Here in Ohio, sometimes you have to drive for a few hours to find a hidden gem, but that’s perfectly fine – in fact, we welcome the chance for a drive! From incredible local markets you’ll spend hours exploring to enchanted castles hiding in the forest, the following are our picks for the best hidden places in Ohio.
- HideAway Country Inn (Bucyrus)
staarkidd/Trip Advisor One of the state’s most unique inns is tucked away in the small town of Bucyrus. HideAway Country Inn features 12 themed rooms and suites that are downright picture-perfect. From an elaborate Louis XIV suite to a beautiful Out of Africa room, there’s something for everyone here. For booking, more photos, and everything else, visit the website.
Address: 1601 State Route 4, Bucyrus, Ohio, 44820
- End of the Commons General Store (Mesopotamia)
Jack Pearce/Flickr Ohio’s oldest general store appropriately sits in the heart of Amish country. You’ll find this truly charming general store at the center of Mesopotamia Township, the fourth-largest Amish settlement in the country, and the second largest settlement in Ohio. End of the Commons General Store has been in operation since the 1840s. Visit the official website for the most up-to-date hours and photos.
Address: 4366 Kinsman Road, Mesopotamia, Ohio, 44439
- Ravenwood Castle (New Plymouth)
Ravenwood Castle If you’ve ever longed for a truly medieval experience (complete with many of the comforts of home), you’ll definitely want to check out Ravenwood Castle. This lovely little medieval structure is tucked away in the scenic Hocking Hills in New Plymouth. You can choose to stay in a castle room, or a Medieval Village Cottage. You can even camp in a nomads’ wagon, or stay in a cabin in the Huntsman’s Hollow out back. Visit the website for booking, more pictures, and more.
Address: 65666 Bethel Road, New Plymouth, Ohio, 45654
- Malabar Farm (Lucas)
636jeff/Trip Advisor If you live in Ohio and have yet to visit Malabar Farm State Park, you’re truly missing out. Nestled in the hills of Pleasant Valley in Lucas, Ohio is a picture perfect farm with an unbelievably nice restaurant. It’s beloved by locals and a hidden gem to Ohioans who don’t live in the area. Visit the official website for the most up-to-date information to plan your trip.
Address: 3645 Pleasant Valley Road, Lucas, Ohio, 44843
- Hocking Hills Market (Rockbridge)
Hocking Hills Market/Facebook Open all year ‘round is the Hocking Hills Market in Rockbridge. It’s open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from sunrise until 5 p.m., where you can hunt for unique indoor and outdoor treasures. Check out the official website for vendors, more pictures, and more.
Address: 26792 US Highway 33, Rockbridge, Ohio, 43149
- Stockport Mill Inn (Stockport)
Stockport Mill Inn The last remaining mill on the Muskingum River is now a one-of-a-kind overnight getaway and restaurant. Today it is still powered by hydroelectricity, and the mill itself has been in operation since 1842. Visit the website for booking and more information.
Address: 1995 Broadway Street, Stockport, Ohio, 43787
- Idle-Hour Ranch (Troy)
Idle-Hour Ranch/Facebook If you’re looking for a fun place to take the whole family this summer, then you should consider visiting one of Ohio’s best, little-known attractions. Idle-Hour Ranch in Troy, Ohio, offers visitors a truly unique experience with animals you wouldn’t really expect to find in Ohio. From camels to elephants, you never know what you’ll encounter at this family owned and operated ranch. For tickets and more information, be sure to visit the Idle-Hour Ranch website.
Address: 4845 West Fenner Road, Troy, Ohio, 45373
- Landoll’s Mohican Castle (Loudonville)
Landoll’s Mohican Castle/Facebook Landoll’s Mohican Castle is one of those pleasantly unexpected places, and when you set foot onto its grounds, you’ll feel like you’ve stumbled across an enchanted Ohio secret. Located in Loudonville, this lovely little luxury getaway features gorgeous suites, murder-mystery dinners, and other amenities sure to make you feel like the ruler of this whimsical castle in the middle of the forest. Book your getaway at the official website.
Address: 561 Township Road 3352, Loudonville, Ohio, 44842
- Lehman’s Hardware (Kidron)
Ellen Macdonald/Flickr This unique store in Ohio Amish country specializes in antique-style appliances, retro home furnishings, non-electric kitchenware, old-timey toys, and a lot more items that will take you back to yesteryear. Visit the online store for more information, including store hours.
