10 Reasons to Look to Ohio for an Outdoor Adventure This Year

Challenging the perception of a flyover state to being a state for adventure

Mar 15, 2025

Mashup or author photo and mostafa meraji photo on Unsplash

The perception of Ohio as a flyover state, seen only from the airplane window, is a common misconception. As a Midwesterner and lifelong Ohioan, I want to dispel this view that doesn't hold up.

Allow me to show that Ohio is a vibrant destination with opportunities for all adventurers. From its natural resources to its cultural heritage and thriving cities, I will explain why Ohio warrants a place on your travel itinerary this year.

1. The Living Legacy of Transportation

Ohio's history is intertwined with the nation's westward expansion. Canals and railroads unlocked the state's natural resources and open spaces, fueling industry and agriculture. This transportation legacy invites exploration and outdoor adventures.

Rail trails, greenways, and canal towpaths are perfect places for outdoor recreation, tourism, and retreats to nature. These pathways connect communities and rural crossroads that invite visitors to experience the spirit of westward expansion and innovation on foot or by bike.

2. The Living Legacy of Commerce

Ohio's industrial and agricultural contributions are undeniable. Cities like Akron (the Rubber City), Cleveland (steel and heavy industry), and Cincinnati (food and home products) drove America’s economic growth. Small-town industries and farms grew to support this growing commerce.

The culture, architecture, commerce, and unique communities of Ohio reflect its historical legacy. Travel the Ohio to Erie Trail by bike or foot to witness this firsthand. Family farms, grain silos, factories, downtowns, and monuments echo their history in their present-day lives.

3. A Tapestry of Cultures

Ohio's diverse communities reflect the waves of immigration and innovation from the 19th and 20th centuries. Explore the global and European influences that have shaped the state's ethnic neighborhoods from their cuisines and architecture to their rich cultural traditions.

Journey from Cleveland's Little Italy, through Ohio's Amish Country, to Cincinnati's Over-the-Rhine’s German heritage. These many other cultures and communities come alive in the festivals, street fairs, and markets common along the trail.

4. An Unexpected Foodie Paradise

Ohio's food and beverage scene marries Midwest comfort food with global influences and current trends. The state's abundance of farms supports a robust farm-to-table movement highlighting the abundance of Ohio fruits and vegetables.

Craft breweries and wineries showcase local grapes, fruit, and crops in their beverages. Restaurants blend multicultural roots with modern culinary trends. Whether you're savoring pierogies, Cincinnati chili, an Amish fry pie, or a fried bologna sandwich, Ohio's food and drink scene will be a surprise and delight.

5. Epic Outdoor Adventures Await

Ohio, long known as 'The Heart of It All,' lives up to its slogan for nature enthusiasts. The state's diverse geography, from rolling hills to prairies, offers an array of outdoor adventures. Forests, scenic rivers, canals, lakes, and waterfalls line the trail's diagonal path across the state.

The Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Little Miami State Park bookend the trail's endpoints. Many county and municipal parks provide unique and often unexpected opportunities for outdoor exploration in their urban and rural settings. Biking, hiking, kayaking, birdwatching, and geocaching are plentiful.

6. The Buzz of Urban Life

Cities on the trail—Cleveland, Akron, Columbus, and Cincinnati—are hubs of culture, entertainment, sports, and more. Many venues are accessible from the Ohio to Erie Trail by shared-use trails and urban bike lanes.

Explore Columbus's vibrant Short North arts district, experience dinner and a show at Cleveland's Playhouse Square, or enjoy Cincinnati's revitalized riverfront or Over-the-Rhine. Cap off a day with the bohemian nightlife of Akron's Highland Square.

7. World-Class Arts and Culture

Ohio is home to remarkable art collections. Discover the treasures within the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Columbus Museum of Art, the Akron Art Museum, or the Cincinnati Art Museum. Beyond art, don't miss the unique American Sign Museum and the grand Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal.

Cleveland's Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the museums surrounding University Circle are world-renowned. Enjoy some nostalgia at Tremont’s Christmas Story House. Museums aren't confined to major cities. Numerous small-town museums offer unique insights into their local heritage.

8. The Hidden Gems of Small-Town Ohio

Ohio's rural villages and towns are more than just corn and soybeans. Their charm is discovering unexpected art, architecture, food, traditions, and attractions. Each Ohio town proudly tells its unique story and traditions.

From your bike seat, you'll feel the community spirit come alive. Your journey is an experience beyond the ride. Small-town farmers' markets, lively street fairs, one-of-a-kind festivals, and classic county fairs are yours to explore. Most importantly, they showcase Midwest nice.

9. Sports and Entertainment Mecca

Ohio's passion for sports runs deep, as the birthplace of football and home to iconic teams. The spirited 'O-H-I-O' cheer of the Ohio State Buckeyes resonates throughout the state. In Columbus, a brief detour from the Ohio to Erie Trail leads to ‘The Horseshoe’ and the campus of Ohio State University.

Baseball enthusiasts can craft a Buckeye State sports adventure along or near the trail, featuring games of the Cincinnati Reds, Dayton Dragons, Columbus Clippers, Akron RubberDucks, and Cleveland Guardians. As you cycle through parks and sports complexes, you might also stumble upon little league or high school baseball, football, or soccer games.

10. The Heart of It All

Ohio’s tourism campaigns have long used the slogan “Ohio, The Heart of It All.” Ohio is centrally located in the eastern United States. Its proximity makes for an ideal getaway less than a day's drive from Chicago, New York, Philadelphia, Nashville, and Washington D.C. For trail enthusiasts, the Ohio to Erie Trail is only a few hours’ drive from the Great Allegheny Passage and Erie Canal Trail.

More than just an easily reached route, the Ohio to Erie Trail provides a unique journey through Ohio's major urban centers, connecting the Appalachian foothills with the Midwest prairies. The state's industrial history attracted immigrants, whose legacy now defines the many cultures and traditions blended along the trail's 326 miles.

Ohio Will Surprise You

Let go of the idea that Ohio is a just place to pass through. It’s a state worth exploring that invites you back for more. Maybe I’m biased, but I often meet surprised trail visitors saying, "Ohio is nothing like I expected." Often, those chats end with, "I can’t wait to come back and see more."

A challenge I face as President of the Ohio to Erie Trail is that Ohioans often overlook adventures in their backyard. It's natural to seek excitement in faraway destinations, but I want my fellow Buckeyes to see that outdoor experiences are often just a few miles from where they live.