Best Small Towns in Ohio
The best small towns in Ohio are Put-in-Bay for Lake Erie island summers, Yellow Springs for Glen Helen and a college-town main street, Marietta for river history, Millersburg for Amish Country and Peninsula for Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Marietta was founded in 1788 as the first permanent U.S. settlement in the Northwest Territory. Here are 12 worth the trip, grouped by region.
- Best season: June–September on Lake Erie, October inland
- Regions: Lake Erie Shore, Northeast Ohio & Amish Country, Northwest Ohio, Central & Southwest Ohio, Southeast Ohio
- Closest big cities: Cleveland, Columbus, Toledo, Cincinnati, Dayton
| Town | Region | Best for | Nearest airport |
|---|---|---|---|
| Put-in-Bay | Lake Erie Shore | history, island day trips, golf-cart touring, wineries, summer nightlife | Cleveland (CLE), about 1 hr 15 min to the ferry |
| Yellow Springs | Central & Southwest Ohio | hiking, cycling, birding, families, art and indie film, day trips from Dayton | Dayton (DAY), about 35 min |
| Marietta | Southeast Ohio | American history, river cruises, historic architecture, ancient earthworks, weekend getaways | Parkersburg/Mid-Ohio Valley (PKB), about 15 min |
| Millersburg | Northeast Ohio & Amish Country | Amish culture, cycling, scenic drives, antiques, fall trips | Akron-Canton (CAK), about 1 hr 10 min |
| Peninsula | Northeast Ohio & Amish Country | hiking, cycling, scenic train rides, waterfalls, skiing, day trips from Cleveland and Akron | Cleveland (CLE), about 35 min |
| Granville | Central & Southwest Ohio | historic inns, architecture, college visits, biking, weekend getaways from Columbus | Columbus (CMH), about 35 min |
| Oberlin | Northeast Ohio & Amish Country | art, live music, history walks, architecture, day trips from Cleveland | Cleveland (CLE), about 30 min |
| Chillicothe | Southeast Ohio | ancient history, national parks, outdoor theater, hiking, road trips from Columbus | Columbus (CMH), about 1 hr |
| Tiffin | Northwest Ohio | glass collectors, museums, historic theaters, college visits, weekend drives from Toledo | Toledo (TOL), about 1 hr 15 min |
| Geneva-on-the-Lake | Lake Erie Shore | beach days, family summer trips, wineries, nostalgia, zip lining | Cleveland (CLE), about 1 hr 10 min |
| Archbold | Northwest Ohio | families, history, crafts, quilting, old-growth forest hikes | Detroit (DTW), about 1 hr 20 min |
| Vermilion | Lake Erie Shore | beach days, boating, history walks, festivals, easy Cleveland getaways | Cleveland (CLE), about 35 min |
Lake Erie Shore
1. Put-in-Bay
Put-in-Bay is a resort village on South Bass Island, reached by ferry from Catawba Island, Port Clinton and Sandusky. Perry's 352-foot memorial honors the 1813 Battle of Lake Erie, fought just offshore. Crystal Cave, Perry's Cave, a state park on the cliffs and a lively harbor fill out a summer day.
Pop. 154 (2020 Census) Ottawa County Founded 1877 (incorporated) Nearest airport: Cleveland (CLE), about 1 hr 15 min to the ferry Known for: Perry's Victory memorial, Battle of Lake Erie, Crystal Cave, island nightlife
- Best for: history, island day trips, golf-cart touring, wineries, summer nightlife
- Don't miss: Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial; Heineman's Winery and Crystal Cave; South Bass Island State Park
- Heads up: The memorial's observation deck is closed for a multi-year rehabilitation; check NPS alerts before you go.
2. Geneva-on-the-Lake
Geneva-on-the-Lake is a resort village of 916 on Lake Erie in Ashtabula County, billed as Ohio's First Summer Resort. Its mile-long Strip has arcades, Eddie's Grill and Allison's Mini Golf, open since 1924. Geneva State Park's beach and the Grand River Valley wineries are right next door.
Pop. 916 (2020 Census) Ashtabula County Nearest airport: Cleveland (CLE), about 1 hr 10 min Known for: Ohio's First Summer Resort, the Strip, Allison's 1924 mini golf, Geneva State Park, Grand River Valley wine country
- Best for: beach days, family summer trips, wineries, nostalgia, zip lining
- Don't miss: The Strip; Geneva State Park; Allison's Mini Golf
- Heads up: Most Strip businesses are seasonal and close after Labor Day; check hours before an off-season trip.
3. Vermilion
Vermilion is a Lake Erie city of 10,659 about 35 miles west of Cleveland, once known as the Village of Lake Captains. Main Street Beach and its replica 1877 lighthouse sit steps from downtown. River cruises, Mill Hollow's trails and the October Woollybear Festival round it out.
