Best Ohio National Parks

Be sure to check out the Midwest Page for more ideas to visit while touring the Best Ohio National Parks! Additionally, I’ve listed all 8 of the Ohio National Park Service sites on the google map below.

*Last updated 1/19/2024

 

Best Ohio National Parks and Monuments

Technically, there is only one National Park in Ohio, Cuyahoga Valley National Park. However, the National Park Service doesn’t really differentiate between National Parks, National Historic Sites and Memorials, in which case Ohio has 8 total locations.

Table of Contents (listed by map location, not a ranking)

  1. Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial
  2. James A. Garfield National Historic Site
  3. Cuyahoga Valley National Park
  4. First Ladies National Historic Site
  5. Hopewell Culture National Historical Park
  6. Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument
  7. Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park
  8. William Howard Taft National Historic Site

1. Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial

Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial is a skyline fixture located on Bass Island’s Put-In-Bay. Additionally, it commemorates the Battle of Lake Erie over the British. Also, you can travel to the top for the surrounding views.

Put-In-Bay gets a reputation as a party and bachelor/bachelorette-party destination. However, while this is true during weekends in the summer months, the shoulder season (April/May and September/October) is much more relaxing. Additionally, you can get good rates on hotels and have the island largely to yourself.

2. James A. Garfield National Historic Site

The James A. Garfield National Historic Site represents the home and life of US president James Garfield. Additionally, it offers the opportunity to learn more about the life and times of this president.

3. Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Be sure to check out the 545 main page for Best Things to Do in Cuyahoga Valley National Park!

Cuyahoga Valley National Park is one of the nation’s most recently added and Ohio’s only national park. It documents the recovery of a once-polluted region, where the Cuyahoga River caught on fire over a dozen times. Additionally, it is a waterway home to numerous plants and wildlife. Also, Brandywine Falls and Ledges Trail are two of the more popular hikes in the park.

While the Cuyahoga Valley National Park may not be in the same class as the more recognizable national parks, like Yellowstone or Yosemite, it does offer a fun weekend getaway for those in the area. Additionally, be sure to book a ride on the historic, Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, which travels through the heart of this national park.

4. First Ladies National Historic Site

I have not yet visited First Ladies National Historic Site, which is located in Canton, just a few miles from the Pro Football Hall of Fame.  However, the site documents the life and role of presidential first ladies of the United States.

5. Hopewell Culture National Historic Park

The Hopewell Culture National Historic Park consists of scattered earthen mounds from the Hopewell society. Additionally, the Mound City Group Visitor Center has information on the location of the various mounds, as well as mounds directly outside of the visitor center.

Also, you can read more about the Hopewell Culture National Historic Park and nearby Serpent Mound at the Best Things to Do in Chillicothe page. However, although Serpent Mound is not part of the Hopewell group, it is the largest animal effigy mound in the world and well worth a visit.

6. Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument

The Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument documents the life and accomplishments of Charles Young. Also, it covers the history of the Buffalo Soldiers, all black US army regiments.

7. Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historic Park

The Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historic Park details the Wright Brothers and Paul Laurence Dunbar and the birthplace of aviation. Additionally, be sure to visit nearby Wright-Patterson Air Force Base to learn about all things aviation!

8. William Howard Taft National Historic Site

The William Howard Taft National Historic Site is located at the birthplace and childhood home of US president, William Howard Taft. Additionally, you can learn more about the life and history of Taft and others involved with the administration.

The Best Ohio National Parks

Finally, there is the list. Technically, while only one is a “national park”, all of them are run by the national park system. However, the NPS doesn’t create a distinction, so you shouldn’t discount the other historic sites and monuments either.