Ohio is filled with little towns that have a lot of character! From quaint downtowns to water views to life on the farm, there is something that makes each town special. We’ve compiled a list of charming small towns in Ohio that you will want to visit.

Chagrin Falls

The historic village of downtown Chagrin Falls is best known for its natural waterfall and dam in the center of town. Although it’s just a short drive from Cleveland, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped into the pages of a storybook as you stroll past the historic architecture. There are a variety of places to shop and dine, as well as art and music influences scattered throughout the city.

Downtown Chagrin Falls has more than 50 independent storefronts to meet a variety of shopping needs. Restaurants include sit-down venues, coffee shops, ice cream parlors, dessert places, wine bars, diners, and even a popcorn shop. You can enjoy a wide assortment of entertainment through the orchestra, art center, mini and dome golf, roller rink, theater, cinema, historical society, and much more. 

Put-in-Bay

Are you ready for island life? Take a trip to Put-in-Bay, located on South Bass Island on Lake Erie. The island is often referred to as the “Key West of the North,” with lively entertainment, historical venues, and a variety of nature to take in on your visit. You access the island by ferry, and the island is best experienced by golf cart, walking, or biking!

Put-in-Bay has an assortment of shops, restaurants, parks, and beach access points. Families can enjoy attractions such as Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center, the tour train, Crystal Cave at Heineman’s Winery, Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial, Kimberly’s Carousel, or the Butterfly House. For those interested in the water, there are watercraft rentals and boat launch points. If you plan on spending the night, there are plenty of lodging options, including camping.

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Yellow Springs

Named for its nearby natural springs, Yellow Springs offers an eclectic, historic downtown, local farms, and an abundance of nature. Downtown you’ll find plenty of shops and restaurants fused with the local arts and culture of the area. Get ready to hike or bike beautiful scenery at the state park, covered bridge, or nature preserves.

Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve and John Bryan State Park, located adjacent to one another, both offer visitors stunning views and an assortment of trails. If you are looking for a paved trail option, The Little Miami Bike Trail is a 78-mile trail ideal for bicycling and horseback riding. You can stop along the trail at different parks or towns.

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Milan

Step into a little slice of history in Milan! It is best known as the birthplace of the inventor Thomas Edison. Downtown Milan has a beautiful town square with specialty and antique shops. You can also tour the birthplace of Thomas Edison in a seven-building museum. Museums in the area include “working antiques, the world-famous Mowry glass collection, and inventions.”

There are an assortment of restaurants to choose from where you can grab a bite to eat. If you’d like to extend your stay, there are plenty of lodging options, as well as camping around the area. Milan is known for its annual Melon Festival held each Labor Day weekend.

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Oberlin

Just southwest of Cleveland is Oberlin, home to Oberlin College! Oberlin boasts of being a “big-minded small town.” The town is rich in history arts and culture, as well as offers visitors a variety of parks and recreation opportunities.

Cafes, galleries, a bookstore, restaurants, and shops line the historic downtown. Explore the parks and nature preserves on the bike path that connects the town. You can also walk through the College Arboretum or one of the local parks. Tappan Square is located in the heart of downtown Oberlin and is a great spot to leisurely walk or enjoy local events held at the location throughout the year.

Loveland

Cincinnati suburb, Loveland, Ohio asks you to visit and “start lovin’ life today.” The Little Miami Bike Trail passes through Loveland, with 78 miles of paved trail. There is a true assortment of parks, playgrounds, and picnic areas for your family to explore.

Unique boutiques, shops, and restaurants line the town. The town also has a rich art scene with galleries, studios, and classes. Nearby is Loveland Castle, a full-scale castle you can visit. If you plan on staying the night, you’ll want to check out the variety of lodging that Loveland has to offer.

Granville

Located in the rolling Welsh Hills, Granville is just a short drive from the state capital of Columbus. The New England-style village is open for exploration! The town is home to Denison University, truly unique shopping venues, and a variety of dining options. If you’d like to stay awhile, Granville has inns, bed and breakfasts, and a newly remodeled hotel.

The town has several places of historical significance to visit. The alligator mound is one of “two great animal effigy mounds built by Ohio’s prehistoric people.” It is a large earthen sculpture of an animal, thought to be modeled after an opossum or a panther. The area is also home to Bryn Du Mansion, a more than 100-year-old, 52-acre gated estate. Both the Granville Historical Society and the Avery-Downer House and Robbins Hunter Museum offer a deep look into the area’s history as well.

Mount Vernon

Located in Knox County, Ohio, Mount Vernon is set along the Kokosing River. From the historic downtown to the parks and trails, there is something for everyone to explore. A stop at South Main Plaza showcases a fountain featuring dogs squirting water at the bone in the center. Downtown offers a variety of shops and restaurants.

At Rastin Observation Tower you can take the 224 steps leading up to a breathtaking view of Ariel-Foundation Park. The Woodward Opera House gives you the chance to visit the oldest original opera house from the 1800s in America. Kokosing Gap Trail offers 14 miles of paved trail built on top of an old Pennsylvania Railroad line.

