Summer time is the perfect time to take an adventure with your friends or family. Only a couple of hours together in the car can lead to days of fun and adventure. Some can be right here in Ohio but if you are willing to drive a few more hours, then you can discover a whole new world.
1. Cedar Point or Kings Island
Cedar Point (located in Sandusky, Ohio) and Kings Island (located in Mason, Ohio) are home to some of the best rollercoasters in the USA. Cedar Point is home to 72 rides total, the second most in the world, including Millennium Force, Top Thrill Dragster, and Wicked Twister. It has won "Best Amusement Park Award from Amusement Today for 16 years in a row and has over 3 million visitors per year. Kings Island holds 47 rides in the park and won "Best Kids Area" by Amusement Today for 15 years. No matter which you chose, you're bound to have a day of fun and thrill at either park.
2. Hocking Hills
Hocking Hills spans nearly 3,000 acres in Logan, Ohio and features activities for all ages: hiking, zip lining, rock climbing, etc.
3. Lake Erie
The fourth largest of the five Great Lakes, Lake Erie is home to not only a beautiful lake, but countless activities including: water activities, fishing, boating, dining, golfing, ferries, historical sites, etc.
4. Cincinnati
Cincinnati, the third largest city in the state of Ohio, holds some of the state's best attractions. People of all ages can fin something to do wether you're interested in sports, bars/ restaurants, playing, or in the historical aspect, there's something for everyone.
5. Mansfield Reformitory
If you're into paranormal things, or love the movie Shawshank Redemption, this trip is for you. More than 155,00 male prisoners have passed through the prison, and now visitors have the chance to see it for themselves.
6. Mohican Castle
In London, Ohio lies the Mohican Castle. If you want to get away for a few days or just go to a unique lunch, all while feeling like royalty, check out Landoll's Mohican Castle.
7. Frank Lloyd Wright's Falling Water
If architecture interests you, and you don't mind driving out of Ohio, southwest Pennsylvania hold's one of architect Frank Lloyd Wright's most famous creations. Originally built for a family, it is now a historical landmark that you are able to tour or even have brunch at.
8. Hershey Park
For chocolate and amusement park lovers, this is the best of both worlds. With 74 rides and endless chocolate, this is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
9. Franklin Park Conservatory
Located in Columbus, Ohio this conservatory features plants and flowers from all over the world as well as an occasional featured artist's work in addition to some permanent pieces.
10. The Wilds
All animal lovers should check out the Wilds in Cumberland, Ohio. It is home to many rare and endangered species that roam freely across 9,000 acres of land.
11. Oak Openings
A Toledo Metro Park, Oak Openings hosts over 180 rare species of animals and plants, over one third of the rare species found in the state of Ohio. The Nature Conservancy rated the Oak Openings Region is one of the 200 "Last Great Places on Earth".