Address: 4779 Kidron Road, Kidron, Ohio, 44618
- Hershberger’s Farm and Bakery (Millersburg)
Hershbergers Farm & Bakery/Facebook This lovely Millersburg farm and bakery is the perfect day trip destination or stop when you’re exploring Ohio’s Amish country. The heartwarming setting itself is enough to make you stop and stay awhile, but it’s the goodies inside that make it really worth the trip. Protip: the fry pies and the cinnamon rolls are simply irresistible. It does have a website for those seeking more info.
Address: 5452 State Route 557, Millersburg, Ohio 44654
- Clifton Mill (Clifton)
Alexander West/Flickr One of the largest water powered grist mills still in existence, Clifton Mill is fueled by the Little Miami River. This historic site of Clifton Mill features a vintage mill, a covered bridge, a 1940s-era gas station and a quaint American restaurant. The official website is helpful for planning one’s trip.
Address: 75 Water Street., Clifton, Ohio, 45316
- Glenlaurel Inn and Cottages (Rockbridge)
Glenlaurel Inn & Cottages/Facebook This lovely little romantic getaway features Scottish-themed decor, private decks with hot tubs, and gourmet breakfasts and dinners with bagpipe entertainment. Glenlaurel Inn and Cottages doesn’t allow children or pets, so it’s extra quiet. Book your stay on the website.
Address: 14940 Mount Olive Road, Rockbridge, Ohio, 43149
Have you been to any of these places before? What other hidden places in Ohio should be added to this list? Let us know! Hoping to go glamping in Ohio? Check out our picks for the best Ohio glampsites.
staarkidd/Trip Advisor
One of the state’s most unique inns is tucked away in the small town of Bucyrus. HideAway Country Inn features 12 themed rooms and suites that are downright picture-perfect. From an elaborate Louis XIV suite to a beautiful Out of Africa room, there’s something for everyone here. For booking, more photos, and everything else, visit the website.
Address: 1601 State Route 4, Bucyrus, Ohio, 44820
Jack Pearce/Flickr
Ohio’s oldest general store appropriately sits in the heart of Amish country. You’ll find this truly charming general store at the center of Mesopotamia Township, the fourth-largest Amish settlement in the country, and the second largest settlement in Ohio. End of the Commons General Store has been in operation since the 1840s. Visit the official website for the most up-to-date hours and photos.
Address: 4366 Kinsman Road, Mesopotamia, Ohio, 44439
Ravenwood Castle
If you’ve ever longed for a truly medieval experience (complete with many of the comforts of home), you’ll definitely want to check out Ravenwood Castle. This lovely little medieval structure is tucked away in the scenic Hocking Hills in New Plymouth. You can choose to stay in a castle room, or a Medieval Village Cottage. You can even camp in a nomads’ wagon, or stay in a cabin in the Huntsman’s Hollow out back. Visit the website for booking, more pictures, and more.
Address: 65666 Bethel Road, New Plymouth, Ohio, 45654
636jeff/Trip Advisor
If you live in Ohio and have yet to visit Malabar Farm State Park, you’re truly missing out. Nestled in the hills of Pleasant Valley in Lucas, Ohio is a picture perfect farm with an unbelievably nice restaurant. It’s beloved by locals and a hidden gem to Ohioans who don’t live in the area. Visit the official website for the most up-to-date information to plan your trip.
Address: 3645 Pleasant Valley Road, Lucas, Ohio, 44843
Hocking Hills Market/Facebook
Open all year ‘round is the Hocking Hills Market in Rockbridge. It’s open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from sunrise until 5 p.m., where you can hunt for unique indoor and outdoor treasures. Check out the official website for vendors, more pictures, and more.
Address: 26792 US Highway 33, Rockbridge, Ohio, 43149
Stockport Mill Inn
The last remaining mill on the Muskingum River is now a one-of-a-kind overnight getaway and restaurant. Today it is still powered by hydroelectricity, and the mill itself has been in operation since 1842. Visit the website for booking and more information.
Address: 1995 Broadway Street, Stockport, Ohio, 43787
Idle-Hour Ranch/Facebook
If you’re looking for a fun place to take the whole family this summer, then you should consider visiting one of Ohio’s best, little-known attractions. Idle-Hour Ranch in Troy, Ohio, offers visitors a truly unique experience with animals you wouldn’t really expect to find in Ohio. From camels to elephants, you never know what you’ll encounter at this family owned and operated ranch. For tickets and more information, be sure to visit the Idle-Hour Ranch website.
