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Top cities between Santa Claus and Columbus
Best stops along Santa Claus to Columbus drive
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35 Best Stops Between Santa Claus and Columbus

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Wanderlog staff
Updated
• updatedApr 10, 2023

How long is the drive from Santa Claus to Columbus?

The direct drive from Santa Claus to Columbus is 277 mi (445 km), and should have a drive time of 4 hrs 17 mins in normal traffic.

If you’re going on a road trip from Santa Claus to Columbus, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Louisville, Cincinnati, Dayton, Frankfort, and Newport, as well as top places to visit like Big Bone Lick State Historic Site and Hollywood Casino & Hotel Lawrenceburg, or the ever-popular Perfect North Slopes.

Visiting Santa Claus or Columbus? See our Santa Claus Trip Planner and our Columbus Trip Planner.
277 mi
Total Distance
4 hrs 17 mins
Drive Time
35 stops
Cities / Attractions
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Top cities between Santa Claus and Columbus

The top cities between Santa Claus and Columbus are Louisville, Cincinnati, Dayton, Frankfort, and Newport. Louisville is the most popular city on the route. It's 1 hour from Santa Claus and 3 hours from Columbus.
1

Louisville

Events
Cultural Events
Louisville, the largest city in Kentucky, is situated on the Ohio River near the Indiana border. The city is famous for hosting the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs every May and is home to the Kentucky Derby Museum. Louisville also celebrates baseball with the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory, where Major League bats are manufactured. The city is known for its safety, accessibility, and friendly neighbors.
Most popular city on this route
9 minutes off the main route, 27% of way to Columbus
2

Frankfort

Frankfort, the capital city of Kentucky and seat of Franklin County, is a charming destination with a population of around 28,602. The city offers a mix of historic sites and fun activities for visitors to explore. Elkhorn Creek RV Park provides spacious campsites with various amenities including clean restrooms, showers, laundry facilities, and a playground for kids.
9% as popular as Louisville
32 minutes off the main route, 37% of way to Columbus
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Rooms
1
Adults
2
Children
0
Travelers
2
3

Cincinnati

Cincinnati, located in Ohio along the Ohio River, is a city known for its diverse attractions. The Over-the-Rhine district boasts 19th-century architecture and hosts Findlay Market with its food and craft vendors. The city is also home to the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden and the Cincinnati Museum Center, which includes history, science, and children's museums. Additionally, the Cincinnati Art Museum showcases works spanning 6,000 years.
66% as popular as Louisville
7 minutes off the main route, 59% of way to Columbus
4

Newport

Newport, a charming city in Campbell County, Kentucky, is nestled at the meeting point of the Ohio and Licking rivers. With a population of 14,150, it's historically been one of four county seats. Visitors can enjoy a variety of dining options from kid-friendly fare to waterfront dining and local restaurants at Newport on the Levee. The city boasts a rich history dating back to its founding in 1795 and has seen significant contemporary development within its 3.
6% as popular as Louisville
9 minutes off the main route, 59% of way to Columbus
5

Dayton

Dayton, located in western Ohio, is a city known for its rich historical and cultural attractions. The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force showcases an extensive array of aircraft spanning from early 1900s planes to a space shuttle exhibit. At Carillon Historical Park, visitors can explore a Wright Brothers plane, 19th-century buildings, and antique trains. Families with kids can enjoy interactive science exhibits and a small zoo at the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery.
22% as popular as Louisville
11 minutes off the main route, 75% of way to Columbus

Best stops along Santa Claus to Columbus drive

The top stops along the way from Santa Claus to Columbus (with short detours) are Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati, National Museum of the US Air Force, and Kings Island. Other popular stops include Creation Museum, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, and Jungle Jim's International Market.
1

Perfect North Slopes

Temporarily Closed
Ski resort
Nature & Parks
Ski & Snowboard Areas
Resort featuring 22 trails for skiing, plus snow-tubing & a lodge with food & equipment.
Perfect North Slopes is great for beginner skiers like me. It’s nearby, has rentals, and makes snow when needed. Being open into the evening (10pm on weekdays, midnight on weekends) allows a quick run after work in the winter. The trails are beginner-friendly and I have enjoyed progressively more challenging options. They have snowboarding as well which I have yet to try. The accessible and warm lodge as well as annual passes are a big plus!
Evan O — Google review
Always a great time here at Perfect North Slopes. Even when other localish slopes are struggling to open, Perfect will have a base already down. Also always improving trying to have great conditions. We have been traveling a few hours every week here the past few years with a pass and now have our own gear and it has been worth every minute learning
Dalton H — Google review
While somewhat dated on the inside, it is a great ski getaway. Instructors are incredible. My granddaughter and I both loved ours (beginners, thank you Sparkles)and my husband’s more advanced instructor were very knowledgeable and patient. Lifts were easy and not long lines even though weather was perfect and powder was also. Food is way over priced even for a vacation destination. Higher than a venue but less quality. Staff is beyond nice and ability to wake up and go was a long weekend we won’t forget.
Cee J — Google review
Almost perfect! This place is awesome for the location. Has some of the best snowmaking I’ve ever seen (it’s needed). The issues comes with the little elevation and the longer lift lines. They are doing the best they can to keep this place awesome.
Caleb S — Google review
Addison and the entire staff treated us like family! We all had a blast this weekend. Best place to learn how to ski at a fair price! From Miami to Indiana...we highly recommend this little GEM. Keep up the great work and we'll see you soon! -- The Moretti Family & Friends
Giuseppe M — Google review
We took a crew of people tubing, and it was such a blast. The tubing is so fast, and the wait time honestly wasn't bad at all. There are 3 sets of lanes, and one of the lanes will allow up to 16 people to all tube as a group. Overall, it was a great day out with family!
Trent F — Google review
It's the second time I come with my family. You can breathe an incredible atmosphere. They have many clues depending on the level of experience. For 116 you have the gear (helms and skis or snowboard) and access for 8 hours in a row from the first track you enter. For an additional 10 dollars you can have the waterproof jumpsuit. In addition, if you are local they have very good bonuses. 100% recommended
PoiiSon21 — Google review
Advance booking: Yes It’s a fantastic place to have fun with friends or family. Tubing is my favorite activity there. The staff is incredibly friendly and helpful, making it easier to explore the park. I would recommend spending at least a full day to fully enjoy the park. They only accept credit cards.
Rama K — Google review
4.6
(4315)
•
4.5
(283)
19074 Perfect Pl Ln, Lawrenceburg, IN 47025, USA
https://www.perfectnorth.com/
(812) 537-3754
2

Big Bone Lick State Historic Site

State park
Nature & Parks
Historic site with a museum housing fossilized bones, plus a campground, trails, mini-golf & more.
Went on a good day, nice walking trail. Cute gift shop/museum. Seeing the bison so up close was awesome! They were really close to fence. Gotta love the hills and the woods. Also a site for camping, and a couple playgrounds for the kiddos.
Hannah A — Google review
It is a great area. The museum is nice and bathrooms were clean. The bison trail and trail next to the museum were nice. We also did the other trails and wish they would have been a little better marked. We had a really nice time though!
Laura C — Google review
We really enjoyed our stay at the campground! It is a beautiful location with great activities. We really enjoyed making hiking sticks, learning about the Atlatl, vising the museum/site, and hiking the trails. A huge thank you to the staff for putting on great events! The campground has access to trails, mini golf, and clean bathrooms. The sites were paved (but not very level) and roomy.
Teresa M — Google review
It’s a short easy trail walk to see the bison. It’s better to go early morning before it gets hot. They are large and prefer cooler weather. We have been in several different months and have seen them many times. They come in to eat and are usually in the front pasture, they have been in the middle pasture which is walkable, around the fenced in area to the left side. Handicapped accessible pathway in back of gift shoppe shows mammoths and giant sloths.
Jason V — Google review
Big Bone Lick State Historic Site in Union, Kentucky, is a truly unique destination that blends natural beauty, fascinating history, and family-friendly activities into one enriching experience. We recently visited with our child and spent a few nights camping in the on-site campground, which made the experience even more enjoyable and immersive. The campground was quiet, clean, and well laid out, with spacious sites that offered plenty of shade and privacy. The bathhouses were modern and well-maintained, with hot showers and good water pressure. It was a perfect home base for exploring everything the park has to offer. Waking up to the sounds of nature and enjoying coffee outside while surrounded by woods was a peaceful way to start each day. As you explore the park, the interpretive center is a must-visit. It offers a detailed look at the area's prehistoric past, where massive Ice Age animals like mammoths once roamed and left their bones behind in the mineral-rich salt licks. The exhibits are interactive and kid-friendly, making it easy to keep little ones interested while learning something new. One of the most delightful surprises was the live bison herd. Seeing these majestic creatures up close in a natural setting was breathtaking. The walking trails are perfect for a casual hike, and there's even a paved trail that’s stroller- and wheelchair-friendly. We also appreciated the shaded picnic areas and the accessibility of the campground to all park features. Big Bone Lick State Park is a hidden gem that blends science, history, and nature in a way that few places can. Camping there made our trip even more memorable. Whether you’re a family with young kids, a nature enthusiast, or a history buff, this park has something for everyone. We can’t wait to go back!
Chris W — Google review
Wonderful park from what we've seen. We didn't have time to do the entire trail, but from what we experienced, the walk was beautiful and therapeutic. The grounds are well kept and the bison are adorable!
Linda ( — Google review
We visited during the week in the morning and got to see bison, which was pretty cool. Part of the park was closed due to construction. The nature trails were pretty, but we decided to skip mini golf due to the heat. It is definitely worth a visit to see the bison, but it is a short experience.
Sarah M — Google review
Very nice little visitor center with lots of information, gift shop restrooms. Just when there to see the Bisons. It was 98 F. It's a very short walk from the parking lot 200 ft, mostly in the shade. Definitely want to go back for more to see and have a picnic.
Yasemin B — Google review
4.6
(3006)
•
4.0
(161)
3380 Beaver Rd, Union, KY 41091, USA
https://parks.ky.gov/union/parks/historic/big-bone-lick-state-historic-site
(859) 384-3522
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3

Hollywood Casino & Hotel Lawrenceburg

Casino
Casinos & Gambling
Hotel
Modern casino hotel offering 6 dining options, plus a nightclub & live entertainment.
This hotel & casino is exactly what you would expect for a 3-star hotel. No surprises, clean, and the service was friendly. The food in the restaurant at the Sportsbook was the best part of the stay. They have excellent food! And the Service was awesome, even had a little help from a robot named Bella.
April L — Google review
This is the first time leaving a review in the middle of a stay. My husband and I checked in yesterday to celebrate our wedding anniversary. We don’t usually celebrate it, but had a very challenging and hard summer so we found this gem to check out. The hotel is very old timing and charming. One down side to it, you can hear everything !! We are on the back side of the building and you can hear a simple conversation from under the pavilion. The room itself is very clean and cozy. Our cleaners name is Rachel and you can tell she takes pride in her work. As far as the casino goes… we are losing our butts but are having a blast. You can smoke in the casino (we are not smokers) but the ventilation is very good and you hardly notice it. One complaint. When getting food, people in line will light cigarette after cigarette which is gross. Smoking should be prohibited in line for food / where meals are being made. We have one more night and hopefully our luck will change . Will definitely be back
Marissa K — Google review
The staff is always pleasant. The rooms are very outdated. The shower curtain liner was hideous! They really need a better cleaning staff and need to upgrade their rooms. This is by far one of the oldest hotel’s at a casino that I’ve stayed at. The carpets are very nasty. I didn’t even want to walk with my bare feet on the carpet. I appreciate the comp rooms. I really recommend that they do something about upgrading at hotel. Please change shower liners frequently.
Helena H — Google review
Nice hotel enjoyed the Hollywood motif, suggestion you can park at the hotel and walk to the casino. It is not as far as some of the reviews would make you think. The room was clean ask for a non-smoking room if you want to avoid the smoke smell that other reviews have indicated. I saw little indication of wear and tear with exception of the front entry. After that the hotel seemed to be clean and well kept. Not bad after a 30 years it is little used now, that is the casino next door given that there are 15 other casinos nearby. This was a reasonable hotel for a good price.
Jon C — Google review
Love this place!! But needs to be refurbished, it is very dirty/old My room would not get hot water not even after 25 mins of running & the carpets are dirty & feel sticky, chairs so stained wouldn’t sit on it, toilets smell terrible after ‘ after taking a closer look i can see why…. Disgusting! If you are disabled or have a hard time walking, this is not the place for you….. walk from the hotel to the casino is like a mile away, very far, very very distanced and all uphill! 😫 Love the look and aesthetic of the place, but it does need some help!!!! A BIG shout out to James and Justin. 2 very kind young men that went out of their way for me & we’re very helpful.!!! Hey Hollywood since you’re not putting the money that we all give you back into the hotel, please put it into these young gentleman‘s pay checks!! 🤗 I did not get pictures of everything, but I did get pictures of the toilet! Lots of urine etc. 😫
Dawn K — Google review
The room I would take 1/2 star off only because the phone didn’t work and the carpet was bubbly. As for location there was a very loud train that kept waking us up in the middle of the night but other than that my husband and I always enjoy our time there especially for Halloween boogie nights!
Justine B — Google review
Need attention in the room, the wall A/C unit desperately needs to be clean you’re asking for trouble with that! The curtains, especially the blackout ones need to be replaced, the lamp shade they are totally trash! Carpet needs totally replaced! And a mop taken to the Floors! Plus rubber mat for shower!, main reason for review. Husband slipped in the shower, he’s alright! Little upgrades go long way!!! Stay quite often, but think the room’s really need attention!!! Your employees are always respectful and very kind and always willing to help! Thank you Hope Hollywood Hotel continues to survive!!!
Debbie L — Google review
I avoid leaving negative reviews, but this place has 100% lost site of the concept of customer service. I would avoid it at all costs. We booked through booking.com. According to booking.com, after trying to get a refund, all the rooms in this dive are smoking rooms and they are well used...We went to check into the property, got to our rooms and realized they smelled like an ash tray. We went back to the front desk and told the guy there that we were going to leave. He did offer to put us into other rooms, but at that point we decided to just make the drive home since the smell of smoke was pretty much throughout the property. When I asked about a refund I was informed that I would need to call booking.com to do this and so that is what I did...after an hour on hold and calls being dropped twice I was told by booking.com that the refund was being denied by the hotel. I called the hotel and they indicated that there were non-smoking rooms available that night and since we didn't give them a chance to fix it that the refund was being denied. They also went onto tell me that I had booked smoking rooms somehow on booking.com and that I should read the confirmation email more closely. Frustrated would be customer here. Back to Marriott and a brand that actually makes it right when there is an issue.
Caleb A — Google review
4.0
(8696)
•
3.5
(580)
777 Hollywood Blvd, Lawrenceburg, IN 47025, USA
https://www.hollywoodindiana.com/
(888) 274-6797
4

