-oldest amusement park in North America, and is home to a white sandy mile long beach, 18 roller coasters, 68 rides, resort, waterpark, and much more! You may want to spend two, or even three days to see everything that the park has to offer. Cedar Point is most crowded on weekends, and in the month of July. Plan your trip accordingly, and try to go on a lesser crowded week day. Your visit will include long days of walking out in the bright sunlight, so make sure that you have all of your amusement park essentials:
- Lightweight Waterproof Backpack
- Reusable Water Bottle
- Sunscreen
- Hats and Sunglasses
- Comfortable Shoes
- Snacks(optional)
- Waterproof Phone Case/Wallet Case
- Portable Phone Charger
- First Aid Kit
- Sweater/Jacket
Located along the Cuyahoga River between Cleveland, Ohio and Akron, Ohio; this is Ohio’s only National Park. It includes 33,000 acres of land, and around 100 waterfalls. Enjoy scenic drives, waterfall hiking, swimming, biking, fishing, golf, picnicking, horseback riding, etc. One of the best ways to see the park is by driving Riverview Road, which winds through 20 miles of the park. There is no camping within the park but you can find campgrounds nearby, along with some cozy inns. Happy hiking!
Pay a visit to the link above for the Cleveland Guardians game schedule, and ticketing options. Take an evening to see a professional ballgame, and spend time in the Cleveland area for some superb food and exciting nightlife. Don’t forget your Guardians Gear!
While you’re in the area, take a day to navigate the Cleveland Zoo. According to their website: “The Zoo is divided into several areas: Australian Adventure; African Savanna; Northern Wilderness Trek, The Primate, Cat & Aquatics Building, Waterfowl Lake, The Rainforest, Asian Highlands, and the newly added Susie’s Bear Hollow.” With 183 acres to see many different areas of the world, you won’t run out of things to do!
5. Hocking Hills State Park
Hocking Hills State Park in Southeastern Ohio adjoins Hocking State Forest, and includes 25 miles of caves to inspect, waterfalls, hiking paths, hemlock-shaded gorges, and rock formations. Stay at the attractive Hocking Hills State Park Lodge for your forest getaway, or check out their available campgrounds nearby. There is plenty to do, and many gorgeous trails. Make sure to bring your favorite hiking boots for this vacation; you’re going to need them! This is the perfect spot for hikers and nature lovers.
6. Kelleys Island
One of Lake Erie’s famous islands; Kelleys Island is only a 20 minute ferry ride from Marblehead, Ohio. Along the way, you’ll have excellent views of Cedar Point Amusement Park in Sandusky, the Marblehouse Lighthouse, and other Lake Erie Islands. This relaxing island is home to sandy beaches, rocky shores, lush forests, historical homes, and remarkable wineries. Kelleys Island also features some amazing, accessible glacial scoring! Go hiking, biking, swimming kayaking, boating, jet skiing, or just enjoy the food, in their quaint downtown area. Have a look around Kelleys Island State Park; 677 acres on the northern shores. Grab your Kayak, stay in a Yurt, or go camping to make some extraordinary summer memories!
7. Geneva-on-the-Lake
Geneva-on-the-Lake is a small resort town on the southern shore of Lake Erie. Check out the charming historical buildings and restaurants, as well as their numerous wineries and breweries. Spend the day exploring antique shops, and visiting the arcades on the strip. Go swimming at the beach, after taking a walk through the forests, to view estuaries and fresh water marshes.
Lake Erie has over 50 lighthouses along it’s shores, in varying ages and designs. Many of them offer tours or have museums associated with them. This is a perfect way to learn about Ohio’s maritime heritage. Some of the lighthouses are lovely to look at from afar, and provide for a memorable road trip. Here are a few popular lighthouses in Ohio worth visiting:
Marblehead Lighthouse located between Kelleys Island and Sandusky, is the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on Lake Erie, built in 1821. It is also the most photographed.
Toledo Harbor Lighthouse sits off the shore of Toledo in Lake Erie, near the Michigan boarder. Construction started in 1901 and the lighthouse was completed in 1904. They have a Toledo Lighthouse Festival September 14 and 15, this year 2024.
Cedar Point Amusement Park has it’s own lighthouse that was built in 1862, and used for navigation until 1909. It can be viewed during the park’s operating hours.
Fairport Harbor Marine Museum and Lighthouse is about a 40 minute drive from Cleveland. This infamous lighthouse has museum tours, and was in operation from 1825 to 1925. Pick and choose whichever Lake Erie Lighthouses to visit for your summer vacation!
Located in downtown Cleveland on the shores of Lake Erie; the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is the ultimate music destination! In this interactive museum of music, you can create your own band and play instruments with friends. The Hall of Fame features all inductees with memorials, artists music, notable signatures, and a 15 minute show. See performance outfits, instruments from some of the world’s greatest concerts, and much more! Purchase tickets online in advance. Only cashless transactions are accepted. Check out their website to see what live music and events are going on when you plan to stop by. This is a terrific addition to any bucket list!
Located in Kirkland, Ohio, The Holden Arboretum is one of the largest botanical gardens in America. Holden Forests and Gardens is a public garden that features an Environmental Science Center. According to their website: “We conserve ecosystems, work to understand climate impacts on the Lower Great Lakes region, and foster a love for nature.” Check out their Kalberer Emergent Tower, which offers breathtaking views at 120 feet. The Murch Canopy Walk is a 65 feet high, 500 foot long walkway amongst the treetops. They offer playgrounds, a library, many gardens, natural areas, and more.
I have much more to add to this Ohio Summer Bucket List, so keep an eye out for my next post: Summer Bucket List: Visit Ohio, with 10 more things to do. Coming soon. Please enjoy these recommendations, and your dazzling summer in Ohio. Thank you for reading! Make sure to save this post for future reference.
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