1 Day Road Trips for Wanderlusts on a Time Crunch | Ohio

If you’re like me, sometimes you get the travel itch but don’t have the time or money to take a big trip. That’s when a 1 day road trip comes in handy! You can explore new places without having to spend weeks packing and planning. And, best of all, you can do it all in just one day.

As an Ohioan, I know most people consider it a boring place to live. I felt the same way until recently. As a traveling family, we were always excited to leave Ohio! When we returned to Ohio after several months away, I told my husband that we should treat our home state like we do when we’re traveling and look for fun and new things to do.

Since we started becoming tourists in our home state, we’ve discovered lots of beautiful and fun places all over Ohio! From waterfalls and caves to quaint and charming towns, Ohio has a lot to offer!

So pack up your car and get ready to explore some of the best sights in the state. Here are some great road trip destinations that will satisfy your wanderlust without breaking the bank.

Yellow Springs

Yellow Springs, located in southwest Ohio near Dayton, is such a unique and charming town. It is known for its art and diverse culture. The last time we visited, I bought some wire-wrapped jewelry and my son bought a tie-dye shirt.

Yellow Springs has a very casual vibe. Its locals are friendly, fun, and accepting, making everyone feel welcome.

When you visit, be sure to bring your hiking shoes and spend some time hiking in John Bryan Park, Glen Helen Nature Preserve, and Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve. The trails are peaceful and beautiful, and the waterfalls are a sight to see.

And check out Young’s Jersey Dairy too. With an outdoor play area, putt-putt golf, batting cages, a driving range, a petting zoo, and an ice cream shop – what’s not to love?!

Hocking Hills

Hocking Hills, located in Hocking County Ohio near Columbus is a popular destination for nature lovers and those trying to get some peace and quiet. Hocking Hills State Park features caves, rock formations, trails, forests, waterfalls, camping, and more.

Spend time kayaking, hiking, or sitting in a log cabin reading. If you go, visiting Old Man’s Cave is a must.

Old Man’s Cave is located in the state park and is part of a 6 mile trail that includes Old Man’s Cave, Cedar Falls, and Ash Cave.

We frequent Hocking Hills in the fall (it’s so beautiful!) and we usually rent a cabin there in the winter also.

Dundee Falls

Dundee Falls is located in Dundee, Ohio near Akron in Amish Country. The trail is 2 miles long and many enjoy fishing, hiking, and bird-watching in this serene location. Many do not know of this hidden gem, making it a quiet place for a little getaway.

Geneva-on-the-Lake

When you go to Geneva-on-the-Lake, located near Cleveland on Lake Erie, prepare to feel like you stepped back in time. Geneva is a quaint summer town located right on the water, making it a fun place to take the family.

Nearby you’ll find a state park, campground, winery, park, a hot dog stand, and an Adventure Zone complete with bumper boats, a Ferris wheel, and miniature golf.

Sandusky

Sandusky, Ohio, located in between Toledo and Cleveland, is right on Lake Erie. It’s even been named the Best Coastal Small Town in America.

Visit Cedar Point Amusement Park, enjoy some indoor waterparks, or see Marblehead Lighthouse if you’re coming for the quiet and beauty of the area.

Put-in-Bay

Put-in-Bay, located on Lake Erie is one of my favorite places in Ohio. Take a ferry from the mainland to the island, rent golf carts, and drive all around the island. You can visit wineries, Crystal Cave, beaches, arcades, restaurants, pools, and bars.

The last time we visited, we went on our own little food tour and went around town on our golf cart eating different appetizers! There’s also lots of live music, making you feel like you’re in Florida, even though you’re still in Ohio.

Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center is great for kids. With a cave to explore, a butterfly house, miniature golf, a giant maze, a climbing wall, a car museum, and gem mining, there’s something there for everyone.

If you decide to go to Put-in-Bay, make sure to get some lobster bisque from the Upper Deck. It’s amazing!

Hueston Woods State Park

Hueston Woods State Park is located north of Cincinnati, near the Ohio Indiana state line. With waterfalls, a campground, lots of hiking, a covered bridge, beaches, an archery range, and a golf course, there’s something here for everyone! This waterfall is unique because when the water is low, you can walk right out onto the top of it!

Indian Lake

Indian Lake is located about an hour north of Dayton. Enjoy the campgrounds, hiking, boating, and several waterfront restaurants. Indian Head Roadhouse has the craziest Bloody Marys you’ve ever seen! They are packed full of bacon, pickles, hard-boiled eggs, and more!

Cranberry Resort is a restaurant right on the water that you can drive your boat right up to and dock it while you eat and enjoy live music. There are beautiful parks and playgrounds for kids to enjoy as well. It’s a fun day trip that we do often.