Sugarcreek

Located in Ohio’s Amish Country, Sugarcreek is often referred to as the “Little Switzerland of Ohio.” With a strong Amish, Swiss, and German heritage, downtown Sugarcreek has an Alpine-style architecture. The city is even home to the World’s Largest Cuckoo Clock! Each hour Swiss characters emerge from the clock to mark the hour in a dance.

Each year, Sugarcreek hosts the Ohio Swiss Festival, featuring Swiss food, culture, and entertainment. Known for its cheese-making heritage you won’t want to miss out on the local restaurants and cuisine. There is also an assortment of local wineries, shops, farms, and furniture stores.

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Bedford

The city of Bedford is a small town that has stood the test of time. A suburb of Cleveland, Bedford is just a short drive from the downtown activities. Bedford Reservation features waterfalls, hiking, and bike paths. The town square features a beautiful gazebo, which is the centerpiece for events and activities throughout the year.

Restaurants and shops are located on Main Street in the historic downtown. The city square also features a Veteran’s Park to honor people who have served. Also, Bedford is located in Cuyahoga County, home to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Scenic Railroad, and just a short drive from the activities.

Twinsburg

Located in between Cleveland and Akron, Twinsburg offers a variety of shopping, restaurants, and green spaces. Be sure to walk the beautiful downtown square or stop by for the community events hosted in the center of town. Explore the trails at Liberty Nature Center or take your dog for a walk at Twinsburg Dog Park.

Twinsburg is likely most famous for its annual Twins Day Festival. Each year twins and multiples come from all over the world in the largest gathering of twins in the country. The festival includes food, music, themes, parades, contests and so much more.

Millersburg

Millersburg, Ohio lies in the heart of Amish Country. The town invites you to “explore the ‘berg,” as you walk their historic Main Street. It offers visitors an assortment of shops, restaurants, pubs, and recreation. The area also has a variety of lodging if you’d like to stay awhile.

Local events include antique shows, the Holmes County Fair, art festivals, and seasonal celebrations. The town provides a variety of tours. Whether you’re looking for a food tour, wine or beer tour, or even a sweet treats tour, there’s something for any craving. If you are an animal lover, we highly suggest a stop to pet and feed the animals at Hershberger’s Farm.

Peninsula

Peninsula is nestled in Cuyahoga Valley National Park and along the Cuyahoga River. Stop by the Peninsula Depot of the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad or explore the trails of Ohio’s only National Park. The downtown Village of Peninsula has an array of one-of-a-kind shops, restaurants, and nature to enjoy.

Nearby Boston Mills and Brandywine are two ski resorts that offer a variety of snow activities. You can venture out to Szalay’s Sweet Corn Farm for seasonal activities and an open-air farm market. Stop by Everett Covered Bridge to see one of Ohio’s covered bridges. Peninsula truly is a gem!

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Medina

Come take a stroll around the public square of Medina featuring its beautiful Gazebo. It hosts events and activities throughout the year. The history of the area brings about a certain nostalgia as you explore the unique shops and restaurants. Some of must visit spots include Sweets and Geeks, Chill Artisan Ice Cream, Cool Beans Cafe and The Farmer’s Table. 

Make sure to stop in and play a round of glow in the dark mini golf at Alien Vacation and pet the animals at Majestic Meadows Alpacas. Two of the larger events in Medina are their beer fest and ice festival. The beer fest takes place in April and features 25 regional breweries. The Medina Ice Festival takes place in February and is the largest ice festival in Ohio. 

Marietta

Marietta is the oldest city in the state of Ohio! It is located at the junction of the Ohio and Muskingum Rivers, giving it the nickname, “Riverboat Town.” With an establishment dating back to 1788, you’ll experience a great deal of history in the historic downtown, kid-friendly museums, and a series of monuments throughout. Learn more about the history of Marietta at the Campus Martius Museum.

Set on the river, there are a variety of water activities you can do from kayaking to canoeing. There is a 3-mile bike path that follows the rivers and an abundance of walkable trails and paths throughout the city. The downtown is lined with one-of-a-kind shops and restaurants and a historic bridge connects you from town to Harmar Village.

Don’t miss out on Marietta’s festivals during your visit. The Rivers, Trails & Ales Festival is in August and the Ohio River Sternwheeler Festival takes place after Labor Day.

Geneva-on-the-Lake

Geneva-on-the-Lake is a small, lake town that everyone can enjoy! From water activities to wine tours to shopping, there’s a little something for everyone. The town has an assortment of parks and beaches, which allow you access to the lake and all the activities it has to offer.

The town is nestled in the heart of Ohio’s wine country. The area gives visitors access to a variety of vineyards! There are several wine tours you can choose from, including transportation options in between locations.

