About State Parks in Northwest Ohio

All state parks in Ohio are maintained by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). They are also all free to enter, with no parking fees. Across the state, parks vary greatly in their landscape, facilities, and activities. The state parks in northwest Ohio include a range of landscapes, including the parks on the Lake Erie islands.

In this list, we are giving the addresses and contact details, the size of the park, and the facilities and activities available at each location. Please note that if you wish to fish or hunt, a license is usually required.

Map of State Parks in Northwest Ohio

Kelleys Island State Park

Situated on Kelleys Island, Erie County

• Address: 920 Division St, Kelleys Island, Ohio 43438
• Phone: 419-746-2546 | Website | Facebook

Catawba Island State Park

Situated in Port Clinton, Ottawa County

• Address: 4049 E Moore’s Dock Rd, Port Clinton, Ohio 43452
• Phone: 419-734-4424 | Website

East Harbor State Park

Situated in Lakeside-Marblehead, Ottawa County

• Address: 1169 N Buck Rd, Lakeside-Marblehead, Ohio 43440-9610
• Phone: 419-734-4424 | Website | Facebook

Marblehead Lighthouse State Park

Situated in Marblehead, Ottawa County

• Address: 110 Lighthouse Dr, Marblehead, Ohio 43440
• Phone: 419-734-4424 | Website | Facebook
• Check out our article about Marblehead Lighthouse!

South Bass Island State Park

Situated on South Bass Island, Ottawa County

• Address: 1523 Catawba Ave, South Bass Island, Ohio 43456
• Phone: 419-285-2112 | Website 

Middle Bass Island State Park

Situated on Middle Bass Island, Ottawa County

• Address: 1965 Fox Rd, Middle Bass Island, Ohio 43446
• Phone: 419-285-0311 | Website 

North Bass Island State Park

Situated on North Bass Island, Ottawa County

North Bass Island is mainly undeveloped and is only accessible by private boat, charter, or aircraft. Boating, fishing, and hunting are available activities, and moors are available.

Camping is available, and there is the newly refurbished Lake House, a 4-bedroom rental for up to 12 guests.

The island is a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts and birders.

• Address: North Bass Island, Isle St George, Ohio 43456
• Phone: 419-609-4124 | Website 

Oak Point State Park

Located on South Bass Island, Ottawa County

• Address: Bayview Ave, Put-in-Bay, Ohio 43456
• Phone: 419-285-2112 | Website

Maumee Bay State Park

Situated in Oregon, Lucas County

• Address: 1400 State Park Rd, Oregon, Ohio 43616
• Phone: 419-836-7758 | Website | Facebook

Harrison Lake State Park

Situated in Fayette, Fulton County

• Address: 26246 Harrison Lake Rd, Fayette, Ohio 43521
• Phone: 419-237-2593 | Website | Facebook

Mary Jane Thurston State Park

Situated in McClure, Henry County

• Address: 1466 State Route 65, McClure, Ohio 43534
• Phone: 419-832-7662 | Website | Facebook
• Check out our article about Mary Jane Thurston State Park!

Independence Dam State Park

Situated in Defiance, Defiance County

• Address: 27722 County Rd 424, Defiance, Ohio 43512
• Phone: 419-237-2593 | Website | Facebook

Van Buren State Park

Situated in Van Buren, Hancock County

• Address: 12259 Township Rd 218, Van Buren, Ohio 45889
• Phone: 419-832-7662 | Website | Facebook

Lake Loramie State Park

Situated in Minster, Auglaize County

• Address: 4401 Ft Loramie Swanders Rd, Minster, Ohio 45865
• Phone: 937-295-2011 | Website | Facebook

Grand Lake St Marys State Park

Situated in St Marys, Auglaize County

• Address: 834 Edgewater Dr, St Marys, Ohio 45885
• Phone: 419-394-3611 | Website | Facebook

Ohio State Parks

Check out our other regional lists of Ohio state parks:

• Central
• Northeast
• Southeast
• Southwest

Let’s Visit State Parks in Northwest Ohio!

Have you visited any of the 15 state parks in northwest Ohio? Which is your favorite? We would love to know! Leave a comment below and share your experiences with us.

For more things to do in northwest Ohio, check out our lists of things to do in Lima, Findlay, Sandusky, Toledo, and Port Clinton.

Hello! We have done our very best to ensure that the accuracy of events, hours, addresses, etc are up to date. Please know that information can change due to weather, updated health and safety challenges, etc. If you find incorrect information, please send us an email at team@visitohiotoday.com and we can get it updated.

To be updated and stay connected, subscribe to our newsletter.

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September 7, 2024 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Jenera/Rawson area in southern Hancock County

This self-guided tour will feature six historic barns, dating from the early 1860s to the 1930s in the southern half of Hancock County. Each barn tells a unique story about the farm on which it sits, and the families who have owned it. In addition to learning more about these impressive structures, guests on the tour will enjoy a wide array of activities!

The Hancock Historical Museum’s Historic Barn Tour was awarded the Ohio State Historic Preservation Office’s Public Education & Awareness Award for preservation excellence in 2014. Ohio History Connection’s former CEO, Burt Logan, recognized the Historic Barn Tour as a “model program for the state.” In 2018, the Historic Barn Tour was honored to be a recipient of the Scenic Ohio Award.

Admission:
Pre-sale: $10
Day of: $10 for Hancock Historical Museum Members/$15 for Nonmembers
Tickets will be available at any of the barns on the day of the tour.
Children ages 16 and under are free – no ticket required!

​Featured activities include:
Food Vendors – Live Music – Demonstrations – Antique Tractors – Craft Beer Tasting – Artists – Farmer’s Market Vendors – Kids Activities – Souvenirs

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September 27, 2025 @ 2:00 pm – 10:30 pm

Oktoberfest Findlay is one of the largest single-day events in Hancock County. This celebration of local German heritage takes place in late September.

