Map Of Ohio And Michigan
Located in the Great Lakes region of the United States, Ohio and Michigan are two states that offer a myriad of attractions and experiences for every kind of traveler. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, an outdoor enthusiast, or a culture aficionado, you’ll find something to love about these states.
Top Attractions
Ohio and Michigan are home to some of the most iconic attractions in the country. In Ohio, you can visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, or the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden. In Michigan, don’t miss the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, the Mackinac Island State Park, or the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
Hidden Gems
If you’re looking for something off the beaten path, Ohio and Michigan have plenty of hidden gems to discover. In Ohio, check out the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, the Amish Country, or the Lake Erie Islands. In Michigan, venture to the Isle Royale National Park, the Upper Peninsula, or the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
Food Scene
Ohio and Michigan are known for their diverse and delicious food scenes. In Ohio, try the famous Cincinnati-style chili, pierogies in Cleveland, or the Buckeye candy in Columbus. In Michigan, sample the Detroit-style pizza, the pasties in the Upper Peninsula, or the cherry pie in Traverse City.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Traveling on a budget? Ohio and Michigan have plenty of affordable options. In Ohio, visit the free Cleveland Museum of Art, take a walking tour of Columbus, or explore the Hocking Hills State Park. In Michigan, hike the Sleeping Bear Dunes, visit the Detroit Institute of Arts on a free day, or enjoy the beaches of Holland State Park.
Outdoor Adventures
If you love the great outdoors, Ohio and Michigan won’t disappoint. In Ohio, go hiking in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, kayaking in the Hocking Hills State Park, or fishing in Lake Erie. In Michigan, explore the Isle Royale National Park, go skiing in the Upper Peninsula, or watch the sunset over Lake Michigan.
Historical Landmarks
Ohio and Michigan have a rich history, and there are plenty of landmarks to explore. In Ohio, visit the Wright Brothers National Museum in Dayton, the William Howard Taft National Historic Site in Cincinnati, or the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cleveland. In Michigan, check out the Fort Mackinac on Mackinac Island, the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in Grand Rapids, or the Motown Museum in Detroit.
Family-Friendly Activities
Traveling with kids? Ohio and Michigan have plenty of family-friendly activities. In Ohio, take a ride on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, explore the COSI Science Center in Columbus, or visit the Cedar Point amusement park in Sandusky. In Michigan, go on a dune buggy ride in Saugatuck, visit the John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids, or explore the Legoland Discovery Center in Auburn Hills.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
If you’re looking for something unique, Ohio and Michigan have plenty of off-the-beaten-path experiences. In Ohio, check out the Holden Arboretum in Kirtland, the Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park in Hamilton, or the Airstream Factory Tour in Jackson Center. In Michigan, visit the Bavarian-themed town of Frankenmuth, go on a shipwreck tour in Munising, or explore the Mystery Spot in St. Ignace.
Natural Wonders
Ohio and Michigan are home to some of the most beautiful natural wonders in the country. In Ohio, visit the Hocking Hills State Park, the Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve, or the Lake Erie Islands. In Michigan, explore the Tahquamenon Falls State Park, the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, or the Kitch-iti-kipi Natural Spring.
Vibrant Nightlife
Ohio and Michigan have a thriving nightlife scene, with plenty of bars, restaurants, and clubs to explore. In Ohio, head to the Short North Arts District in Columbus, the Ohio City neighborhood in Cleveland, or the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood in Cincinnati. In Michigan, check out the bars and restaurants in downtown Grand Rapids, the nightlife scene in Ann Arbor, or the craft breweries in Kalamazoo.
Local Markets
If you love to shop for local goods, Ohio and Michigan have plenty of markets to explore. In Ohio, visit the North Market in Columbus, the West Side Market in Cleveland, or the Findlay Market in Cincinnati. In Michigan, check out the Eastern Market in Detroit, the Holland Farmers Market in Holland, or the Frankenmuth Farmers Market in Frankenmuth.
Beaches and Mountains
Ohio and Michigan may not be known for their beaches and mountains, but they have plenty to offer. In Ohio, visit the beaches of Lake Erie, the Hocking Hills State Park, or the Mohican State Park. In Michigan, explore the beaches of Lake Michigan, the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, or the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park.
Cultural Immersion
Ohio and Michigan have a rich cultural heritage, and there are plenty of ways to immerse yourself in it. In Ohio, visit the German Village in Columbus, the Little Italy neighborhood in Cleveland, or the Taft Museum of Art in Cincinnati. In Michigan, check out the African American Cultural and Historical Museum in Flint, the Polish Art Center in Hamtramck, or the Arab American National Museum in Dearborn.
Art and Music Scene
Ohio and Michigan have a thriving art and music scene, with plenty of galleries, museums, and festivals to explore. In Ohio, visit the Wexner Center for the Arts in Columbus, the Cleveland Museum of Art in Cleveland, or the Cincinnati Art Museum in Cincinnati. In Michigan, check out the Detroit Institute of Arts in Detroit, the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids, or the Ann Arbor Art Fair in Ann Arbor.
Walking Tours
If you love to explore on foot, Ohio and Michigan have plenty of walking tours to offer. In Ohio, take a walking tour of the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus, the historic district of Over-the-Rhine in Cincinnati, or the West Side Market in Cleveland. In Michigan, explore the architecture of downtown Detroit, the historic neighborhoods of Grand Rapids, or the campus of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.
Architectural Marvels
Ohio and Michigan are home to some of the most impressive buildings and structures in the country. In Ohio, visit the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus, the Terminal Tower in Cleveland, or the Cincinnati Music Hall in Cincinnati. In Michigan, check out the Guardian Building in Detroit, the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, or the Michigan State Capitol Building in Lansing.
Historical Sites
Ohio and Michigan have a long and storied history, and there are plenty of historical sites to discover. In Ohio, visit the Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield, the James A. Garfield National Historic Site in Mentor, or the Battle of Lake Erie Visitor Center in Perrysburg. In Michigan, check out the Fort Mackinac on Mackinac Island, the Michigan Historical Museum in Lansing, or the Henry Ford Estate in Dearborn.
Biking Routes
If you love to bike, Ohio and Michigan have plenty of scenic routes to explore. In Ohio, check out the Ohio to Erie Trail, the Little Miami Scenic Trail, or the Great Miami Riverway. In Michigan, explore the Kal-Haven Trail, the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail, or the Iron Ore Heritage Trail.
Wellness Retreats
If you’re looking for a wellness retreat, Ohio and Michigan have plenty of options. In Ohio, visit the Glenlaurel Inn and Cottages in Rockbridge, the Inn and Spa at Cedar Falls in Logan, or the French Lick Springs Resort in French Lick. In Michigan, check out the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa in Traverse City, the Crystal Mountain Resort and Spa in Thompsonville, or the Lakeview Lodge in Ludington.
Adventure Sports
Ohio and Michigan offer plenty of opportunities for adventure sports. In Ohio, try zip-lining at the Hocking Hills Canopy Tours, rock climbing at the Vertical Adventures in Columbus, or white-water rafting on the Ocoee River. In Michigan, go skiing at the Boyne Mountain Resort, snowmobiling in the Upper Peninsula, or kayaking on the Au Sable River.
With so much to see and do in Ohio and Michigan, you’ll never be bored. Use this comprehensive travel guide to plan your next adventure in these two amazing states.