Creation Museum

Museum
Children's museum
Indoor/outdoor, Bible-themed museum with exhibits ranging from Noah's Ark to a petting zoo.
First time here, went on a Sunday when they opened at 1pm...little line waiting to get in, not bad. A must see!! Wonderful biblical attraction with gardens, small zoo, 4D theatre, planetarium (10-15$ per person depending on 1 or 2 shows), zip lining (not included in price), aerial obstacle course (not included in price). Have a military discount and if u don't buy the Ark and Creation tickets together, make sure you bring your stubs to the other one, well at least when we went to Creation museum we would have got money off as a "bundle" for having already gone to the Ark. Everyone is super friendly! Lots of bathrooms and water fountains which again like the Ark I really appreciate! Coffee shop, ice cream, fudge, cookies, food and snacks, gift shops. Lots of reading as you walk through the museum but so amazing to learn as you walk through the Bible, literally!! The pictures below are just a few of the many things you will see and read! Definitely check this place out!!
Tabitha — Google review
We loved everything about the Creation Museum. Parking was easy and plentiful, staff was friendly and welcoming, many, many restrooms available and all clean, grounds are stunning, zoo animals well cared for and the museum itself was outstanding. We had a group of six women traveling from Virginia. We loved the interactive experience with zookeeper in the morning, a wonderful concert in the museum, the planetarium (extra fee), special effects movie theater (extra fee). The museum is beautifully done and very easy to navigate. Thankfully, it was not crowded, so the signs were easy to read. Other guests visiting were friendly as well. Excellent experience. Thank you!
Brandi W — Google review
We enjoyed the botanical garden. That's all I can say about the place. Within a few minutes of getting there, we were both ready to leave. We were there less than 2 hours, and I drive 8 hours round trip. We both considered it a disappointment and not worth that extremely long drive. The kid really had a good time on the bridges and the garden were the only highlights for us
Denise A — Google review
This was our visit to the magnificently designed Creation Museum in Kentucky. It was an amazing experience as we came to visit straight from Philadelphia, PA. The entire Creation Museum venue is full of information which is presented is a very accessible way and easy to understand. They have several great bookstores with all kinds of curriculums for Church, Sunday School and VBS related to the Ark, the Flood and Creation and the Tower of Babel, which I highly recommend. We also really enjoyed the appearances and shows happening throughout the day, especially the one on "The Life of Corrie Ten-Boom". The staff is very helpful and has a fantastic attitude! We are definitely planning on coming back.
Tom A — Google review
Wonderful experience! I highly recommend this for everyone of all ages and beliefs. The information is clear and to the point. The various exhibits are beautiful and dramatic. I really enjoyed the museum and you can slow down and go through each exhibit thoroughly. You can finish in a few hours and you will be highly edified.
Hebrews 1 — Google review
This was such a cool museum! Went on a Saturday and wasn’t terribly busy. Definitely a little pricey but worth the experience. Plan to spend several hours here, we didn’t have time to go to the conservatory or butterfly house. As a former non believer I also appreciated the “scientific” explanations of the creation, flood etc. This place can be a fun experience for the unbeliever as well as the believer. Loved all the dinosaur exhibits!
Becky C — Google review
Went with my family and church group recently and the kids absolutely loved it 😁 All of us had a wonderful time. They have a petting zoo and zip line. A beautiful pond with fish and lilly pads out on the water, the museum itself is very nice!! Good prices for their items in the bookstore. We enjoyed the theater also!!! A nice little playground for the kids to play in while you wait for an event to start. There is literally so much to do and enjoy.
Kristen — Google review
Must do I took my husband here for a 63rd birthday surprise and he loved it. The talks were really great and everything they’re doing in. The museum is super good. They probably need to explain the alien planetarium movie, though it was the worst part of the whole place, but still good. They just need to add more about the spiritual rounds or about the contrasting theories for why they exist. I’m not convinced they don’t. Especially loved the garden of Eden section. We could’ve walked through that several more times. Very majestic.
Carrie J — Google review
4.6
(15068)
•
4.4
(2524)
2800 Bullittsburg Church Rd, Petersburg, KY 41080, USA
https://creationmuseum.org/
(888) 582-4253
5

Miami University

University
Public university
Expansive public school known for its scenic campus, museums & liberal arts programs.
It is a beautiful campus. This is one view from Western Dining Hall....one of the many great spots that Miami students have access to. Western Dining offers great food along with exceptional customer service.
Gina S — Google review
Beautiful campus, great presentations, cool student tour guides. My students truly enjoyed the campus visit. We had a great time. Thank you Miami.
Myshamil W — Google review
No matter the season, this campus is a beautiful place to be! It has all the feelings of being in a Hallmark holiday movie.. the campus is absolutely gorgeous..The Fall foliage, to the flowers that are planted along campus during the spring and Summer.. or the gorgeous art and architecture that is around with the beautiful winter snow.. Mami university.. Oxford, Ohio.. is a beautiful place to visit, attend school, explore, live..
Carey M — Google review
Met with Farmer Business School Professor Emeritus and 4th year student to get a tour and info. Beautiful campus, buildings, overall feel of the school is 5*.
Basil N — Google review
Such a beautiful campus! Just to see some of these hand built stone bridges is amazing
Steph F — Google review
We were there for the Business School graduation today. They know how to get all the graduates in fast! I couldn't believe how many graduates didn't return to their seats and left as soon as getting their diplomas.
B ( — Google review
We toured Miami today and it's a beautiful campus. It has such cool history and has a lot of neat quirks. Our tour guide, Sia, was an absolute delight, giving us history but also a lot of great personal stories to highlight the uniqueness of the campus.
Toys F — Google review
Very nice campus! I'm impressed by all the safety measures they take there. From the cross walk flashing lights to the emergency call boxes all around.
Samantha H — Google review
4.5
(521)
•
4.5
(197)
501 E High St, Oxford, OH 45056, USA
https://miamioh.edu/
(513) 529-1809
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6

Cincinnati Museum Center

Mentioned on 
+78 other lists 
Museum
Children's museum
Nestled within the iconic Union Terminal, the Cincinnati Museum Center is a treasure trove of culture and education that beckons visitors to explore its rich offerings. This stunning Art Deco masterpiece, built in 1933 and recognized on the National Register of Historic Places, houses an impressive array of attractions including the Cincinnati History Museum, the Duke Energy Children's Museum, and a fascinating Museum of Natural History & Science. With over 1.
The Cincinnati Museum Center is such a cool spot. The Art Deco building alone is worth the visit; seriously gorgeous and full of vintage charm. We grabbed tickets on Groupon which made it super easy (saved a few dollars), and the exhibits ended up being way more fun and interactive than I expected (even just for two adults). We skipped the kids’ museum this time, but the other areas had so many hands-on things that I’m sure the children’s section is awesome too. We spent about 3–4 hours wandering around and never felt too crowded, even on a Sunday morning. Parking was a easy. Overall, just a really fun, easy, and memorable way to spend half a day.
Emily — Google review
The museum was stunning. A majority of the exhibits are interactive to some degree which makes it even cooler for adults. The childrens museum is WICKED cool complete with a town; supermarket, house, post office, dump, dentist office ect 🥰🥹 took our 18m.o. our 4y.o. and nana and everyone had a fantastic time. 4 hours very well spent and we probably missed a couple spots. We will definitely be back!
Mariama P — Google review
Having our wedding reception at The Cincinnati Museum Center was the most magical decision we made. The venue is beyond stunning — dinner and dancing beneath the iconic rotunda mural is surreal, and guests absolutely loved wandering the museum exhibits during cocktail hour. People were thrilled exploring with drinks and hors d’oeuvres in hand, and the Graeter’s ice cream shop inside was a HUGE hit. But even more amazing were the people: ✨ Jenna, our event coordinator — patient, supportive, responsive, and so positive through every question, change, and walkthrough ✨ Alayna (Catering) and the Head Chef — who customized food across per theme, built a serpent-shaped head table, and turned every idea into reality We had so many moving parts — multiple themes, multiple bars, décor vendors, and guest logistics — and CMC helped execute flawlessly. We are forever fans, and we LOVE our free one-year membership. Best venue, best team, best experience. THANK YOU, CMC!!!
Ruthie M — Google review
Loved this place. So educational. The miniature Cincinnati setup was amazing especially switching from day to night and trolleys, trains, and cars movie. Oh and the plane circling. I was mesmerized. The ice cream sadly was closed. Just a gorgeous structure. Loved that the original doors were still in use and there were other items from long ago that were used. One complaint. The food at the restaurant was simply awful. $17 for a hot dog, chips, and drink. The hot dog was tossed it was just that bad on a cold stale bun with only ketchup and mustard as options. The hog dog was cold. For that alone I won't return. The staff, except one lady who served the tray at the counter, weren't cordial. She was though. Didn't have plain chips so she watched my tray while I was told to go back out of the restaurant and select some and return. I want my money back! Lol. Stay away from the restaurant.
Terri M — Google review
Best membership we ever spent. My kid loves this place. Cup and Pint is great. The guy that works there is the best. Beard envy! Really nice stuff in the gift shop. Don't mind spending money when it's not cheap junk. So glad they are open every day now. Wish they had membership lounge.
Vernon F — Google review
We are so, so lucky to have the Cincinnati Museum Center as a staple of our community. I have been coming here since I was a child — genuinely, for as long as I can remember, I have been learning and growing as a young woman here. The Children’s Museum is amazing for kids, with activities, games, and interactive exhibits. The Natural History and Cincinnati History areas are full of unique topics, local history, interesting exhibits, and more. I LOVE it there. I could spend hours upon hours taking my time to read, understand, and think about everything. There is also an IMAX theater here, as well as rotating exhibits that travel throughout the country. The most recent exhibit I visited was the Pompeii exhibit, and it was wonderfully done. There were historical objects on display to convey the art and culture of the era, as well as pertaining to the disaster specifically. I am so thankful for the Cincinnati Museum Center. I always have loved it there, and cannot wait to continue to see what its future holds.
Katelyn M — Google review
I enjoy my time at the museum. It was very interesting and diverse exhibits. However I believe most adults would rather go during the week when their are fewer children running around.
Julia E — Google review
What a great place to visit. My daughter had the best time, and I even enjoyed myself. My daughter especially wanted to see the Barbie exhibit, and she wasn't disappointed. I have to say myself I even enjoyed it. The cave system was awesome, but there were a few spots where a more rounder person like myself might have a hard time squeezing, though. I was able to do it with a little holding my breath, lol.
Dale B — Google review
4.7
(8950)
•
4.5
(1877)
1301 Western Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45203, USA
http://www.cincymuseum.org/
(513) 287-7000
7

Hueston Woods State Park

State park
Nature & Parks
Parks
Recreation area with lodging, camping, hiking, fishing, canoeing & fossil-hunting opportunities.
I have not visited this state park for over 30 years so this was a trip back to memory lane. We did some hiking on the Big Woods and Sugarbush trails through their Beech and Maple virgin forest which is truly a deep woods experience. We also got in the Cedar Falls trail which I highly recommend. The Lodge and Cabin areas are pretty much as I remember without having changed much so they appeared a little dated. We drove through the campground both the areas with electric and those without and saw the places I first camped as a kid about 55 years ago. The Lake Loop round is currently closed near the marina due to a bridge being replaced. The roads in some places need replacement since they look like they have only been heavily patched over the last 30 years. We also got a chance to see and walk the dam holding back Acton Lake. Overall a good day outside.
Mike S — Google review
We stayed here twice when we were on vacation in Ohio. Very nice Cabins and surroundings. They have pools, volleyball court, a basketball court, and other amenities. They also have a nice beach and great customer service
Simon D — Google review
Great place for the family. Hiking, fishing ,swimming, boating, bird watching. This park has it all. The trails are nice,the campground is really nice. Lots to do for all. Fossil and rock collecting in the creek.
Justin W — Google review
The park has a variety of options for your stay including RV, tent, lodge, cabin, equestrian, primitive and groups. There is a large Pavillion in the campground. They provide many activities such as nature walks, flora and fauna talks, and more. Acton Lake offers a beach, marina, and fishing. You can rent boats as well. There are 18 hiking trails of various lengths and difficulty.
Melanie R — Google review
Nature – the Gentlest Mother is: By Emily Dickinson Nature – the Gentlest Mother is, Impatient of no Child – The feeblest – or the waywardest – Her Admonition mild – In Forest – and the Hill – By Traveller – be heard – Restraining Rampant Squirrel – Or too impetuous Bird – How fair Her Conversation – A Summer Afternoon – Her Household – Her Assembly – And when the Sun go down – Her Voice among the Aisles Incite the timid prayer Of the minutest Cricket – The most unworthy Flower – When all the Children sleep – She turns as long away As will suffice to light Her lamps – Then bending from the Sky – With infinite Affection – And infiniter Care – Her Golden finger on Her lip – Wills Silence – Everywhere Being able to go to the lake my grandparents used to go to on dates is the most special thing to me. Hueston Woods State Park is one of the most beautiful state parks in Ohio. The park is undergoing some renovations (as of May 2025) and I can’t wait to see the new and improved facilities and roads!!
Ryann A — Google review
Its an absolute great state park to visit great trails and nature center its one of the better ones we have visited so beautiful
Jeannie M — Google review
Great park.. although it's not very well maintained. Pretty disappointing how much it's been let go
Mike W — Google review
I really enjoyed it! Nice swimming area overlooking boats going by in the distance. Clean environment. I enjoyed it way more than the other lakes we've gone to in the past. Will definitely be going back
Jerri F — Google review
4.6
(4448)
•
4.0
(121)
6301 Park Office Rd, College Corner, OH 45003, USA
https://ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/hueston-woods-state-park
(513) 523-6347
8