Pop. 10,659 (2020 Census) Erie County and Lorain County Founded 1837 (incorporated as a village) Nearest airport: Cleveland (CLE), about 35 min Known for: Main Street Beach and its replica lighthouse, Woollybear Festival, lake captains' homes, small-boat harbor
- Best for: beach days, boating, history walks, festivals, easy Cleveland getaways
- Don't miss: Main Street Beach and the Vermilion Lighthouse; Mystic Belle river cruise; Historic downtown and the captains' homes
- Heads up: The old Inland Seas Maritime Museum moved to Toledo; the Mystic Belle runs only Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Central & Southwest Ohio
4. Yellow Springs
Yellow Springs is a Greene County village of about 3,700, founded in 1825 and home to Antioch College. Glen Helen Nature Preserve, Clifton Gorge and John Bryan State Park form a 2,100-acre river corridor at its edge. The Little Miami Scenic Trail runs through a downtown of shops, galleries and the 1929 Little Art Theatre.
Pop. 3,697 (2020 Census) Greene County Founded 1825 (incorporated 1856) Nearest airport: Dayton (DAY), about 35 min Known for: Glen Helen Nature Preserve, Antioch College, Clifton Gorge, Young's Jersey Dairy
- Best for: hiking, cycling, birding, families, art and indie film, day trips from Dayton
- Don't miss: Glen Helen Nature Preserve; Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve; Young's Jersey Dairy
- Heads up: Glen Helen charges non-members for parking, and pets aren't allowed in Clifton Gorge.
5. Granville
Granville is a Licking County village of about 5,900 people in the Welsh Hills, home to Denison University. Its Broadway has the 1812 Buxton Inn, the 1924 Granville Inn and the free Robbins Hunter Museum. The T.J. Evans Trail and the Newark Earthworks are close by.
Pop. 5,946 (2020 Census) Licking County Founded 1805 Nearest airport: Columbus (CMH), about 35 min Known for: Denison University, the 1812 Buxton Inn and 1924 Granville Inn, Greek Revival architecture
- Best for: historic inns, architecture, college visits, biking, weekend getaways from Columbus
- Don't miss: Robbins Hunter Museum at the Avery-Downer House; The Buxton Inn; T.J. Evans Trail
- Heads up: Denison's big weekends fill the inns quickly; book early.
Southeast Ohio
6. Marietta
Marietta, the Washington County seat, was founded in 1788 as the first permanent U.S. settlement in the Northwest Territory. The founders built their cemetery around a 2,000-year-old burial mound to protect it. Today you can tour Campus Martius Museum, cruise the Ohio on a sternwheeler and walk historic Harmar Village.
Pop. 13,385 (2020 Census) Washington County Founded 1788 (incorporated 1800) Nearest airport: Parkersburg/Mid-Ohio Valley (PKB), about 15 min Known for: First settlement of the Northwest Territory, Mound Cemetery's Great Mound, sternwheelers, Marietta College
- Best for: American history, river cruises, historic architecture, ancient earthworks, weekend getaways
- Don't miss: Campus Martius Museum; Mound Cemetery and the Great Mound; Valley Gem Sternwheeler
- Heads up: The Ohio River Museum is closed while a new museum is built; check before you plan around it.
7. Chillicothe
Chillicothe is the Ross County seat on the Scioto River and was Ohio's first capital. Hopewell Culture National Historical Park's free mound sites are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Summer brings the Tecumseh! outdoor drama, and Adena Mansion overlooks the view on the state seal.
Pop. 22,059 (2020 Census) Ross County Founded 1796 Nearest airport: Columbus (CMH), about 1 hr Known for: Ohio's first capital, Hopewell earthworks World Heritage Site, Tecumseh! outdoor drama
- Best for: ancient history, national parks, outdoor theater, hiking, road trips from Columbus
- Don't miss: Hopewell Culture National Historical Park (Mound City Group); Tecumseh! Outdoor Drama; Adena Mansion & Gardens
- Heads up: The earthwork units are spread across Ross County; you'll need a car.
Northeast Ohio & Amish Country
8. Millersburg
Millersburg is the Holmes County seat, in the county with the highest concentration of Amish in the U.S. Its historic downtown has an 1847 hotel and a 28-room Victorian mansion museum. The Holmes County Trail, shared with horse-drawn buggies, starts here, and Berlin and Walnut Creek are a short drive away.
Pop. 3,151 (2020 Census) Holmes County Founded 1815 (laid out) Nearest airport: Akron-Canton (CAK), about 1 hr 10 min Known for: Holmes County seat, Ohio Amish Country, Victorian House Museum, Holmes County Trail
- Best for: Amish culture, cycling, scenic drives, antiques, fall trips
- Don't miss: Victorian House Museum; Holmes County Trail; Amish & Mennonite Heritage Center (Behalt)
- Heads up: Watch for horse-drawn buggies on roads and the trail; fall weekend rooms book up early.
