Ohio is best known as the home of the Buckeyes, but the state is rich with great historic, natural, and cultural treasures. The region is known as the “Birthplace of Aviation,” and it has several cultural sites linked to aircraft and aerospace. The state is also rich in historical significance, with numerous sites commemorating notable persons such as previous presidents, events during the War of 1812 between the United States and its allies, and other key historical events. Many Native American tribes resided in this region centuries ago. Some relics of their culture have been preserved and are available to tourists.
Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument
The Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument or “Youngsholm” remembers the life of the celebrated colonel, freedom fighter and pioneer, Charles Young. Despite bigotry and injustice, Young worked hard to become a soldier. He rose through the ranks and became one of the highest-ranking African-American soldiers of his time because to his work ethic and talents. One of his most remarkable accomplishments was a 497-mile horseback trek to prove his fitness to fight as an American during the Civil War. He is remembered today as a Civil Rights pioneer and an inspiration to many.
The monument is the Young Mansion in Ohio, which Young bought himself. Visitors may discover more about his upbringing, military service, demonstrations, and post-military life. The park’s goal is to memorialize his legacy for future generations.
Under President Obama’s Antiquities Act, the mansion was designated as a unit of the National Park Service in 2013.
Things to do: Guided Tours, Visit the National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center, Cycling and running enthusiasts join the challenge to replicate Young’s 497-mile excursion.
Here’s how to get there: The park is near Wilberforce University in Wilberforce, Ohio.
There are three major airports nearby: Dayton International Airport, The Port Columbus International Airport, and the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Airport. Visitors can also opt to travel to the park using their automobiles via U.S. Route 42.
Where to Stay: Wilberforce, Ohio is situated southwest of the monument. There is no available lodging in the park itself but there are many available overnight accommodations around Wilberforce and Xenia areas.
Entrance Fee: Free
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Cuyahoga Valley National Park, located in Northeast Ohio between Akron and Cleveland, is a naturalist’s haven. The Cuyahoga River National Park restored and protected the rural areas along the river. Through this endeavor, many wildlife like beavers and bald eagles returned to seek refuge in the park and native plants thrive within the area. Now, visitors can enjoy reconnecting with nature through the scenic routes of deep forests, rolling hills, and open farmlands.
With more than 32,000 acres of land, the park features many attractions to enjoy and outdoor activities to try. There are beautiful hiking and bike paths where you may see rivers, rock formations, and even caves. The historic Towpath Trail also allows you to visit the Stanford House, Frazee House, and more. Visitors frequently come to the park to fish or view birds.
The Cuyahoga Valley, once a National Reclamation Area, was officially named a National Park in 2000.
Activities include scenic train rides, the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, fishing, hiking, and bird watching.
Here’s how to get there: Cleveland Hopkins International Airport and Akron-Canton Regional Airport are the two main airports in the region. Automobiles can make their way to the Boston Mill Visitor Center located at 6947 Riverview Road, Peninsula, Ohio.
Where to Stay: There is accomodation available in and around the park. Stanford House and The Inn at Brandywine Falls are both open to visitors. Camping is no longer permitted in the park.
Entrance Fee: Free
Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park
This Historical Park in Dayton, Ohio, is the birthplace of aviation. It remembers the lives and work of three famous figures: Wilbur Wright, Orville Wright, and poet Paul Laurence Dunbar.
The Wrights brothers were credited as the first to invent and operate a motorized air vehicle that paved the way to what we now know as airplanes. Much of where the brothers resided in the Dayton area was destroyed as a result of rioting in the 1970s and neglect over time. One of the locations, however, has been maintained. It’s an old bicycle business that the brothers used to run. The Park now attempts to preserve their legacy for future generations.
The Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park also commemorates the life and prolific work of African-American poet, Paul Laurence Dunbar. This acclaimed writer produced many novels, plays, short stories, lyrics, and over 400 published poems during his time. Maya Angelou’s renowned I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings was inspired by one of his paintings. His accomplishments and history are now memorialized in this park.
This region was established as a National Historical Park in 1992 as a result of local initiatives and lobbying to Congress.
