The Top 14 Historical Sites in Ohio!

Ohio has been witness to some of the most important historical events and people in the country. Luckily, the Buckeye State has been vigilant about preserving and memorializing history whenever possible, so there are dozens of fascinating historical sites you can visit in Ohio today! Here are our 14 favorites. 

The Birthplace of Thomas Edison, Milan, OH

Tour the birthplace and museum of the man who invented the lightbulb, the phonograph, and more. Admission in $7 for adults, $6 for seniors, and $5 for kids. You can take guided half-hour tours and learn everything there is to know about Edison.

Fort Meigs State Memorial, Perrysburg, OH

Fort Meigs was the Ohio battlefield where the War of 1812 was fought. It withstood two sieges by British, Canadian, and Native American forces. Reenactments and an authentic environment are enough to take you back in time to experience life as it was in 1812.

Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial, Put-In-Bay, OH

Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial honors those who fought the Battle of Lake Erie in the War of 1812, and celebrates peace for Britain, Canada, and the United States. The memorial is located nearby several other historical sites, so you can visit here and stop over at the James A. Garfield National historic site or the River Raisin National Battlefield Park.

Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park, Dayton, OH

One of Ohio's biggest points of pride is being the birthplace of Wilbur and Orville Wright, who invented the airplane. The Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park honors their achievements in aviation and celebrates all the advancements that have taken place in the years since.

Hopewell Culture National Historical Park, Chillicothe, OH

Hopewell Culture National Historical Park is home to dozens of mysterious mounds and earthworks along the Scioto River. The mounds were discovered by settlers in the late 1700s and are believed to have been part of an ancient religious ceremony.

Great Serpent Mound, Peebles, OH

The Great Serpent Mound is the largest serpentine effigy mound in the world. It winds its way through trees on a cliff overlooking the Brush Creek valley. The serpentine mound is about 1,330 feet long and three feet tall. There are many theories as to its origin and meaning, but the true origin is lost to time.

Tomb of William Henry Harrison, North Bend, OH

The tomb of 9th president, William Henry Harrison is now home to a museum and monument to honor the American hero. President Harrison was laid to rest in the tomb in 1841, overlooking the winding Ohio river valley where he was born.

The Birthplace of Ulysses S. Grant, Point Pleasant, OH

Legendary Civil War General and two-term American President, Ulysses S. Grant was born right in small-town Point Pleasant, Ohio. Now you can visit the house where he was born and hear the story of his life and his rise to becoming an American legend.

USS Cod Submarine Memorial, Cleveland, OH

The USS Cod Submarine memorial honors the USS Cod SS-224 World War II Fleet Submarine and is a National Historic landmark. Take a tour of the sub and learn all about its epic and storied history!

Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens, Akron, OH

The Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens displays a remarkable 65-room Tudor Revival manor house, a Gothic Revival conservatory and a gate lodge, all offering tours frequently. The Hall and Gardens sit on about 70 acres of beautifully-landscaped area with immaculate gardens.  

SunWatch Indian Village/Archaeological Park, Dayton, OH

SunWatch is the original site of an 800-year-old Native American Indian village where you can learn about the history of the tribe and enjoy the outdoors. They offer events all year-round for adults, children, communities, and schools to help people get involved in education and preservation.

William Howard Taft National Historic Site, Cincinnati, OH

The William Howard Taft National Historic Site honors the American President and former Chief Justice in Taft's birthplace and childhood home. The house has been restored to its original condition and reflects life as it would have been for the Taft family during Taft's boyhood years.

Lanterman's Mill, Youngstown, OH

Lanterman's Mill is a historic landmark built in the mid-1840s and restored in the 1980s for the community. Observe the pioneer lifestyle as they grind grains into meal and flour, or browse the gift shop and find some authentic old-world flours, cornmeal, and souvenirs.

Carillon Historical Park, Dayton, OH

Carillon historical park showcases the industrial innovations of the region throughout the years and contains dozens of museum buildings and countless artifacts. The park is open year-round excluding major holidays, and charges $8 for adult admission, $5 per child, and $7 per senior.

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Find Historical Societies, Sites & Museums Near You
Find Historical Societies, Sites & Museums Near You
11 East Sandusky Street, Fredericktown, OH
The Village of Fredericktown, Knox County's largest village was platted in 1807 by John Kerr, operator of the first mill there. Lucas Sullivant, a ... Read More
157 East William Street, Delaware, OH
Built in 1878 for Thomas and Mina Slattery, grandparents of Dr. George Parker of Delaware, the residence was purchased by William Henry Nash and hi... Read More
3774 Orweiler Road, Mansfield, OH
About Us:The Ohio Bird Sanctuary is a 501(3) non-profit organization which is dedicated to the rehabilitation of Ohio's native birds of prey and so... Read More
221 East Broadway, Granville, OH
The nationally acclaimed Greek Revival house was built in 1842 by Alfred Avery, one of the founders of Granville Ohio. The house was added to over ... Read More
221 East Broadway, Granville, OH
Our History: The Avery-Downer House and Robbins Hunter Museum is a historic house museum furnished with 18th and 19th century decorative arts acqu... Read More
777 Evening Street, Worthington, OH
Mission: Change lives and make memories through creative arts experiences. Vision: The Peggy R. McConnell Arts Center of Worthington brings people ... Read More
169 East Church Street, Marion, OH
About Us: The Wyandot Popcorn Museum opened in early September of 1982, just prior to the 2nd annual Marion Popcorn Festival. Not only is it the o... Read More
44 West Fourth Street, Mansfield, OH
The Mission Statement:The mission of the Little Buckeye Children’s Museum is to create extraordinary learning experiences across the arts, sc... Read More
2355 Olentangy River Road, Columbus, OH
990 Proprietors Road, Worthington, OH
Mission Our mission simple: education and preservation. About Founded in 1948, The Ohio Railway Museum is one of the oldest railroad museums in ... Read More
169 West Church Street, Newark, OH
The Museum has been owned and operated by the Heisey Collectors of America, Inc. (HCA) since 1974. Located in Veterans Park in downtown Newark, Ohi... Read More
55 S. 1st Street, Newark, OH
About Us: The Works: Ohio Center for History, Art & Technology is dedicated to hands-on learning, creating and doing. Serving Central Ohio a... Read More
480 East Broad Street, Columbus, OH
Misson and Values: Community: Means we’re open to all and celebrate the rich diversity of our stakeholders – from staff, volunteers, a... Read More
586 East Town Street, Columbus, OH
A sense of place kept the Kelton family in their grand Victorian townhouse for nearly 125 years. That attachment laid the foundation for a museum t... Read More
1 Capitol Square, Columbus, OH
The Ohio Statehouse Museum Education Center offers exhibits that encourage visitors to participate in the state government process by making decisi... Read More
1665 West 5th Avenue, Columbus, OH
The Ohio Craft Museum is a program of Ohio Designer Craftsmen, presenting five major exhibitions each year, as well as focus exhibits and a rotatin... Read More
300 West Broad Street, Columbus, OH
About Us:We are more than a museum. We are the New Home of the Brave.There’s only one Museum in America that honors ALL our Veterans – ... Read More
4729 Walnut Road, Buckeye Lake, OH
The Greater Buckeye Lake Historical Society Museum, there have been over 17,000 visitors to the museum since our opening day in 1998. Come visit th... Read More
5075 South Hamilton Road, Groveport, OH
About Us:   Motts Military Museum was founded in 1987 by Warren E. Motts of Groveport, Ohio who established the museum as a 501 (C) 3 not fo... Read More
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