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TourismOhio Released Its 2026 Summer Travel Guides And There’s A Lot To Explore

Summer travel season is officially underway, and TourismOhio is rolling out a long list of ways for Ohioans to fill their calendars.

The state tourism office has released its 2026 Ohio Travel Guide alongside several new and updated travel resources focused on festivals, road trips, sports, outdoor adventures, and small-town destinations throughout the state.

The release comes as communities across Ohio prepare for America’s upcoming 250th anniversary celebrations, which will bring historical festivals, parades, fireworks, picnics, and commemorative events to cities and towns throughout the summer.

“Summer in Ohio is an opportunity to discover someplace new, revisit a favorite destination, and experience the communities that make our state special,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development, which oversees TourismOhio.

One of the biggest additions this year is the debut of the Ohio Golf Trail, a new statewide guide featuring more than 180 public golf courses. The trail highlights Ohio’s long connection to the sport, from hometown golf legend Jack Nicklaus to historic destinations like Clearview Golf Club, the first golf course in the country built and owned by a Black man, William “Bill” Powell.

The launch also coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Memorial Tournament, held annually in Dublin.

TourismOhio also refreshed its Ohio Sports Road Trip, which now includes stops tied to football, baseball, soccer, hockey, volleyball, and motorsports, along with nearby food and entertainment recommendations.

Another returning favorite is the Ohio Ice Cream Trail, which has added new stops for 2026. The statewide guide highlights locally owned scoop shops, creameries, and classic summer dessert destinations across Ohio.

people golfing
Photo by TourismOhio.

In total, the new 2026 Ohio Summer Events Guide features 440 events statewide, including five highlighted events from every county in Ohio.

Travelers can also browse updated editions of the “100 Things To Do This Summer” list and “Summer Charming Towns,” a guide focused on communities known for historic downtowns and seasonal celebrations.

“The best summer trips are the ones people talk about long after they’re over,” said state tourism director Sarah Wickham. “From a perfect scoop of ice cream to celebrating moments that make history, Ohio is full of experiences people remember, and we’re making it easier for travelers to find them.”

The official Ohio Travel Guide is organized into five travel regions and includes recommendations from Ohio residents, business owners, community leaders, and local creators.

For anyone planning weekend trips, staycations, or day drives this summer, the guides offer a reminder that some of Ohio’s best warm-weather destinations are only a few hours away.

Written by

Chelsea Wiley

Chelsea Wiley, first of her name, Queen of the Seven Andals... wait. That's not right. Joking aside, Chelsea is a writer and photographer born and raised in Columbus, Ohio. She is an avid reader and a lover of animals.