Oktoberfest Findlay is a one-day celebration in Downtown Findlay, with live traditional German music and entertainment, contests, authentic German food, a Kid Zone, and of course, craft and German beers.

Contests include Steinholding, Beer Tray Obstacle Course, and Brat Eating.

There are around 20 food vendors offering food such as German sausages, loaded chicken, grilled food, and kettle corn. The attending microbreweries will be offering their craft beers.

There is a small admission fee, and it is cash only. There are four entry points.

Check out the Facebook page for up-to-date information.

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About Ohio

Ohio has a population of nearly 11.8 million. Its capital and largest city is Columbus, with other large cities Cleveland, Cincinnati, Dayton, Akron, and Toledo.

The nickname of Ohio ‘The Buckeye State’ derives from the buckeye trees that grow along the Ohio River Valley. The small nuts the trees produce resemble the eye of a deer. It is considered that carrying a buckeye nut in your pocket is good luck.

The flag of Ohio was officially adopted in 1902 and is the only state flag that is not rectangular.

Things to Do in Central Ohio

The major city in central Ohio is, of course, Columbus. The other cities we are focusing on here are Dublin and Lancaster.

Columbus

Columbus has a multitude of things to do, places to visit, parks, and shopping experiences. The dropdown box below gives details of 10 great things to do and places to visit in Columbus.

Dublin

Dublin, as the name may suggest, has very strong Irish roots. Located in the northwest corner of central Ohio, Dublin is the second largest city in this region.

• Check out our article for more information on things to do in Dublin!

Lancaster

Lancaster is in the southeast of central Ohio and is the gateway to the Hocking Hills region. It is the county seat of Fairfield County and also hosts the Fairfield County Fair each year.

• Check out our article for more information on things to do in Lancaster!

Other Places to Visit in Central Ohio

• Newark | Licking County
• Delaware | Delaware County

Things to Do in Northwest Ohio

Northwest Ohio has a coastline along Lake Erie. The largest city in the northwest is Toledo, with other cities such as Sandusky and Put in Bay.

Toledo

Toledo is in the north of the northwest region of Ohio, and it sits on the Maumee River and Maumee Bay area of Lake Erie.

• Check out our article about things to do in Toledo!

Sandusky

Sandusky is the county seat of Erie County and is located on the shores of Lake Erie. This is a place where visitors will feel they are on vacation as soon as they arrive

• Check out our article for more information about things to do in Sandusky!

Put in Bay

Put in Bay is one of Ohio’s most visited vacation destinations. Situated on South Bass Island, surrounded by Lake Erie, you would not be wrong in thinking there are a lot of water activities available here. However, Put in Bay has so much more going on too!

• Check out our article for more information about things to do in Put in Bay!

More Places to Visit in Northwest Ohio

• Findlay | Hancock County
• Port Clinton | Ottawa County
• Lima | Allen County

Things to Do in Northeast Ohio

Northeast Ohio is the most populated region of Ohio, with cities such as Cleveland, Akron, Youngstown, Canton, and Mansfield.

Cleveland

Cleveland has six script signs around the city in perfect photo-op locations. Even if you don’t know much about Cleveland, you will have seen the script signs across the internet or in movies.

• Check out our article for more information about things to do in Cleveland!

Akron

Akron has the Ohio and Erie Canal running through it, separating east from west. It was once the Rubber Capital of the World, being home to Goodrich, Goodyear, Firestone, and General Tire companies.

• Check out our article for more information about things to do in Akron!

Youngstown

Youngstown sits on the eastern edge of Ohio. It is the county seat of Mahoning County. Before World War II, Youngstown had a booming steel industry.

• Check out our article for more information about things to do in Youngstown!

More Places to Visit in Northeast Ohio

• Mansfield | Richland County
• Cuyahoga Falls | Summit County
• Canton | Stark County
• Lorain | Lorain County
• Berlin | Holmes County
• Millersburg | Holmes County
• Sugarcreek | Tuscarawas County

Things to Do in Southeast Ohio

Southeast Ohio is home to the stunningly beautiful Hocking Hills region, which is just east of central Ohio. Notable cities in the southeast are Athens, Marietta, and Chillicothe.

Logan

Logan is in the heart of the Hocking Hills region, and benefits from the stunning countryside this region has to offer. Many of the Hocking Hills visitor attractions are located in or around Logan, but there are also many other things to do in this delightful town.

• Check out our article for more information about things to do in Logan!

Chillicothe

Located along the Scioto River, Chillicothe was once Ohio’s capital city. It is the only city in Ross County.

• Check out our article for more information about things to do in Chillicothe!

Athens

Athens is the county seat of Athens County and is located along the Hocking River in southeast Ohio.

• Check out our article for more information about things to do in Athens!

More Places to Visit in Southeast Ohio

• Portsmouth | Scioto County
• Marietta | Washington County
• Coshocton | Coshocton County

Things to Do in Southwest Ohio

Southwest Ohio has two large cities, Cincinnati and Dayton. Other cities in the southwest include Mason, Yellow Springs, and Hamilton.

Cincinnati

Cincinnati is Ohio’s third largest city by inner-city population, and the largest by metro population. The city crosses the Ohio River into Kentucky and crosses the county line into Indiana.

• Check out our article for more information about things to do in Cincinnati!

Dayton

Dayton is known as the home of the Wright Brothers, so there are many visitor attractions dedicated to them and flying in general in Dayton.

• Check out our article for more information about things to do in Dayton!

Yellow Springs

Located in Greene County, Yellow Springs has a tiny population of just over 3,500 and an area of 2.02 square miles. Yellow Springs is, however, a great place to visit for anyone!

• Check out our article for more information about things to do in Yellow Springs!

More Places to Visit in Southwest Ohio

• Beavercreek | Greene County
• Springfield | Clark County
• Hamilton | Butler County
• Mason | Warren County

Let’s Visit Ohio Today!

Have you visited any of these places in Ohio? Do you think we have missed a gem that you love to visit? Leave a comment below and share your experience.

