Ohio: The Buckeye State’s past comes alive in these colorful stops

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Discover the hidden gem of the Midwest on a trip from Canton to Columbus. Top-notch museums, old-world living and family fun in the great outdoors combine in a route that highlights the best of the Buckeye State.

Drive 138.4 miles, 3 hours

1. Canton

Starting Point

Nicknamed “America’s Playing Field,” Canton scores big as the home of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. A visit to the game’s hallowed ground—with exhibits on NFL legends and historic games—will excite NFL fans, but don’t overlook the other cultural destinations that make this city worth the stop. The William McKinley Presidential Library & Museum and the First Ladies’ National Historic Site shed new light on the inner workings of political families, while the galleries and workshops in the Arts District showcase the city’s creative side.

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2. Millersburg

37.1 miles, 55 minutes

Boasting a historic downtown and proximity to the world’s largest Amish population, there’s plenty to see and do in Millersburg. Start with an architecture tour of the downtown’s Victorian-era houses, and then walk the halls of the Holmes County Jail. The area also features antique shopping trails and the Millersburg Glass Museum, which displays stunning goblets, vases and other creations made at the town’s venerated glass plant

3. Loudonville

17.3 miles, 27 minutes

Ohio’s “Canoe Capital” is your first stop for outdoor adventure. Nestled in the hills of Mohican State Park, the town is a virtual jumping-off point for serious family fun. Start with a visit to one of the canoe liveries sitting on the banks of the Mohican River. Rent a canoe along with all the gear you need to navigate this scenic waterway. You can also hike the 13 miles of trails that wind through the park. During fall, the park’s towering trees show off stunning fall colors.

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4. Columbus

84 miles, 1 hour, 38 minutes

Brimming with green space, museums, historic buildings and family attractions, Columbus is an oft-overlooked urban gem. Visit the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium for fascinating views of land- and ocean-based creatures. Next, try the Grange Insurance Audubon Center for an urban bird-watching adventure. The Short North Arts District is home to the monthly Gallery Hop, which puts a spotlight on the city’s burgeoning arts scene.