Fountain Square

Mentioned on 
6 lists 
Event venue
Sights & Landmarks
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Fountain Square, located in downtown Cincinnati, is a historic gathering place that has been refurbished several times since its establishment in 1871. It serves as the heart of an entertainment district and hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including free concerts and cultural activities. The square features the iconic Tyler Davidson Fountain and offers a selection of shops, restaurants, and hotels for visitors to enjoy. Additionally, it is home to seasonal attractions such as an ice rink.
Beautiful fountain. The 4 corner little fountains used to have cups as they give out purified drinking water. I loved that the fountain changed colors. There's also beautiful flowers all around and the area was very clean. I love this beautiful city of Cincinnati. As a first time visitor the rich culture all around the city in the old buildings and the rich history all around as well. Those that live in Cincinnati are blessed with a wonderful city.
John S — Google review
Fountain square was a super fun surprise right across from our hotel. They have a bar for drinks, tables and chairs set up. They had live music on Saturday night when we attended. It was fun to see people enjoying the music and dancing. Grab some ice cream and enjoy the square next to it. Would be nice if they had a little more seating. Definitely worth checking out. The fountain is beautiful at night as well.
Connor L — Google review
Great place. I was here on a couple of different days and both times they had the tables and chairs out for you to take a seat. One day there was food trucks the other day there wasn't. Both days there was live music which was brilliant. Also went one of the evenings and still felt nice and safe there. Lovely little area
Kayleigh H — Google review
The Fountain Square is a beehive venue located right in the heart of Cincinnati City. A streetcar (tram in some countries) runs in a 3.6-mile loop around the city and rides free. There is a stop right at the front of the square. This venue is safe and accessible by wheelchairs, bikes, and carts, and one can rent a red bike (the traditional type) or an E-bike (electric). There is also a bus stop for the Metro buses that can connect you to all parts of the great Cincinnati. The square is worth a visit.
Mary M — Google review
Went to celebrate my birthday by watching a free concert with 2nd Wind Band. We had an amazing time, dancing and singing.
Ms I — Google review
Fountain Square in Cincinnati is a beautiful and lively place, especially in the evening when the fountain lights up in bright colors. The atmosphere is festive, safe, and perfect for spending time with family or just relaxing. I loved the pink-lit fountain — it looked magical! There are plenty of seating areas and restaurants nearby. Highly recommend visiting if you’re in the area!
Zilola S — Google review
Always love it, especially during the holidays. I've been bringing my kids down to see the giant Christmas tree since they were toddlers, and now they are graduating, have kids of their own, etc. Even outside of the holidays, it's great.. The fountain is absolutely beautiful and it's jam packed with restaurants and entertainment. A fun place.
Nikki ( — Google review
Very nice, watching them get the Christmas tree ready to decorate and cleaning everything up. Seeing all the different people, personalities, cultures walking downtown. The leisurely walkers and the I need to get somewhere walkers. I was waiting on our 12 year old to get back from his adventure with the Adventure Crew. They went hiking.
Lynn L — Google review
4.6
(3708)
•
4.3
(1291)
520 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45202, USA
http://www.myfountainsquare.com/
(513) 621-4400
9

Great American Ball Park

Mentioned on 
+54 other lists 
Stadium
Sights & Landmarks
Arenas & Stadiums
Great American Ball Park is the home field of the Cincinnati Reds and offers more than just baseball. The park features a Hall of Fame museum, interactive exhibits, batting cages, and a playground for kids. It also has a sports bar and hosts various events throughout the year. Built in 2003 to replace Cinergy Field, it boasts unique architectural features like the Power Stacks and baseball-themed mosaics.
I went here for the first time last week and it is an impressive ballpark. There are 2 scoreboards that show different information. There are a wide variety of food and drink selections. Tons of fan interactions and dun animations on the scoreboards. We also got to watch Train performer after the game which was awesome. One thing I did notice that is different from Progressive Field (my home stadium) is that they do not have any drink or food vendors going up and down the sections. Also ut seemed like every time I went to the restroom, there were stalls that ran put of toilet paper.
Anna P — Google review
We enjoy going to GABP so much we plan a trip every year. A full 360 concourse so you can walk all the way around with beautiful views of the river. They have a section outside the concourse with the hall of fame and gift shop outside that allows even more entertainment and fun (it really seems like a party is going on every weekend that we go!) There are plenty of good seating options and food selections. Great for young and old, families and couples and anyone who loves baseball!!
Ryan ( — Google review
We absolutely love our Reds stadium! There is not a bad seat in the whole place. We have sat next to many visitors and have had so many wonderful conversations about how wonderful our stadium is! The atmosphere is great and the views are fantastic! There is always upbeat music and fun fan interaction. We love our hometown team and love to cheer them on! Go Reds!!! Take us out to the ballgame! ⚾️ Handicapped accessible walkways, elevators, seating and parking.
Jason V — Google review
Very nice stadium. Good sight lines to watch the game and friendly staff. Food choices were decent but not great. I had the Skyline Chili dogs for some local flare and the hotdogs were tiny
Kirk F — Google review
I always love an opportunity to come to the ballpark! Recently attended a home game against the Cubs with my wife and parents and had such a fun time as always. We sit in the same section every time as we love the view. The mobile ordering through the ballpark app is a nice touch and the park is always reasonably clean and well kept.
Dillon D — Google review
I am rating 2 stars because I bought 4 tickets for the game and included was the Snoop Dogg concert after the game... and the acoustics were horrible for the concert. We had seats down the first base side in the upper deck section 435.The view from our seats was excellent for the game and concert! Once the concert started we couldn't hear any if scoops vocals over the music. It was like his microphone wasn't turned on. We stayed for 3 songs before we just left because we couldn't hear snoop at all! Our entire section and the ones around it all got up and left. Once we hit the main floor level we could hear him a tad bit better but still awful. I got these tickets the day they went on sale for the sole reason of the concert after and we were so disappointed! Do better!!! Do much much better!
Carla B — Google review
Great food! Sad there wasn’t any venders at least in my depot any sections that I saw but food at stands was good and well priced. Parking and atmosphere around the stadium was a good vibe!
H L — Google review
Wide open classic ballpark. Not designed well for daytime summer games as it is HOTTTTT. But evening games spring and fall would be a great time to go. Fans were courteous for opposing fans (Brewers 2025). Food and drink are priced reasonably as well as seats. Cooling fans, Ice Cream, and cold drinks help with the hear of the day. Greaters Ice Cream behind home plate is REALLY GOOD! Get some while you are there!
Jason E — Google review
4.7
(16751)
•
4.6
(2986)
100 Joe Nuxhall Wy, Cincinnati, OH 45202, USA
http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/cin/ballpark/index.jsp
(513) 765-7000
10

Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati

Mentioned on 
17 lists 
Casino
Casinos & Gambling
Discover the vibrant and thrilling atmosphere of Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati, a top destination for adults seeking an unforgettable night out in Cincinnati. This world-class casino offers an array of exhilarating games including slots, video poker, and table games. Indulge in the electrifying poker room while enjoying handcrafted cocktails and live music performances that will keep you entertained all night long.
Went to see Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons. What a blast from the past! Had an amazing time! The venue was clean & well staffed. Frankie put on one hell of a great performance at 91 years young! His back up singers were top notch! The band didn't miss a beat! Made a beautiful memory that will last my lifetime!
Jena K — Google review
Ate at Hard Rock Cafe for lunch. Food was amazing. Kaley did a fantastic job of managing the crowd and keeping everyone happy. She had great entree suggestions for us. Will definitely eat here again.
CYNDY J — Google review
We went to Cincinnati to buy a car. We are from GA. We just happened to see the casino so we pulled in. We had a great time. We stayed several hours. What we won, of course we played it all back out. Lol. Super friendly employees working the tables willing to help us understand the boards we didn't know how to play.
Charlene M — Google review
Well as of this morning 31 days of 50 or 60 Freeplay provided by the casino. 2 days of winning very small amount. Only days I did win was when I actually put cash in machine and then added Freeplay. So beware new players and previous players Freeplay isn't money you win on. To come here 31 days straight in the month of October and have 2 days where I even stayed longer than 15 mins is when I put cash in machine first and then added Freeplay. So Freeplay is a scam to get you here and take your real cash. Freeplay isn't worth a penny if you truly have no chance of winning with it. Makes me sick to realize this big casino isn't honest. Well as honest as they make us play with criminal charges as consequences why isn't the casino held to the same standard. Freeplay is a scam to get those who are addicted or just love gambling in the door with said Freeplay. Gets you in the door with no chance unless you open your wallet to these honest fine folks of Hard Rock Cincinnati. I will be making a video to go over this months Freeplay on YouTube. Will add video link after the 1st of November. I feel ashamed to have this casino as a representative of downtown Cincinnati. At least I have a chance at Miami valley in Monroe. Actually turned 5 dollars Freeplay into 120 dollars cash. I've played over 1500 dollars Freeplay at Hard Rock this month and math doesn't lie. This place is a true scam. I would advise anyone to stay away or come once only. You probably will win the first time after that they make sure they don't lose. Freeplay isn't Freeplay if they don't allow you to win with it. Video will be on YouTube in a day
Brandon C — Google review
My partner and I were excited to check out the Hard Rock Casino in Cincinnati, especially since my partner is a VIP host at our hometown casino. This was my first time gambling—I’ve never really played slots or table games—so I was eager to try something new. From the outside, the casino is impossible to miss: bright neon signage, a huge Hard Rock guitar sign, and glowing lights that draw you in from blocks away. Inside, the entryway is grand, with large glass doors, gorgeous chandeliers, and vibrant neon lighting. A metal detector at the entrance went off on me, but the staff were friendly and helped figure out that it was a piece of jewelry causing the alert. Once inside, we noticed display cases featuring iconic musician attire, giving the casino a fun museum-like feel. Walking through these exhibits was a highlight and added an unexpected cultural touch to the visit. The central bar was stunning, beautifully lit, and the staff were friendly and helpful, assisting us with cocktail choices to enhance the experience. The casino floor featured a wide variety of slot machines, table games, and even a small carnival game section, which was unique and fun to explore. There were also multiple smoking terraces designed with a club-like vibe that were surprisingly comfortable and didn’t smell like an ashtray. That said, the experience for a first-time gambler like me was frustrating. Unlike our hometown casino, there were no staff on the floor to explain how the games worked or to guide new players. I had to rely on other patrons to help me understand table games, which was kind but highlighted a lack of guest support. Playing the slot machines and table games ended up being more confusing than enjoyable. By the time we arrived around 8:00 p.m., most of the casino’s restaurants were closed, so we didn’t get to experience the dining options. Overall, while the venue is beautiful and visually impressive, the lack of floor staff and guidance for new players made the visit feel underwhelming. We enjoyed the bar more than the gaming floor, and it left us appreciating our hometown casino even more.
Mae M — Google review
We visited the casino for the Young the Giant and Joywave concert, although there was weather issues overall the concert was amazing!! The casino handled the weather issues with ease and made the whole experience great. We tried a pizza bistro inside the casino and they were very delicious.
Angie — Google review
Went for the Ranch Hands Cowboylesque Sow. Great time, great show. Gave a 4 star because trying to find ballroom was not easy. You have to walk through most of the casino to get to escalator to go up to the ballroom.
Rose B — Google review
Fun fun fun! Cincinnati is a beautiful city and a great place to visit! Hard Rock 🎸 was a cool experience a few wins and few losses
Stephen A — Google review
3.9
(12426)
•
4.0
(5859)
1000 Broadway, Cincinnati, OH 45202, USA
https://casino.hardrock.com/cincinnati?utm_campaign=shrss_casino_hard-rock-casino-cincinnati_websitelisting&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=gmb
(513) 250-3150
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11