Geneva-on-the-Lake also has unique shopping and restaurants to explore. You can rent bikes and golf carts to get around during your stay as well. If fishing is your passion, there are plenty of opportunities to cast a line, including charter boat rentals.

Logan

Whether you are looking for a day spent in the beautiful nature of Hocking Hills or you want to explore the historic downtown, there’s an option for you in Logan. Wander the nearby landmarks like Old Man’s Cave or Cedar Falls, and then you can pop into town to enjoy their restaurants and shopping.

You can stop by John Glenn Astronomy Park, where you can experience the night sky untouched by light. Logan is also home to the Pencil Sharpener Museum, where you will see an impressive display of, you guessed it, pencil sharpeners. Bowen House, located in downtown Logan, is the cultural arts center of the county.

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Hudson

If you’re looking for a truly small hometown feeling, then you’ll enjoy a visit to Hudson. Although just a short drive from both Cleveland and Akron, Hudson is like stepping into the scene of a classic movie. The walkable, historic downtown connects central village greens that host a variety of events throughout the year. Showcased in town are the historic clock tower and gazebo, which offer a picturesque backdrop. The Main Street of town, as well as the First and Main shopping center, have an assortment of shops and restaurants.

The town boasts more than 20 parks with an array of trails and playgrounds. Hudson is also home to the beautiful, walkable campus of Western Reserve. Hudson events throughout the year include Music on the Green, art festivals, weekly farmer’s markets, an ice cream social, a trick-or-treat event, a Biergarten, a holiday walk, a German Christmas market, Santa on the Green, and much more!

Waynesville

The city of Waynesville is older than the state of Ohio itself! There is a rich history of the foundation of the state all around you when you visit. Waynesville is also, “The Antiques Capital of the Midwest,” and “Home of the Ohio Sauerkraut Festival.”

A wide variety of restaurants and unique shops line the historic downtown. Living up to its name, there are plenty of antiques and treasures to find as you explore. You can also take in a bit of nature at Caesar Creek State Park and Caesar Creek Lake.

Wooster

Wooster, Ohio is located in the heart of Amish Country. Start the day off at the beautiful Secrest Arboretum. Then make the short drive to Downtown Wooster and take a few hours to discover the eclectic shops and delicious restaurants that line Liberty Street.

Make sure to stop by one of the area parks to let the kids play on the playground. Our favorite is Christmas Run Park. You can also tour the College of Wooster while in town.

Gallipolis

Gallipolis is known as “The Old French City” for the French people that settled in 1790. The town is situated on the Ohio River, giving a beautiful backdrop to the city. Gallipolis offers a variety of trails and parks you can adventure through on your visit. The town also offers plenty of tours that allow you to get to know the area better.

Stop in the Gallia County Convention and Visitors Bureau or take a trip to one of the area’s museums. There is a large assortment of dining options, as well as shopping.

Canal Fulton

Canal Fulton sits along the Tuscarawas River and the Ohio & Erie Canal. Step aboard the St. Helena III, one of only four canal boats running in Ohio, to take a trip down the canal. Fishing, biking, bird watching, and hiking are just some of the outdoor activities enjoyed by visitors. You can also explore the shops and restaurants that line Canal Street in the historic downtown area.

Stop in Canal Fulton’s Canalway Center to get information about the canal. Before you visit be sure to check out the local tours. From canal tours to winery tours, there are group activities for everyone. There are also several town festivals throughout the year.

Coshocton

In Coshocton, Ohio the Walhonding River and the Tuscarawas River meet, forming the Muskingum River. You won’t want to miss getting pulled by Tim and Diesel, the draft horse team that pulls the Monticello III canal coat down the Ohio and Erie Canal. The area offers six adventure trails for you to explore! From wine to motorcycling to taking selfies, there’s a trail you’ll enjoy.

Coshocton is home to 60 shops and restaurants. You can take in the history of the area at the historical landmarks and museums. Coshocton also hosts several festivals throughout the year, one being the Coshocton Hot Air Balloon Festival and the Coshocton Sunflower Festival.

Conneaut

Conneaut sits along Lake Erie at the mouth of Conneaut Creek. Set on the water, Conneaut is a fishing haven and has an abundance of opportunities for hunting as well. Being a coastal community, there are outstanding views, a variety of wildlife, and water activities. The area is also known for its wineries and covered bridges.

There are a variety of wineries and restaurants as well as places to shop. The town offers several local museums and town parks. Also, be sure to check out their schedule of events before your visit. Conneaut is known for the largest D-Day/WWII reenactment in the US.

Circleville

Circleville is situated south of Columbus on the Scioto River. It is well known for its Pumpkin Show in October and year-round love of all things pumpkins! A few pumpkin attractions include the world’s largest pumpkin water tower, Pumpkin Show Park, and Tootle’s Pumpkin Inn.

There are a variety of restaurants and shopping opportunities in town. If you’d like to get outdoors, a trip to A.W. Marion State Park offers Hargus Lake and beautiful nature. 

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