Ohio

Discover big cities, small towns, aviation, rock & roll, and rollercoasters

the Buckeye state

Where a surprising mix of Americana, sports, and adventure awaits
From the shores of Lake Erie to the heart of Appalachia, Ohio is full of unexpected gems for New Zealand travellers. It’s where rich history, cutting-edge innovation, and down-to-earth charm come together in one easy-to-explore state. 

Music lovers can’t miss Cleveland, home of the iconic Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, a celebration of the artists and sounds that shaped generations. Meanwhile, Cincinnati offers beautiful 19th-century architecture, a vibrant food scene, and a deep love for baseball at the historic Great American Ball Park. Columbus, the state capital, is a youthful, creative hub with lively neighbourhoods, art galleries, and a thriving fashion scene.

For history buffs, Ohio played a pivotal role in the Underground Railroad, with places like the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center offering a moving and powerful experience. While aviation enthusiasts will find their paradise in Dayton, the birthplace of the Wright brothers, and home to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.

If thrills are your thing, Cedar Point, the "Roller Coaster Capital of the World" is a must-visit attraction or for those seeking a slower pace, cruise through Amish Country, where rolling farmlands and handcrafted traditions offer a glimpse into a different way of life.

Whether you're road-tripping through scenic byways, catching a sports game, exploring quirky museums, or tasting your way through craft breweries and local eats, Ohio is a diverse and inviting destination packed with heartland hospitality and unexpected surprises.

Things to see & do

Browse through our recommended selection of things to see and do in Ohio. Many of these are included in our suggested itineraries, however, if there is
anything you see that particularly takes your interest, please let us know and we will include it in your holiday package or put you in touch with the right people.

Wade Oval

Cleveland, Ohio

Wade Oval, located in Cleveland’s University Circle, is a vibrant green space surrounded by top cultural institutions like the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Museum of Natural History, and the Cleveland Botanical Garden. It hosts year-round events, including summer concerts, outdoor movie nights, and the festive Winterfest. With walking paths, gardens, and open lawns, Wade Oval offers a scenic retreat for relaxation and community gatherings, making it a cultural and recreational hub in the city.

Cleveland Museum of Art

Cleveland, Ohio

The Cleveland Museum of Art is a world-class institution known for its vast and diverse collection spanning 6,000 years. Located in University Circle, it offers masterpieces from Monet, Van Gogh, Caravaggio, and ancient civilisations—all with free admission. The museum’s stunning architecture blends classical and modern design, featuring the expansive Ames Family Atrium. Interactive exhibits, special exhibitions, and the Fine Arts Garden make it a must-visit destination for art lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

Ohio Statehouse Building

Columbus, Ohio

The Ohio Statehouse in Columbus is a striking example of Greek Revival architecture, completed in 1861. Home to the Ohio General Assembly, it features a distinctive cupola instead of a dome. Visitors can explore historic chambers, beautiful rotunda murals, and the Capitol Square grounds. Free guided tours highlight Ohio’s political history, architecture, and notable figures. The Statehouse also hosts events and exhibits, making it a fascinating stop for history and government enthusiasts.

Caesar Creek State Park

Southwestern Ohio, Ohio

Caesar Creek State Park, is a beautiful outdoor destination offering a variety of recreational activities. The park features over 3,700 acres of lush woodlands, scenic trails, and the picturesque Caesar Creek Lake, perfect for boating, fishing, and swimming. Visitors can enjoy hiking, picnicking, and wildlife watching, with opportunities to explore the park's unique archaeological sites. The park’s natural beauty and peaceful setting make it a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts.

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Cleveland, Ohio

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is an electrifying tribute to the legends of music that changed the world. Step into a high-energy experience filled with iconic memorabilia, interactive exhibits, and powerful performances. See costumes, instruments, and handwritten lyrics from artists like The Beatles, Beyoncé, Prince, and more. Explore the roots of rock, punk, hip-hop, and soul, and feel the beat of music history come alive. It’s a must-visit for music lovers and culture seekers of all ages!