Newport Aquarium

Mentioned on 
+70 other lists 
Aquarium
Zoos & Aquariums
Newport Aquarium is a top-notch facility that houses thousands of marine animals from around the globe in over a million gallons of water. Visitors can marvel at the jellyfish room, walk through tunnels, and explore exhibits featuring penguins and rays. One of its main attractions is Sweet Pea and Scooter, the stars of the world's first shark ray breeding program. The aquarium has received numerous accolades for its excellence, including being named the No.
It was clean and lots of fish and cool enclosures. Lots of information and learning about the fish. As a single adult I probably won't go on a weekend again or maybe not as early and choose a later time. A lot of kids and just took away from my personal enjoyment of the aquarium. The area around the outside of the aquarium had a few things to do too!
Meridion ( — Google review
First visit to this aquarium! Our family really enjoyed it and the little ones loved it! Very nice, clean and easy to get through. Several places to eat around the aquarium (Including ice cream & and nice candy shop). Lots of outdoor seating. Very nice location and atmosphere!
Stephanie H — Google review
The aquarium and current exhibits were thoughtful and fun. All areas very clean and moving from one area to next was easy to follow. The tunnels were especially fun for all of us and there was a petting area. Guides at these areas are very knowledgeable and seem to enjoy their jobs. We spent about 2.5 hours going through entire aquarium. There were professional photos taken at several areas which you could look at and purchase at exit area. My one complaint is the total lack of signage! We are not from the area and really had a difficult time finding the aquarium. We drove beyond our Google map instructions and just parked in next garage. Just by chance it would lead us to open area on the levee. Once you're in this area it is really quite pretty. Surrounded by shops and small eateries, the aquarium is actually off to the side. Once we got there it went smoothly but there really needs to be maps in garage and better signage on the roads. 5 Guys restaurant is located outside aquarium and a great place to eat after we were done. I think we all enjoyed the penguins the most and enjoyed the viewing area. I wish there was a guide in this area who could give us some insight about the penguins.
Laura P — Google review
Had an absolute blast. We loved all the different aquariums and enclosures they had. We also took the behind the scenes your so that was a very unique experience in it's own right. Will definitely have to do the peguin experience next time! 10 out of 10 would recommend to anyone to visit.
Andrew W — Google review
My daughter, granddaughter and myself had an awesome time. The is a great family outing for all. There's so much to see and learn. We crossed over the shark tank on a net bridge, saw the penguins, a sea turtles, many different species of fish, four different types of seahorses, eals, and divers cleaning out the shark tank. So exciting!
Denise P — Google review
I hadn't been here myself in nearly 20 years, and it was great to be able to take my kids and experience it with them. I did remember that it's super crowded on the weekends, so we picked a slow weekday, and it was the best. Got to see everything without being rushed, and take it all in. If you can go during the week instead of the weekend, highly recommend!
Marissa A — Google review
My family LOVED this place. Tickets for sin gle use are alot i believe 31 per adult, however they are WORTH IT. There's so much to do, you can pet stingrays and sharks. There is interactive chairs to crossing a shark pool with a net bridge. They have a mini play place with slides, also a spot where kids can color. For younger kids where you can change them is also a sensory room so it calms them down when you take them away from the fun, really minimized the tantrum and she actually loved it in there as well.There's a HUGE shop at the end and it was really great. I really recommend this place for families.
Traveling A — Google review
If you have younger children (under 12) this is a great aquarium to pass the time in. My partner and I love to visit aquariums whenever we are in a new city, so we have some pretty stellar aquariums to compare to (shout out to Boston's Newport Aquarium and the Monterey Bay Aquarium). This aquarium really can't compete but it is smaller but still creative with its displays. The bayou area with the white American alligator named Snowflake was really neat. The shark displays have really big sharks. But for me the highlight was their beautiful red octopus who was interacting with visitors up against the glass. So gorgeous! The penguins were great too. There was a petting area too for sea creatures. All of the workers were really great too.
Libby T — Google review
4.6
(20788)
•
4.2
(2246)
1 Levee Wy, Newport, KY 41071, USA
https://www.newportaquarium.com/
(800) 406-3474
12

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

Mentioned on 
+78 other lists 
Zoo
Zoos & Aquariums
The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is a renowned animal park and conservatory featuring over 3,000 plant species and a wide array of wildlife exhibits. As the second-oldest zoo in the United States, it offers an immersive experience with more than 500 friendly creatures, including the famous hippo Fiona. Visitors can also explore diverse botanical collections and enjoy interactive activities such as riding the Safari Train, experiencing the Conservation Carousel, and watching captivating shows at the 4-D Theater.
I’ve been to the Cincinnati Zoo several times now, and just went again this past Saturday (drove a little under 2 hours from Indy!). This trip I did the behind-the-scenes hippo tour and WOW—such an awesome experience for a big hippo fan like me! 🦛💙 Definitely a highlight of my visits. It was super hot that day, but thankfully they had a giant misting fan that I kept running back to—it was a lifesaver! 💨 The zoo itself is beautiful 🌳🌸 with so much to see. The elephant exhibit and snack area were wonderful 🐘—you can even eat an elephant ear there (yum! 🍩). Plus, we got to feed the giraffes 🦒, which was right up there with the hippo tour in terms of favorite moments. Just a heads up: it’s really hilly ⛰️ and there’s lots of walking 🚶‍♀️🚶‍♂️, so comfy shoes are a must. My only complaints: I wish the signage was a little better. I couldn’t find the sloth 🦥 (the app wasn’t up to date either), and the parking lot could use clearer signs too—we actually ended up wandering around a lot we didn’t even park in trying to find our car. 🚗😅 Other than that, always a fantastic time here and I’ll definitely be back again! 🌟
Sarah F — Google review
I recently went with my mom for our annual trip, and our last time here was the best time I have had. I do recommend arriving early on busy days and purchasing tickets in advance as there is always a line. However, should you forget (like me), it's quick and easy to purchase on their website when you arrive. I was beyond thrilled to see their Asian small-clawed river otters (even if they were sleeping) and North American river otters! This made my day as otters are my favorite animal. I look forward to the completion of the sea otter exhibit. I do wish the zoo would advertise the otters better; they're not mentioned at all on their zoo map. (If you're wondering, they are located in Siamang Point and Wolf Woods.) The main souvenir shop near the entrance/exit seemed to have a much more limited selection than they did in the past. There are other gift shops per the map, but I kept missing them somehow. Perhaps as more exhibits are completed, they will expand their options. But overall, it was a great day.
Crystal S — Google review
It’s a nice zoo, albeit smaller than I expected. They have all of the types of animals you’d see at any major zoo. It got really crowded on a Sunday afternoon, there was a long line just to get in by 2pm, so come early. It has better landscaping and decor than most zoos.
Thirteendays — Google review
The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. They seem to genuinely care about the animals. It's a very good environment. It's not very friendly if you have any mobility challenges, but they do offer motorized scooters and other assistance. This is a great zoo!
Ray M — Google review
This zoo is gorgeous! Loved every minute of it. So much to look at and keep the kids entertained. A lot of history as well. The hippos were awesome team Fiona! Paid the 4 bucks for my daughter's to feed the giraffes. Zeke was quite the character. I was surprised to see how gentle he was with my 7 and 5 year old. I went on election day so it was packed! However it was pleasant. The elephants and others were super entertaining as well.
Jaycee R — Google review
Amazing zoo and experience. Easy, ample parking with a short walk, then many exhibits and some with multiple angles and approaches to make sure you see the animals, like the elephants and more. Special events like giraffe feeding and cheetah run are really unique. Kids and adults had an awesome time!
Andrei D — Google review
I adore the cinci zoo!! I read somewhere it’s been ranked the best zoo in the country and I believe it! Beautiful spacious habitats, incredible conservation and outreach! I love going to their adult overnight program! Their new elephant exhibit is just breathtaking. I have nothing but good things to say about this zoo!! Just be prepared to do some walking and spend the day here if you want to see everything! We were here open to close and there was a ton we missed!
Cassandra S — Google review
As always the zoo didn't disappoint. We went to the pumpkin festival it was crazy cool pumpkin carvings. The Cincinnati artist were great! You still got to see the reptile and nocturnal exhibits.
Heather H — Google review
4.6
(30553)
•
4.6
(4037)
3400 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45220, USA
https://cincinnatizoo.org/
(513) 281-4700
13

Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park

Mentioned on 
4 lists 
Sculpture museum
Museums
Nestled in Hamilton, Ohio, the Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum is a captivating outdoor museum that seamlessly integrates art with nature. The park features a diverse collection of sculptures set against the backdrop of meadows, forests, and gardens. Visitors can explore the stunning artworks while immersing themselves in the natural landscape. This non-profit park offers an enriching experience for art enthusiasts, families, and nature lovers alike.
My wife, our dog and love this park. It's an amazing experience for those that enjoy art and nature and its all in one place. The golf carts are a great addition that allows you to see the whole park in one day if you want to! I always recommend this place to friends and family but advice them to bring some water if they're planning on walking!
Crafty R — Google review
Unique park with different art inside. Opted to rent a golf cart and that was fun but a bit too pricey. Overall it's a neat place to visit but I don't think I will go back. History of the owner was not appealing and it was lots of empty space. Good to visit once but I'd say that was enough
Debbie B — Google review
Cute park with varied sculptures. Not as big as I was expecting. I wish it were more walkable and less centered on vehicles/golf carts. We spent about 1.5 hours there. Not sure if it was worth $30 each but we had a good time! We also wished we could buy tickets in advance online, but they do take credit cards at their stand as your drive in.
Emma C — Google review
Recently became a member here after my first visit and was bringing a car full of ppl with me a week later. Closer to any antiquities than ever before. Its like a museum but you get a better view to the displays. The staff has been very nice too.
Dan G — Google review
Great place to take a walk and look at sculptures. 2 major problems though. 1 a lot of the art is placed a long way from the walking trail with no paths up to it. Have fun tromping through the grass. 2nd problem, the gallery loop is supposed to be a 2 mile walk, we were roughly 2.5 miles into the walk and cut across the hill to finish the walk. Management any place that has crossing roads and trails needs to have clearly marked signage!!! Fix the 2 problems and this becomes a 4 to 5 star review
Ron ( — Google review
Filled with scriptures outside as you drive thru, walk or rent a golf cart. Beautiful setting. 400 acres of beautiful nature. 3 Museums filled with extraordinary pieces of art. A must see for sure.
Keri P — Google review
Renting an Art Cart at the Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park is a fun and efficient way to explore, especially if you have a limited time. It allowed us to see everything the park has to offer, from the many sculptures to the two on-site museums. A highlight was touring The Pyramid House, the former home of park founder Harry T. Wilks, where it all began. The museum guide was very informative, providing a deeper appreciation for the art and the park's history.
Becky B — Google review
Always enjoyable. Think next time we're renting a golf cart. There are golf cart only spots unless you walk.
Adam R — Google review
4.6
(1244)
•
4.5
(163)
1763 Hamilton Cleves Rd, Hamilton, OH 45013, USA
http://www.pyramidhill.org/
(513) 868-8336
14

Jungle Jim's International Market

Mentioned on 
12 lists 
Supermarket
Shopping
Jungle Jim's International Market in Fairfield is a food lover's dream, offering over 180,000 items from 70+ countries. The store features unique displays and animatronics, making it an exciting place to explore. With a vast selection of international eats and 1400 types of cheese, it's perfect for picking up a dinner for a romantic picnic or a cozy night in. Visitors recommend visiting on weekdays to avoid crowds and appreciate the friendly and knowledgeable staff.
I don’t know how anybody could give this market/amusement park. Anything less than five stars! When you pull up to the parking, make sure you pay attention. If you’re on the giraffe, or the rhino side, I didn’t realize that there was different sides to the parking lot and exited on the rhino side when I needed to exit the giraffe side. With that side, you will be entertained and taken back to some classics, candy, toys, so many things to look at and experience! The bakery section is amazing. What the heck is a butter bar, that was awesome! So many varieties of wine, and cigars! Temperature controlled! They have thought of everything and just a great place to walk around, and just look at. Great groceries, very unique, gable items, and very unique foods, some, I thought might’ve been a little pricey, but overall, what a great experience! I have been wanting to come here for several years, my daughter is in Kentucky, and decided to drive-through to check this place out. I will definitely need to come back with an ice cooler!
Maggie F — Google review
I NEED a place like this near my house! I've never seen such an incredible produce and international food selection in one place before! I would have never thought a grocery store could count as a tourist attraction but when my wife pointed out "We're like 8 miles from Jungle Jim's" my only possible reply was SAY NO MORE!
Bradley C — Google review
The best store in the world! No comparison. It has everything you can think of and more! Wished had more time to explore and had brought a cooler to take back all the amazing products! will definitely come again and more prepared!
FG — Google review
I loved this store it had almost everything from different countries. No matter if it was food to household stuff. Sure something could be a little expensive to buy but that is with any store. Like for instance I told my girls that I’d rather stay in Canada then go to Russia depression items expensive we’ve been doing in the store. They were right next-door, one step to the right there in Russia. It was kind of cool to think we can travel all around the world without leaving United States. The negative about the place was sometimes it was crowded in areas with people. but with that being said, it wouldn’t stop me from coming again. The girls would like to go back at some point my girls would like to go back and do a cooking class there. And this is nothing to do with the store, but if you bring your kids and they like weird food and snacks, be prepare to have some money with you and a nose plug because you will get all kinds of smells from fish to age old cheese etc. FYI the have pretty good ice cream shop on the inside I especially love the caramel apple pie ice cream
Nena R — Google review
Love this place! Eye candy everywhere!!! So many things to look at, see and be delighted by. All the international foods and products you could ever want. Plus your regular groceries in the middle. There's something for everyone here! Sweets, a full bakery with beautiful cakes. Plenty of aisles of everything from all the various countries around. A fish market, fruit and produce, all kinds of cheese. I can't begin to say what all I saw so I added some pictures to tell ya!!
Claudette E — Google review
All I can say about this place is…WHAT??? It’s such a huge store with a huge variety of everything you can think off from toys, kitchen supplies to literally thousands of food aisles filled with international foods. Every corner was a new surprise, the place is filled of cool statues and animatronics (the Elvis one freaks me out but he is chill) and the vibes are just so cool. This place is a 10/10 from the parking lot to the bathrooms and more. Would definitely recommend this experience to everyone and I can’t wait to be back! 😁
Ash L — Google review
This is probably one of the best grocery stores ive ever been in! The selection in all international foods is exceptional! This is a must have place on your bucket list! We spent hours in here and could have spent a lot more!!
Jake — Google review
What a fun place to shop. There are other businesses attached to this building as well. The decor at Jungle Jim's is really wild. There is fun lifsize decor all throughout this place , always be looking around and specially look up. It's hard to shoo this store and see everything and not miss a section as the aisles are all lined up and there is additional sections all over the store. We went on our way home and it was supposed to be a quick trip. We ended up being inside for 4 hours and left not even seeing it all. The groceries available are from all over the world. If your a cheese fan , this is cheese heaven with cheeses from all over the world and many coolers full.
Beth I — Google review
4.7
(20515)
•
4.7
(1130)
5440 Dixie Hwy, Fairfield, OH 45014, USA
http://www.junglejims.com/
(513) 674-6000
15

