Updated: July 21, 2026
I’m a big fan of Columbus, but sometimes it’s good to get out of town for a bit.
Luckily, you don’t have to go very far to find something fun to do. Ohio has some unique spots where you can enjoy nature, take in a strange museum, visit ancient earthworks, or even explore a castle.
None of these spots are too far from Columbus. Everything here is within about a 3-hour drive of downtown, and most are a lot closer. A couple, like Geneva-on-the-Lake and Put-in-Bay once you count the ferry, stretch right up to that line, so check the drive time before you commit to a day trip.
| Destination | Drive from Columbus | Why go |
| Loveland Castle | ~1 hr 30 min | A real hand-built castle |
| Great Serpent Mound | ~1 hr 45 min | Ancient effigy mound; closed Mondays |
| Natural Springs Quarry | ~1 hr 35 min | Quarry-turned-swim resort; day passes Mon–Thu |
| Put-in-Bay | ~2 hr 30 min + ferry | Lake Erie island getaway |
| Hartman Rock Garden | ~50 min | Depression-era folk art, free |
| Clifton Mill | ~55 min | 1802 gristmill and pancakes |
| ASM Geodesic Dome | ~2 hr 25 min | World’s largest open-work dome; grounds open Mon–Fri |
| American Sign Museum | ~1 hr 40 min | Neon Americana; closed Mon–Tue |
| The Troll That Hatched An Egg | ~1 hr 10 min | Giant Thomas Dambo trolls |
| SunWatch Indian Village | ~1 hr 15 min | Reconstructed 800-year-old village; seasonal |
| Geneva-on-the-Lake | ~3 hr | Lake Erie resort town and wineries |
| Ye Olde Mill | ~50 min | Velvet Ice Cream’s 1817 mill; May–Oct |
| Ohio Caverns | ~1 hr | America’s most colorful caverns |
| Junction Earthworks | ~1 hr | 2,000-year-old earthworks, free |
| Historic Roscoe Village | ~1 hr 20 min | Restored canal town |
| The Wilds | ~1 hr 25 min | Open-air safari park |
| Hocking Hills State Park | ~1 hr | Waterfalls and hiking |
Loveland Castle
Construction on Chateau Laroche, aka Loveland Castle, began in 1929. The castle was built, by hand, by a World War I veteran and medievalist named Harry D. Andrews. Andrews had been inspired by the time he spent in France during the war and when he returned home to Loveland, he began building Chateau Laroche. When Andrews passed away, the castle was left to the Knights of the Golden Trail, the group that grew out of the boy scout troop he led. Admission is $5, and from October through March the castle is only open on weekends.
Location: 12025 Shore Dr, Loveland, OH 45140
Drive time: About 1 hour and 30 minutes from downtown Columbus
READ MORE: 14 Real Castles Right Here In Ohio (Many Of Which You Can Visit)
Great Serpent Mound
Ohio is full of impressive ancient earthworks, but perhaps none are more famous than the Great Serpent Mound. Archaeologists still argue about when it was built: some date it to the Adena culture around 320 B.C.E., others to the Fort Ancient culture about a thousand years later, and Ohio is pushing for it to become its own UNESCO World Heritage Site either way. Unlike many of the other ancient earthworks in Ohio, the mound was not used for burials, but rather for ceremonies. It is an effigy mound representing a snake with a curled tail and it’s genuinely one of the most impressive things you’ll see in the state. Parking runs $8 a car, and the site is closed on Mondays.
Location: 3850 OH-73, Peebles, OH 45660
Drive time: About 1 hour and 45 minutes from downtown Columbus
READ MORE: These Ancient Ohio Earthworks Are Thousands Of Years Old
Natural Springs Quarry
Looking for a one-of-a-kind getaway? Natural Springs Resort is a charming little resort perfect for all of the adventurers out there. The area was first quarried for limestone in 1889 and was the largest industry in the region at the time. These days, the quarry has been transformed into a resort with a spring-fed lake, a beach area, natural rock formations, and even a heated swimming pool. One big catch: unless you’re camping there, day passes for swimming are only sold Monday through Thursday, so plan a weekday trip.
Location: 500 S Washington St, New Paris, OH 45347
Drive time: About 1 hour and 35 minutes from downtown Columbus
READ MORE: Natural Springs Resort Is A Dreamy Ohio Getaway
Put-in-Bay
Put-in-Bay is one of the most beautiful regions in the entire state, offering water sports, outdoor adventures, historical tours, and of course, some good beach vibes. Located on South Bass Island, Put-in-Bay is just five miles south of the Canadian border. There are several islands in the area, including Kelleys Island, which is also an incredible vacation destination.
Location: South Bass Island, OH 43456
Drive time: About 2 hours and 25 minutes to the Catawba Island ferry, plus the boat ride
READ MORE: 5 Fun Things To Do On A Weekend Getaway At Put-In-Bay
Hartman Rock Garden
After being laid off during the Great Depression in 1932, Harry “Ben” Hartman took up a new hobby. Hartman began turning his yard into a garden of rock structures, numerous plants, and statues of animals and people. Hartman continued working on the garden until he passed away in 1944. After that, the Hartman Rock Garden was maintained by his wife, followed by a folk art preservation group.
Location: 1905 Russell Ave, Springfield, OH 45506
Drive time: About 50 minutes from downtown Columbus
READ MORE: Take A Day Trip To Ohio’s 80-Year-Old Rock Garden
Clifton Mill
Clifton Mill has been standing over the Little Miami River since 1802, and it’s one of the largest water-powered gristmills left in the country. The restaurant inside serves pancakes made with flour ground right at the mill, and the covered porch looks out over the falls. If you go between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, you’ll catch the Legendary Lights display, when the mill and the gorge around it are covered in millions of lights.
Location: 75 Water St, Clifton, OH 45316
Drive time: About 55 minutes from downtown Columbus
READ MORE: The Best Things To Do In Yellow Springs
The Largest Open-Work Geodesic Dome In The World
Built in 1959, this massively impressive geodesic dome serves as the headquarters for ASM International, a professional organization for scientists and engineers. Constructed from extruded aluminum pipe, the dome is 103 feet high and 274 feet in diameter. The whole thing weighs about 80 tons and has over 65,000 parts. The grounds are open to the public Monday-Friday.
Location: 9639 Kinsman Rd, Novelty, OH 44072
Drive time: About 2 hours and 25 minutes from downtown Columbus
READ MORE: The Largest Open-Work Geodesic Dome In The World Is Right Here In Ohio And It’s Totally Worth A Visit
The American Sign Museum
The American Sign Museum is dedicated to the art and history of commercial signs, as well as sign making. It also happens to be awesome. It’s the largest public museum dedicated to signs in the country and covers over 100 years of American sign history. The museum doubled in size with a 20,000-square-foot expansion in 2024, and as you wander through all of it, you’ll see the progression of technology and design, from painted metal to neon and everything in between. One heads up: it’s closed Mondays and Tuesdays, so save this one for later in the week.
Location: 1330 Monmouth Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45225
Drive time: About 1 hour and 40 minutes from downtown Columbus
READ MORE: The Weirdest Museums In Ohio
The Troll That Hatched An Egg
Bo, Bodil, and Bibbi, the troll family of “The Troll That Hatched an Egg,” were the 83rd, 84th, and 85th trolls Thomas Dambo built in the United States and Puerto Rico. Dambo is from Copenhagen, Denmark and has been building giant trolls around the world for over 14 years, always out of recycled materials. Aullwood’s trolls are no exception: they’re made of old pallet wood, sticks, and logs, and they’re a permanent exhibit, so there’s no rush, but they won’t outlive their wood forever.
Location: 1000 Aullwood Road, Dayton, OH 45414
Drive time: About 1 hour and 10 minutes from downtown Columbus
READ MORE: These Massive Troll Sculptures In Dayton Are Totally Worth A Road Trip
Sunwatch Indian Village
Archaeological excavations in the 1970s and 80s led to the discovery of this Fort Ancient period settlement. The village has now been partially reconstructed and acts as a unique learning experience for visitors. Guests can gain a new appreciation for the 800-year-old lifestyle while walking through reconstructed buildings that have been placed in their exact, ancient locations. SunWatch keeps seasonal, limited-day hours, so check the schedule before you make the drive.
Location: 2301 W River Rd, Dayton, OH 45417
Drive time: About 1 hour and 15 minutes from downtown Columbus
READ MORE: This 13th Century-Style Village Is Just An Hour Away From Columbus
Geneva-on-the-Lake
There’s something truly magical about the charming town of Geneva-on-the-Lake. With coastal vibes and over 20 wineries nearby, it’s the perfect place to do a little relaxing. Of course, if you plan to stay overnight, there’s no better spot than the Lodge at Geneva-On-The-Lake. It’s a stunning, waterfront spot that will leave you feeling more like you’re on the cape than in northern Ohio.
Location: 4888 N Broadway, Geneva-On-The-Lake, OH 44041
Drive time: About 3 hours from downtown Columbus
READ MORE: This Gorgeous Waterfront Resort Is Worth The 3-Hour Road Trip From Columbus
Ye Olde Mill
Originally built in 1817, Ye Olde Mill is home to the corporate offices of Velvet Ice Cream. But it’s so much more than an office. The mill also serves as an ice cream museum, ice cream parlor, and restaurant. Tens of thousands of people visit the mill each year, which sits on 20 beautiful acres of rolling hills. It’s seasonal, open roughly May through October, so don’t try this one in January.
Location: 11324 Mt Vernon Rd, Utica, OH 43080
Drive time: About 50 minutes from downtown Columbus
READ MORE: This Old Grist Mill Is Home To A One-Of-A-Kind Ice Cream Parlor And Museum
Ohio Caverns
Ohio Caverns in West Liberty is the largest cave system in the state, and it markets itself as America’s most colorful caverns. That’s not an empty claim: the crystal formations range from bright white to deep reds and oranges, thanks to iron oxide in the rock. Tours run year-round, and it’s always 54 degrees down there, which makes this an equally good trip in July heat or a February funk. Keep an eye out for the Crystal King, a stalactite nearly five feet long that took an estimated 200,000 years to form.
Location: 2210 OH-245 E, West Liberty, OH 43357
Drive time: About 1 hour from downtown Columbus
READ MORE: Ohio’s Largest Caverns Are Absolutely Magical
Junction Earthworks
Junction Earthworks is a 2,000-year-old ceremonial site, built by the ancient people of the Hopewell culture. The property was set to be auctioned off in 2014, but its nine ancient earthwork enclosures were saved and turned into a public park. The grounds are beautiful and peaceful and if a contemplative road trip is on the agenda, add this one to the top of the list.
Location: 1143 Township Hwy 377, Chillicothe, OH 45601
Drive time: About 1 hour from downtown Columbus
READ MORE: Junction Earthworks Is A Jaw-Dropping Ancient Ceremonial Site 1-Hour South Of Columbus
Historic Roscoe Village
Historic Roscoe Village is a restored 1830s port town, showing visitors what life was like along the canal in the 1830s. The village has full costumed interpreters, a practicing blacksmith, time period arts and crafts, and Living History Tours. The highlight of any visit to Roscoe has to be a ride aboard the Monticello III, a canal boat pulled by a team of draft horses. Rides run from Memorial Day weekend into the fall, and the boat is due for a major restoration in fall 2026, so check ahead if the ride is the whole reason you’re going.
Location: 600 N Whitewoman St, Coshocton, OH 43812
Drive time: About 1 hour and 20 minutes from downtown Columbus
READ MORE: Float Back In Time On These Charming Ohio Canal Boats
The Wilds
The Wilds is a safari park and conservation center that focuses on conservation science and education through hands-on experiences. The nearly 10,000-acre park offers huge pastures for over 30 rare and endangered species from around the world, and there’s a new crop of babies to meet almost every season, from rhino calves to takin kids. If you fall in love with the park and want to stay overnight, you should definitely book one of the yurts at Nomad Ridge. They’re pretty epic, but they’re also adults-only and open May through October, so this one’s a grown-ups’ getaway.
Location: 14000 International Rd, Cumberland, OH 43732
Drive time: About 1 hour and 25 minutes from downtown Columbus
READ MORE: Here’s How You Can Have An Epic Safari Adventure Right Here In Ohio
Hocking Hills State Park
There is so much to do in Hocking Hills that it’s hard to know where to start. From incredible hiking trails to amazing accommodations, Hocking Hills is one of the most stunning regions in the state of Ohio. The area is a must visit for anyone in Ohio, whether you’re a lifelong resident or just visiting.
Location: 19852 OH-664, Logan, OH 43138
Drive time: About 1 hour from downtown Columbus
READ MORE: The Best Things To Do In Hocking Hills
Ohio Road Trip FAQ
What is the prettiest drive in Ohio?
Most people would point to the Hocking Hills Scenic Byway. It’s about 26 miles linking the park’s cliffs, waterfalls, and trailheads, and it starts about an hour southeast of Columbus.
How far is Put-in-Bay from Columbus?
Plan on about 2 and a half hours to the Catawba Island ferry dock, then a 20-minute Miller Ferry ride to the island. Door to door, budget at least 3 hours each way.
What’s the best road trip from Columbus under an hour?
Ye Olde Mill in Utica and Ohio Caverns in West Liberty are both about 50 minutes to an hour out. Hocking Hills is right at an hour too, if you’d rather hike.