Pro Football Hall of Fame

Canton, Ohio

The Pro Football Hall of Fame, celebrates the history and legacy of professional football. Established in 1963, it honours legendary players, coaches, and contributors to the sport. The museum showcases a vast collection of memorabilia, including trophies, uniforms, and artifacts, chronicling the evolution of football. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits and learn about the game's greatest moments. The Hall of Fame induction ceremony, held annually, is a highlight for football fans.

Cleveland Arcade Downtown

Cleveland, Ohio

The Cleveland Arcade, a historic landmark in downtown Cleveland, is a stunning 1890s architectural gem featuring a grand, glass-roofed atrium. Often called "Cleveland's Crystal Palace," it spans two nine-story buildings connected by elegant balconies. Once America’s first indoor shopping centre, it now houses shops, restaurants, and the Hyatt Regency hotel. Its ornate details and vintage charm make it a must-see for visitors exploring downtown, just steps from Public Square and Playhouse Square.

Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park

Dayton, Ohio

Celebrating the incredible legacy of the Wright brothers and the birth of flight. Explore the original Wright Cycle Company building, the Wright-Dunbar Interpretive Centre, and Carillon Historical Park, where aviation history comes to life. Learn how two bicycle makers from Dayton changed the world forever. With engaging exhibits, historic landmarks, and interactive displays, this park offers a fascinating journey into the spirit of innovation.
Photo Credit Dayton CVB

Edgewater Park

Cleveland, Ohio

Edgewater Park, part of Cleveland Metroparks, offers stunning Lake Erie views, a sandy beach, and scenic walking trails. Located just west of downtown, it’s perfect for swimming, picnicking, fishing, and sunset-watching. The park features the iconic Cleveland script sign, a fishing pier, and the Edgewater Beach House with food and drinks. Popular for outdoor recreation, it also hosts summer events and live music, making it a vibrant destination for both locals and visitors.
Photo Credit Gabe Wasylko / This Is Cleveland.com

Cincinnati Museum Centre

Cincinnati, Ohio

Cincinnati Museum Centre, located in the historic Union Terminal, is a multi-museum complex featuring the Cincinnati History Museum, Museum of Natural History & Science, and the Duke Energy Children's Museum. This Art Deco landmark offers immersive exhibits, an OMNIMAX theater, and special traveling exhibitions. It showcases Cincinnati’s rich history, prehistoric fossils, and hands-on science experiences. A cultural gem, the centre blends education and entertainment, making it a must-visit for history buffs, families, and science enthusiasts.

Westside Market

Cleveland, Ohio

West Side Market is the city’s oldest public market, dating back to 1912. Housed in a historic, architecturally stunning building with a 41-metre clock tower, it features over 100 vendors selling fresh produce, meats, seafood, baked goods, and global specialties. A vibrant hub for food lovers, the market offers diverse flavours from local and international cuisines. Located in Ohio City, it’s a must-visit destination for history, culture, and great food.

Experience Live Sport

Cleveland, Cincinatti & Columbus, Ohio

Ohio is sports-mad, with legendary teams in football, basketball, baseball, and ice hockey. Catch the Cleveland Browns or Cincinnati Bengals in NFL action, cheer for the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA, or join passionate college crowds for Ohio State Buckeyes football in Columbus. Baseball fans can cheer on the Cincinnati Reds or Cleveland Guardians, while NHL lovers hit the rink with the Columbus Blue Jackets.  Chat with Travel USA and we’ll help secure your seats!
Photo Credit Gabe Wasylko / This Is Cleveland.com

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Cleveland, Ohio

Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio offers a blend of scenic beauty and outdoor recreation, with lush forests, rolling hills, and the winding Cuyahoga River. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, and wildlife watching along over 200 kilometres of trails. Highlights include the stunning Brandywine Falls, the historic Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, and the picturesque Beaver Marsh. The park is also home to charming villages, cultural sites, and vibrant ecosystems, making it a peaceful escape.

Cedar Point

Sandusky, Ohio

Get ready for the ultimate thrill at Cedar Point, the Roller Coaster Capital of the World! Located on Lake Erie in Sandusky, Ohio, this legendary theme park features over 70 rides, including 17 world-class roller coasters that defy gravity and expectations. From the record-breaking Steel Vengeance to the adrenaline-pumping Maverick, every twist, drop, and loop delivers pure excitement. With live entertainment, water rides, and stunning lake views, Cedar Point is an unforgettable adventure for families, thrill-seekers, and fun-lovers of all ages.