Ulysses S. Grant Birthplace

Temporarily Closed
Historical place museum
Sights & Landmarks
Historic Sites
Very cool! I didn't get to go inside because I drove by around 6PM, but there's a few things, plaques and memorials to look at outside and take pictures. The rest area across the street does not have good toilets, though. I'd "go" somewhere else to do restroom business, the toilets are camping toilets withOUT doors! The rest area does have another memorial (bridge) and plaque, however to look at and take pics. There's also a fishing spot hidden downhill from the rest area. My husband and I agreed this birthplace makes a perfect little day trip/field trip for our homeschool students. The sign says closed seasonally, so we'll take the kids in May when they open!
Maria G — Google review
We stopped in to visit on Father’s Day afternoon with a group of seven. The volunteer who greeted us was very welcoming and enthusiastically passed on his knowledge and passion for U.S. Grant! Though small, this is a must see place for all interested in United States history and especially for those who love General and President Grant!
Sam S — Google review
A very nice well preserved home. It’s worth a stop if you like small museums like us. It’s not a busy place so we got a private tour from a wonderful volunteer. Not far from Cincinnati. Worth a stop. From here you can go to the boyhood home about 40 minutes away to continue the Grant Tour. They let us bring the dog in since it was hot outside. The home has AC for the tours. Also, had a great conversation with the volunteer about US Grant.
RV T — Google review
Nice to visit. Pretty basic. Clean. No cost to visit. Parking across the street.
Bill H — Google review
This is a great place to experience a bit of the flavour of life in the era when Grant was born and gives you an idea of his early life. Of course, the actual house and museum are not open that much, but with a modest reading of history (Google can fill in the blanks nicely in this case and supplement what is on the signs that are up) and the well done and informative information boards that are up, you can fill in many of the blanks. This is even a good drive around tour where if you do not wish to get out of the car, you can still experience the era and the history of the place of not only one of our greatest generals, but a good president as well. It gives you a window, however small, of the world into which Grant was born into, as well as some of the (at the time) boyhood distractions in the area, such as the Meadows, the forests, the streams, and the overall openness of the area. Immerse yourself in the history for only the cost of time. Priceless all the way around.
Emmett I — Google review
Delightful little cottage. Intern Jacob was awesome. He gave the best tour. He shared so many tidbits of information that blew me away. I really enjoyed myself. This is a MUST SEE location! Also buy yourself an Ohio connection membership, well spent money!
Berkeley J — Google review
Unfortunately the museum was closed due to Covid 19 shut downs. Hoping to return later in the year if we pass through the area again, the grounds are well kept and attractive. When open admission is a modest $3 per adult $2 for seniors kids under 12 $1 and free under 5 UPDATE 07/24/21 We went back and the house was open for tours, our tour guide was very friendly and well educated giving a great tour of the home.
Joehammer75 — Google review
Tiny but fascinating look at an American icon's humble birthplace. Our enthusiastic guide gave us a quick overview and some little known information about u.s. Grant. Fun, brief.free stop on the Ohio River.
Rebecca H — Google review
4.6
(397)
•
4.0
(43)
1551 OH-232, Moscow, OH 45153, USA
http://www.usgrantbirthplace.com/
(513) 497-0492
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16

Cincinnati Nature Center

Nature preserve
Nature & Parks
Event venue
Hiking area
Park
Preschool
1st— there is an entry fee to get in. I have a pass which was $40/yr. If you are single, a couple or family, and you plan to visit often, I HIGHLY suggest purchasing a pass. If you pay to enter that will be deducted from the pass you purchase. There are restrooms, a welcome/educational area/store. I did see a lot of people with pets although I’m not sure about all trails allowing dogs. The entire nature playscape are absolutely awesome if you have children. Trails range in distance and difficulty so do your due diligence in checking. There is one trail that has like a gazillion steps. Took me a minute and a half to descend all the stairs at a normal pace (I’m short) It’s very scenic though.
Patricia ( — Google review
Fantastic place to go with friends and family. Massive number of trails and outdoor spaces for all ages to enjoy. Additionally there is a visitor center with many things to do, including exhibits, viewing areas and activities for children. Outdoor activities include areas for children, lots of walking trails, outdoor nature exhibits and picnic areas. Great place to go with family, friends and kids we will definitely be back!
Joe L — Google review
Peaceful place to walk. Well maintained trails, clean restrooms, and in certain seasons, the opportunity to feed turtles. In the ponds where feeding is not allowed it is common to see turtles sunning, frogs, and sometimes even newts. An excellent pollinator garden plus a variety of natural play areas for children. Wildflowers and naturalized bulbs bloom through the warmer months. In September, fall crocus bloom.
Nancy R — Google review
One of my all time happy places and sanctuary when I need to get out for a walk and think. Excellent birding here all year. Nice variety of trails from easy to challenging. Its changed a lot over the years but retains a feel of being home. Highly recommended. 👌
L B — Google review
It’s my first time here, and the entry fee for adults is $10. Unfortunately, I don’t qualify for any other discounts. It seems like a great spot for taking photos—there were lots of families with photographers doing wedding or family shoots. I was hoping to catch some fall colors, but it looks like it’ll take a few more weeks. The leaves are just starting to turn yellow.
Jacques L — Google review
We met our son and family for a walk through the Enchanted Woods Lights. There were lots of interactive displays. I liked the Lite Brite the best. The kids loved the light tube chimes. We had to do that one twice. Did a little tree hugging. Made a craft. Nice gift shop with Charlie Harper Art Exhibit. Food trucks. Cocktails. A pleasant walk in the woods with family.
Bowmanlaurapiper — Google review
Enjoy my membership. Like the bird walks and trail yoga. Live music. Miles of hiking trails. Native plant sale. Many events for all ages and scouting.
T M — Google review
Great park, me and my daughter went to see the Earnocular had a hard time finding it. Staff was really nice. Will be back
Ella H — Google review
4.9
(1258)
•
5.0
(147)
4949 Tealtown Rd, Milford, OH 45150, USA
http://www.cincynature.org/
(513) 831-1711
17

Smith Park

City park
Outdoor Activities
Other Outdoor Activities
They put on a great free fireworks show I take my family every year the kids love it, great food trucks, light up toys, it’s just haters to find a parking and getting out of there, the handicap parking fills up fast
Travis H — Google review
Great park to relax, have a picnic and even has shelter houses to use. There is a huge splash pad for kids. Skateboard park and even a nice level walking trail. I have to admit I love to take my lunch go to the park and watch plans land or take off as well as hot air balloons. Totally worth visiting and finding something fun to do.
John M — Google review
Awesome spot for relaxing and having a picnic or skydiving even! Soccer fields and great Christmas lights for FREE! Fishing pond and skate park... Wide open spaces. What else do you need except a kids splash pad and bathrooms which they also have ! Fantastic park for the local people there !
Nathan G — Google review
We moved out of the area 20 years ago. While visiting family, who still live in the area, we visited Smith Park. We were surprised it hadn't changed much, but it is (and always was) a nice park to take your kids OR your furry family members. Decent playground, plenty of parking, picnic tables and walking trail.
Peggy G — Google review
Went here during the hot air balloon festival. It was reasonable and fun. They had airplane rides by the butler county warbirds which the museum is near by and great to go spend some time there. They have helicopter rides and tethered hot air balloon rides as well sponsored by someone else. The car show was cool and so was the air show. The shops that set up most was local with great merchandise and nice owners. I enjoy coming here every year. It just keeps getting better.
Amber — Google review
It is a rather large park with lots to do. We went just for the playground. It was decent. Kind of lack luster considering the size of the park. They did have a small splash pad which was closed for the season. My kids had fun but its not a playground I would go out of my way to go to.
Stephanie L — Google review
My son and I enjoy the splash pad and park. The skate park in the back is very nice too. We play soccer here during the week and its a very family friendly park. It offers awnings to cook out, gather, or even a birthday party. It also has bike trails and a pond to feed the ducks. It can be very busy at times but still a nice place to have fun with your kids.
Rebekah M — Google review
We love smith park, but the geese are a bit much since they literally poop on everything. We went a couple of days ago and the splash pad was covered in geese poop. I hope it's clean now
Cana K — Google review
4.5
(1658)
•
4.0
(49)
500-546 Tytus Ave, Middletown, OH 45042, USA
https://www.cityofmiddletown.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/Smith-Park-31
(513) 425-7766
18

Loveland Castle Museum

Mentioned on 
1 list 
Museum
Sights & Landmarks
Loveland Castle Museum, constructed in the 1920s by Sir Harry Andrews, is a charming tribute to his Boy Scout troop, the Knights of the Golden Trail. Initially starting with two stone tents, he envisioned a full-scale castle that now stands proudly along the riverbank. Visitors can explore an impressive collection of swords and medieval artifacts while enjoying picturesque picnic spots nearby.
We've been multiple times in our 30 yr marriage. It's always nice. This is the first time we've seen the flowers in the garden. (We've been there in the fall) The castle is well kept and beautiful. There is a reasonable $5 entrance fee. The host was welcoming and knowledgeable about the castle's history. The 3- seven minute videos about the origins and history are enjoyable.
Karen B — Google review
A fun, interesting and affordable experience for all. We took our 6yo on a Friday and it was great! Super friendly staff to greet you, and answer any questions. Going in and exploring was very cool. You can cover most everything in around an hour.
Mike G — Google review
Great fun! Historical and adventurous at the same time. You can learn so much for watching the video and reading the information. There’s a gift area. $5 entrance fee is well worth supporting the castle. You can spend 15 minutes or a couple hours it’s up to you. The yards are well kept. Glad we stopped - going to definitely come again. Thank you for keeping this open and sharing. I’m sure Henry would be thrilled to know we are still enjoying his love for castles.
Rita L — Google review
The history of the castle and the original owner is interesting and you can imagine the hard work it took, stone by stone. One room has a video playing that explains all of the history. The surrounding area is pretty. You can have a picnic by the river, castle-side. Some of the stones in the castle come from different countries or states and they're marked. It's a smaller castle but I enjoyed going through it and admiring the story/history and the craftsmanship.
Karen C — Google review
Loveland Castle is an eye-catching and very unique landmark in this region of Ohio. The exterior stonework and small garden area provide plenty of character and are great subjects for photography, especially in good light. However, the interior feels quite cluttered and lacks a cohesive display theme. Each room is filled with a wide mix of objects that often seem unrelated, making it hard to frame clean compositions without unwanted distractions in the background. The place feels more like a private collector’s display with limited curation rather than a thoughtfully arranged museum. Still, it’s an interesting stop for those curious about local oddities.
Mocha M — Google review
Great tour of one of our regions historic places. Informative videos begin the self-guided tour and then comes the opportunity to walk the castle and surrounding grounds. Amazing how one could build such a place, taking 50+ years to accomplish. To see the entire castle, you will need to walk just a few steps up spiral staircases. A small souvenir store is also available. General administration $5/person. Ample parking.
Steve W — Google review
My sister and I took a day trip down to visit the castle in August. The castle is just stunning and filled with history. We had a great time exploring. If you are looking for an experience that is unique and historical, this is the place to visit. Unfortunately, my sister and I did not get to see all of the gardens or the dungeon due to another guest experiencing a medical emergency. My sister is a nurse and I have first aid training so we did stop to help this gentleman and escort him safely to his car, which did cut our trip short. Hopefully we can come back in the future to see what we missed.
Kathryn V — Google review
This is such a cool castle to visit. You do have to pay $5.00 to get in, but it's worth it. The women that works at the counter inside talked about the history of the castle and answered our questions. I wouldn't necessarily recommend going here if you have mobility issues since most of the castle is on the second and third floors. We couldn't go on the third floor or roof part because it was being renovated. There are a lot of cool displays with armor, swords, daggers, etc. The floors are creaky but that's expected with how old the castle is. It's really nicely decorated inside and out. The garden was really pretty.
Anna P — Google review
4.6
(3257)
•
4.0
(276)
12025 Shore Dr, Loveland, OH 45140, USA
https://lovelandcastle.com/
(513) 683-4686
19

Kings Island

Mentioned on 
17 lists 
Amusement park
Water & Amusement Parks
Kings Island is a vast amusement park with thrilling rides, including roller coasters and a wave pool. The park features a lifelike exhibit of dinosaurs that adds to the excitement. Along with restaurants, shops and novelties, Kings Island offers seasonal celebrations such as Halloween haunt and winter fest. With their 50th anniversary, they have added new attractions which makes it an exciting experience for visitors of all ages.
Amazing experience rides were all super fun and not to long of a wait for the rides. The Eiffle tower was cool to see and the music and atmosphere was super nice. If you love rides I suggest going here. Parking wasnt too bad but we did part pretty far. Food was decently priced as well. There is also a bridge not far south that you can walk across or drive to get to Kentucky
Connor S — Google review
Just finished our very first visit to Kings Island for their Halloween haunt event. Overall it was a great time. The theming for Halloween around the park, especially at night was immersive, and well put together. The amount of rides, especially coasters, was also great, even though there’s only 2 truly great ones there in Orion, and Diamondback. The only issue is with the operations, as a lot of the workers around the park, are young, and very misinformed on the parks policies, or pass info. Ride operations were great as far as the speed they were dispatching rides, but also huge drawback is that on every single coaster aside from Diamondback, they tell you where to sit. For coaster enthusiasts this is a very bad thing, as we typically like to ride in certain trains to get the full experience. That’s the only reason for dropping a star. The Haunt event was decent with scare zones full of actors, however the haunted mazes we went through aside from Conjuring which is a separate price, and kill mart, were very poorly set up. Very long lines, yet hardly any actors in them. Conjuring was decent but a bit overpriced, and kill mart was the best scare attraction in the park by a mile. The dining plan is confusing but pays off easily. The night time show at the end was top notch as well. Some things could be improved but for the amount of stuff to do there, getting tickets especially during the sales is a no brainer. Looking forward to coming back soon!
Brian D — Google review
I met my family for a day of fun in early October. The park was so well done for their Halloween Haunt. The park offered a great mix of scary and fun rides and activities for kids of all ages. We bought the package and the fast lane/ express lane option during the haunt which was well worth the money. We also also bought the drink option that ended up being one of the best investments we ever made. It was so hot that day and we were able to stay hydrated without breaking the bank. The icing on that he cake was the Conjourng! Highly recommend!!
Melina P — Google review
I have gone 4 times this year so far. Love the family friendly environment and adult friendly vendors here. Very well kept park with good selection of rides. I don't recommend going on Saturday especially during the haunt season! Unless you enjoy 2-3hr lines for everything..
Jerrin J — Google review
I mean come on, it’s Kings Island, one of the best amusement parks in the world, what can I say? The Haunt is extremely well done, much better than Carowinds, Kings Dominion or any of the Six Flags parks’ versions. If you like coasters and great atmosphere and fun, this should be a top destination for your travel plans.
Joey G — Google review
They are not joking when they say the operations here are world class. I think the diamondback trains dispatch 3 seconds after the back row people sit down, because the workers have already buckled and checked all the front rows by then. It’s crazy. Incredible night rides on the Beast, and you know it’s true because many people in my party agree that it was worth the 140 minute wait. Pro tip go at dusk and line up so that it’s dark by the time you reach the front, otherwise you will waiting for hours like us and the rest of the park. Insanely well rounded top five coasters here too.
N W — Google review
Came here a few times with a season pass this year, a good time each visit. Definitely recommend to get at least a gold pass which includes Haunt nights during Halloween. Be advised, haunted houses are NOT included in the pass, you’ll need a separate arm band that’s $10 you can get the day of.
Inna B — Google review
Had a great family day for Labor Day Weekend! Plenty of parking and fun! Bought tickets online before we arrived and walked right over from the Great Wolf Lodge! Snoopy Land was fun for a few rides -we had a 7 & 8 year old so we were in between rides but still enjoyed ourselves. The Eiffel Tower was great for them to experience. The Ship Ride was a test of their courage. Lots of snack areas and drinks. Lots of bees around the soda area. Not a fan. Great shopping areas and Candy Zone -photos at entrance for the groups. The racer was fun and carousel. Will do the Waterpark next summer. Great time to enjoy. Lots of walking. Can’t wait to take them back as they get older.
Sandraella C — Google review
4.6
(34228)
•
4.2
(2985)
Mason, OH 45040, USA
https://www.visitkingsisland.com/
(513) 754-5700
20