Address: 4845 West Fenner Road, Troy, Ohio, 45373
Landoll’s Mohican Castle/Facebook
Landoll’s Mohican Castle is one of those pleasantly unexpected places, and when you set foot onto its grounds, you’ll feel like you’ve stumbled across an enchanted Ohio secret. Located in Loudonville, this lovely little luxury getaway features gorgeous suites, murder-mystery dinners, and other amenities sure to make you feel like the ruler of this whimsical castle in the middle of the forest. Book your getaway at the official website.
Address: 561 Township Road 3352, Loudonville, Ohio, 44842
Ellen Macdonald/Flickr
This unique store in Ohio Amish country specializes in antique-style appliances, retro home furnishings, non-electric kitchenware, old-timey toys, and a lot more items that will take you back to yesteryear. Visit the online store for more information, including store hours.
Address: 4779 Kidron Road, Kidron, Ohio, 44618
Hershbergers Farm & Bakery/Facebook
This lovely Millersburg farm and bakery is the perfect day trip destination or stop when you’re exploring Ohio’s Amish country. The heartwarming setting itself is enough to make you stop and stay awhile, but it’s the goodies inside that make it really worth the trip. Protip: the fry pies and the cinnamon rolls are simply irresistible. It does have a website for those seeking more info.
Address: 5452 State Route 557, Millersburg, Ohio 44654
Alexander West/Flickr
One of the largest water powered grist mills still in existence, Clifton Mill is fueled by the Little Miami River. This historic site of Clifton Mill features a vintage mill, a covered bridge, a 1940s-era gas station and a quaint American restaurant. The official website is helpful for planning one’s trip.
Address: 75 Water Street., Clifton, Ohio, 45316
Glenlaurel Inn & Cottages/Facebook
This lovely little romantic getaway features Scottish-themed decor, private decks with hot tubs, and gourmet breakfasts and dinners with bagpipe entertainment. Glenlaurel Inn and Cottages doesn’t allow children or pets, so it’s extra quiet. Book your stay on the website.
Address: 14940 Mount Olive Road, Rockbridge, Ohio, 43149
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: 1601 OH-4, Bucyrus, OH 44820, USAAddress: 4366 Kinsman Rd, Middlefield, OH 44062, USAAddress: 65666 Bethel Rd, New Plymouth, OH 45654, USAAddress: 3645 Pleasant Valley Rd, Lucas, OH 44843, USAAddress: 26792 US-33, Rockbridge, OH 43149, USAAddress: 1995 Broadway St, Stockport, OH 43787, USAAddress: 4845 Fenner Rd, Troy, OH 45373, USAAddress: 561 Twp Rd 3352, Loudonville, OH 44842, USAAddress: 4779 Kidron Rd, Dalton, OH 44618, USAAddress: 5452 OH-557, Millersburg, OH 44654, USAAddress: 75 Water St, Clifton, OH 45316, USAAddress: 14940 Mt Olive Rd, Rockbridge, OH 43149, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Hidden Places in Ohio May 12, 2021 Tori Jane What are some of the most interesting road trips in Ohio? Well, that depends - what are your interests? Ohio has, believe it or not, a bunch of different options for fun road trips, so, depending on what you’re into, you’ll probably find something to do to kill a whole day (or weekend). Some of our very favorite Ohio road trips include such epic adventures as the Ohio waterfalls trip, the coastal Ohio lighthouses galore trip, and even an abandoned urban explorer’s dream trip. You can find these, as well as maps for them and many others, in this inspiring article. Get in the car and start driving! You’ve got places in Ohio to see! Where can I find secret Ohio gems? Ohio is a state with plenty of weird and wonderful to go around. You can find all kinds of strange and unusual places here to satisfy your adventurous tooth; from drunken cave tours (seriously) to abandoned subways, you’re sure to find something interesting anywhere you turn. Some of our favorite secret Ohio gems include the abandoned Cincinnati Subway, which is always fun to explore, the supposedly haunted Moonville Tunnel, and, of course, the Lucky Cat Museum. There are also fun, offbeat attractions to check out like Cinci Mushroom House, Cornhenge, and even a few haunted cemeteries from days of old. Ohio is also home to several interesting and unique castles, all of which makes for an offbeat afternoon filled with amusement. Where are the best secret places in Ohio? Well, “best” is certainly subjective; however, if you know where to look, you’re sure to find unusual and secret spots to bring friends to or just to explore on your own. Such offbeat attractions include the haunted Sidaway Bridge, whose spooky remains in Cleveland are a testament to darker days of history, the Temple of Tolerance, in Wapakoneta, and for those who really like the weird, there’s always the Secret Chamber House of Oddities in Fairborn. Rock and mineral geeks will love the Langsdon Mineral Collection in Celina, and in Newark, you can find a building built to look like a giant basket just kind of hanging out on the side of the road.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Hidden Places in Ohio