If you want to take the kids out for the day, check out our article about Things to Do in Ohio with Kids, or Resorts in Ohio lists a lot of fun places to visit either with or without the kids!

For nature lovers, Things to Do in Hocking Hills and Caves in Ohio have all you need to know! Round your day off with a visit to an Ohio Winery.

The post Things to Do in Ohio appeared first on Visit Ohio Today.

What started out as Jack-B’s “Butler Buckeyes” in 2018 quickly became a favorite at the family restaurant. Now, the signature dessert has an entire company focused around it!

Sherrie Butler put her trust in her daughter (Danika) and allowed her to take over creating buckeyes as a separate business from Jack-B’s. Since then Danika has put her heart and soul into expanding the business and bringing the very best buckeyes to her customers.

The Buckeye Co. has over 40 different, mouth-watering flavors, drizzled in chocolate.

If you aren’t sure you need some of these delectable gourmet treats, their website will tell you that a buckeye is “the solution to every problem and the answer to every question.” That’s pretty convincing!

The Buckeye Co. is also a stop on the official Ohio Buckeye Candy Trail, developed by the Miami Visitors and Convention Bureau, the trail has 37 stops.

You can find their buckeyes at the following locations:

• Jack-B’s Take-Out in Findlay (Daily)
• Brinkman’s Market in Findlay (Daily)
• Hurdwell in Arlington (Fridays)
• Hull’s Trace Winery in Arlington (Thursday-Saturday)

Photos courtesy of The Buckeye Co

Where is The Buckeye Co Located?

• Address: 517 W. Trenton Ave, Findlay, Ohio 45840 (Inside of Jack-B’s)
• Also at: Commercial Kitchen & Retail Store at 124 E. Sandusky St, Findlay
• Phone: 419-957-2258 | Website | Facebook | Instagram

Location Map for The Buckeye Co

More Things to Do in Ohio

If you are looking for more places to go, try Quarry Hill Orchards where you can go on a hike and pick your own fruit! Things to Do in Toledo has a nice round-up of places to visit. For more sweet treats, check out our selection of Ice Cream Shops in Ohio.

Check out more local gems in Ohio – Cork and Tap Excursions, Remember When Tea Room, Lofts Coffee Company and Roastery, Kampfire Coffee Roasters, and Gluten-Free from The Dipped

Hello! We have done our very best to ensure that the accuracy of events, hours, addresses, etc, are up to date. Please know that information can change due to weather, updated health and safety challenges, etc. If you find incorrect information, please send us an email at team@visitohiotoday.com, and we can get it updated.

To be updated and stay connected, subscribe to our newsletter.

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When is the Total Eclipse in Ohio?

Ohio will see the total eclipse on April 8, 2024, between the hours of approximately 3:08 pm and 3:15 pm. The duration will usually be around 2 to 4 minutes. The moon will start to cover the sun at around 1:50 pm and the sun will be completely uncovered by about 4:30 pm.

The last total eclipse seen in Ohio was in 1806, and the next one will be in 2099.

Check out the NASA website page dedicated to this total solar eclipse.

Which Ohio Cities are on the Path of Totality?

The Path of Totality is expected to be about 124 miles wide and will stretch across 13 states, including a line through Ohio from the southwest to the northeast regions.

Cities and regions just outside of this path will experience a partial eclipse, which is still an amazing spectacle!

The list below shows the cities that are on the path of totality, the expected time of total eclipse (EDT) all times are PM, and the expected duration of total eclipse (in minutes and seconds). This list is broken into regions of Ohio, so is not strictly in time order – although each region is.

Locations in Southwest Ohio

Locations in Northwest Ohio

Locations in Central Ohio

Locations in Northeast Ohio

Map of the Cities on the Path of Totality

Events Celebrating the Eclipse

Below is a directory of websites that have details of events, festivals, and spaces dedicated to the total solar eclipse in Ohio. This list is not exhaustive, there are some venues that at the time of writing have no details available, so do check for venues in your area, especially if you live on the path of totality.

Please Note: following the eclipse some of the dedicated pages were removed. We have retained the text but removed the links where necessary.

Eye Protection for the Solar Eclipse

This is a quote from the NASA website about watching a solar eclipse:

When watching a partial or annular solar eclipse directly with your eyes, you must look through safe solar viewing glasses (“eclipse glasses”) or a safe handheld solar viewer at all times. Eclipse glasses are NOT regular sunglasses; regular sunglasses, no matter how dark, are not safe for viewing the Sun.

Do NOT look at the Sun through a camera lens, telescope, binoculars, or any other optical device while wearing eclipse glasses or using a handheld solar viewer — the concentrated solar rays will burn through the filter and cause serious eye injury.

For more detailed information about safe viewing, visit the NASA website.

Fun Facts About the 2024 Solar Eclipse

• This will be the first total solar eclipse in the continental U.S. in 7 years.
• A solar eclipse occurs when the Sun, the Moon, and Earth are aligned, or in syzygy.
• A solar eclipse only happens at New Moon, but not at every New Moon.
• Everyone in the continental U.S. will be able to see at least a partial eclipse.
• This eclipse will be the most-viewed ever.
• Totality is safe to look at.

The Next Total Eclipses Worldwide

If you want to chase total eclipses, the next ones that are due in the 2020s are:

• August 12, 2026 – Greenland, Iceland, and Spain
• August 2, 2027 – Spain, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and Somalia.
• July 22, 2028 – Australia and New Zealand.

Spain has the extremely rare bonus of having a total eclipse two years running!

A total solar eclipse will not happen again in Ohio until 2099!

Watch the Total Solar Eclipse in Ohio!

If you get to see the total or partial eclipse in Ohio, please leave a comment below and share your experience. We would love to hear about it!

Keep informed about events and festivals in Ohio happening in your area with our Events Calendar!