The Beach Waterpark

Permanently Closed
Water park
Water & Amusement Parks
Tropical-themed water park with white sand & palm trees, slides, rides, play areas & an arcade.
This is our new favorite water park! The prices were reasonable from tickets to food. The park was extremely clean, lifeguards were attentive, and the setting was so nicely done intertwined with nature. I have a teen down to a 5yr old and they all had a blast at this park! My favorite part was that it was not busy. I am tired of paying a fortune to wait in line all day and receive poor customer service like other larger water parks. This was unforgettable and we will be back!
Megan B — Google review
Labor Day was the perfect day to go and they honored my Groupon that excluded that holiday. I really wish there were more umbrellas by the wave pool and a cleaner Lazy River.
Rose W — Google review
Lazy river is filthy, many slides have nearly no water pressure, people get stuck on many of the slides and have to scoot down. Water is dirty in some of the pools, and the staff is very rude and doesn't seem to care about anything. We complained to the staff about all of this and no one cared. Food is bad and overpriced. The bathrooms are also disgusting. The only decent thing we experienced was the wave pool. It's a shame the park is so poorly maintained because it's such a neat location among all the trees and it used to be so nice. But it has just gone downhill. Some of the things I can easily overlook, but the lack of water pressure on the slides is really the deal breaker. And I have seen many other reviews commenting about the same issue.
Ben M — Google review
About half the rides were shut down because they didn't have the staff to man them. 6 of 7 ticket counters were closed, so a long line at the one open counter. Same story at the concession stands - long lines and not enough help. The rides that were open were fun, but since everyone was crowded onto the few open rides, again, long lines. The place could be nice, but it has a tired, worn look and wasn't very clean. Not enough shade, not enough chairs or tables. I suppose they wanted us to put all of our stuff in one of their $15.00 lockers. The $10.00 parking charge was another unpleasant surprise. The rides all posted 250-pound weight limits for riders, but this was never enforced, raising questions about this establishment's safety culture.
XingjianR — Google review
Great staff, friendly people, and Live Reggae on Sundays keep me coming back. Season Passes are reasonably priced..and there's beer! :-) I've been coming for years and have made several longtime Friends as a result of my visits there. There's a kiddie section for the little ones and plenty to do for everyone else. I would definitely recommend a visit.
Gregory M — Google review
While the rides that were open were fun, there were a significant number of slides that were closed that poorly reflected the park on a day that a lot of new people would come (a carload of people for $50 after 4 pm). When all of the slides are open, I imagine that the park is much more appealing and operates a lot more smoothly especially if the park is fully staffed. If you go, don't expect for all of the slides to be open.
Zach F — Google review
We almost didn't go due to so many bad reviews but I'm glad we went. My kids had a good time. Two of the attractions were closed but it was still plenty to do. Some things could have been better but that's everywhere. For the saturday carload price i say its well worth it! We would definitely go again!
P. D — Google review
Five of the attractions were closed (four slides and one children’s pool). Not worth the ticket price even after the slight discount you can get online or at Kroger. Also, the pools had a lot of debris and leaves. I am aware it can’t all be removed but it appeared there was little attempt to clean them prior to opening that day. We made our one and only trip-we won’t be back.
Emily K — Google review
Awesome place, perfect for family time, a lot of water slides...
Adriana G — Google review
It's been a number of years since my family has been here but they closed down our favorite section of the park. There is very little shade and not enough double tube slides for parents riding with children that are to big for the kiddie area but too small to go alone down the bigger slides. The life guards seemed unhappy to be here. The lines were reasonable and the bathrooms were clean. We will be going to a bigger park next time, where even though the tickets will cost more, I feel like I will get my monies worth.
Bearhart80 — Google review
3.8
(971)
•
3.5
(219)
2590 Water Park Dr, Mason, OH 45040, USA
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21

Breakout Games

Escape room center
Fun & Games
Amusement center
Children's amusement center
Event venue
Recreation center
Room Escape Games
This place was so fun especially being MY FIRST time. Our game master Crystal was a hugeeeee help and she was amazing. I highly recommend and we Escaped with lots of help from Crystal thanksssss…
Shawnta D — Google review
Had an amazing time…went as a family with our 4, 6, and 8 year old. Didn’t get off the island in time but had the best time!! Aaron was a GREAT game master and we can’t wait to come back! Thanks for all the clues - we will be getting more next time! Awesome adventure!
Paige B — Google review
This is now our 5th time at breakout games, and once again they have not failed to deliver a fun and engaging experience. This time it was just me and my fiance, and we had a blast. Being pretty experienced allowed us to escape even with just 2 brains! Kavan was an amazing game master, kept things fun and mysterious the entire escape. Definitely will be returning with more friends to do one of their newer escapes!
Cory H — Google review
Moss helped us complete the Museum Heist game! They are super funny and he worked with us on numerous occasions, before the game, during, and after. Great experience!
Sabrina D — Google review
Breakout Games in Dayton with Megan as our room master was amazing!! We had a blast and can’t wait to come again.
Amy F — Google review
Kidnapping 2 was so fun...challenging, but fun! Megan was a fun game master! Can't wait for new rooms to come out!
Calli D — Google review
Aaron was a great game master! We played The Island this time around with 4 adults and ran out of time but got very close - only two puzzles to go. We have played multiple rooms and The island is in my top three. Definitely worth a visit if you like escape rooms.
Ginny B — Google review
Kelly is an absolute baller of a host. 10/10 would recommend, give this girl a raise. I played Kidnapping 2, pretty dal but Kelly made it fun.
Landon S — Google review
4.9
(7089)
•
5.0
(1169)
8120 Washington Village Dr, Dayton, OH 45458, USA
https://www.breakoutgames.com/dayton/bookings?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=gmb-dayton
(937) 401-8739
22

Carillon Historical Park

Mentioned on 
+63 other lists 
History museum
Sights & Landmarks
Carillon Historical Park is a 65-acre open-air museum in Ohio that offers visitors a journey through Dayton's rich history, inventions, and transportation milestones. Established in 1940, the park showcases the region's heritage from its founding in 1796 to contributions during World War II.
Such an awesome place! You'll be doing a lot of walking, but it's worth it. There's a lot of cool stuff to see! Be sure to ride the train! It takes you around the whole park and gives you some interesting historical facts. Definitely a fun place for kids too! If it's a weekend or special event, I'd purchase your tickets online beforehand. Plenty of parking, staff is nice and the food at the cafe is pretty good! Get the pancakes 👌🏼
Cody T — Google review
Lots of different and unique displays many dealing with Dayton history and manufacturing. There were displays that interest kiddos of all ages. There is a half scale train that was running every hour, a tube slide and a carousel. There was an enormous display of cash register and some toys manufactured in the area. An interactive model train town was very popular. Various displays of trains, Street cars, bicycles, early cars, and Wright brothers and birth of flight.
Zuum — Google review
Wonderful place to go and spend the day learning and reminiscing about Dayton and all its contributions. Brought back so many memories and was able to tell grandkids about the places. So many neat things to see and learn about. They do a great job of restoring and maintaining the vast museum items and artifacts. They even have a working carousel and train, and you can’t forget about the working printing press. They have a great section about the devastating 1913 flood. This place is to be enjoyed by young and old alike. And if you’re adventurous enough, climb the 8 story tower that holds the old Gem City clock. So much to see.
Roger P — Google review
A must-visit gem in Dayton! Carillon Historical Park is one of the most impressive and well-designed historical sites I’ve ever visited. It perfectly blends education, history, and nature — making it enjoyable for both adults and kids. From the moment you enter, you can tell how much care and effort has gone into preserving Dayton’s incredible history, especially its deep connection to innovation and aviation. The exhibits are fascinating — especially the Wright Brothers section, which gives you a real sense of how much Dayton contributed to the world of flight. The Carillon Tower itself is breathtaking, both in scale and in the way it symbolizes the city’s heritage. I also loved exploring the old buildings, vintage trolleys, and beautifully restored machinery — it truly feels like stepping back in time. The park grounds are beautifully maintained, with peaceful walking paths, scenic spots for photos, and plenty of benches to relax. The staff and volunteers are friendly, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about what they do — they make the history come alive. Don’t miss the Brewery and the Carillon Brewing Co., where you can enjoy excellent food and locally brewed beer in a historical atmosphere — it’s such a unique experience! Whether you’re a history lover, an aviation enthusiast, or just looking for a great day out in Dayton, Carillon Historical Park is absolutely worth the visit. It’s educational, inspiring, and beautifully done — a true treasure for the city and anyone who loves American history. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Unal G — Google review
New to the Ohio area and live about 25 minutes South of here so we decided to come check it out. Really glad we did! First the people working here are awesome. Helpful, kind and informative. We walked the entire area, road the big train and even jumped on the little train for a ride. Little train isn't always available to ride but apparently we came on the right day...throws you back to feeling like a kid for a few minutes! The grounds are kept up well, the walk is easy and relaxing and the big train is a nice relaxing ride around the park. Sit is the right place near one of the staff and they'll fill you in on the history and anything else you would want to know about. The park is full of history. I had no idea about the industrial impact Dayton had on the country at one time. Each stop at a new building is rich with information and there are plenty of cool things to look at. Wright brothers Museum was just as good as the rest of the park. Much larger than expected and lots of details about the Wright brother and their first flights. Overall it was neat to be thrown back in time and see where innovation has brought us. Even if you're not a big fan of history, it's worth the visit to check out some cool things on a relaxing walk around the park.
Dave A — Google review
Absolutely love it! It was a spontaneous decision to go here as a date. It was a hit like escaping the city and going on vacation. You really will feel like you're not in Dayton Ohio. They have many things to see, and you must get the all-day train pass. Then before you leave, get some of the great food at their restaurant!
Kevin F — Google review
I visited Carillon Historical Park for the antique fire apparatus show and had a fantastic experience. It was a joy to photograph the vintage equipment and explore the park’s well-curated exhibitions. The park is exceptionally clean, easy to navigate, and offers a rich, engaging display of Dayton’s industrial history. A must-visit for history and photography enthusiasts alike!
Mocha M — Google review
Nice experience with the family. Special place to know about technology history in Dayton. Wonderful place with nice trees and original houses. The experience is fantastic for adults and kids.
Tamara V — Google review
4.8
(4486)
•
4.8
(996)
1000 Carillon Blvd, Dayton, OH 45409, USA
http://www.daytonhistory.org/
(937) 293-2841
23

Renaissance Park

Event venue
It's a feast for the senses! Food, people, period, costumes, atmosphere, music, attitude, comedy, shopping, and a whole lot of fun for all ages. It offers a small relief from the modern social media age to one of more simple times. Pirates, vikings, fairies, and throw in some Star Wars for good measure. There's no shying away from costumes. Bring cash and a sense of whimsy and enjoy! Yes, you'll spend some serious change but it's all in good fun. ~$40 entry fee, $12 fish and chips, $12 meat on a stick, $12 Dole Whip in a cup, $5 pickle, etc etc etc... it adds up quick. But you're not here for value, you're here for experiences - and that's what you'll get!
All E — Google review
Most amazing time!!! My 2 year old and 8 year old enjoyed it all day with all the different things to see and shows! It was so fun showing off our costumes and admiring all the other festival goers as well. If the cost of tickets is holding you back, splurge, we did and didn’t regret it! Will definitely go again next year :)
Krista C — Google review
you can tell this renaissance festival is one of the best in america! there are so many events and restaurants to eat at. we bought season passes and we still haven't eaten at every restaurant yet! the food and mead are always so good and there're so many places to shop!
Quinn — Google review
Insanely huge and well done Faire full of loads of fun things to do for the whole family. Don’t expect modern rides or attractions. It’s all things you’d find from the period (with a few modern conveniences like bathrooms and garbage cans!). If you have costumes, wear them. More than half the people attending are fully decked out.
Tony W — Google review
Always an amazing time. Fantasy weekend is my favorite. The food went up this year 17.50 for a burger and 7.50 to add fries. We ate when we left but dole whip is a good snack or cheesecake on a stick.
Lorretta K — Google review
As always, so much fun! Plus amazing food, can't wait to go back next year!
Maggie N — Google review
We came here for the Celtic festival, and love the atmosphere. Road was clearly marked, huge sign out on the road. The buildings were on point Renaissance themed. Parking on grass but a high hill so even after rain it wasn't muddy. Bathrooms were not outhouses, real running toilets which is surprising at a festival, this one is permanent. It's a fun place whatever event they are having. Also in early June, the Cicadas were EVERYWHERE, which made it interesting, a community togetherness when everyone was covering their drinks and batting at and catching them 😂😆 Even the bands were remarking how loud they were! But it added to the fun.
Anisa E — Google review
Loved it as always! Went opening weekend on Labor Day. Surprisingly it wasn't extremely busy. Got to see some great shows as well!
Heather H — Google review
4.7
(1794)
•
4.5
(104)
10542 OH-73, Waynesville, OH 45068, USA
http://www.renparkusa.com/
(513) 897-7000
24