May 12, 2021
Tori Jane
What are some of the most interesting road trips in Ohio? Well, that depends - what are your interests? Ohio has, believe it or not, a bunch of different options for fun road trips, so, depending on what you’re into, you’ll probably find something to do to kill a whole day (or weekend). Some of our very favorite Ohio road trips include such epic adventures as the Ohio waterfalls trip, the coastal Ohio lighthouses galore trip, and even an abandoned urban explorer’s dream trip. You can find these, as well as maps for them and many others, in this inspiring article. Get in the car and start driving! You’ve got places in Ohio to see! Where can I find secret Ohio gems? Ohio is a state with plenty of weird and wonderful to go around. You can find all kinds of strange and unusual places here to satisfy your adventurous tooth; from drunken cave tours (seriously) to abandoned subways, you’re sure to find something interesting anywhere you turn. Some of our favorite secret Ohio gems include the abandoned Cincinnati Subway, which is always fun to explore, the supposedly haunted Moonville Tunnel, and, of course, the Lucky Cat Museum. There are also fun, offbeat attractions to check out like Cinci Mushroom House, Cornhenge, and even a few haunted cemeteries from days of old. Ohio is also home to several interesting and unique castles, all of which makes for an offbeat afternoon filled with amusement. Where are the best secret places in Ohio? Well, “best” is certainly subjective; however, if you know where to look, you’re sure to find unusual and secret spots to bring friends to or just to explore on your own. Such offbeat attractions include the haunted Sidaway Bridge, whose spooky remains in Cleveland are a testament to darker days of history, the Temple of Tolerance, in Wapakoneta, and for those who really like the weird, there’s always the Secret Chamber House of Oddities in Fairborn. Rock and mineral geeks will love the Langsdon Mineral Collection in Celina, and in Newark, you can find a building built to look like a giant basket just kind of hanging out on the side of the road.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Well, that depends - what are your interests? Ohio has, believe it or not, a bunch of different options for fun road trips, so, depending on what you’re into, you’ll probably find something to do to kill a whole day (or weekend). Some of our very favorite Ohio road trips include such epic adventures as the Ohio waterfalls trip, the coastal Ohio lighthouses galore trip, and even an abandoned urban explorer’s dream trip. You can find these, as well as maps for them and many others, in this inspiring article. Get in the car and start driving! You’ve got places in Ohio to see!
Where can I find secret Ohio gems?
Ohio is a state with plenty of weird and wonderful to go around. You can find all kinds of strange and unusual places here to satisfy your adventurous tooth; from drunken cave tours (seriously) to abandoned subways, you’re sure to find something interesting anywhere you turn. Some of our favorite secret Ohio gems include the abandoned Cincinnati Subway, which is always fun to explore, the supposedly haunted Moonville Tunnel, and, of course, the Lucky Cat Museum. There are also fun, offbeat attractions to check out like Cinci Mushroom House, Cornhenge, and even a few haunted cemeteries from days of old. Ohio is also home to several interesting and unique castles, all of which makes for an offbeat afternoon filled with amusement.
Where are the best secret places in Ohio?
Well, “best” is certainly subjective; however, if you know where to look, you’re sure to find unusual and secret spots to bring friends to or just to explore on your own. Such offbeat attractions include the haunted Sidaway Bridge, whose spooky remains in Cleveland are a testament to darker days of history, the Temple of Tolerance, in Wapakoneta, and for those who really like the weird, there’s always the Secret Chamber House of Oddities in Fairborn. Rock and mineral geeks will love the Langsdon Mineral Collection in Celina, and in Newark, you can find a building built to look like a giant basket just kind of hanging out on the side of the road.