Guided Tours, Flying Field Exploration, Historic Landmarks: Paul Laurence Dunbar House Historic Site, Wright-Dunbar Interpretive Center, and Huffman Prairie Interpretive Center
How to Get There: Dayton International Airport is the closest accessible airport. By car, visitors can take I-75 North to the Wright Cycle Company Complex/Wright-Dunbar Interpretive Center or the Huffman Prairie Flying Field Interpretive Center.
Entrance Fee: Free
First Ladies National Historic Site
Located in Canton, Ohio, the First Ladies National Historic Site tells the story of how the role of a First Lady evolved. It strives to preserve and teach about the indisputable contributions of several First Ladies throughout the years.
Mary Regula, wife of Ohio congressman Ralph Regula, had the idea to commemorate the lives of First Ladies. During her residency in Washington, she frequented deep conversations with the First Ladies, and her work brought about the creation of the National First Ladies’ Library that houses this work. The First Ladies National Historic Site is presently owned by this Library in collaboration with the National Park Service.
This site consists of two buildings, the Ida Saxton McKinley Historic Home and the Education & Research Center. The Saxton House maintains Ida McKinley’s Victorian home, which she shared with her husband, U.S. President William McKinley.
Things to do: Guided Tours, Museum
To reach there by automobile, use I-77 South to the Downtown/Tuscarawas Exit.
Where to Stay: There is lodging available near the location in Stark County.
Entrance Fee: Free
Hopewell Culture National Historical Park
The Hopewell Culture National Historical Park preserves the indigenous tribes of Native Americans’ Hopewell Tradition. The park has various earthworks and burial places that were utilized by indigenous people from from 200 BC to AD 500. The historical park, which is spread over six separate sections in Ohio, also has archaeological sites from the Hopewell civilization.
The Hopewell culture is applied to several native groups that lived along the Ohio River Valley and the rest of North America. The earthworks that have endured the test of time are the most renowned location to see. Many of these locations were constructed on a grand scale in the form of various geometrical forms. This shows that the people who designed them had a vast knowledge of creating structures and local materials.
The region was first designated as the Mound City Group in 1923, but it was enlarged and renamed the Hopewell Culture National Historical Park in 1992 to incorporate additional earthworks surrounding the area.
Things to do: Guided Tours, Hiking
The region was first designated as the Mound City Group in 1923, but it was enlarged and renamed the Hopewell Culture National Historical Park in 1992 to incorporate additional earthworks surrounding the area.
Where to Stay: There is no accommodation inside the park. There are several hotels, bed and breakfasts, and other lodging options in and near Chillicothe. Camping is not permitted inside the park.
Entrance Fee: Free
James A. Garfield National Historic Site
Located in Mentor, Lake County, Ohio is the beautiful home of James Abram Garfield, the 20th president of the United States and his wife, Lucretia Rudolph Garfield. The James A. Garfield National Historic Site protects the Lawnfield mansion and neighboring lands on 7.82 acres of land. The mansion, visitor center, and various outbuildings are now part of the property.
In 1980, the children of James A. Garfield donated the home to the Western Reserve Historical Society as a museum. After acquiring, the site was renovated for six years and has now become one of the most accurately represented homes of the 19-century presidents. A spacious porch greets guests, which was formerly utilized by the president himself to meet visitors during his campaign. Original antique Victorian furniture, as well as other displays, may be found within the residence.
In 1980, the James A. Garfield National Historic Site was designated as a unit of the National Park System.
Things to do: Tours, Museum Exhibits
How to get there: The site is located along Mentor Avenue of Mentor, Ohio. Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is the closest airport.
Where to Stay: There are several hotels in the Mentor, Ohio region that provide overnight accommodations.
Admission: $10 (free with the America the Beautiful Pass).
Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial
Back in 1812, the Battle of Lake Eerie commenced and Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial aim to remember all the lives of those who fought during this war. Commodore Perry led his fleet to victory in the Battle of Lake Erie, which took place on Ohio’s South Bass Island. This fight was crucial in the lengthy conflict between American and British soldiers. This memorial also serves as a reminder of the long-lasting peace that was obtained between Great Britain, Canada, and the U.S. after that war.
The memorial features a 352-foot monument, which is the world’s tallest Doric column and includes an observation deck wherein visitors can view the surrounding areas. The monument is even forty-seven feet taller than the Statue of Liberty and stands proud to remember this war and commemorate the lives of the fallen. Six of the fallen troops have been buried in the vicinity as their last resting place.
