Introduction
Due to its enthralling mix of large cities and small towns, its central setting and even its shape, Ohio is affectionately nicknamed ‘the Heart of it All’. Over the centuries, the state has fittingly played a key role in the development and governance of the US with interesting historic sights and important industrial areas now littered about its vast swathes of fertile farmland.
Named after the winding river that bounds it to the south, Ohio is located right in the center of the American Midwest; one of the most populous parts of the country. While Lake Erie lies to the north, the rest of its low-lying plains and plateaus are surrounded clockwise by the states of Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Kentucky, Indiana and Michigan. Although much of its landmass consists of endless agricultural areas, Hocking Hills State Park in the southeast is home to incredible gorges, caves, and falls, while the Lake Erie Islands are also popular and picturesque places to head.
Aside from stopping by some of the Buckeye State’s fabulous wineries or the spectacular Cuyahoga Valley National Park, most people visit its three main cities of Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati. While each has its own rich history, culture, and heritage for you to explore, they all boast excellent museums and enticing attractions. These include not only the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, but the superb Cincinnati Zoo, attractive Ohio Statehouse, and world-class Cleveland Museum of Art, too.
On top of all this, Ohio has the state-of-the-art Neil Armstrong Air and Space Museum for visitors to check out alongside its charming Amish Country full of quaint farms and fields. These two close but contrasting worlds perfectly encapsulate what makes America’s heartland so fascinating, fun, and fulfilling to travel around.