7 Best National Parks In Ohio You Should Know Before Going

Dec 27, 2021

Last Updated on: Sep 1, 2025

Travel Blog

Are you a nature lover? Then, Ohio is the best place for the travel enthusiast. Ohio has hundreds of natural cliffs, hiking trails, and camping parks. Further, all the federal parks in Ohio are irresistibly beautiful and are full of natural beauty. 

When you look at the map of Ohio, you will acquire knowledge about how many national parks are there in Ohio. The number of national parks in Ohio is eight.

Further, the national parks in Ohio are the best tourist spots for national and international travelers. They are also the most popular camping spots.

So, at Tour and Travel, we have decided to give you a brief idea about all the Ohio national parks. These places are great as budget-friendly tourist destinations and explore the nature and culture of Ohio at its best.

List Of All 8 National Parks In Ohio

If you are living nearby Ohio and still do not have ideas of camping in federal parks in Ohio. You have missed the beautiful view of nature. All the national parks in Ohio are becoming the best hanging-out spot for every adventure sports-loving person.

Here are the names of the seven most popular Ohio national and state parks.

1. Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Address: Ohio, USA

Hours Open: 24 Hours

Contact Number:  +1 440-717-3890

Fees: Free

Cuyahoga Valley National Park image

Cuyahoga Valley National park is one of the best national parks in Ohio. This national park lies between Cleveland and Akron. And it is situated along the Cuyahoga River. With the natural preserving beauty of the national park, the rich history of the place makes the park a unique tourist place.

This national park is carrying the history of 19th-century waterway Canal exploration. On the north side of the park, a canal exploration center is present to deliver historical impressions to the visitors. 

The Cuyahoga Valley railroad runs through the park, making the place more unique. This wildlife park is the home of amazing native wildlife and plants.

Where to get a national parks access pass in Ohio? You only have to Buy the American annual pass and enjoy the park. The annual pass system has a special discount for military professionals and children.

2. John Bryan State Park

Address: 3790 OH-370, Yellow Springs, OH 45387

Hours Open: One and a half hours before Sunrise to half an hour after Sunset

Contact Number:  +1 937-767-1274

Fees: Free

John Bryan State Park

John Bryan state park is an extensive 752-acre state national park in Ohio. You hear about the Miami River, and This large green park is just right below the yellow spring and the Clifton. This park is a prevalent clamp ground among the local people.

Apart from the beautiful scenic beauty, the long industrial history of the United States is adding more points. In the 19th century, industrial activity increased; therefore, water is no longer the economic source of water.

For this reason, many of the factories are getting abandoned. And no longer in use. But the Clifton mill, which was built in 1802. This mill is now becoming a popular visiting place among tourists.

3. Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park

Address: 12440 OH-282, Garrettsville, OH 44231

Hours Open: 7 AM to 7 PM

Contact Number:  +1 330-235-0030

Fees: Free

Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park image

This park is a 167-acre public recreation park. When you are near Nelson township, this place is the best hiking spot for you. The Ledge park is full of hiking trails and camping spots.

Beautiful waterfalls and native green plants are making this park look like heaven. This park is one of the best hiking spots for travelers as well as the national parks in Ohio. Nelson Kennedy ledges state park has a 3 miles long hiking trail. 

As the park is situated on the natural landscape. Many dangerous paths are present in the park, but the marked hiking trails are guiding the right path of hiking.

4. Mohican-Memorial State Forest

Address: 975 O D N R Mohican Road 51, Perrysville, OH 44864

Hours Open: 24 Hours

Contact Number: +1 419-938-6222

Fees:  Free

Mohican Memorial State Forest

Have you seen the movie The Last of The Mohican”? The natural beauty of the shooting spot is still getting most of the viewer’s attention. This state forest is situated in Ashland country, Ohio. This forest is quite popular among forest researchers.

This large 4525 area of forest area is carefully looked over by the Ohio Division Of Natural Resources. This is the third most popular tourist destination in the United States. The Clear Fork River and Pine’s major streams are the two major rivers of the park. 

The park’s best feature is 32 miles hiking, 22 miles bridle, 8 miles snowmobile, and 24-mile mountain biking trails.

5. Hueston Woods State Park

Address: 6301 Park Office Rd, College Corner, OH 45003

Hours Open: 24 Hours

Contact Number: +1 513-523-6347 

Fees: Free

Hueston Woods State Park image

This park lies in oxford city Ohio. The park belongs in the Butler and Pable country of Ohio city. It covers nearly 3000 acres of area and has 625 acres of a human-made lake.