Loveland

Loveland is located just outside of Cincinnati, Ohio, and is known for the Loveland Castle, also known as Chateau Laroche. But that’s not all Loveland has to offer. Go hiking at East Loveland Nature Preserve, go biking on the 70 mile bike trail, or spend time in the downtown area. We love Blooms & Berries which allows you to pick your own crops, has a farmer’s market, a beer garden, a hot dog stand, and a play area. The best time of year to visit is in the fall – called Fall on the Farm. Kids love the pony rides, hayrides, corn mazes, and pumpkin patch.

The Wilds

Did you know there’s a drive through safari in Ohio? Neither did I! The Wilds, located in Cumberland, Ohio which is east of Columbus, offers a safari experience that kids aren’t soon to forget. In addition to the safari, there are hiking trails, horseback riding, zip lines, a Kids Discovery Field Station, a Birding Station, a Butterfly Habitat, fishing, and more. Nearby, you’ll find Blue Rock State Forest.

Marietta

Museum lovers will enjoy Marietta, Ohio, located on the Ohio West Virginia state line.

With Campus Martius Museum, The Castle, the Ohio River Museum, and the Children’s Toy and Doll Museum, you’re sure to learn a lot. If you are a roadschooling family like us, this is a great stop to get your history lessons in.

If you don’t love museums, that’s ok! You’ll probably enjoy taking a trolley tour or the Marietta River Trail.

Millersburg

Step back in time when you visit Millersburg, Ohio. You’ll see the Amish, riding around town on their horse and buggies. You can even take a horseback riding tour at the Amish Country Riding Stables. Kids love to visit Hershberger’s Farm where there’s a petting zoo with lots of animals. You can also take a tour of Yoder’s Amish Home. If you love old homes, you’ll enjoy the Victorian House Museum!

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, head to Holmes Country Trail. You may even get to see a horse and buggy on the trail!

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Cuyahoga Valley National Park, located between Akron and Cleveland is home to Brandywine Falls. Take the Brandywine Gorge Loop down to the falls or take the Summit Metroparks Bike and Hike Trail to enjoy nature and get some exercise. If you visit the falls in the spring, you may even be able to see the spring vernal pools that fill up.

Canton

Canton, Ohio is filled with museums. Check out the Pro Football Hall of Fame, McKinley Presidential Library & Museum, and Canton Museum of Art. With so many museums in one place, it’s a great place to go for a 1 day road trip!

Charleston Falls Preserve

Charleston Falls Preserve is located in Tipp City, north of Dayton, Ohio. There are 216 acres of area to explore, hiking trails, caves, a nature boardwalk, a waterfall, nature programs, and lots of hands-on learning opportunities.

Indian Mound Reserve

Indian Mound Reserve, located in Cedarville which is east of Dayton, Ohio, offers Peterson Park, Williamson Mound, and Cedar Cliff Falls, making it a great 1 day road trip. There are several hiking trails, an old log house, and a waterfall with a picnic area overlooking the falls.

It’s close to Yellow Springs, so there will be plenty to do!

Hayden Run Falls Park

Hayden Run Falls Park is a beautiful, small park located in Dublin, just outside of Columbus. Located next to the Scioto River, there’s plenty of nature to explore here. Columbus offers tons of shopping, restaurants, and entertainment as well.

Greenville Falls

Greenville Falls, located in Troy, Ohio, has lots of wildlife and nature to take in. Enjoy a waterfall, hiking trails, fishing, or a picnic lunch. Troy has lots of shopping and restaurants, so it’s a great place to spend the day.

Indian Run Falls

Indian Run Falls in Dublin, Ohio has hiking trails and a waterfall to explore. Once home to the Wyandot tribe, it is full of history. Once you’re finished, head into Columbus for great shopping and restaurants.

Great Falls of Tinker Creek

Great Falls of Tinker Creek is located in Cleveland, Ohio. This area is rich in industrial history. You can still see the sawmill and grist mill when visiting the waterfall at Viaduct Park. Nearby, you’ll find the Bedford Reservation, Deerlick Creek Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, The Twin Sisters, Contour Falls, Crazy Man’s Hollow, and Greenwood Falls.

Chagrin Falls

Chagrin Falls is a charming village, located near Cleveland, Ohio. While known for its beautiful waterfall, there are other things to enjoy in Chagrin Falls, such as The Blind Squirrel Winery, Ladybug Ranch which offers horse-drawn carriage tours, or visit the Glass Asylum.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a quick and easy road trip that will fill your need for adventure, check out some of these amazing one-day trips in Ohio. From the charming town of Yellow Springs to the island of Put-in-Bay, there’s something for everyone on this list. So pack up your car and get ready to explore some of the best that the Midwest has to offer. Happy and safe travels!