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Ride a Christmas Train in Ohio

We all know the story of the Polar Express. If you do not, we need to catch you up! You can buy the classic Christmas movie or the Polar Express book on Amazon.  There is one officially trademarked Polar Express Ohio, but there are also several other Christmas-themed or Holiday-themed train rides in Ohio.

Be sure to grab your favorite pair of Christmas pajamas and your comfy Christmas slippers to make your ride complete! As a bonus, most of these train rides in Ohio provide you with cookies and cocoa! So they have got the snack covered! 

Generally, these Christmas train rides in Ohio sell out quickly and pretty far in advance, so plan accordingly. Some operators open ticket sales months in advance. Start planning your strategy for which Christmas train ride you want to take, starting in August (or before)! Yes, that is correct, you need to think about it that early in the year. Usually, holiday train ride dates are released in August/September, and ticket sales often open up in September/October. However, some are released in June!

Map of Christmas Train Rides

The North Pole Adventure

The North Pole Adventure is operated by the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, will offer families the journey of a lifetime. Participants will be able to hand-deliver their letters to Santa at the North Pole. You can enjoy cocoa, cookies, entertainment such as singing, and activities with Santa’s elves.

Be sure to book your tickets far in advance, any themed Christmas rides sell out quickly. You can book your tickets OR sign up to volunteer on the North Pole Adventure, here.

TIP: Ticket sales open to the general public at the start of October.  

Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad has three main stations:

• Rockside Station 7900 Old Rockside Rd, Independence, Ohio 44131
• Peninsula Depot 1630 Mill Street, Peninsula, Ohio 44264
• Akron Northside Station 27 Ridge Street, Akron, Ohio 44308
• Phone: 330-439-5708 | Website | Facebook | Instagram

Dennison Railroad Depot Museum

When it comes down to it, there is only one official Polar Express Train Ride Ohio.  The officially trademarked experience takes place at the Dennison Railroad Depot Museum. This is the authentic Polar Express train ride, sanctioned by the Warner Brothers and Rail Events. 

Tip: First Class Tickets (seats with a table) sell out extremely quickly!

• Address: 400 Center Street, Dennison, Ohio 44621
• Phone: 740-922-6776 | Website | Facebook | Instagram

Santa Christmas Train Ride

Head to the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway to take the Santa Christmas Train Ride! It is the longest-running annual event at the Hocking Hills Railway! Families have been enjoying this Ohio train ride for over 40 years!  Starting at the end of November and running through right before Christmas, the Santa train rides operate on the weekends. 

• Address: 33 West Canal Street, Nelsonville, Ohio 45764
• Phone: 740-753-9531 | Website | Facebook | Instagram

The North Pole Express

The North Pole Express is run by LM&M Railroad. This railroad offers themed rides all year round. Around the holiday season, you can ride in festively decorated rail cars.  The ride takes about 75 minutes, and during the Ohio train ride, you can spend time visiting with Santa and his elves. 

Each passenger on this special holiday-themed train ride will get a pre-packaged cookie, along with a souvenir bell. The Holiday Express Train ride typically starts the weekend before Thanksgiving and runs through Christmas. Just like all of the other themed Christmas train rides, this one sells out quickly. You can buy tickets online.

• Address: 16 East South Street, Lebanon, Ohio 45036
• Phone: 513-933-8022 | Website | Facebook | Instagram

North Pole Express

The North Pole Express by the Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation Inc. is in Findlay. This popular holiday quarter-scale train ride is a magical trip through a winter wonderland scene of holiday lights and holiday decorations.

• Address: ​12505 County Road 99, Findlay, Ohio 45840
• Phone: 419-423-2995 | Website

Letters to Santa

Head to the Ohio Railway Museum and take a ride on the Ohio Public Service 1925 car. Children can bring their letters to Santa and mail them right in the Railway Post Office Car. This family-friendly event also has other themed holiday activities.

• Address: 990 Proprietors Road, Worthington, Ohio 43085
• Phone: 614-885-7345 | Website | Facebook

The Polar Express Train Ride

The Polar Express Train Ride at the White Water Valley Railroad is an official trademarked experience operating out of Connersville, Indiana. This Polar Express Ohio ride serves the Dayton, Cincinnati, and Indianapolis areas. (2 hours from Columbus).

• Address: 455 Market Street, Connersville, IN 47331
• Phone: 765-825-2054 | Website | Facebook

The Santa Train Event

The Zanesville and Western Scenic Railroad holds this event. Jump on the train with Santa at Mt. Perry! There is lots of festive fun on this Santa Train, with a visit from the main man himself!

• Address: 5700 OH-204, Mt Perry, Ohio 43760
• Phone: 614-595-9701 | Website | Facebook

Let’s Take the Polar Express Train Ride!

Have you taken any of the Christmas train rides listed above? We would love to hear about it. If you have any tips or tricks to share with other readers, drop them in the comment box below!

For some fun train rides, check out our article Train Rides in Ohio. For another magical festive experience, Drive Through Christmas Lights are spectacular family-fun evenings. During the festive season, or at other times of the year, Carriage Rides in Ohio are a great experience!

If you are looking for more activities that are kid-friendly, take a look at Scene75 Columbus, Corn Mazes in Ohio, Urban Air Dublin, and Horseback Riding in Ohio for lots of family fun days out!

Hello! We have done our very best to ensure that the accuracy of events, hours, addresses, etc, are up to date. Please know that information can change due to weather, updated health and safety challenges, etc. If you find incorrect information, please send us an email at team@visitohiotoday.com, and we can get it updated.

To be updated and stay connected, subscribe to our newsletter.

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Have Fun on a Train Ride in Ohio

I think we can all agree that Ohio has a varied landscape. Ohio scenery can be viewed from many stunning roadways throughout the state. Did you know that you can also view the beauty by taking a train ride in Ohio?

All aboard! Train rides bring joy to adults and toddlers alike! There is just something about a train ride, you can’t explain. It simply makes people happy!