National Museum of the US Air Force

Mentioned on 
+63 other lists 
Museum
Specialty Museums
The National Museum of the US Air Force, located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio, is a sprawling aviation museum that first opened in 1923. It boasts an impressive collection of about 360 aircraft and weaponry, making it the largest military aviation museum globally. The museum offers various attractions such as flight simulators, a 3D theater, and war-themed exhibits.
Really enjoyed this museum! It’s free to go in and there is some awesome stuff for a free exhibit. Pretty much the entire history of the USAF with few exceptions from what I understand distributed across four different hangars. I’d heavily recommend both the Cold War and the R & D sections if you get a chance as those are the most interesting parts I found! Also they have flight simulators with full roll and a good amount of pitch that feels awesome! Great for families or just to stop in if you’re in town!
Mitchell G — Google review
Absolutely incredible experience. A museum like no other I've ever been to before in my life. I was super stoked to see the SR-71 and the Air Force one plane that JFK used. What an experience and I wouldn't change a thing. The main key is being able to interact with so many of the aircraft and my little guy loved being able to climb into cockpit and pretend he was a fighter pilot. The missile silo was huuuuge and nothing like I've ever seen before. The staff and volunteers were very nice and interactive as well. We were able to come on a random week day when it wasn't busy so we were able to enjoy ourselves without huge crowds. We will definitely be back!!
Scott J — Google review
Great air and history museum! You could easily spend an entire day here. Great historical explanations surrounding the exhibits and very organized. We've been there several times with the kids through the years and always had a great time. Most recently, my daughter and I visited during a "plane talk" event and were able to meet several retired members of the flight crew of different aircraft. Highly recommend!
Stacy F — Google review
The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force is truly one of the most impressive museums I’ve ever visited — and the fact that it’s completely free makes it even more unbelievable. The size of the place is massive, and each hangar takes you deeper into the history of aviation, space exploration, and the U.S. Air Force’s role around the world. The exhibits are incredibly well-organized, starting from early flight history and leading all the way to modern jets, stealth aircraft, and even space capsules. Walking through the hangars feels like stepping through different eras — from WWII bombers to Cold War jets to presidential aircraft. Seeing Air Force One up close and being able to walk inside some of the planes is such a unique experience. Every area is spotless and very well-maintained, and the amount of information available is impressive without being overwhelming. There’s something for everyone — whether you love military history, aviation technology, or just want to see some amazing aircraft in person. The staff and volunteers are also very friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate, which adds so much to the visit. You can easily spend several hours here without even realizing how much time has passed. The museum is perfect for families, tourists, history lovers, and honestly anyone who enjoys seeing something truly extraordinary. This is without a doubt one of Dayton’s biggest treasures, and a must-visit destination for anyone in the area.
Unal G — Google review
Aviation history at its finest—absolutely world-class. This museum is a national treasure. From the Wright brothers to stealth bombers, the scale and depth of the exhibits are staggering. Four massive hangars packed with legendary aircraft, including the X-15, SR-71, and the B-29 that dropped the second atomic bomb. You can even walk through presidential planes like the one Lyndon Johnson was sworn in on. One of the most compelling exhibits is the story of “Flying the Hump”—the daring WWII airlift over the Himalayas to resupply Chinese forces after the Japanese cut off the Burma Road. Pilots flew from India to China through brutal weather, 18,000-foot altitudes, and zero navigation aids. It was dubbed the “Skyway to Hell”, and rightly so: over 500 aircraft were lost, and more than 1,300 crew members perished. Yet this mission was vital to keeping China in the fight and ultimately helped turn the tide in the Pacific Theater. The layout is intuitive, the signage is clear, and the staff—many of them veterans—are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate. Best part? Admission is free. You could easily spend a full day here (or several) and still not see everything. Whether you're an aerospace engineer, a military buff, or just curious about flight, this place will leave you inspired. One of the best museums in the country, hands down.
Jacques L — Google review
If you are a military aircraft enthusiast, or a war historian, this has got to be one of the most amazing museums in the world. And has everything from the wright brothers early aircraft contracts with with the army, through modern stealth aircraft and missile technology... And it's totally free admission! I spent over 4 hours there and felt like I could have been there for another full day just reading placards and listening to tour information. Absolute must do if this overlaps with your personal interests.
Brian T — Google review
So glad we took the time to visit this place. It costs nothing to go in, and there's so much to see and do. My toddler had a great time getting to see everything. They also have several planes you get to go inside of or sit in the cockpit of. There are also several interactive exhibits that are great for kids. Overall, it's an amazing display of an important part of history, while also preserving it all exceptionally well.
Ronald K — Google review
Great museum. I've been wanting to check this out for years and finally did it. So much to see. Plan for at least a full day if you want to see it all, more if you really want to spend some time with each exhibit and take it all in with some depth. We saw everything, but had to keep moving. I could easily go back to read and absorb some of the exhibits more closely. I've been to nearly all the air museums and this is one of the best.
Eric M — Google review
4.9
(28089)
•
4.9
(5191)
1100 Spaatz St, Dayton, OH 45433, USA
https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/
(937) 255-3286
25

Charleston Falls Preserve

Mentioned on 
8 lists 
Nature preserve
Nature & Parks
Nestled in the heart of Miami County, Charleston Falls Preserve is a stunning 216-acre park that beautifully blends prairies and forests. This beloved destination features an array of hiking trails suitable for all skill levels, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in nature at their own pace. The highlight of the preserve is undoubtedly its namesake waterfall, a charming 37-foot cascade affectionately known as Miniature Niagara.
Great spot for a short hike to just enjoy nature for a while. The trail is very well maintained and well marked. Beautiful waterfall. It is a bit steep near the waterfall, so maybe not ideal for anyone with knee trouble. Even the restrooms were clean and well kept. Only downside for me was that it was pretty busy when I visited - I guess its popularity speaks for itself!
Sean K — Google review
This is now officially one of my most favorite places to go, there is so much to see, the trails are kept VERY nicely, not to mention how awesome it is to explore, several locations to see within them as well. If you have not been here I HIGHLY suggest it for the entire family, you will not regret the beauty of nature within!!
Justin G — Google review
It was a great walk with multiple levels of difficulty. There's a stoned and wide path with other trails leading off that are more rugged. There's a nice grassed grotto section.
J N — Google review
This place is absolutely gorgeous! We went with our 3 year old and 1 year old and because I thought I had seen a review that said it was *mostly* stroller friendly, we brought the stroller. It is not stroller friendly! I repeat: NOT stroller friendly! At least not if you want to go down to the falls, which is kind of the whole point. There are several flights of stairs to go down and then back up across a bridge, then a path upwards that has large rocks in the path that cannot be traversed with a stroller. We ended up folding it up and carrying it until we got to the top and smooth sailing (pebble gravel). Without the stroller, my 3 year old would have had a hard time going as far as we did though, so there were pros and cons to it. When we got to the top of the trail after the falls, the path to the left, which goes down steeply, took us to a little spot where we put our feet in and threw some rocks. Not sure if we were supposed to be in the water, but there weren't any signs saying not to... And it was the highlight of our trip! My son lives for throwing rocks into water and this was better than any amusement park for him ☺️
Samantha S — Google review
What a gem!!! My husband and son surprised me with a Mother's Day hike here. It doesn't look like it's going to be much by the basic parking lot, simple restroom, and minimal signage...but it was a "real" hike with a beautiful waterfall. Lots of hidden extras along the way, too.
Martha S — Google review
Well kept trails, mostly graveled, some of the more likely wet parts are equipped with ramps. Park features waterfalls, creeks, rock formations, and a lake. Trails are of moderate difficulty, mostly flat, but there are steps and low grade downs and ups. Plenty of parking. Bathrooms available.
Gianluca B — Google review
With all the rain we have been having(July 2025), I thought the falls would have been flowing, but as you can see, I was wrong. LOL, but still a nice place for hiking.
Misty H — Google review
A real gem of a nature preserve park. Free admission, 8 AM until sun set. Ample parking. Nice restroom. Relaxing trails with hills. Dogs welcome but must be on leash, and have droppings picked up. Falls were dry today due to draught, and the creeks were low, but the park is still beautiful.
Ronald S — Google review
4.8
(1813)
•
4.5
(100)
2535 Ross Rd, Tipp City, OH 45371, USA
https://www.miamicountyparks.com/parks/charleston
(937) 335-6273
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26

Young's Jersey Dairy

Mentioned on 
1 list 
$$$$cheap
Ice cream shop
Young's Jersey Dairy is a multifaceted destination that offers an array of experiences for visitors. As a working dairy farm, it features a renowned ice cream shop known as the Dairy Store, which is celebrated for serving some of Ohio's finest milkshakes. Families can enjoy various activities such as mini-golf, batting cages, and opportunities to interact with animals like goats and cows during milking hours. The on-site Golden Jersey Inn restaurant provides delicious meals.
We had a wonderful experience here! I really appreciate that there’s no admission fee, allowing you to simply pay for the activities you choose—and the prices are very reasonable. The ice cream was absolutely delicious, and our kids had such a great time. Overall, it’s a fantastic spot for families to relax and enjoy themselves.
Lacie C — Google review
The food is ok, definitely could use some flavor. In my opinion it wasn't worth the price. The ice cream and cheese curds are good. They now have rides but I have two kids with a significant age gap. I was told my older child couldn't go in the play area that my younger child could go ( one of the few things he could do there). There was only one thing they could do together. So we weren't able to do much and it was very disappointing. The kids enjoyed the animals though.
Crystal M — Google review
I had an absolute blast here!!! I went for the first time the other day and who knew all the awesomeness that was there to experiance! A Carousel, Feeding Goats, All the pumpkins you can imagine, and not to mention the delicious Ice Cream!! 10/10 Recommend!
Jessica — Google review
Such a fun fall activity! We got the adult wristbands and did the cornmaze, wagon ride, carousel, put put, and driving range. A very fun way to spend time with friends! (There is a foul smell on the right side of the farm due to sewage water they use to water their Christmas trees…so consider that).
Ava Z — Google review
It's a little pricey but worth it!! The staff is amazing and we already know the ice cream speaks for its self!! They have tons of stuff for the kids to do!! Its a great time, you won't be disappointed 😉
Sherri W — Google review
I haven’t been here in years and it’s changed so much but is still great! The food is wonderful and the staff are so kind. It gets busy but there are plenty of places to sit. Prices are what to expect for what I consider a destination place. There is so much to do there that we did not have time for. It would be a great day out for a family with children.
Jenn B — Google review
Great family fun. We made a trip here and played putt putt, saw the animals, and got some ice cream. There’s a lot of other activities that were closed for the night when we got there but we will be back again to try them out. A lot of ice cream flavors and options. There was also food available.
Kelsey H — Google review
My daughter had a company picnic there she invited us. They served youngs ice-cream i loved the peanut butter ice cream very very good. Petting animals and feeding them the gramd kids loved. Batting cages were great. Everything there was nice! Prices reasonable. One the food. Not sure on anything else cuz everything was paid for by company. I highly recommend.
Melinda K — Google review
4.6
(13490)
•
4.5
(307)
6880 Springfield Xenia Rd, Yellow Springs, OH 45387, USA
https://youngsdairy.com/
(937) 325-0629
27

Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve

Nature preserve
Nature & Parks
Nature & Wildlife Areas
Limestone & dolomite gorges offering varied hiking paths, some with wooden walkways & lookouts.
A beautiful hike at Clifton Gorge the other day with my two best friends. Our GPS on Google took us to this small parking lot right next to a neighborhood. The sign said "high crime area do not leave valuables in vehicles". My vehicle was ok when we were finished with our hike. Also no dogs allowed on this trail. The pictures do this area no justice. This trail is beautiful. I think we started at the perfect spot. There were spots along the wood trail to look out at the gorge. And some spots on the trail were fairytale-like. When we came to the stairs there was a nature center with two porta potties. It was nice to come across a restroom in the middle of your hike. We decided to go down the stairs and follow that trail then come back up on the north rim trail. This hike had all the things that I enjoy while taking in nature.
Amber E — Google review
As I stepped into the nature preserve for the first time, I was filled with curiosity and a hint of apprehension. The sign warning of a high crime rate had made me uneasy, but I decided to push those thoughts aside. With no particular expectations, I wandered into the lush expanse that unfolded before me. To my delight, the preserve proved to be absolutely breathtaking. Cascading waterfalls echoed through the trees, their waters glistening in the sunlight as they tumbled over moss-covered rocks. The air was fresh, infused with the earthy scent of damp soil and blooming wildflowers, and the vibrant greenery all around was a feast for the eyes. As I strolled along the winding trails, I was captivated by the picturesque scenery—sunlight filtering through the canopy overhead, casting dappled shadows on the path below. It was a serene escape from the worries of daily life, and despite my initial concerns, I felt a profound sense of peace washing over me. In that moment, the beauty of nature held my undivided attention, easily eclipsing any fears I had about the area.
Shane C — Google review
Peaceful walk through beautiful woodland trails beside the river. Went midweek middle of the day. Easy parking a short stroll from Clifton Mill where you can get a hearty breakfast before hitting the trails. We went late May after a very wet spring so there was lots of white water creating stunning views down the gorge. There are plenty of look outs to take your photos. Some trails are easy others needed sturdy footwear and good balance as rocky path is quite slippery after the rain.
Claire H — Google review
No pets??? This nature preserve has decent natural views, but is lacking in basic groundskeeping and maintenance. It seems the State course to invest more in the fancy signs at the entrance than the actual trail itself. Uneven and unkempt trails, no trash/recycling, and no pets allowed?? Do better!
Jordan S — Google review
The trails are beautifully maintained, clean, and easy to explore, making it an enjoyable outing. I particularly loved photographing the wildlife—the area is teeming with diverse species and offers plenty of opportunities to capture nature at its finest. The scenery along the gorge is stunning. That said, the stairs on the gorge trails are quite steep and can be challenging without the right footwear. I plan to return with proper shoes to fully enjoy everything the preserve has to offer.
Mocha M — Google review
This nature preserve is stunning. If you are in the area, please don't miss it. It's amazing that you can be driving through cornfields and all of a sudden there's this! Be aware that the lower trail is a little more precarious and lots of rocks. Can be very slick if it has just rained. The upper trail is very easy to do. This preserve connects to the John Bryant State Park so if you want to make the trail longer you can head into the park. Today the flowers are beautiful. Every time I go there are different flowers blooming. Even if you only have a short time, you should still go here. Worth every minute.
Ruth Z — Google review
If you love Hocking Hills like I do you'll love it here. Great easy trail, no litter and spectacular views!
Kate G — Google review
Words can not describe how beautifull this park it. The parking is close and convenient, and the trails are clean and well kept.
Philip — Google review
4.8
(1731)
•
4.5
(235)
2381 OH-343, Yellow Springs, OH 45387, USA
https://ohiodnr.gov/wps/portal/gov/odnr/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/clifton-gorge-state-nature-preserve
(614) 265-6453
28