9. Peninsula
Peninsula is a village of about 540 on the Cuyahoga River, right in the middle of Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The Towpath Trail and the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad both stop in town. Brandywine Falls, the Ledges and the Boston Mills/Brandywine ski areas are close by.
Pop. 536 (2020 Census) Summit County Founded 1818 (settled; platted 1837) Nearest airport: Cleveland (CLE), about 35 min Known for: Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, Towpath Trail, Brandywine Falls
- Best for: hiking, cycling, scenic train rides, waterfalls, skiing, day trips from Cleveland and Akron
- Don't miss: Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad; Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail; Brandywine Falls
- Heads up: Brandywine Falls parking fills 10am-4pm in good weather; roadside parking gets ticketed or towed.
10. Oberlin
Oberlin is a Lorain County college town of about 8,500 people southwest of Cleveland. The free Allen Memorial Art Museum and the Oberlin Conservatory's hundreds of yearly performances are the big draws. It was a key Underground Railroad stop, and the Heritage Center tells that story.
Pop. 8,555 (2020 Census) Lorain County Founded 1833 Nearest airport: Cleveland (CLE), about 30 min Known for: Oberlin College and Conservatory, free Allen Memorial Art Museum, Underground Railroad history
- Best for: art, live music, history walks, architecture, day trips from Cleveland
- Don't miss: Allen Memorial Art Museum; Oberlin Conservatory of Music; Oberlin Heritage Center
- Heads up: The Frank Lloyd Wright house opens one Sunday a month and needs advance registration.
Northwest Ohio
11. Tiffin
Tiffin is the Seneca County seat on the Sandusky River, home to Heidelberg and Tiffin universities. It was once a glass and porcelain center, and the Tiffin Glass Museum tells that story. The 1928 Ritz Theatre and the Seneca County Museum anchor a walkable downtown.
Pop. 17,953 (2020 Census) Seneca County Founded 1821 Nearest airport: Toledo (TOL), about 1 hr 15 min Known for: Tiffin glass, Heidelberg and Tiffin universities, the 1928 Ritz Theatre
- Best for: glass collectors, museums, historic theaters, college visits, weekend drives from Toledo
- Don't miss: Tiffin Glass Museum & Shoppe; The Ritz Theatre; Seneca County Museum
- Heads up: The glass museum and county museum open Wednesday through Saturday only.
12. Archbold
Archbold is a Fulton County village of 4,516 about 40 miles southwest of Toledo. It's home to Sauder Village, the living history museum furniture maker Erie Sauder opened in 1976, with an inn, campground and Barn Restaurant. Goll Woods' 400-year-old oaks are just outside town.
Pop. 4,516 (2020 Census) Fulton County Founded 1855 Nearest airport: Detroit (DTW), about 1 hr 20 min Known for: Sauder Village living history museum, Sauder Woodworking furniture, Goll Woods old-growth forest
- Best for: families, history, crafts, quilting, old-growth forest hikes
- Don't miss: Sauder Village Historic Village; Barn Restaurant and Doughbox Bakery; Goll Woods State Nature Preserve
- Heads up: Sauder's Historic Village is open only certain days and closes for winter; check hours before you go.
- June–August: Lake Erie season. Ferries run to Put-in-Bay, and Geneva-on-the-Lake and Vermilion fill up on weekends. Book island rooms early. Put-in-Bay is where Oliver Hazard Perry sailed out to win the Battle of Lake Erie in 1813.
- October: Fall color in Glen Helen, the Cuyahoga Valley and the hills around Millersburg and Marietta. Sauder Village in Archbold runs fall events most years on its 235 acres. Chillicothe’s Hopewell earthworks are good walking in cool weather.
- Winter and spring: Quiet on the lake, but Oberlin, Granville and Tiffin keep college-town calendars. Skiing at Boston Mills and Brandywine, near Peninsula, runs in winter. Oberlin’s Allen Memorial Art Museum holds more than 15,000 works.
What is the prettiest small town in Ohio?
Granville has Greek Revival buildings and the Buxton Inn, open since 1812. Marietta sits where the Muskingum meets the Ohio River. Yellow Springs backs onto the 700-acre Glen Helen preserve.
What small towns in Ohio are best for a weekend?
Put-in-Bay is the summer pick, reached by ferry. From Cleveland, pair Peninsula with Millersburg in Amish Country. From Columbus, pair Granville with Yellow Springs.
What is the smallest town in Ohio worth visiting?
Put-in-Bay had 154 residents in 2020 and a 352-foot War of 1812 memorial. Peninsula, with about 540 people, sits inside Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Geneva-on-the-Lake had 916 residents at the 2020 census.
What are the best small towns on Lake Erie in Ohio?
Put-in-Bay on South Bass Island is the classic. Vermilion is a harbor town west of Cleveland. Geneva-on-the-Lake is the old-school resort strip in Ashtabula County.