You don’t have to go far from Columbus to stumble into a town that feels like its own little world.
Whether you’re after quirky museums, historic charm, or unexpected roadside finds, these small towns are packed with personality — and they’re all within about 90 minutes of the city.
Somerset, OH
Drive time: ~1 hour
Nestled in Perry County, Somerset might be small, but it’s rich in Ohio history. It’s home to Ohio’s first Catholic church and a quaint, walkable town square. The Somerset Artists’ Co-Op showcases local talent, and the area around it is dotted with covered bridges and scenic byways.
Sugarcreek, OH
Drive time: ~1 hour 45 minutes (worth stretching for)
Known as “The Little Switzerland of Ohio,” Sugarcreek blends Amish culture with Swiss heritage, complete with chalets and a massive working cuckoo clock downtown. You’ll also find Age of Steam Roundhouse Museum, which houses one of the largest private collections of steam locomotives in the country.
Granville, OH
Drive time: ~40 minutes
A college town with old-world charm, Granville feels like a slice of New England tucked into central Ohio. It’s home to Denison University, tree-lined streets, and historic inns like The Buxton Inn and Granville Inn. Just outside town, you can visit the Alligator Effigy Mound, a mysterious earthwork thought to have been built over 1,000 years ago.
Newark, OH
Drive time: ~50 minutes
Newark is best known for the Great Circle Earthworks, part of a 2,000-year-old Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks system recently designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. You’ll also find The Works, a hands-on science and history museum, and the world’s largest basket-shaped building, the former HQ of Longaberger Baskets. Plus, if you’re already planning to hit up Granville too, you can make a whole weekend out of it.
Yellow Springs, OH
Drive time: ~1 hour 15 minutes
A longtime hub for artists, creatives, and the counterculture crowd, Yellow Springs has a little bit of everything. Locally owned shops, vibrant murals, and nearby natural wonders like Glen Helen Nature Preserve and John Bryan State Park make it a favorite day trip destination. Plus, you can stop for the yummiest treats at Young’s Dairy.
