101 Cool Places And Things In Ohio (Part III 21-30)

Thank you to those who have returned to check out the third part of my very long list of Ohio attractions, you can skip the next paragraph! For those who missed the first two parts of my list,you should read the next paragraph. It explains what this list is all about. Thank you to you as well!

If you have been following me on instagram @krisofohio, you have seen my daily posts since the first day of spring. I have posted a month's worth of cool places and things in Ohio using #101CoolPlacesAndThingsInOhio. These posts have included Ohio attractions that have made World and National best lists, places off the beaten path and exceptional Ohio brands. I have 71 days of posts left to go. This is where I plan to slow it down. I have posted a good portion of my favorite places and things in Ohio, but now I need to do some more exploring. On this post you will find the third group of ten attractions from my list and I will be adding to my list throughout the rest of the year. Feel free to help me with suggestions to complete the list. Leave your favorite Ohio attractions in my comments and they may just make my list. To the Ohio tourist, whether you are visiting from out of state or a resident exploring your home state, there is so much to do in Ohio. Use my list to start your Ohio adventure. I have posted only places I have experienced and all photos are mine unless otherwise specified.

Happy Exploring!

Kris, 

21. Hartman Rock Garden
 1905 Russell Avenue
Springfield, OH 45506 

This is my favorite garden and one of my all time favorite places. After Ben Hartman was laid off during the Great Depression he created the rock garden using hundreds of thousands of stones. The folk art creation is opened 365 days of the year and is free to the public. Donations are always welcomed. The garden is the most beautiful from Memorial Day to Labor Day when flowers are at full bloom. Follow their facebook page to learn about volunteer opportunities like helping plant this year's flowers in the garden.

22. African Safari Wildlife Park
267 S Lightner Rd
 Port Clinton, OH 43452
419.732.3606

We have some interesting drive-thrus in Ohio. One of them is the drive-thru safari at African Safari Wildlife Park. You can feed animals like zebras, bison, camels and kudu all from the comfort of your car. It is a cool experience if you don't mind the car getting a little dirty or having animals literally sticking their heads into your car. Animal lovers will enjoy it, I know I did. You can also watch pigs race and interact with other animals and staff through educational shows.

 
23. Franklin Park Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
1777 E Broad St  
Columbus, Oh 43203 
 614.715.8000

We have more than a few attractions on best lists in Ohio and a handful of them are in Columbus. One of those places is Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. It was voted one of the best botanical gardens in the US by the Travel Channel along with botanical gardens in DC, New York and San Francisco. It features over 400 species of plant life and includes botanical environments such as a rainforest and desert. There are new exhibits quarterly but my favorite is the annual spring/summer exhibit, Blooms and Butterflies.

 


24. The Depot Rail Museum

921 Old Henderson Rd.

 Columbus, OH 43220 

 614.324.5945 

The museum is unknown to many because it is used mostly as an event venue. However, I am told that they will open for large tour groups if you call to make a reservation. I was given a private tour by a a friend of the owner a few years ago and fell in love with car 100. It was built in 1886 for the Ringling Bros. The rail car is gorgeous! It has cherry wood interior, antique Victorian style furniture and plenty of props and photos from the early circus life of the well known entertainment brand. The museum is a cool place to learn about rail road history or book your birthday party, wedding or work event.

25. Cedar Point
One Cedar Point Drive 
Sandusky, OH 44870

Most people who love roller coasters will tell you that their favorite amusement park is Cedar Point. It is another Ohio attraction ranked highly by the Travel Channel. It doesn't get any better than number 1. This place has the ability to turn adults into screaming children. It is a roller coaster enthusiast's dream, the Disney World for adults. New this year is the Rougarou, a floorless roller-coaster that dives down 137 feet and goes 60mph as your legs dangle. Opening weekend is just weeks away, May 9-10.

 
26. Ye Olde Mill (Home Of Velvet Ice Cream)
11324 Mount Vernon Road
 Utica, OH 43080
740.892.3921 

As you can tell, I love ice cream since this is my third ice cream feature. Velvet's Ye Old Mill makes the cut because they offer a full experience. They have been serving ice cream from this historic mill since the 70s. They provide free tours during the week. There is a small museum on site that covers the history of the mill from it's original use in 1817. There is also information about the history of ice cream and the Velvet brand from it's beginning in the early 1900s. They throw an annual Ice Cream Festival at the end of spring. This year's dates are 5/23-5/25.

27.Columbus Zoo & Aquarium
4850 Powell Rd
Powell, OH 43065
 614.645.3400

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium frequently makes the top ten list of zoos in America. It was voted number 1 zoo by The USA Travel Guide recently. It is also the headquarters of Jack Hanna. It is home to 10,000 animals and 575 species. The recently added Heart of Africa exhibit offers patrons a chance to feed giraffes, take a ride on a camel and watch cheetahs and lions.

28.COSI (Center of Science & Industry)
333 W. Broad St.
Columbus, OH 43215
614.228.2674

Another museum on a best list is COSI. It was ranked 10 of the top science museums by the Huffington Post. It is a great place to workout the brain with thought provoking and interactive exhibits.  I am excited that the planetarium is back! There are always new exhibits quarterly. I look forward to checking out 'Top Secret' a new spy inspired exhibit. There are also always cool movies showing in the National Geographic Giant Screen Theater.

29. Ohio State Buckeyes
 The Horseshoe 
411 Woody Hayes Drive 
Columbus, Ohio 43210



I don't need to say much about why the Ohio State Buckeyes made my list, so I will keep it short and sweet. History was made when the football team against all odds, won the first National Championship. They also have the best band in the land. This will be a hot ticket this coming football season.

30. The Honda Indy 200 At Mid Ohio
7721 Steam Corners Road
 Lexington, OH 44904

If you are a fan of car racing, this may interest you. In Lexington, Ohio, Honda hosts the annual Honda Indy 200 at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. This summer will be the 31st Verizon Indy Car Series. Past winners have been Andretti, Castroneves and Unser. Patrons can camp out on the grounds. If you get tired of watching the cars race, you can find activities at the Indy Car Fan Zone. Sponsors give away free items. There are autograph sessions and driver Q&As. The year I went, I missed my opportunity to meet Patrick Dempsey, race car driver and (McDreamy aka Dr. Derek Shepherd of Grey's Anatomy). I am still pouting.

Look for my next ten cool Ohio features, coming soon. Thank you again for checking out my list! Follow me on instagram to get daily Ohio posts about restaurants, wineries and breweries. You can also get the next features from my list before I post them to the blog. Look for me @krisofohio  or search the hashtag #101CoolPlacesAndThingsInOhio.

Be blessed! Be free! Be adventurous! 

Kris,