Map of Train Rides in Ohio

Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad

Looking for a simple train ride in Ohio? The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad has you covered with a few options. You can take one of their family-friendly rides, a Dinner on the Train ride, a Murder Mystery Train Ride, Grape Escape Train Ride, and much more!

Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad has three main stations:

• Rockside Station 7900 Old Rockside Road, Independence, Ohio 44131
• Peninsula Depot 1630 Mill Street, Peninsula, Ohio 44264
• Akron Northside Station 27 Ridge Street, Akron, Ohio 44308
• Phone: 330-439-5708 | Website | Facebook | Instagram

Hocking Valley Scenic Railway

The Hocking Valley Scenic Railway is in the top nine of our Train Rides in Ohio list because it offers so many different types of train rides! You can enjoy everything from Elegant Dinner Train Rides, to BBQ and Brew Express Ride, Easter Bunny Train, and more!

• Address: 33 West Canal Street, Nelsonville, Ohio 45764
• Phone: 740-753-9531 | Website | Facebook | Instagram

LM&M Railway

The Lebanon Mason and Monroe Railway operates over 6 miles of track in Ohio. The train ride follows Turtle Creek for the majority of the ride, it crosses 5 bridges and has endless sights to see! Special events include North Pole Express and a Day Out with Thomas.

• Address:16 East South Street, Lebanon, Ohio 45036
• Phone: 513-933-8022 | Website | Facebook | Instagram

Zanesville & Western Scenic Railroad

Zanesville & Western Scenic Railroad

This railway is most noted for its themed and holiday train rides. They host everything from a Santa Train Ride to a Halloween Train Ride. They often host field trips as well.

The standard ride on this railway is superb; it provides railway excursions that show off the exceptionally scenic railway. It is a 40-minute ride that is perfect for all ages.

• Address: 5705 SR 204, Mt Perry, Ohio 43760
• Phone: 614-595-9703 | Website | Facebook

Lorain & West Virginia Railway

The Lorain and West Virginia Railway has lots of events scheduled each year. You can expect to see an Easter Train, Engineer for an Hour, Summer Wine Train, Fall Foliage Train, Pumpkin Train, Santa Trains, and more! Typically rides are just over an hour.

• Address: 46789 OH 18 Wellington, Ohio 44090
• Phone: 440-647-6660 | Website | Facebook

Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation

You can enjoy a quarter-scale train ride at the Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation Inc. In September, you can enjoy “All Things Fall.” They have rides on the Pumpkin Train, bounce houses, horse cart races, corn cannons, and more!

• Address: 12505 County Road 99, Findlay, Ohio 45840
• Phone: 419-423-2995 | Website | Facebook | Instagram

Ohio Railway Museum

The Ohio Railway Museum is most well-known for its Letters to Santa program each holiday season. You can take a train ride on the Ohio Public Service 1925 car. Children can bring their letters to Santa and mail them right in the Railway Post Office Car. This family-friendly event also has other themed holiday activities.

• Address: 990 Proprietors Road, Worthington, Ohio 43085
• Phone: 614-885-7345 | Website | Facebook | Instagram

Dennison Railroad Depot Museum

The Dennison Railroad Depot Museum has the official Polar Express Train Ride Ohio! This depot is a National Historic Landmark.

When they are not running the Polar Express Ohio, you can visit the train museum, which gives a perfect representation of railroad history. There are many interesting displays that will make your visit interesting and educational.

• Address: 400 Center Street, Dennison, Ohio 445621
• Phone: 740-922-6776 | Website | Facebook | Instagram

Age of Steam Roundhouse

While not a train ride, the Age of Steam Roundhouse is enjoyed by all ages who love trains. This museum is a living roundhouse where restoration specialists work to preserve railroad cars, locomotives, and other items from train history. Public tours are offered from April through November.

• Address: 213 Smokey Lane Road SW, Sugarcreek, Ohio 44681
• Phone: 330-852-4676 | Website | Facebook | Instagram

Let’s Go on Train Rides in Ohio

We want to hear from you! What Train Rides in Ohio have you been on? What are you planning to visit this year? Drop us a comment below and let us know!

Love trains? Love the holidays? Be sure to check out our complete listing of all Polar Express Ohio Train Rides!

For more ideas on how to keep the kids entertained, check out our articles Indoor Playgrounds in Ohio and Things to Do in Ohio with Kids.

Hello! We have done our very best to ensure that the accuracy of events, hours, addresses, etc, are up to date. Please know that information can change due to weather, updated health and safety challenges, etc. If you find incorrect information, please send us an email at team@visitohiotoday.com, and we can get it updated.

To be updated and stay connected, subscribe to our newsletter.

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Visit Ohio Ice Cream Shops

When it comes to Ohio and Ice Cream, it is a match made in dessert heaven! In fact, Ohio does ice cream very well. Ohio is home to several major ice cream brands, including Handels, Jeni’s, and Graeters. 

Visiting Ohio Ice Cream Shops is a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth. In fact, Ohio has its very own ice cream trail! Now that sounds like fun! We did include some frozen custard places in our list as well!

This article has two main sections: the first is independent ice cream shops, and those with less than four locations. The second section contains lists of the locations of the ice cream shops with multiple locations. These two sections have their own maps.

Map of Independent Ice Cream Shops

Ice Cream Shops in Central Ohio

Crosstown Creamery

Crosstown Creamery is a restaurant as well as an ice cream shop. They offer hand-dipped ice cream, as well as other handmade desserts. The ice cream is Johnson’s Real Ice Cream, with over 20 delightful and unique flavors!

This ice cream shop was submitted by our friends at ReWild Rentals – check out our review of their Ravenhaus Rental.

• Address: 90 Main Street, Tarlton, Ohio 43156
• Phone: 740-477-1000 | Website | Facebook | Instagram

Velvet Ice Cream Factory

This ice cream shop is open from May through October each year. They are located at Ye Olde Mill Ice Cream Museum.

