The ability to travel is one of the simple pleasures in life. While most of the time, we become preoccupied with important things like work, raising a family, education, and spending time with friends, making time for travel is crucial to getting more enjoyment out of life. Exploring places that fall outside our familiar circles allows us to encounter new cultures, new people, new sights, and new activities. 

As far as travel in the United States goes, there are 50 states worth exploring for various reasons. Avid hikers might want to explore the national and state parks that are sprinkled throughout the nation. History buffs could head to places like Philadelphia or Washington, D.C. to learn about the story of this country’s past. Sports fans might look for large metropolitans like New York, Boston, Los Angeles, or Miami which feature multiple professional franchises across all major sports leagues. 

For a combination of everything, one state that you should move to the top of your travel list is Ohio. Known as the Buckeye State, Ohio is a midwestern state that has plenty of attractions for international travelers, road trippers, and residents to enjoy. Here are a few of the top attractions in the state that will make it worth a visit.

Cedar Point

Perhaps the pinnacle of family fun in the entire midwest, Cedar Point is an amusement park that sits right on the Great Lake Erie. It is the second-oldest amusement park in the country and is often considered the roller coaster capital of the country, it has 70 amazing rides and is certain to entertain the whole family for at least a day. Child-friendly rides can be found alongside some of the most intense coasters in the world. If you are a little bit of a thrill-seeker or your family loves theme parks, then don’t leave Ohio without heading to Cedar Point first.

Massive Sports Teams

If you love sports, then you will love Ohio. Plenty of teams, both professional and amateur, are spread throughout the state. You could take in a truly incredible college scene by attending an Ohio State Buckeyes football game. If professional football is your preference, then you can head to a Cleveland Browns or Cincinnati Bengals game. Prefer America’s pastime? The Cincinnati Reds and the Cleveland Guardians both call the state of Ohio home. If you are an NBA fan, then the Cleveland Cavaliers are the team to watch. From football to hockey to baseball, there are games for any sports fan to attend alongside thousands of screaming fans.

Hocking Hills Region

If you want to see what the natural world has to offer in Ohio, then head to the southern portion of the state where you will find the Hocking Hills region. This area boasts nine state parks and state forests, making it the perfect region for nature lovers to explore. You can visit Old Man’s Cave, stay in a beautiful cabin in the wilderness, see Cedar Falls, go canoeing, or even camp overnight in the vast landscape of Hocking Hills. There are also plenty of events to attend in the towns that dot this region, including festivals that are perfect for travelers of all ages. With sweeping forests, beautiful rock formations, and a plethora of natural water features, the Hocking Hills region deserves a spot on your itinerary.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Do all your playlists consist of old-school rock and roll? Then you will love the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. Housed in a unique architectural structure, the Hall of Fame features many musical exhibits, telling the stories of rock icons like Pink Floyd, Black Sabbath, Johnny Cash, AC/DC, Whitney Houston, and Elvis Pressley. Learn more about how rock music has evolved through the decades and the names that made it a top genre. 

West Side Market

The West Side Market in Cleveland is on the National Register of Historic Places. This indoor/outdoor market features plenty of meat and produce for you to buy. If there is one reason to manage your money while traveling so you have enough to spend on something unique, this is it. About 100 vendors sell their products at the West Side Market, so come hungry and ready to buy some delicious eats from local residents of Ohio. 

This List Barely Scratches the Surface

If this list doesn’t get you excited about a trip to Ohio, there are still plenty of things to do there that could draw your attention. Visit the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden or the Franklin Park Conservatory to experience flora and fauna during your travels. Visit the house from the movie “A Christmas Story” in Cleveland. Visit the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati to learn more about slaves escaping to freedom in the north. Check out the limestone underground natural maze at the Ohio Caverns. There are so many attractions in Ohio that will interest every type of personality, so make sure this state is the destination for your next vacation.