Travel Through History in Ohio

The history in Ohio mirrors our nation’s history. The frontier land that would later become Ohio was once an ancient indigenous center for Native American tribes like the Erie, Kickapoo, and Shawnee. The frontier was a vital gateway during western expansion and the location of conflicts during the Revolutionary and Civil wars and a route to freedom for many traveling the Underground Railroad. The Buckeye State was also a powerhouse during the Industrial Revolution and the home of many firsts. It was the birthplace of aviation, pro football, and eight U.S. presidents.

Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway, embarking on a weeks-long adventure, or considering a move, Ohio is a great destination. These historic sites can make the experience memorable, educational, and engaging.

Highlights of history in Ohio

Central Ohio

Ohio Statehouse, Columbus. See where history has been made since 1839. Designed in Greek Revival style, the Ohio Statehouse reflects ancient Greece as the birthplace of democracy. Highlights include the Cupola, Rotunda, and Map Room. The two-story conical Cupola distinguishes the Ohio capitol from state capitols built around a dome. The Rotunda illuminates the building with a 29-foot-wide skylight and boasts renowned art and a floor made of 5,000 pieces of marble from Portugal, Vermont, and Italy. The Map Room highlights a floor map of Ohio counties, crafted of limestone and five types of marble. Take a free guided tour or a self-guided tour of this accessible, senior-friendly historic building. (FEATURE IMAGE, TOP)
German Village, Columbus. This historic 223-acre neighborhood just south of downtown was settled by German immigrants in the mid-19^th It’s famous for its restored brick houses, narrow brick-lined streets, and unique local shops and eateries. Some places to consider stopping include The Red Stable German Village Souvenirs & Gifts, featuring its own art gallery and unique Ohio-made gifts like handmade cuckoo clocks and nutcrackers, and Schmidt’s Sausage Haus Restaurant, serving classic German dishes since 1886.

Air Force Museum, Ohio — National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, Dayton

Dayton / Western Ohio

National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, Dayton. The oldest and largest military museum in the world features more than 350 aerospace vehicles and missiles and thousands of aviation artifacts. It is free and open to the public daily.
Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park. The Wright brothers used their bicycle shop in Dayton to research, build, and test components that led to the world’s first controlled, sustained powered flight. The park commemorates the two brothers as well as internationally acclaimed African American poet and Dayton native, Paul Laurence Dunbar.

Southeast Ohio

Marietta. Located where the Ohio and Muskingum rivers meet, Marietta is known for its river culture. Named after Marie Antoinette, it’s the oldest city in the state and the first permanent U.S. settlement in the Northwest Territory. Explore the area’s pioneer history at the Campus Martius Museum or its riverboat heritage at the Ohio River Museum. The Marietta Earthworks, a 2,000-year-old ceremonial complex built by the Adena and Hopewell cultures, is worth a stop. Or check out The Castle, a restored Gothic Revival mansion that has historical exhibits and offers cemetery walks and ghost tours.
Hopewell Culture National Historical Park, Chillicothe. The 1,800-acre national park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2023. The park is home to five distinct earthwork complexes built by Native Americans 2,000 years ago for rituals, feasting, and burials. Objects found in the mounds show that a broad trade network existed between Native American tribes across the continent.

Cincinnati / Southwest Ohio

Over the Rhine, Cincinnati

National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, Cincinnati. The museum examines the story of the Underground Railroad as well as the principles of social justice demonstrated by efforts to help enslaved Americans escape. Experts believe more than half of all slaves fleeing the South to Canada crossed through the state, which was home to a vast network of safe houses, guides, and secret routes northward.
Over-the-Rhine, Cincinnati. Spend time at a historic urban neighborhood famous for its 19th-century architecture, bustling food scene, and cultural spaces. You can stroll through downtown, explore local shops and breweries, or dine at trendy eateries. If you have time, check out Findlay Market, Ohio’s oldest continuously operated public market for fresh food and local goods.

Northern Ohio

National First Ladies Library & Museum, Canton. As the name implies, this institution honors and studies the social and political influence of America’s First Ladies. The museum and visitor center are open to the public and feature exhibits that display artifacts, garments, and personal items from the presidents’ wives. You can also take a guided tour through the Saxon-McKinley House, First Lady Ida McKinley’s childhood home.
Pro Football Hall of Fame, Canton. Explore the history of professional football in America, including pro football greats: players, coaches, franchise owners, and others who have influenced the game.
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland. Learn about the history of rock and roll music, influential artists of that genre, and how youth culture and rock music has helped shape our society.
Sauder Village, Archbold. Step back in time at this 200-acre living-history site that recreates life in the region from the early 1800s through the 1920s. It features more than 75 historic buildings, costumed interpreters, and working craftspeople demonstrating trades such as weaving, blacksmithing, and glass blowing.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park / Ohio & Erie Canalway, between Cleveland and Akron

Cuyahoga Valley National Park / Ohio & Erie Canalway, between Cleveland and Akron. Explore the history of Ohio’s canal system or learn about the transformation of the Cuyahoga River from a heavily polluted industrial corridor to a pristine nature sanctuary (the inspiration for the creation of the Clean Water Act). The park straddles the Cuyahoga River and preserves 19th-century locks and structures along the Towpath Trail beside the Ohio & Erie Canal. If you need a break from walking or biking, you can experience the park by train via the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad.