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Ohio
Curated by Our Guild Explorers · Updated August 2026
The Buckeye State · Capital: Columbus · The Midwest
Rock and roll history, roller-coaster thrills and Lake Erie shores.
Why go
What makes Ohio worth the trip.
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
The genre's shrine, on the Cleveland lakefront.
Coaster capital
Cedar Point is a roller-coaster mecca.
Three lively cities
Columbus, Cleveland and Cincinnati.
Ohio on the map
The capital and the places worth building a trip around. Click a marker for a quick note and hotels.
Ohio — State Facts
A short history
Long before European settlement, Ohio was home to the Adena and Hopewell cultures, whose earthworks and effigy mounds still dot the landscape, followed by Shawnee, Miami, and Wyandot nations. The Northwest Territory was organized here in 1787, and Ohio became the 17th U.S. state in 1803, quickly becoming a gateway between the East Coast and the expanding frontier via the Ohio River and later the Erie Canal.
The 19th and 20th centuries transformed Ohio into an industrial powerhouse, with Cleveland, Akron, and Youngstown built on steel, rubber, and manufacturing, while Cincinnati grew as a river-trade hub. Ohio produced eight U.S. presidents and was a key stop on the Underground Railroad, and its central location made it pivotal in wartime production during both World Wars.
Today Ohio balances a manufacturing legacy with a diversified economy in healthcare, technology, and agriculture, alongside cultural landmarks like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, celebrating the genre's Ohio radio roots. Columbus has emerged as a fast-growing capital and university town, while Cedar Point and the scenic gorges of Hocking Hills round out a state richer and more varied than its Midwestern reputation suggests.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame sits in Cleveland because a local radio DJ, Alan Freed, is credited with coining the term 'rock and roll' on air there back in the early 1950s. Dayton also happens to be where the Wright brothers ran their bicycle shop before Kitty Hawk.
Where to go
The signature places to build a trip around.
Columbus
A youthful, growing capital and food town.
Selected hotels
Cleveland
The Rock Hall, a world-class orchestra and lakefront.
Selected hotels
Cedar Point
One of the world's great amusement parks.
Selected hotels
Hocking Hills
Gorges, caves and waterfalls in the southeast.
Selected hotels
Get to Cedar Point right at opening or in the last two hours before close, that's when the lines actually move. And if you're in Cincinnati, order your chili the local way, over spaghetti, and don't argue with anyone about it.
When to go
Late spring through autumn.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Cold and often snowy, especially in Cleveland's lake-effect snowbelt.
Spring (Mar–May)
Mild and green, a good time for Hocking Hills hiking before summer crowds.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Warm and humid, peak season for Cedar Point and Lake Erie beaches.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
Crisp weather and vivid foliage, ideal for road trips through the countryside.
Ohio FAQ
What is the capital of Ohio?
Columbus is the capital of Ohio.
What is the largest city in Ohio?
Columbus is both the capital and the largest city in Ohio.
When did Ohio become a state?
Ohio became the 17th U.S. state on March 1, 1803.
What is Ohio known for?
Ohio is known for rock and roll history, roller-coaster thrills and Lake Erie shores.
When is the best time to visit Ohio?
Late spring through autumn.
Plan your Ohio trip
Browse hotels and flights through the Guild's travel partner, and explore more of the United States.
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