The memorial contains a 352-foot monument, the world’s tallest Doric column, and an observation platform from which visitors may observe the surrounding region. The monument is even 47 feet higher than the Statue of Liberty and stands proudly to memorialize this battle and honor the lives of those who have died. Six of the fallen troops have been buried in the vicinity as their last resting place.
Explore the Visitor Center and pay a visit to the Memorial.
Here’s how to get there: Located on South Bass Island near the village of Put-in-Bay. The Island is accessible by ferry boats, airplanes, airboats, and private boats. Visitors opt to use the Miller Boat Line or the Jet Express to get to the island.
Where to Stay: There are a variety of hotels and resorts in and around Put-in-Bay.
Entrance Fee: Free
William Howard Taft National Historic Site
William Howard Taft was the 27th President of the United States and the 10th Chief Justice. His birthplace and childhood home is a beautiful two-story Greek Revival house built around 1845 that sits atop a Cincinnati hill. It is currently included in the William Howard Taft National Historic Site. This location preserves Taft’s home and shares the lives of the late president, the first lady, and their family.
William Taft, sometimes known as the “Gentle Giant,” was well-known for being the only person to occupy posts in both administrations. He was elected president in 1908 as Theodore Roosevelt’s designated successor. He was well-known for his work ethic, civic zeal, and enthusiasm for education.
The William Howard Taft National Historic Site was added to the National Park Service in 1969 to provide visitors a view of the late president’s surroundings and neighborhood.
Activities include guided tours and visits to the Education Center.
How to get there: The nearest airports in the vicinity of this site are the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, Dayton International Airport, and Port Columbus International Airport. Visitors may access this Cincinnati location via I-71 or I-75.
Where to Stay: There are no hotels or camping facilities inside the park. Visitors can opt to choose from the many available hotels and other accommodations in the Greater Cincinnati Area.
Entrance Fee: Free
Associated Sites of Ohio
David Berger National Memorial
The David Berger National Memorial, located in Beachwood, Ohio, is a solo sculpture that celebrates the memory of David Berger and the other 11 Israeli athletes who were killed during the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich, Germany.
The David Berger National Memorial, located in Beachwood, Ohio, is a solo sculpture that celebrates the memory of David Berger and the other 11 Israeli athletes who were killed during the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich, Germany.
The David Berger National Memorial commemorates the efforts of this athlete and remembers his life long with the 10 other athletes that were slain in this tragedy. The stunning steel sculpture weighs over 6000 pounds and is almost 14 feet tall and 11 feet wide. It’s composed of a highly oxidizing substance that deteriorates with time. That substance had a deep red hue and a grainy texture. The artwork represents the five Olympic rings, which are divided into eleven portions to reflect the lives lost during that time period.
The David Berger Memorial was moved to the Mandel Jewish Community Center grounds in Cleveland in 2006.
Things to do: Visit the Memorial Site
How to Get There: The Mandel Jewish Community Center of Cleveland in Beachwood, Ohio, has a memorial site on its grounds. Beachwood is accessible through the I-271 highway. Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is the closest airport.
Where to Stay: There are several hotels and other lodging options in the Beachwood region for overnight tourists.
Entrance Fee: Free
Fallen Timbers Battlefield and Fort Miamis National Historic Site
The Battle of Fallen Timbers was a pivotal incident in the War of 1812. The site is divided into three sections that commemorate this critical conflict. The Metropark includes the Fallen Timbers Battlefield, Fallen Timbers Monument, and Fort Miamis.
The picturesque 1.5-mile Northwest Territory Trail loops around a wooded area and over a ravine is the exact area where the battle commenced. The Fallen Timbers Battlefield is a 187-acre open space in a lovely woodland setting. In 1960, it was declared a National Historic Landmark. The land was owned by many different Native Indian American tribes like Ojibwe (Chippewa) and Odawa (Ottawa) Potawatomi tribes, among others centuries ago.
The Fallen Timbers Monument is less than a mile distant and consists of a 10-foot bronze monument of General Wayne, two stone markers, and a Turkey foot. Visitors may learn more about the area’s history and enjoy an unimpeded view of the Maumee River. Nearby are the archaeological remnants and earthworks of Fort Miamis, an important British fort.
