Top Destinations for a Weekend Getaway in Ohio

One the most popular weekend getaways in the state, these hills are made for hiking. Numerous trails for various hiking levels bring visitors past waterfalls, ancient caves, and spectacular views. You can even rent a cabin in the hills for a night, if you want to spend a longer stretch of time in this quiet nature oasis.

Enjoy a weekend filled with culture and culinary delights in Ohio's capital city. Take your pick of numerous museums, galleries, and fine restaurants. In the summer, the city also welcomes a number of music and arts festivals. Don't forget to check out the nationwide arena, which hosts huge concerts and is home to Columbus' NHL team.

Located on South Bass Island in the middle of Lake Erie, this small town invites visitors to unwind on the rocky beaches, discover historic monuments, or bike through the charming town and countryside. Ferries bring you out to this secluded island that makes a great romantic getaway for couples.

If you're looking for a peaceful weekend in Ohio, Amish County is the place to go. You'll start discovering Amish culture on the roads, where Amish horse-drawn buggies ride alongside more modern vehicles. Make sure to sample and purchase the fantastic local produce, such as cheese and Amish apple pie. You can even grab a book of Amish recipes as a souvenir!

This portion of wilderness in Cumberland brings you on an unexpected African safari ride. The open range park covers 9000 acres and welcomes a number of endangered species, such as giraffes, buffaloes, and rhinos.

Flying through the treetops on a zipline offers its share of thrills and there are numerous locations in Ohio where you can join the fun. For example, the Hocking Hills Canopy Tours are highly popular, catering both to beginner and more extreme zipliners.

There are several rivers crossing Ohio, and a cruise is a great to enjoy the countryside while lounging on deck. Why not take a ride on the Valley Gen Sternwheeler, one of Ohio's historic steamboats? After the cruise, you can visit the Ohio River Museum where you can spend several hours learning about boating history.

Canoe rentals are available on Mohican River. Paddling down the river gives you the chance to really unwind and immerse yourself in the beautiful natural surroundings. It's the perfect activity for a group of friends, a couple, or a single traveler looking for some meditative moments.

With numerous horseback riding trails, Ohio offers the perfect setting for both beginner and advanced riders. There's nothing quite like exploring the forests and roaming the open countryside of Ohio on horseback.

Ohio offers enthusiastic hikers plenty of challenges, but none of it will be much fun if you don't have sturdy, comfortable hiking boots to protect your feet.

After all those outdoor adventures, you may feel in the mood for an evening of fine dining in one of Ohio's excellent restaurants. Just remember to bring along appropriate clothes for the occasion.

The nights in Ohio can get chilly. Whether you are planning to dine al fresco or enjoy a late evening walk by the beach, a warm sweater or jacket will serve you well.