Ohio is the quintessential Midwest American state, where small towns cheer for high school sports teams and fathers take their kids hiking and fishing. A friendly outdoorsy spirit pervades Ohio, making this destination a pleasant surprise for travelers who enjoy a little sporting activity and outdoor recreation in their trip. Both Cincinnati and Cleveland have professional sports teams, and a handful of awesome amusement parks ensure family fun and excitement.
There is a wide range of natural terrain to work with in Ohio. Its northern border runs along Lake Erie, one of the Great Lakes, offering boating and fishing charters to go with its sandy beaches. The rest of the state is made up of rolling countryside dotted by small towns. The eastern side of Ohio is flanked by two mountain ranges and the impressive Wayne National Forest.
One of the first things visitors notice about Ohioans is that they absolutely love their sports. From little leagues to the big time, you can catch a local baseball or football game just about anywhere you go. In Columbus, Ohio State fans reign supreme, while in Cleveland the Browns, Indians, and Cavaliers play professional football, baseball, and basketball respectively. Over in Cincinnati they have the NFL Bengals football team and the Reds for pro baseball. Tickets are usually available for home games, especially if ordered early online from brokers like SeatGeeks.
State parks cover Ohio, offering visitors a hiking trail anywhere they go. There are some world-class long distance trails like the Buckeye Trail that runs for 1,435 miles, and award-winning state parks such as Hocking Hills that have dozens of shorter scenic walks. Many trails are multiuse, so expect to see mountain bikers and horses as well. Outfitters like Laurel Highlands Tours can guide you on overnighters or stay at a developed park resort like Mohican Adventures where everything is at your disposal.
There is an incredible range of fishing possibilities in Ohio. The great Lake Erie is home to walleye, perch, and other feisty species. Plenty of guides can take you out on the lake for the day, including Char-Tom Charters and Reel Fun Charters. Ohio’s rivers are also prime fishing territory, from fly fishing on the Mad River with Mad River Outfitters to catfish hunting on the mighty Ohio River.
Ohio is a marvelous state for biking. Whether you enjoy fast downhill single track through the Hocking Hills or long leisurely cruises along historic canal towpaths and restored railroad beds, this state has it all. Ohio Bikeways is a wealth of knowledge and guidance for any kind of biking excursion.
With more than 840 public and private golf courses scattered around the state, Ohio offers duffers plenty of choice wherever they travel. The gentle rolling terrain is ideal for fun challenging courses, and greens fees tend towards the affordable end. Several online resources such as Ohio Golf Guide provide valuable information when planning your golf outing.
For pure family fun, Ohio is home to several excellent amusement parks that are open during the warm months. Sandusky’s Cedar Point and Cincinnati’s Kings Island are the top two, featuring a world-class selection of rides, games, and activities. They don’t call Ohio the "Roller Coaster Capital of the World" for nothing.