The Scenic Road Trip to 5 of Ohio's Most Charming Small Towns

With 88 counties and 40,848 square miles to explore, the Buckeye State has no shortage of adventures. However, with a landscape that could comfortably accommodate eight Connecticuts, we are a state that is home to many microcultures. As such, our various small towns have their own unique vibes. Today, we’re taking a tour of the Buckeye State. A 350 mile road trip from North to South to discover some of Ohio's most charming small towns. Make sure you have all your road trip essentials packed, because this adventure is going to be deliciously memorable.

The first stop on our to-do list is Peninsula, Ohio, a charming little town in Greater Cleveland.

Peninsula is home to just 522 residents and is one of the smallest communities on our list. The mighty Cuyahoga River runs through this town and it is rich in nature… Cuyahoga Valley National ParkOhio's only national park, surrounds the community. Within the national park and throughout the city, dozens of historic buildings await your visit. Many are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

One of the city's most fascinating historical structures is the charming Everett Road Covered Bridgea truss bridge dating from around 1877. A friend of mine affectionately calls it the “Beetlejuice Bridge” because of its uncanny resemblance to the covered bridge in the movie. Interestingly, the cutesy title is somewhat apt here. The bridge was supposedly built in response to a death that occurred at the site, and some claim the site is haunted to this day.

Now we'll head about an hour south to scenic Millersburg, Ohio.

With a population of about 3,151, Millersburg certainly manages to feel open and airy. This charming Holmes County community is a frequent day trip destination for Northeast Ohio residents, as it is home to an impressive Amish population. Millersburg Hotel is a highly sought-after place to stay in town, and it dates back to 1847. Their quilting retreat is a fun way to get creative!

With bakeriesfarms, parks and an abundance of horses and carriages on the road, this area simply moves at a slower pace of life. You may not get good phone reception out here in the countryside, so don't be afraid to do the old fashioned way and print out some maps. There is so much to see and do in the area!

Once your adventures in Millersburg are over, we'll head 90 minutes south to explore Lancaster, Ohio.

As the county seat of Fairfield County, Lancaster has a small-town feel but a fairly large population. Some 40,500 people live in this pretty place! As part of the Columbus metropolitan area, it's one of those “small towns by big city standards” places, but it's well worth a stop. Park in full swing should be at the top of your list of things to do in Lancaster, as it gives you an almost bird's eye view of the community.

Although the region is known for its holiday spirit once things cool down, Christmas Rocks State Natural Reserve is a year-round getaway. Filled with unique rock formations and scenic overlooks, you’ll love hiking in this beautiful park. There are plenty of places in town for a great meal after your outdoor adventures, so be sure to set aside some time to explore the local food scene.

Once all is said and done in Lancaster, we will head a little west to visit Yellow Springs, Ohio.

Yellow Springs is home to approximately 3,697 residents and has been inhabited since 1825. As a result, historic buildings like its famous train station pictured above are common sights in the city. And, yes, the city has a rich history, too! This area once had a large abolitionist population, and freed slaves often settled there and owned land.

John Bryan State Park is a popular hiking destination in town, with 700 acres perfect for adventure. Nearby Glen Helen Nature Preserve has a waterfall, so it’s another natural attraction not to be missed. Yellow Springs Things to Do List. When you're all done, don't forget to stop by Young's Jersey Dairy for some farm-fresh ice cream. Yes, you read that right… it's one of the the freshest ice in the state.

Then we'll head south for about two hours to end our road trip in style. Portsmouth, Ohio.

Portsmouth is right on the border with Kentucky, so it has a very different culture than the other stops on our road trip. With a population of about 18,252, it still manages to feel open, airy, and laid-back. European settlers spread through the area during the American Revolution, but Indigenous peoples had been active in the region for thousands of years. Unfortunately, the area wasn’t as welcoming to freed or escaped slaves as Yellow Springs. As a result, local abolitionists worked hard to make it an important stop on the Underground Railroad, helping their fellow citizens find more stable lives.

Shawnee State ParkOne of the city's most notable natural landmarks, it was Ohio's first state park. Offering magnificent views of the Appalachian foothills, it's an attraction every Ohioan should experience at least once.

If you're hungry after your long road trip, stop at Scioto's Ribber is a must-try. Their 32-ounce steaks are locally renowned, although the size may be a little intimidating for some diners. Don’t be afraid to grab takeout!

Ohio has many charming small towns, but these five destinations are the ones Ohioans mention most often. Each one has its own unique personality, and the views you'll see as you travel through each region will amaze you.

Do you like the Ohio landscape? You might also consider taking a natural attractions road trip across the state!