The state was bought in 1941. Initially, it was a prison camp, and after 1957 the park was open to regular visitors. And now, this is one of the best national parks in Ohio.

This park has 12-mile long hiking trail and 19 miles of bridle trails along with 20 miles of mountain biking trails. The place’s camping facility is very organized, along with the hiking trails, golf course, and lodging facility.

Also Read: Best National Parks In Hawaii

6. Hocking Hills State Park

Address: Logan, OH 43138

Contact Number: +1 740-385-6842

Hours Open: 10 AM to 5 PM

Entry Fee: Free

Hocking Hills State Park image

Are you searching for any national parks near Columbus, Ohio? Hocking Hills State Park is a good choice for you. This park belongs in the hocking hills region. A big part of Hocking state forest belongs in the hocking hills state park.

This park has seven separate types of hiking areas, including different hiking trails. Cantwell Cliffs, Ash Cave, Conkle’s Hollow, Old Man’s Cave, Rock House, Cedar Falls, and a popular hiking route Hemlock Bridge Trail to Whispering Cave

Also Read: Best National Parks In Missouri

7. Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers

Address: 120 US-42, Wilberforce, OH 45384

Hours Open: 9 AM to 4:30 PM (Monday Closed)

Contact Number:  +1 937-352-6757

Fees: Entry Free

Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers image

Do you want to see a national monument in Ohio? Visit this park, and you can see monuments along with enjoying the beautiful natural view. Charles Young Buffalo is one of the historical figures in his first days of life. He was an escaped slave.

He was the first afro American soldier in the United States army. The house of the Buffalo soldier is one of the famous historical destinations among travelers.

This is one of the most popular iconic monuments in Wilberforce, Ohio. When you plan to visit the Ohio parks, do not forget to visit this monument because the American civil war history was attached to this monument.

8. Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park

Address: 16 S Williams St, Dayton, OH 45402

Contact Number: +1 937-225-7705

Hours Open: 9 AM to 4 PM (Monday Closed)

Entry Fee: Free

For all the literary enthusiasts and dark academia fans, Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park in Ohio is one of the best places to visit. It remembers Paul Laurence Dunbar, an eminent poet and author. 

The park also honors the aviation pioneers Orville and Wilbur Wright. A tour of this park will be a fulfilling and educational experience. Throughout the park, you will come across the following important spots:

  • Carillion Historical Park
  • Wright Cycle Shop
  • Huffman Prairie Flying Field
  • Paul Laurence Dunbar House
  • Wright-Dunbar Interpretive Center
  • Huffman Prairie Interpretive Center

You can even opt for a ranger-guided tour of this best national park in Ohio. The only disadvantage of the park is that it does not have a camping ground. So, you cannot stay here. 

However, you can always put up your tent in the private and public campgrounds near the park. So, check out the website of the Greene County Convention & Visitors Bureau to locate and reserve the campgrounds. 

Frequently Asked Questions On National Parks In Ohio (FAQs)

Q1: What is the newest state park in Ohio?

A: Jesse Owens state park is the newest state park in Ohio. it is named after a world-famous athlete. It was created in the year 2018 out of a coal mining land that was owned by American Electric Power. 

Q2: Which is the smallest state park in Ohio?

A: Oak Point state park is known to be the smallest one in Ohio. Measures at 1.5 acres, despite being the smallest state park, it still offers a wide range of facilities for boaters, sightseers, and picnickers. 

Q3: Are state parks free in Ohio?

A: Ohio is one of the few states in the country that do not charge general admission and parking fee at its 74 state parks. 

Wrapping It Up:

All the Ohio state parks camping is the most favorite for the fitness enthusiast. The collection of these places are the most popular tourist destination among local and international travelers. National parks in Ohio list quite a long list. But these seven parks and sites are the best places where you can enjoy the hiking trails and camping. 

If you are planning to visit Ohio parks for adventurous hiking, do not skip these popular parks. So what is your plan to visit? Do not forget to comment back to us.

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Abdul Aziz Mondol is a professional blogger who is having a colossal interest in writing blogs and other jones of calligraphies. In terms of his professional commitments, he loves to share content related to business, finance, technology, and the gaming niche.