These three sites are preserved to remember the historical events that occurred in the war of 1812. In 1999, these locations were designated as part of the National Park Service.
Things to do: Visit the Visitor Center and the Monuments.
How to Get There: The visitor center and parking area for this historic property are situated on Jerome Road in Maumee, Ohio. Visitors to the location in Lucas County follow the route north paralleling US Route 24. The Toledo Express Airport and the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport are the closest airports.
Where to Stay: There are several hotels and camping sites in and around Lucas County, as well as near the Metropark.
Entrance Fee: Free
Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail
The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail traces Meriwether Lewis and William Clark’s path through newly conquered land in the United States. The trail starts at Camp Dubois, Illinois, and passes thru Missouri, Ohio, Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Oregon, and ends in Washington. The path is made up of vehicle, land, and marine routes.
The Lewis and Clark expedition set out in May 1804 to establish a practicable path through North America’s western area. They intended to stake their claim to these regions in order to impede European expansion. The trip was a huge success. Lewis and Clark made it to the Pacific Ocean after crossing the Louisiana Purchase. They took photographs of the flora, animals, and sceneries as they journeyed. They lay the groundwork for future ties with the American Indian tribes.
On November 10, 1978, the path was formed. There are over 100 stops along the trail.
Things to do in: Hiking, Auto Tours, Museums,
The locations are situated in the 16 states that the path passes through.
Where to Stay: There are many options for lodging along the path.
Fees may apply for trail-related federal, state, or locally owned historic sites and interpretive facilities.
National Aviation Heritage Area
Aside from the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park, the journey towards the invention of motorized air vehicles is recognized in many key areas throughout Ohio. In Ohio, the National Aviation Heritage Area encompasses eight counties. Montgomery, Greene, Miami, Clark, Warren, Champaign, Shelby, and Auglaize counties are included. The National Aviation History Area aspires to be America’s hub of aviation heritage and to preserve the Wright brothers’ legacy. Visitors go across counties to discover, study, and enjoy the history of aviation and aerospace at over fifteen distinct locations.
Orville and Wilbur were credited with creating, manufacturing, and flying the first powered aircraft. This historical section honors their contributions to how we know aviation today. Other aviation pioneers, in addition to the Wright Brothers, are remembered at these historic places.
Aside from aviation history, the area also aims to promote aerospace history. Neil Armstrong, the famous man on the moon, was born and reared in Wapakoneta, Ohio.
Visitors are invited to tour the several counties and areas of interest around Ohio, such as the Carillon Historical Park and other museums, to learn more about flying and be inspired by the United States’ aviation and aerospace heritage.
The National Aviation Heritage Area (NAHA) was established by Congress in 2004.
Visit museums, take guided tours, and see historic landmarks.
How to Get There: The fifteen locations are located in various counties around Ohio. It is recommended to explore the areas by car.
Where to Stay: Depending on the county, there are several chain hotels, hostels, and other lodging options in the region.
Entrance Fee: Free, however museums may levy an admission fee.
North Country National Scenic Trail
The North Country National Scenic Trail is the longest of the eleven scenic routes designated by Congress in the United States. It includes the following states: Vermont, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and North Dakota. The picturesque path connects to several of the region’s main trails, including the Finger Lakes, Baker, and Buckeye Trails.
This expansive path links approximately 160 public property units, including parks, woods, historic sites, and other attractions. This broader linked trail includes the Wabash Cannonball Trail and the Buckeye Trail in Ohio. Throughout the park, visitors may witness a variety of natural, historical, and cultural features.
Hikers can enjoy viewing a beautiful pathway full of different rich wildlife, stop by historic landmarks throughout the area, and stay in campsites overnight. This breathtaking path winds through woods, flatlands, farmlands, big cities, and even small villages. On hotter days, people explore the area by foot while other areas are open for skiing and snowshoeing when there is enough snow. Everyone will find something to their liking.
The National Park Service took over management of this path in 1980. Other parts have been added throughout the years. The path has 3,129 miles as of 2019.
Activities include visiting historic places and landmarks. Trekking, Hiking, Skiing, Horse-back Riding, Camping
How to get there: This trail is accessible in several points across eight different states. The picturesque path in Ohio follows the previously existent Buckeye Trail. Major airports are located near many major cities and rural villages. This is also accessible by car using different entry points throughout the eight states.