Rocky Fork State Park

State park
Nature & Parks
Parks
Lake-based activities lure boaters & campers to this 1,300-acre expanse with wildlife-rich wetlands.
Planning to come back in the Fall. Very relaxing and well laid out. Food/store is about 15 minutes away. You have to drive to the trails. Tons of fishing areas. Lots of playgrounds. The check-in has bait, clothes, toys, fishing equipment, ice cream, etc.
Lauren B — Google review
We had a good weekend trip to the park. I was pleased with the group spot and other facilities at the park campgrounds. The shower facilities were a bit of a miss. Using the group space was nice, there were even pads for two RVs and extra hookups for power, if you need it. Lots of space for our 20 people, and we could have easily doubled that with room to still hang out. The playground, mini golf, and Frisbee golf are all nice features, but a bit basic. The kids had fun, which is what's important. He mindful of the sun, there's little cover on them so the kids will bake. The movie night was a nice idea, but it started at 9:00 so it was dark enough. Unfortunately the kids were worn out and only two made it through the show. Also, someone decided to light up a cigarette nearby, which bothered a few of them. It was nice having the shop walking distance away for basics you forgot or broke. The shower facilities need repairs. Warning to the guys, as of our visit, shower house #1, shower stall all the way down only does scalding hot water - it's being reported to the park services. Other guests were pretty decent. There's always a few in that dense of an area, but the group grounds we had were more isolated so you didn't have people walking through or close to your space, which was nice. Sunday a few bugged out at 05:00, but the we're as quiet as their turbo diesels could be. For camping, it has a lot of good options if you want to go and chill. There's better spots if you want hiking, but the lake has options to rent boats and stuff. The beach a mile or two down the road is sand on shore, then rocks and mussels so water shoes will come in handy. Worth the trip!
Andrew J — Google review
Spent a night here in late September 25'. It was great. Quiet, the temperature was hot during the day and cool at night. The gift shop had a lot of stuff. The grounds were well kept and the employees were very helpful. Definitely want to stay here again.
Chris B — Google review
What an amazing park. The back country camp sites are well appointed be prepared to hike and watch for food due to the high bear activity. And remember leave no trace The water is beautiful as well and some secret trails to a climbing area exist but you probably won’t find em. Camp sites have composting toilets and bear boxes
John P — Google review
Camped for four nights. The campground has very spacious sites in some areas. Grassy areas are uneven and you really have to watch your step! The campground offered nothing in terms of activities, so if you’re going to; be prepared to make your own fun. Camp store is well stocked and offers hand-dipped ice cream.
Dana W — Google review
Nice park. Camping was decent. Pretty crowded and busy. Sites are fairly spacious, but are also packed in. Didn't experience the lake much, but did try some fishing. Unfortunately no luck there. Barely had a few bites. We had site 47, which was decent, but wish we had sites on the other side of the road (44 seemed much nicer and private - backed up against the woods). Restrooms were very clean and the showers were nice, too. Just wish the sites afforded a little more privacy.
Keith J — Google review
This is a large state park that has all of the amenities that you would expect from a larger state park minus a lodge. The lake and the surrounding areas are very scenic. As other reviews have mentioned, there isn't many trails. Other than that it's a great state park.
RJD — Google review
Great lake for kayaking, fishing, wild life, and foraging!
Tasha S — Google review
4.5
(1999)
•
4.0
(49)
9800 N Shore Dr, Hillsboro, OH 45133, USA
https://ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/rocky-fork-state-park
(937) 393-4284
29

Frank Lloyd Wright's Westcott House

Mentioned on 
8 lists 
Museum
Sights & Landmarks
The Westcott House, a prairie-style home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, has been restored and transformed into a museum. The architect's emphasis on integrating nature into the living space is evident in the design, with windows strategically placed to offer views of the surrounding park. The house features a reflecting pool and showcases Wright's favorite color, Cherokee Red, on its brick patio and fabric awning. Visitors can explore the history of the house and its former occupants through informative tours led by knowledgeable guides.
We had a friend come into town for the week and used that opportunity to go see this wonderful house. It starts off with a little movie, and a tour director takes you around the home. The director was very knowledgeable about all aspects of the history and restoration of the house. The architecture of this home is neat to see and experience the genius of the design. He used sunlight to his advantage to bring light into rooms in a spiceal way. The wood working on the built-in cabinets is amazing, and the layout is very clever. Taking into consideration the age, there is no accommodation for wheelchairs. I highly recommend this tour for anyone interested in homes of this style. Our tour took about an hour and a half and was well worth the price. I am now wanting to travel to other similar homes in Ohio to continue to see this master's work.
David S — Google review
Well restored Frank Lloyd Wright work. Reasonably priced 1.5 hour tours of the building are available almost every day at multiple times. Gift shop and parking available. Would recommend as a day trip. We had a great time and learned a lot about the house, the family, and the architect.
Emma C — Google review
Fascinating Frank Lloyd Wright house. Tours are scheduled, so buy tickets online and in advance. 90 minute tour is interesting whether you are a Wright expert or this is your first tour. Plenty of details and information about him and the house. The tour is required to see inside the house. Definitely worth the price of admission.
Brad W — Google review
Incredible tour with a super knowledgeable guide. Our guide packed so much information into our 90 minute tour-it was amazing. She gave us a history of the home and really shined a spotlight on the amazing restoration work that had been done. Would highly recommend for anyone with even a passing interest in architecture or design.
Cara T — Google review
We loved it! The tour guide made the whole visit. He clearly knew a lot about the house and FLW. You can tell he really loves sharing this with people and that really made it special. The house is beautiful and lovingly restored. You really get the feel that FLW was going for in this house. The gift shop is full of all sorts of fun things. I definitely want to go back for Christmas presents! This is not handicap accessible. There are multiple sets of stairs and no elevator.
Melissa C — Google review
Hidden gem in a diamond in the rough city. Springfield has such a rich architectural and cultural legacy, and it shines still despite economic downturns and negative news coverage. Don’t sleep on the Westcott House! It is a magnificent experience from start to end. Our tour guide was dynamic and super knowledgeable, and kept the entire tour engaging with captivating details.
Jennifer H — Google review
Was not our first FLW tour … won’t be our last either. The docent spent over an hour and a half with our small group of 5. Very in depth tour and fascinating to hear about all the efforts (and successes) that went into renovations. Sort of a must do if you’re a fan of his style.
Mark L — Google review
Very enjoyable and educational tour. This was my first of more to come, Frank Lloyd Wright designed homes.
Greg R — Google review
4.7
(443)
•
4.5
(276)
85 S Greenmount Ave, Springfield, OH 45505, USA
http://www.westcotthouse.org/
(937) 327-9291
30

Trapper John's Canoe Livery

Mentioned on 
2 lists 
Canoe & kayak rental service
Tours
Boat Tours
Trapper John's Canoe Livery offers a variety of canoe and kayak trips on Big Darby Creek, suitable for friends and couples. They provide different trip lengths, including moonlight tours in the summer. The pricing is reasonable, and the staff is helpful. While low water levels may cause some scraping, the experience is generally relaxing and enjoyable with plenty of wildlife to see along the way.
The BEST kayak experience ever, and family owned by the kindest people!!! We parked and checked in inside their cute log cabin building where they had coffee, candles, the cutest sweatshirts, as well as some snacks and drinks to take with you on your trip. After checking in, the sweetest staff set us up with life jackets and kayaks (there are also canoes available!) before giving us a brief demonstration (we kayak a lot so didn’t need anything long). Tyler was so sweet and walked us through everything, telling us to take our time and about the spots we could stop to sun and eat lunch along the way. The river trail was the perfect amount of shaded and sunny, plenty of spots to dock, and so much wildlife to see! Emily, Nick, and Hannah welcomed us back, needless to say we were so impressed by the staff and the friendliness of the entire place. A MUST GO and perfect for a day or half day trip from Columbus!
Hannah R — Google review
Great place for kayaking/canoeing. I've been here a handful of times now and its always a pleasant experience. We usually canoe, it was a little over $40 for 2 us of this time, so very reasonable price in my experience. We chose the 1-2 hour trail but they told us we could stay out until 6pm. There was a spot about an hour through where you could stop if you were done. Plenty of places to dock along the way for breaks or to swim. Lots of wildlife around. There were forks in the river where there was a less and more extreme route, depending on your preference. The staff is great, friendly & helpful. We went on a Sunday this time and there were a surplus of people which was the only bad part. Other than that, I highly recommend!
Maddie H — Google review
Kayaking the Big Darby Creek today with Trapper John’s Canoe Livery was one of best experiences we’ve had after living nearby for 25 years. The creek was perfect for beginner kayaking, and the wildlife was abundant. Today we saw many turtles, as well as owls, Baltimore orioles, bald eagles, and quite a few belted kingfishers! The east side of the creek provided lots of shade in the morning. The staff was amazing, unloading the kayaks, getting us launched and were also there when we got to Trapper John’s after paddling downstream. An absolutely wonderful day. We will be back!!!
Nathan J — Google review
It was very difficult to rate this kayak rental place. As you can see from my many other posts, I try to be fair. there’s really no “physical place” or building. you just show up at a parking lot, that has an entry point and they have kayaks for you. I’m not sure if they have a building and they just can’t access it right now. then at certain points, when they are interchanging, as in kayakers are returning from a trip and then people are waiting to go out on a trip, parking becomes difficult. I am also fairly certain this is also a public access for kayaks or canoes. other than that, the staff was very friendly very informative. Explain everything to kayaks going out . making reservations Online was fairly easy. I think the prices are a little high compared to other kayak places I have rented before near Little Miami, where I got a five hour trip for the same price. And it was also nice because you went from point a to point B you know where you started and you know where you finish and then you take a bus back to the start. here you are you getting your kayak and you just paddle wherever you want. They do give you a map to follow. timewise, in regards to that map, is to be determined. You really need to keep an eye on your watch. I don’t know on how picky they are about returning exactly after whatever time you paid for, 2 hour limit or one hour limit. I do believe they have other types of longer trips that you could contract for. You’ll need to go to the website to find that out. Parking ⭐️(gets very congested at interchange) Staff ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (very friendly very informative, answered all your questions) Kayaks ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Establishment—cannot review because there wasn’t any. In other pictures that I have viewed there does appear to be an actual building for trapper John’s, but for some reason they couldn’t operate out of that at time we went. Value ⭐️⭐️ (solely based on 1 or 2hr) trip
Patricia ( — Google review
We had the best kayaking experience as beginners and all thanks to this company. Their service is so good, right from check-in, providing all the gear and their staff. The rules and professionalism made my family feel especially comfortable. Our instructor, and drivers up & back were great. Highly recommend this place for a family adventure.
Gregory O — Google review
Definitely coming back in the spring! I had an amazing time with my group! Great place for beginners, nature lover and first time paddlers. Plus the Cafe is extremely adorable and delicious with many options to choose from with fresh baked items. I have a new love for canoeing boat🚣‍♀️ Definitely a place for people of all sizes and very inclusive environment.
Danielle T — Google review
They have several options for duration/length of the trip for kayaks and canoes. Good for all ages rent or bring you own equipment. Friendly staff. Out group dragged on the bottom a bit on our trip so I recommend going when the water level is high. Overall nice spot and business.
Bradley B — Google review
We spent $100 just to kayak a short way for two people. At the end of our trip we had to wait for their bus to pick us up in the pouring rain. When one finally showed up there wasn’t even close to enough room for the 20 plus people waiting so we had to catch the next one. Also the driver had another customer load up everyone’s kayaks and that gentleman didn’t even get a seat on the first bus. The driver then said another bus would come back eventually. When a few of us finally called 30min later to ask if our ride was coming back because it’s right down the road and they had told us to call if there wasn’t a bus at the pickup point, a very rude lady told us we need to wait and there will be one eventually. After a total of an hour of waiting we finally got on the second bus but by that time multiple people were arguing, almost fighting, and cutting each other in our made up 30 person line to get on the next bus and out of the rain, thunder, and lighting. I will never go back. The old ownership was amazing and we never had any problems. It’s obvious the new ownership is over charging and trying to cut corners. I was really upset when we finally got back to our cars there were 3 buses not being used at all.
Saray D — Google review
4.4
(956)
•
4.0
(42)
7141 London Groveport Rd, Grove City, OH 43123, USA
http://www.trapperjohnscanoeing.com/
(614) 877-4321
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