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The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden is located at Independence Avenue South West & 7th Street South West, Washington, DC, 20560, and is open daily from 10 am to 5.30 pm. 6. National Museum Of The American Indian In this relatively recent addition to the National Mall, explore the richness of culture, language, history, tradition, and futures of indigenous peoples of the Americas. Visit the engaging, fun-filled imaginative Activity Centre (Tuesday–Sunday) for children ages 10 and under to learn the traditional cultural and scientific knowledge of many indigenous peoples. The National Native American Veterans Memorial, a stainless steel circle balanced on a carved stone drum with intricate symbolic carving, was inaugurated at the museum in November 2020 to honor and remember the Native American military veterans. Take a mouthful of some traditional food at the Mitsitam Native Foods Cafe, which offers Native American foods at five themed food stations. The museum offers a number of special events and programs, including performances, special guest lecturers, film festivals, and concerts, to share indigenous traditions with people of all ages in addition to permanent and temporary exhibitions. The National Museum of the American Indian is located at 4th Street South West, Washington, DC, 20560, and is open daily from 10 am to 5.30 pm. 7. National Museum Of African American History And Culture Visit the one and only national museum that was established in the autumn of 2016 and is dedicated to preserving and promoting African American life, art, history, and culture. With an exhibition area of 85,000 square feet (7,897 square km), it will take at least two hours to see everything. Discover African American cuisine at the Sweet Home Cafe with its four themed stations and occasionally offered "Chef's Tables" special meals, such as those for Black History Month. You need a free-timed admission pass. The National Museum of African American History and Culture is located at 1400 Constitution Avenue North West, Washington, DC, 20560, and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 8. National Museum Of Asian Art Visit the Freer Gallery to learn more about Asian art. The Sackler Gallery is home to ornamental and religious items. The Freer Gallery was the first Smithsonian institution designed purely to keep art. They collectively house about 45,000 items with a 6,000-year history. It includes some American artworks in the Freer Gallery. For example, the greatest collection of James McNeill Whistler's paintings in the world. Recent substantial improvements to the galleries have given the museum new energy and technology. Additionally, the museum presents a number of special events and programs, including workshops, performances, films, and guest lecturers. In Washington, DC, 20560, at 1050 Independence Avenue South West, lies the National Museum of Asian Art. 9. National Museum Of African Art Next on the list of free museums in DC is the National Museum of African Art. It was initially founded in 1964 and was bought by the Smithsonian in 1979. It collects and exhibits traditional as well as modern and contemporary art from Africa. A variety of media and issues are covered in the exhibitions, such as photography, portraiture, sculptures, film, and more on tradition, history, slavery in America, politics, and African cinema. They offer a variety of performances as well as notable speakers as part of their special programming. In Washington, DC, 20560, at 950 Independence Avenue South West, lies the National Museum of African Art. 10. National Archives Museum The three most significant historical documents in American history are kept there. There is also the museum and the National Archives and Records Administration. Discover more important documents that affected American history at the Rotunda's interactive Public Vaults permanent exhibit. It features the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. The David M. Rubenstein Gallery houses one of the four remaining original copies of the 1297 Magna Carta. It is the ongoing exhibition of the Record of Rights. There is also a 17-foot (nearly 5-m) touch screen on the national discussions surrounding subjects like citizenship and free speech. Additionally, the museum hosts a variety of passing exhibits. It includes a featured document display and the Boeing Learning Centre. Here visitors can check out white gloves and a magnifying glass to examine replica documents like an actual archivist. The National Archives Museum is located at 701 Constitution Avenue North West, Washington, DC, 20408. It is open daily from 10 am to 5.30 pm. 11. National Air And Space Museum Visit the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC, for a fun-filled free museum. Visit the renowned National Air and Space Museum to learn more about the power of flying and how it propelled humans off the planet. The Air and Space Museum, like many other museums, is undergoing renovations that will last until 2025, although eight new exhibits are already open. The Wright Brothers & the Invention of the Aerial Age explores the history and force of flight with a special emphasis on its creators. Discover how we reached the moon in 1969 and why and how we are returning in the new blockbuster-level exhibit Destination Moon. You must have a free timed admission pass, otherwise you can skip the queue. The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Centre, their secondary location, is located in Chantilly, Virginia, about 40 minutes from Washington, D.C. Here, you may learn about human spaceflight and World War II aviation while also seeing planes and a space shuttle. The National