Where to Stay: There are several inns, motels, and campsites around the path.
Entrance Fee: None, however historic sites along the path may charge a fee.
List of National Parks in Ohio
Ohio has eight national parks, which drew 2.9 million visitors in 2020 and earned $85.8 million in tourist economic benefits. Cuyahoga Valley National Park had the most visitors (2.7 million). The remaining parks had between 2,000 and 40,000 visits.
- Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument
- Cuyahoga Valley National Park
- Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park
- First Ladies National Historic Site
- Hopewell Culture National Historical Park
- James A. Garfield National Historic Site
- Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial
- William Howard Taft National Historic Site
- Affiliated Areas
- David Berger National Memorial
- National Historic Site of Fallen Timbers and Fort Miamis
- National Historic Trail of the Lewis and Clark Expedition (IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, MO, MT, NE, ND, OH, OR, PA, SD, WA, WV)
- National Aviation Heritage Area
- National Scenic Trail of the North Country (New York to North Dakota MI, MN, ND, NY, OH, PA, WI)
Ohio National Parks also manages the Ohio and Erie National Heritage Canalway, three Wild and Scenic Rivers (Big and Little Darby Creeks, Little Beaver Creek, and Little Miami River), and 3,957 National Register of Historic Places listings.
Ohio National Parks also manages the Ohio and Erie National Heritage Canalway, three Wild anThere are 76 National Historic Landmarks, 23 National Natural Landmarks, 916 Places recorded by the Heritage Documentation Program, and over 1.08 million objects in the Ohio National Parks Museum Collections. There are 255 Archaeological Sites in the Ohio National Parks.
Ohio National Parks also supports and manages the Ohio and Erie National Heritage Canalway, three Wild and Scenic Rivers (Big and Little Darby Creeks, Little Beaver Creek, and Little Miami River), and 3,957 National Register of Historic Places listings.
Ohio has 74 state parks, and the greatest part is that they are ALL FREE.
List of National Forests in Ohio
The National Park Service does not administer national forests, and they are not part of the National Park System. The National Forests are managed by the U.S. Forest Service under the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Typically, these places are concerned with preserving forest lands for current and future usage. Due to the different management mandates, National Forest usually allows for outdoor recreational activities such as mountain biking, ATV, and more horseback riding options.
Here are the National Forests in Ohio:
Frequently Asked Questions about Ohio National Parks
How Many National Parks in Ohio?
Ohio has eight national parks. One holds the title of National Park and the other 7 hold the titles of National Monumen, National Historical Park, Nationa Historic Site, and Memorial.
What are the 8 national parks in Ohio?
Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park, First Ladies National Historic Site, Hopewell Culture National Historical Park, James A. Garfield National Historic Site, Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial, and William Howard Taft National Historic Site are Ohio’s eight national parks.
What are the two national parks in Ohio?
Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park, First Ladies National Historic Site, Hopewell Culture National Historical Park, James A. Garfield National Historic Site, Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial, and William Howard Taft National Historic Site are Ohio’s eight national parks.
What national parks are near Ohio?
National parks around Ohio include Indiana Dunes National Park, Mammoth Cave National Park, New River Gorge National Park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and Shenandoah National Park, in addition to Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Is there only one National Park in Ohio?
Yes, there is only one National Park in Ohio.
Is there a National Park or a famous landmark in Ohio?
There are 8 Ohio National Parks.
How many state parks are there in Ohio?
There are currently 74 State Parks in Ohio.
Ohio’s Neighboring States
Planning to visit a few of the National Parks in Ohio and wondering about what national parks are in neighboring states. Here is a list of National Parks in neighboring states.
- Indiana National Parks – Indiana has two national parks: Indiana Dunes National Park and Indiana Dunes State Park.
- Mammoth Cave National Park and six additional units are located in Kentucky.
- Michigan National Park – Isle Royale National Park and four additional units are located in Michigan.
- Pennsylvania National Parks – There are 19 NPS units in Pennsylvania.
- West Virginia National Parks include the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, as well as five additional units.
Final Thoughts on the National Parks of Ohio
Whipowillcampground hope this guide to Ohio’s National Parks is useful as you plan your visit to these great National Parks.
Related articles: