From the Ohio River up to Lake Erie, Ohio’s waterways have been shaping the state’s history for hundreds of years. They moved people, goods, and ideas, built towns, and even inspired inventors. Now, America 250-Ohio is celebrating that history with a new driving trail that takes you right along these historic water routes.
The Lake Erie to Ohio River Trail features 150 sites across the state, from Toledo’s National Museum of the Great Lakes all the way down to the Valley Gem Sternwheeler in Marietta. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or just looking for a scenic weekend road trip, there’s something on this trail for you.
Explore The History of Ohio’s Waterways
Melinda Huntley, a commissioner of America 250-Ohio and executive director of the Ohio Travel Association, calls the state’s rivers and lakes “highways of hope.” She says, “They built towns, attracted inventors, created jobs and brought people together. Today, their legacy flows through every scenic overlook, preserved towpath, and community that still thrives along their shores.”
And she’s right. Stopping along these waterways is like stepping back in time and seeing how central they were—and still are—to life in Ohio.
Plan Your Stops by Theme or Region
The trail is organized into seven categories, making it easy to customize your trip:
- Boat rides and ferries
- Lake Erie lighthouses
- Lake Erie museums and historic sites
- Canal museums, locks, and natural areas
- Ohio River museums and historic sites
- Natural areas and overlooks
- Aquatic science and research sites
In Northeast Ohio, for example, you could tour the Steamship William G. Mather, a 1925 lake freighter docked in downtown Cleveland. Or you could walk or bike the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, stretching all the way from Cleveland to Tuscarawas County. And don’t forget a stop at Headlands Beach State Park in Mentor, the state’s longest natural beach.
Part of a Bigger Celebration
The Lake Erie to Ohio River Trail is the third of six experiential driving trails planned by America 250-Ohio, which is organizing the state’s celebrations for the U.S. semiquincentennial in 2026. Previous trails included the Ohio Air & Space Trail, which focuses on aviation and aerospace history, and the Ohio Creativity Trail, highlighting Ohio’s writers, artists, and musicians.
There’s more to come, too. Future trails will celebrate Ohio inventors, transportation, and leadership, including stops connected to U.S. presidents.
The trails are just one piece of the semiquincentennial celebration. Ohioans can also look forward to themed monthly celebrations, Ohio Goes to the Movies screenings in all 88 counties, and dozens of other events across the state. You can see the full lineup of events at america250-ohio.org.
Ready to Hit the Road?
Whether you’re looking for a weekend adventure, a family outing, or a way to brush up on local history, the Lake Erie to Ohio River Trail is a fun, hands-on way to explore Ohio’s waterways. Pack your camera, plan your route, and get ready to see Ohio from the perspective of its rivers and lakes. History has never looked so scenic.
Start planning your trip with the interactive Lake Erie to Ohio River Trail map here.