• Address: 11324 Mt Vernon Rd., Utica, Ohio 43080
• Phone: 800-589-5000 | Website | Facebook

Mardi Gras Homemade Ice Cream

Homemade traditional ice cream flavors, as well as a selection of international ice cream flavors.

• Address: 1807, 1947 Hard Road, Columbus, Ohio 43235
• Phone: 614-766-2020 | Facebook

Simply Rolled Ice Cream

Uniquely, the ice cream here is Thai-inspired rolled ice cream. There are seasonal flavors, specialty flavors, and signature rolls. Or you can create your own with a selection of mix-ins and toppings. There are two locations, one in Columbus and one in Cincinnati.

• Columbus: 968 N High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43201 | 614-914-8624
• Cincinnati: 32 W 12^th Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 | 513-287-7718
• Website | Facebook | Instagram

Round Hill Dairy Ice Cream

Round Hill Dairy Ice Cream offers a wide selection, including scoops, classic sundaes, specialty sundaes, as well as Round Hill Dairy specials. You can select from many toppings such as hot fudge, marshmallow, rainbow sprinkles, candy eyes, and more.

• Address: 300 Wooster Road, Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050
• Phone: 740-326-6768 | Website | Facebook | Instagram

Gypsy Joe’s Ice Cream and Donuts

A trip to Gypsy Joe’s Ice Cream and donut shop is the perfect way to relax with a sweet treat and the kids will enjoy it just as much as the adults. There is a good menu available, and all tastes are catered to. There are delights from coffee to donuts to ice cream!

• Address: 2237 W Fair Ave, Lancaster, Ohio 43130
• Phone: 740-687-2400 | Website | Facebook | Instagram

Lil e’s Ice Cream Truck

Lil e’s Ice Cream Truck

This is a mobile truck that operates in and around Plain City. They advertise where they will be on their Facebook page

Ice Cream Shops in Southeast Ohio

Tom’s Ice Cream Bowl

Tom’s Ice Cream Bowl has been serving the community for over 70 years! Tom’s is a great place to grab lunch AND some delicious ice cream. You can find sundaes, ice cream cake rolls, and more!

• Address: 532 McIntire Ave, Zanesville, Ohio 43701
• Phone: 740-452-5267 | Website | Facebook

Emma’s Frosty Kreme

Emma’s is another great small-town feeling ice cream place.

• Address: 5707 Beaver Pike, Beaver, Ohio 45613
• Phone: 740-226-6291 | Website | Facebook

Shorty’s Ice Cream Parlor

Shorty’s is in the storefront of the Columbus Washboard Company in Logan. They also offer a full lunch menu. They call themselves the ‘Home of the Gnome Cone‘ – this is a glass dish with a swirl of cream, an upside-down ice cream cone, and a cherry for a nose – it’s cute!

There are also non-dairy ice cream and seasonal flavors such as Old Fashioned Pumpkin Pecan Pie. You can enjoy favorites such as vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate too.

• Address: 4 E. Main St., Logan, Ohio 43138
• Phone: 740-216-0748 | Facebook

Michael’s Ice Cream

Michael’s is a family-owned, old-fashioned ice cream parlor and restaurant. As well as unique ice creams, Michael’s is now offering gluten-free snacks along with their diner-style menu.

• Address: 223 E Main St, Jackson, Ohio 45640
• Phone: 740-288-7577 | Facebook | Instagram

Hank and Stella’s

Hank and Stella’s is a frozen custard shop offering cones, cups, sundaes, malts, concretes, as well as waffle sundaes and sandwiches. There are currently two shops, one in Zanesville and one in Thornville, both in Southeast Ohio.

• Zanesville: 143C Maysville Pike, Zanesville, Ohio 43701
• Thornville: 14898 State Route 13, Thornville, Ohio 43076
• Phone: 740-507-6801 | Website | Facebook | Instagram

All Things Sweet and More

All Things Sweet is located in the Hocking Hills Flea Market at Rockbridge, very near the Oasis Coffee Shop, and is owned by the same people. They offer a selection of Perry’s hard-dipped and soft-serve ice cream as well as other food items. There are no contact details for this location, so we are listing the Oasis Coffee Shop details.

• Address: Near Oasis Coffee Shop, 26850 US-33, Rockbridge, Ohio 43149
• Phone: 740-645-4847 | Website | Facebook | Instagram

The Polar Bar

The Polar Bar does not have sit-in facilities, but it is a popular ice cream location in South Charleston. As well as ice cream, there is a menu that includes pizza, subs, chicken and wings, and specialty fries.

• Address: 109 North Chillicothe St, South Charleston, Ohio 45368
• Phone: 937-462-8642 | Facebook

Ice Cream Shops in Southwest Ohio

Young’s Jersey Dairy

Young’s Dairy is a hugely popular place; it has an ice cream shop, cheese store, restaurant, and entertainment. You can spend all day here!

• Address: 6880 Springfield Xenia Rd, Yellow Springs, Ohio 45387
• Phone: 937-325-0629 | Website | Facebook

Jubie’s Creamery

The story behind Jubie’s Creamery – it started with the purchase of a long-abandoned building and a dream to make the best ice cream.

• Address: 471 W. Dayton Yellow Springs Rd, Fairborn, Ohio 45324
• Phone: 937-874-5391 | Website | Facebook

Aglamesis Ice Cream Shop

Aglamesis makes rich, premium ice creams. They have been creating ice cream for well over a century.

• Address: 3046 Madison Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45209
• Phone: 888-998-1782 | Website | Facebook

Hello Honey Ice Cream

Hello Honey has three locations in Cincinnati. They offer small-batch ice cream using fresh ingredients and are free from artificial flavors or colors. There are more than 15 flavors, including a couple of dairy-free options.

• 725 Race Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
• 1530 Madison Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45206
• 6105 Ridge Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45213
• Phone: 513-399-7986 | Website | Facebook | Instagram

Ice Cream Shops in Northwest Ohio

Toft’s Dairy & Ice Cream

This ice cream parlor started from a small family dairy farm and has transitioned into a large operation. The menu here is big. You can find all the traditional ice cream flavors as well as unique ones! Shakes, malts, flurries, sundaes, they have it all!

