Known as the "Heart of It All," Ohio is a state full of history and culture. From the beaches of the Lake Erie, to the hills along the Ohio River, it holds tales of the early Western migration. Visitors to the state can choose between top-rated amusement parks, nationally-ranked zoos, and world-class hiking. Tucked away in the northeastern part of the state is what is called Amish Country, home to hundreds of Amish families and farmsteads. Whatever adventure you are looking for, your charter bus can take you there.
Columbus, both the capital and largest city by population, is situated directly in the center of the state. Free tours of the Statehouse offer classical art fans close-ups of beautiful renditions of scenes from history. The Columbus Museum of Art just recently underwent reconstruction and is now in a brand new facility that harkens of modern architecture and design. Sports fans won't want to miss the Horseshoe, home to the Buckeyes. Musicals and ballets alike perform around the year in the Ohio Theatre, located directly across from the Statehouse. Families or couples alike will love a day spent at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, voted one of the top zoos in the country.
Just outside the city, Easton Town Center hosts a high-class outdoor shopping experience, complete with children's play fountain, movie theater, and a street-like appearance. Also within easy access is German Village, which is on the National Register of Historic Places due to it's large population of German immigrants in the mid-1800's. Tourists here can walk the streets and see beautifully designed homes from late the 1800's era. Bibliophiles will love the 32-room Book Loft bookstore, as well.
The next largest city, Cleveland, is no less entertaining and situated along the shoes of Lake Erie. A quick stop at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame acquaints music lovers and novices alike with pictures of former icons, relics of their time in the spotlight, and first-hand experiences with rock and roll. The Terminal Tower in downtown was the tallest structure in the state until 1991 and the fourth tallest in the country upon it's completion in 1930.
Lake View Cemetery is a beautiful plot of land featuring the Garfield Monument and the Rockefeller Memorial. The cemetery sits directly beside Cleveland's Little Italy, a grouping of streets filled with shops, restaurants, and bakeries all done in true Italian style. The Mall of Cleveland is a public space that is angled to provide excellent views of the lake and ample space for public events.
In nearby Akron, outdoor and garden enthusiasts will want to visit Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens, the nation's 6th largest historic home open to the public. The rest of the property rests on 70 acres of finely kept land, including four more historic buildings and eight gardens. For more of a hiking feel, visit Ohio's only national park. Cuyahoga Valley National Park is also just outside of Cleveland and is full of beautiful waterfalls and pleasant walks. In the more southern parts, Hocking Hills State Park has many hiking trails that wind you through caves, onto vistas, and by historic hide-outs.
The adventurers in your group will absolutely love Cedar Point, which has been dubbed the roller coaster capital of the world. Situated on a stretch of land surrounded by Lake Erie, this amusement park is home to eighteen different rollercoasters. Or you can choose to enjoy King's Island, the largest amusement and water park in the Midwest.
History buffs can enjoy trips to Holmes County, home to Amish Country. While there, take part in dandelion wine tastings at local wineries, hearty Amish food at one of the many restaurants, and lessons on the historical and present day life of the local Amish community. Nearby Sugarcreek is also notable due to it's Swiss heritage and feel and the world's largest cuckoo clock. Catch a ride or take in the view of the Cuyahoga River, the famous "river that caught fire," or drive down to the Great Serpent Mound, the world's largest serpentine effigy mound ever found.
If your group hasn't had enough of Ohio's great cities, take a trip to Cincinnati. Catch a baseball game, visit the zoo, or walk over the river to Kentucky and enjoy the Newport Aquarium. The city is full of amazing architecture, like the Pinecroft historic mansion, the Saint Peter in Chains Cathedral, and the Harriet Beecher Stowe House. The Cincinnati Music Hall is a grand building built in 1878 with private funds, and today is home to year-round entertainment.
Don't hesitate to schedule your bus rental today. Ohio is full of wonderful exhibits and family-friendly excursions. Let your creativity be your guide, and you'll be sure to have plenty of fun filled days.