“Ohio, The Heart of It All,” declares the state’s classic tagline. The slogan, used between 1984 to 2001, gained its footing again in 2023, highlighting the state’s importance to national technology, community, and opportunity. Whether traveler or resident, understanding what makes Ohio special helps bolster appreciation.
“There is endless fun, excitement, joy, and adventure here in Ohio, but our state is more than just a travel destination,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. “There is no better place to live, learn, work, and play.”
The crossroads of a nation
Just west of the Appalachian foothills, bordered by Lake Erie on the north, Ohio is a bridge between the bustling East Coast and the wide-open West, the North and the South.
In the early 1800s, its mighty rivers carried steamboats filled with goods and dreams. The construction of the Ohio and Erie Canal in the 1830s turned the young state into an economic powerhouse, connecting the Great Lakes to the Mississippi River and opening trade routes that helped build modern America.
Now, the canal’s historic paths provide recreational experiences: pedestrians and cyclists travel the Towpath Trail, automobiles navigate the Ohio & Erie Canalway Byway, and passengers climb aboard the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad.
Beyond economics, Ohio’s central setting made it a melting pot of cultures – Appalachian and Midwestern, urban and rural, traditional and forward-thinking. It’s a place where diverse people and perspectives find common ground.
Where innovation takes off
Ohio’s history is dotted with dreamers who looked at the world and decided to make it better, from flight to lightbulbs.
In a small bicycle shop in Dayton, brothers Wilbur and Orville Wright designed and built the world’s first powered airplane, an achievement that would forever change how humans connect. Visitors can explore the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park, including an interpretive center, the Wright Cycle Co. Bike Shop, the Wright Brothers National Museum, and more.
A few hours north, in the tiny town of Milan, another visionary tinkered with light and sound. Thomas Edison, born in 1847, would go on to invent the phonograph, improve the light bulb, and revolutionize modern life. Visitors can learn more about his curiosity and persistence at the Thomas Edison Birthplace Museum in Milan.
Visitors can also explore the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, the world’s largest military aviation museum, presenting more than 350 aerospace vehicles and missiles and thousands of artifacts on more than 19 acres of indoor exhibit space.
Today, Ohio continues to innovate, notably in aerospace at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland.
Inspiring landscapes: part of what makes Ohio special
Ohio’s natural beauty provides places to slow down and bask in nature.
In southern Ohio, the Hocking Hills region feels like a secret wonderland – a lush stretch of forest, sandstone caves, and waterfalls. Trails wind through moss-covered cliffs and over stone bridges, leading to serene hideaways like Old Man’s Cave and Ash Cave.
Head north to find a completely different personality. Lake Erie’s shores and islands are Ohio’s coastal escape. Put-in-Bay and Kelleys Island invite visitors to kayak, fish, sip local wines, and watch the sun set over the water. Birders flock to the Magee Marsh Wildlife Area, a globally renowned migration stop.
The rolling farmland that stretches between these regions tells another kind of story – one of perseverance and pride. Roadside stands and festivals offer feasts for the soul and body.
Culture, creativity, and sports
Ohio’s creative streak is as deep as its industrial roots.
In Cleveland, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame celebrates the musicians who shaped generations – fitting for a city that hosted one of the first rock concerts ever.
Columbus, the capital, pulses with creative energy. Its Short North Arts District hums with street murals, local boutiques, and nationally recognized restaurants. The city’s diverse neighborhoods, from historic German Village to vibrant Franklinton, reflect Ohio’s open spirit.
Ohio’s cultural calendar bursts with festivals: the Cleveland International Film Festival and the Columbus Arts Festival each draw thousands who come for creativity, food, and community.
The state’s athletic pride runs deep, too, from high school games to professional teams. Canton’s Pro Football Hall of Fame honors that sport’s history and Ohio’s role in shaping it.
A legacy of education
Ohio is home to powerhouse universities like Ohio State, Kent State, Ohio University, Case Western, and others, fostering innovation, research, and service. Many have cultural events and medical centers, contributing to quality of life for seniors in Ohio. Cleveland Clinic, one of the world’s largest health care systems, offers world-respected care.
Ohio’s strength is its balance – innovation and tradition, hard work and hospitality, practicality and creativity.
Whether on a windswept bluff overlooking Lake Erie, along a trail under Hocking Hills’ hemlocks, or in a packed stadium in Columbus, one thing becomes clear: a feeling of familiarity helps make Ohio special.
Take a Nostalgic Trip – with two stops in Ohio
FEATURE IMAGE, TOP: W.P. Snyder sternwheel (Campus Martius Museum, Marietta). Courtesy “Ohio, The Heart of It All”