• Address: 3717 Venice Rd, Sandusky, Ohio 44870
• Phone: 800-521-4606 | Website | Facebook

Dietsch Brothers Ice Cream

There are two locations for Dietsch Brothers Ice Cream. They are considered a landmark in Findlay, Ohio. If you have food allergies, they have a very clear and lengthy list of allergens in products on their website.

• Main Store: 400 W Main Cross St, Findlay, Ohio 45840
• East Store: 1217 Tiffin Ave, Findlay, Ohio 45840
• Phone: 419-422-4474 | Website | Facebook

Brown’s Dairy Dock

This family-owned business is open seasonally and provides delicious soft-serve flavors.

• Address: 705 West Main Street, Marblehead, Ohio 43440
• Phone: 419-798-5067 | Facebook

Bluffton Dari Freeze

Bluffton Dari Freeze is a seasonal ice cream shop in Bluffton, northwest Ohio. They open in mid-March and close in mid-September. They also sell diner-style food and beverages.

• Address: 595 S Main Street, Bluffton, Ohio
• Phone: 567-226-1008 | Facebook | Instagram

The Creamery

Here you will find soft serve, hard dip, avalanche ice creams, as well as shakes and malts, all in a wide variety of flavors. Snacks are also available. They have an online menu.

• Address: 252 N Canal St, Delphos, Ohio 45833
• Phone: 419-695-4450 | Website | Facebook | Instagram

Lake City Creamery

Lake City Creamery offers ice cream, sweet treats, and desserts. The ice cream flavors rotate; you can stay updated on their Facebook page.

• Address: 5465 State Route 29, Celina, Ohio 45822
• Phone: 419-268-2489 | Facebook | Instagram

Cream of the Crop

This is a small-batch ice cream shop in Wakeman. As well as their own creations, they sell Toft’s soft serve and dairy-free Dole soft serve. Their own ice cream is available in more than 20 flavors. They also take orders for Cow Pies and Ice Cream Cakes.

• Address: 18 Pleasant Street, Wakeman, Ohio 44889
• Phone: 440-839-0151 | Website | Facebook | Instagram

Ice Cream Shops in Northeast Ohio

Mason’s Creamery

This creamery specializes in small batches of ice cream using quality ingredients.

• Address: 4401 Bridge Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44113
• Phone: 216-762-1095 | Website | Instagram

Falls Ice Cream

Another reader favorite, write in! What caught our eye is that they offer specialty ice cream, such as low-sugar and non-dairy options!

• Address: 8094 Columbia Rd, Olmsted Falls, Ohio 44138
• Phone: 440-427-9040 | Facebook

Country Parlour Ice Cream

This ice cream shop is known for its old-fashioned texture and flavor! You won’t be disappointed with this reader-favorite!

• Address: 12905 York Delta Drive Ste C, North Royalton, Ohio 44133
• Phone: 440-237-4040 | Website | Facebook

The Pinecone Ice Cream Shop

This is located at the Maria Gardens in North Royalton! The best of both worlds: plants and ice cream! This is another reader favorite and submission!

• Address: 10301 West 130th St, North Royalton, Ohio 44133
• Phone: 440-582-4750 | Website | Facebook

Hartzler Family Dairy

The Hartzler Ice Cream Shop is a family-oriented place. It has retail offerings, indoor and outdoor seating, as well as two playgrounds.

• Address: 5454 Cleveland Rd, Wooster, Ohio 44691
• Phone: 330-345-8190 | Website | Facebook

Taggarts Ice Cream Parlor

When you step foot into Taggarts, you will instantly feel teleported back in time!  Enjoy classic favorites as well as other food on their menu.

• Address: 1401 Fulton Road NW, Canton, Ohio 44703
• Phone: 330-452-6844 | Website | Facebook

Miller’s Creamery

Miller’s Creamery has 3 locations! This family business features homemade sherbet as one of its many specialties.

• New Phila: 2337 E. High Ave., New Philadelphia, Ohio 44633
• Phone: 330-339-7555
• Dover: 211 W 3rd Street, Dover, Ohio 44622
• Phone: 330-364-4999
• Millersburg: 105 W Jackson Street, Millersburg, Ohio 44654
• Phone: 234-301-9004

• Website | Facebook

Pav’s Creamery

Pav’s has four locations, but the Akron location uses the old-fashioned Soeder Sons Batch machines.  This location is open seasonally.

• Address: 3769 Manchester Rd, Akron, Ohio 44319
• Phone: 330-644-8524 | Website | Facebook

Whip-n-Dip

Open during the warmer months and closed during the cooler months. Perfect old-style type of ice cream place!

• Address: 4840 OH-534, Geneva-On-The-Lake, Ohio, 44041
• Phone: 440-466-0128 | Website | Facebook

Cockeye Creamery

This creamery has delicious and unique flavors like honey lavender, sweet corn and sorghum, and buttermilk pie.

• Address: 1805 1/2, Parkman Rd., Warren, Ohio 44485
• Phone: 330-392-7326 | Website | Facebook

Crazy Cone Dari

This diner offers main courses as well as some very different ice cream flavors, such as Cotton Candy and Blue Cookie Dough.

• Address: 408 Ray St N, Baltic, Ohio 43804
• Phone: 330-897-5905 | Facebook

Rosati’s Frozen Custard

Rosati’s is open seasonally. You can get classics like shakes, malts, sundaes, as well as frozen custard and regular ice cream. Rosati’s has also acquired a second location in Brunswick.

• Northfield Center: 98 E. Aurora Rd, Northfield Center, Ohio 44067
• Phone: 330-908-0889 | Website
• Brunswick: 922 Pearl Rd. Brunswick, Ohio 44212
• Phone: 330-220-5050 | Website

• Website | Facebook

Orr Valley Creamery

The Orr Valley Creamery is in Orrville in northeast Ohio. As well as some unique flavors of ice cream, such as Cow Tippin’, Red Rider Rendezvous, Dismal Swamp, and Good Knight Blue Moon, they have a range of sandwiches and monthly specials.