Air and Space Museum is located at 600 Independence Avenue, Washington, DC, 20560, and is open daily from 10 am to 5.30 pm. 12. National Zoo Bears, lions, and tigers, and so much more! Discover a variety of animal species from all over the world, as well as daily animal demonstrations and habitat displays. There are entrance passes that must be purchased in addition to paid parking passes in advance (if you decide to drive and park there). A few same-day passes will be available on-site, although it is advised to make a reservation in advance. Visit the Kids' Farm, the unusual Me and the Bee playground, and the seasonally open Squirt Zone if you're traveling with children. Kids will enjoy the Speedwell Conservation Carousel, but keep in mind that each ride costs $4. Two to three hours are suggested or anticipated for a trip to the zoo; be sure to wear shoes that are suitable for walking around in. You can bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks (no glass bottles), though they do have some food options on-site. The National Zoo is located at 3001 Connecticut Avenue North West, Washington, DC 20008, and is open daily from 8 am to 4 pm. 13. National Portrait Gallery Discover portraits of some of America's most prominent people in the visual, performing, and new media arts, including artists, politicians, scientists, innovators, activists, as well as entertainers. The museum is home to the only comprehensive collection of presidential portraits outside of the White House, which includes works by renowned artist Gilbert Stuart. For a customized visit with your group, schedule a tour five weeks in advance for ten or more people, or try your luck with the walk-up tours on Saturdays as well as Sundays at 12 and 2.30. The National Portrait Gallery is located at 8th Street North West & G Street North West, Washington, DC, 20001, and is open daily from 11.30 am to 7 pm. 14. American Art Museum Discover the country's first collection of American art. It is one of the most significant and comprehensive collections of American art in the world. It is also a unique world-class chronicle of the American experience. The museum has taken the lead in seeking out, gathering, and displaying exceptional as well as outstanding representations of American visual art culture. In addition to the conventional, expected kinds of art in a museum, there is photography, current folk and self-taught work. There are also frequently unsung cultural arts, such as African American and Latino, and even computer games. The museum has two locations. However, they are only a 25-minute walk apart. The Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM) is in the downtown cultural center. The Renwick Gallery, which specializes in craft and decorative art, is close to the White House. Check out the Experience America exhibition, which captures American culture in a variety of artistic mediums. There is also Janet Echelman's 1.8 Renwick, a commissioned colorful fiber and lighting piece dangling from the ceiling. Moreover, it highlights the relationships between people and the natural world across time. The SAAM site is open from 11:30 am to 7 pm, as well as the Renwick Gallery is open from 10 am to 5.30 pm. Both locations are open every day. While the Renwick Gallery is located at 1661 Pennsylvania Avenue North West #1 in Washington, DC, the SAAM is housed in the same building as the National Portrait Gallery at G Street North West & 8th Street North West. Read More: Understand More About The Vatican’s Museums 15. National Postal Museum Last but not least, on this list of the free museums in DC that you must visit is the National Postal Museum. Who knew using the mail could be so much fun? Learn about the practicalities of how your letter gets from your mailbox to its destination as well as what it's like to work for the postal service. You can also learn about the transportation used by the postal system. In this amazing stamp collection, you may engage with stamps in ways you never thought possible. Along with regular special programming including story times, art programmes, reading groups, talks, and even multilingual options like Hello, Museo for kids, daily tours are also offered. The National Postal Museum is located at 2 Massachusetts Avenue North East, Washington, DC 20002, and is open daily from 10 am to 5.30 pm. Bonus: Phillip's Musuem Nestled amidst the exquisite row houses of Dupont Circle, this modern art museum was founded in 1921 within a Georgian Revival mansion that had previously served as Duncan Phillips' family home. The location is a favorite among Washingtonians because it is both sophisticated and intimate. Impressionist and modern art are the main foci of the modern art museum, and it excels in both areas. Renoir's well-known "Luncheon of the Boating Party" and pieces by Georgia O'Keefe, Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh, and Richard Diebenkorn are among the highlights of the permanent collection. A single bench is surrounded by four of the abstract expressionist artist's paintings in a small but cozy Rothko Room. In celebration of the centennial of The Phillips Collection, visual artist Daniel Canogar created a digital piece that melds 550 pieces from the museum's collection into a captivating, swirling projection using an algorithm. Wrapping It Up! I hope that this guide has been of help to you in finding the best free museums in DC. Is there more that you want to know? Feel free to scroll down and leave your queries at the bottom of the page. And I will be there to answer them all for you! Read Also: Top 10 National Parks In Oregon That You Need To Explore Tips To Make Your Vacation In Gatlinburg More Enjoyable 6 Things To Know Before You Visit St. George