A haven for history lovers, Ohio’s range of historical sites is incredible. The Buckeye State was not only the home of ancient Native American tribes but has also witnessed important events of the country and is the birthplace of eight United States Presidents. Carefully preserved, these sites are spread across the state, and offer a wonderful way to learn more the nation’s and Ohio’s history. Our list contains some of the most absorbing and engaging historical places that explore important facets of the state while also guaranteeing fun for the whole family. Read on to find the best historical places in Ohio, USA that you can visit to understand the rich history of the state.
1. USS Cod Submarine Memorial
Get the amazing experience of touring an actual World War II submarine that downed several Japanese ships. Beautifully maintained and staffed by passionate volunteers (typically Navy veterans), this national historic landmark is docked permanently at Cleveland and gives you the opportunity to explore the storied past of USS Cod SS-224. Visitors can authentically experience life inside a sub.
USS Cod Submarine Memorial
Address: 1201 N Marginal Rd, Cleveland, Ohio
Website: USS Cod Submarine Memorial
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 12 USD
2. Hopewell Culture National Historical Park
Two thousand years ago, the region between Seip Earthworks and Chillicothe was one of the most important cultural...
Posted by Hopewell Culture National Historical Park on Sunday, 9 June 2019
Marvel at the extraordinary earthworks created by prehistoric Native American tribes for their sacred rituals. Located near Chillicothe in Ohio, this national park showcases six remarkable hummocks created in geometric patterns, many protected by earthen walls almost reaching 12 feet (3.6 meters) high. Walk through various trails and explore this ancient phenomenon.
Hopewell Culture National Historical Park
Address: 16062 State Route 104, Chillicothe, Ohio
Website: Hopewell Culture National Historical Park
Opening hours: 8:30am - 5pm (daily)
Price: Free
3. James A. Garfield National Historic Site
Visit the family home of James A. Garfield, the 20th President of the United States, which is now preserved as a United States national historic site. The house has been carefully restored giving you a glimpse of a 1880s home. Get to know the journey of James A. Garfield from a canal boy to the President of a great nation, through various exhibits including a video, and explore the house’s verdant grounds.
James A. Garfield National Historic Site
Address: 8095 Mentor Avenue, Mento, Ohio
Website: James A. Garfield National Historic Site
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
Price: House tour: 10 USD; Visitor Centre: Free
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4. Serpent Mound Historical Site
The Great Serpent Mound is an ancient effigy. This earthwork, shaped like a serpent with a curled tail and an open mouth, winds along the Ohio Brush Creek in Ohio’s Adams County. Built by ancient indigenous cultures said to be of Adena origin, it is still not clear just how old this earthwork really is. Walk along this intriguing structure and then visit the Serpent Mound Museum that contains informative exhibits on the effigy’s discovery, its construction, and interpretations of its form.
Serpent Mound Historical Site
Address: Serpent Mound, 3850 State Route 73, Peebles, Ohio
Website: Serpent Mound Historical Site
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 10am - 4pm; Fri - Sat: 10am - 6pm; Sun: 10am - 5pm
Price: 10 USD
5. Ohio History Center
Created and maintained by the Ohio History Connection, this museum presents the history of Ohio through numerous exhibits and galleries. Covering varied subjects like Ohio’s growth, sports history, military participation, and natural wonders, the galleries offer an interactive and informative exploration of the state’s culture. The outdoors exhibit Ohio Village, in particular, is a fascinating experience where life in the state during the American Civil War is brought to life. However, the village is open only through Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend.
Ohio History Center
Address: I-71 & 17th Avenue (Exit 111), Columbus, Ohio
Website: Ohio History Center
Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 10am - 5pm
Price: 15 USD
6. Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park
A hidden gem, Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park is a five-unit historical site that gives an excellent introduction to the life of the Wright Brothers (of the airplane fame) as well as celebrated African-American poet Paul Laurence Dunbar. The main two museums talk about the history and science of aviation, the early life of the Wright Brothers and their journey through a number of exhibits and recreations.
Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park
Address: 16 South Williams Street, Dayton, Ohio
Website: Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park
Opening hours: Mar - Oct: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: Free
7. William Howard Taft National Historic Site
The childhood home of William Howard Taft, the 27th President of the United States, the William Howard Taft National Historic Site features the following buildings - the historic Taft house, a two-story Greek revival house built in the 1830s and the Taft Education Center, which is the visitor center. Explore the historic Taft house restored with furnishings and decor from the period, to get a peek into life at that time, and know more about William Howard’s life and family.
William Howard Taft National Historic Site
Address: 2038 Auburn Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio
Website: William Howard Taft National Historic Site
Opening hours: 8am - 4pm (daily)
Price: Free
8. John Johnson Farm
John Johnson Farm is an important landmark for the followers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as that’s where founder Joseph Smith and his wife are said to have received revelations. The Smiths stayed at the farm at the invitation of John Johnson for a year, and during this period the house operated as the headquarters for the Church. Now restored to its original state, the historic house is spread over two floors. Get a guided tour of the house with volunteer missioners who offer insights about its history and significance.
John Johnson Home
Address: 6203 Pioneer Trail, Hiram, Ohio
Website: John Johnson Home
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 7pm; Sun: 1.30pm - 7pm
9. Cincinnati Observatory
Located on Mount Lookout, Cincinnati Observatory is United States’ oldest professional observatory. Currently operating as an observatory, it houses two historic telescopes, one of which is the world’s oldest working telescope. The observatory offers a variety of informative tours and star-gazing sessions - daytime tours introduce its historical telescopes and its two National Historic Landmark buildings, while on Thursday and Friday nights (and some Saturdays), an astronomer gives an educative presentation and a guided night viewing of the sky. Additionally, historical tours are held every 2nd and 4th Sunday and cover the Observatory’s history and its role in astronomical discoveries.
Cincinnati Observatory
Address: 3489 Observatory Place, Cincinnati, Ohio
Website: Cincinnati Observatory
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 12pm - 4pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
Price: 5 USD
10. The Arcade Cleveland
One of America’s oldest indoor shopping arena, The Arcade Cleveland opened in 1890 and is famed for its architecture. This ornate Victorian-era building in downtown Cleveland features a large glass roof. Now hosting a few shops/restaurants and a Hyatt Hotel, the soaring structure inspires a sense of awe with its grandeur and old world charm, particularly at night.
The Arcade Cleveland
Address: 401 Euclid Avenue Cleveland, Ohio
Website: The Arcade Cleveland
Opening hours: 6am - 7pm (daily)
A storied past
The many historical treasures of Ohio honor the places and persons who contributed to the state and the nation. Look out for the historical marker boards when you visit any one of the historical places in Ohio, USA. These boards give out information about the site and its significance making it easy for you to have a better understanding. Enjoy your time in Ohio.
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