A selection of ‘Sarasota Concretes’, a cup filled with custard with a variety of toppings. Some examples:

• Sunset: Vanilla Custard, Peaches, Raspberries, and Blackberries
• Top Turtle: Vanilla Custard, Caramel, Pecans, topped with Hot Fudge
• Backyard Dirt: Vanilla Custard, Oreos, Chocolate Chips, and Gummi Worms

• Address: 1402 N Main St, Orrville, Ohio 44667
• Phone: 330-930-0097 | Website | Facebook | Instagram

Z’s Cream and Bean

This ice cream shop opened in 2010 with the mission to create the creamiest ice cream. With some trial and error, the task was a success. They are known for their creamy vanilla bean ice cream!

• Address: 2706 Boston Rd, Hinckley, Ohio 44233
• Phone: 440-652-6369 | Website

Ice Cream Island

Ice Cream Island offers cones (hand-dipped too), sundaes, avalanches, shaved ice, parfaits, slushies, and milkshakes, as well as a selection of diner-style food.

• Address: 794-898 E Market Street, Cadiz, Ohio 43907
• Phone: 740-491-0350 | Facebook

Strickland’s

Strickland’s was founded in 1936 and in 2002 started to offer franchises. There are currently three locations:

• Akron: 1809 Triplett Boulevard, Akron, Ohio 44312
• Phone: 877-620-4402 | Website | Facebook
• Streetsboro: 9070 State Rt 14, Streetsboro, Ohio 44241
• Phone: 877-620-4402 | Website | Facebook
• Cuyahoga Falls: 2629 Bailey Rd, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio 44221
• Phone: 330-929-8498 | Website

Map Multiple-Location Ice Cream Shops

Honey Hut

Honey Hut has four locations in northeast Ohio. The original Honey Hut opened in 1974 and has been a favorite of Ohioans ever since! Honey Hut was a reader write-in and favorite!

• Location Details | Website | Facebook

Bruster’s Real Ice Cream

Bruster’s ice cream is a revolving selection of 24 flavors from a recipe list of 150. There are also sundaes and splits, blasts, shakes, and freezes, and specialty items. Ice Cream Cakes and Pies are available to order. All items are produced in-store. There are four Bruster’s Real Ice Cream shops in Ohio.

• Website | Facebook | Instagram

Johnson’s Real Ice Cream

Johnson’s has nine locations in and close to central Ohio. A lunch menu is available only at the Bexley location. There is a wide variety of traditional flavors as well as a Specialty Line, Dairy Free selection, Sherbet, Sorbet, and Yogurt. There are also retail outlets selling tubs of Johnson’s Real Ice Cream. Menus, list of retailers, and more are on their website.

• Website | Facebook | Instagram

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams has various locations in Ohio as well as shops nationwide! Jeni’s is on a mission to make ice cream better and bring people together! They believe in community. They are known for the deliciously unique flavors of ice cream.

• Website | Facebook | Instagram

Graeter’s Ice Cream

Graeters has many many locations throughout Ohio, and the company was born in Cincinnati. Graeter’s Ice Cream has locations in four other states, and also ships nationwide! Graeter’s has two ice cream trucks that can be hired out for events in Cincinnati and Columbus (see links in the list below).

Graeter’s Ice Cream Headquarters is in Cincinnati.

• Website | Facebook | Instagram

If quality ice cream is what your looking for then look no further. With a vast variety of flavors, ranging from well know like chocolate and vanilla. To black raspberry chip and boldly bearcat. Graeters has it all.

Brooke S (Yelp)

Handel’s Ice Cream and Yogurt

Handel’s has multiple locations throughout the state of Ohio. A huge draw is not only the mouth-watering ice cream choices but also the choices of cones. They have traditional cake cones, sugar cones, waffle cones, as well as waffle bowls.

If you want to visit the website of any of the Handel’s Ice Cream stores, drop down the list below for the links.

Handel’s Ice Cream has its headquarters in Canton.

• Website | Facebook | Instagram

Mitchell’s Homemade

Mitchell’s Homemade uses ingredients from nearby local farmers.

There are nine Mitchell’s Homemade Stores in the Cleveland area. For their addresses and phone numbers, drop down the list below.

Whit’s Frozen Custard

Whit’s is a large chain store with 36 locations in Ohio alone! It seems if you have traveled anywhere, you have very likely seen a Whit’s Frozen Custard outlet. The flavors are made daily on site, with their signature ‘flavor of the week’.

• Website | Facebook | Instagram

What is Ohio’s Favorite Ice Cream?

In a recent survey of the Buckeye State, it was found that Ohio likes chocolate chip ice cream the best.

Ice Cream at Home

If you cannot make it to one of Ohio’s ice cream shops, you can still enjoy ice cream at home. Of course, you can order it from one of the many ice cream shops listed above, or you can make some ice cream at home! You can easily make your favorite flavors like Rocky Road Ice Cream, Dairy Free Banana Ice Cream, and BubbleGum Ice Cream at home. 

Let’s Go to Ice Cream Shops in Ohio!

Have you visited any of these Ohio ice cream shops? We would love to hear about your experience! Did we miss out your favorite Ohio ice cream shop on the list? If so, drop us a comment and let us know! We will be happy to add it!

Want to check out more eating places in Ohio? You might like to take a look at Hocking Hills Diner, situated in Logan, Ohio. Or Sweetwaters Coffee and Tea in Dublin, where you can also get snacks. Also in Dublin is Cap City Diner.

Hello! We have done our very best to ensure that the accuracy of events, hours, addresses, etc, are up to date. Please know that information can change due to weather, updated health and safety challenges, etc. If you find incorrect information, please send us an email at team@visitohiotoday.com, and we can get it updated.

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