Museum of Natural History

Cleveland, Ohio

The Cleveland Museum of Natural History, located in University Circle, showcases exhibits on dinosaurs, astronomy, wildlife, and human evolution. Highlights include the famous Lucy fossil, a vast mineral collection, and the immersive Shafran Planetarium. Outdoor spaces like the Perkins Wildlife Centre feature native Ohio animals. With interactive displays and research facilities, the museum blends education and discovery, making it a must-visit for science enthusiasts, families, and anyone curious about the natural world.

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

Cincinnati, Ohio

The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, one of the oldest zoos in the U.S., is renowned for its conservation efforts and diverse wildlife. Home to the famous hippo, Fiona, the zoo features over 500 animal species and beautifully landscaped gardens. Visitors can explore immersive exhibits like Gorilla World and the Africa habitat, offering close-up views of rare and endangered species. With interactive experiences and seasonal events, it’s a must-visit for animal lovers and families alike.

Ohio Theatre

Columbus, Ohio

The Ohio Theatre is a historic 1928 Spanish-Baroque style theater known for its opulent design and world-class performances. Originally a Loew’s movie palace, it now hosts Broadway shows, concerts, and ballet. With its lavish gilded interiors, crystal chandeliers, and a grand organ, it’s a National Historic Landmark. Home to the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, the theater remains a cultural gem, offering unforgettable entertainment in a beautifully restored setting.

National Museum of the United States Airforce

Dayton, Ohio

The National Museum of the United States Air Force, located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, is the world’s largest military aviation museum. It showcases over 360 aircraft, including presidential planes, World War II bombers, and modern stealth jets. Visitors can explore space exhibits, Cold War galleries, and a vast missile collection. The museum offers an immersive journey through aviation history and technological innovation.

Columbus Zoo & Aquarium

Columbus, Ohio

The Columbus Zoo & Aquarium is one of the top-rated zoos in the world and a must-visit for animal lovers of all ages. Home to over 600 species across diverse regions like Africa, Asia, and the polar frontier, it offers unforgettable wildlife encounters. Don’t miss the manatees, big cats, and gorillas, or the impressive aquarium exhibits. With engaging shows, interactive experiences, and a connected waterpark and safari park, the Columbus Zoo delivers a full day of fun, education, and family adventure.

Chalet Drive Cleveland

Cleveland, Ohio

Experience the thrill of high-speed tobogganing at the Chalet Toboggan Chutes in Cleveland’s Mill Stream Run Reservation. Located in Strongsville, these 213 metre-long refrigerated ice chutes operate without snow, sending riders up to 80 km/h for an adrenaline-pumping ride. Open seasonally, the chutes offer a unique winter adventure, complete with a cozy chalet for warming up. No sled? No problem—toboggans are provided! Perfect for families and thrill-seekers alike, this Cleveland winter tradition is a must-try.

Great Lakes Science Centre

Cleveland, Ohio

The Great Lakes Science Centre is an interactive museum that sparks curiosity in visitors of all ages. Featuring hands-on exhibits focused on science, technology, and engineering, it offers engaging displays on space exploration, the Great Lakes ecosystem, and renewable energy. The centre also includes an IMAX theater, educational programs, and a variety of STEM-related activities. It’s a must-visit destination for families, science enthusiasts, and anyone looking to explore the wonders of the natural world.

Progressive Field Stadium Tour

Cleveland, Ohio

Progressive Field is a must-see for baseball fans and sports enthusiasts. Home to the Cleveland Guardians, this iconic ballpark offers guided tours that take you behind the scenes. Explore the dugout, press box, batting cages, and clubhouses while learning about the team’s rich history. With its stunning downtown views, fan-friendly atmosphere, and classic ballpark charm, Progressive Field is more than just a stadium—it’s a slice of Americana. and a home run experience for visitors!

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Not quite what you're looking for?

Our packages and featured 'things to see and do' have been created to excite, inspire and inform Kiwi travellers about what we recommend they do when travelling to the USA. All of these can be personalised to your individual needs and preferences. Contact us to discuss your requirements so we can work together to create the perfect adventure for you.

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