Road Trip in Ohio

U.S. travel plans often include an Ohio road trip; with the state hosting such destinations as the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Great American Ball Park, how could they not?

Our guide can help jumpstart your road trip through the Buckeye State.

Driving in Ohio

Out-of-state drivers legally can drive in Ohio with a valid driver's license from their home state.

OH State Traffic Rules

As you make your way across Ohio, you'll need to make sure you follow all of the state's traffic laws. A good way to get familiar with the rules of road is by perusing through Ohio's driver handbook.

You'll find information on:

  • State traffic laws including speed limits, safety belts, and driving under the influence.
  • The meanings of signs, signals, and pavement markings.
  • How to handle traffic accident reporting.

You may also consider brushing up on the safety laws for the state, such as those pertaining to child car seats, cell phones, and more.

Free Ebook: Road Trips of America

Come along for the ride as we guide you through some of the best road trips in the country. Whether you’re a history buff, cultural connoisseur, or nature lover, we’ve covered all the sights and attractions in each state you won’t want to miss.

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Major OH Roads

Of course, road tripping Ohio would not be possible without the roads. Some of Ohio's major roads include Interstates (I) and U.S. Routes (US):

  • US-23
    • Travels north to south through Toledo, Marion, Columbus, Chillicothe, and Portsmouth. Connects to Michigan and Kentucky.
  • US-30
    • Bi-sects the state running east to west through Canton, Mansfield, Delphos, and Van Wert. Continues to Pennsylvania and Indiana.
  • US-50
    • Runs east to west across Southern Ohio through Cincinnati, Hillsboro, Chillicothe, and Coolville. Continues into West Virginia and Indiana.
  • I-270
    • Rings Columbus and its suburbs through South Columbus, Hilltop, Dublin, Worthington, and Gahanna.
  • I-480
    • Connects Cleveland's southern suburbs through Garfield Heights, Parma, and North Olmstead.
  • I-275
    • Rings Cincinnati on the east, north, and west through Grandview, Northgate, Springdale, Highpoint, Milford, and Summerside. Continues ringing the city through Kentucky on its south side.
  • I-70
    • Runs east to west through Brookside, Cambridge, Zanesville, Columbus, Springfield, and Dayton. Continues into West Virginia and Indiana.
  • I-71
    • Connects south to north through Cincinnati, Columbus, Akron, and Cleveland. Links to Kentucky.
  • I-75.
    • Runs north and south along the western side of Ohio, connecting Toledo, Findlay, Lima, Dayton, and Cincinnati. Continues to Michigan and Kentucky.
  • The Ohio Turnpike.
    • This toll road runs east and west along Northern Ohio through Youngstown, Cleveland, and Toledo. Signed alternately as I-76, I-80, and I-90. Links to Indiana and Pennsylvania.

Ohio Road Trip Destinations

Ohio is filled with destinations that make it a draw for tourists throughout the country.

From dining and entertainment to the great outdoors, there is no shortage of things to do while traveling through the state.

Some of the many Ohio attractions and destinations include:

  • Outdoors and Recreation:
    • Cedar Point Amusement Park.
      • Located in Sandusky, this park is regarded as the Roller Coaster Capital of the World.
    • Hocking Hills State Park.
      • Located in Logan, you can find a plethora of outdoor activities to keep your whole crew busy.
    • Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens.
      • One of the largest historic homes open to the public, this estate features lush gardens and classic buildings over acres of land.
    • The Wilds.
      • This safari park and conservation center is a great place to get up close with several animals.
  • Museums:
    • The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
      • Loaded with memorabilia from rock legends, this Cleveland museum is a must-visit for all rocking music lovers.
    • Cleveland Museum of Art.
      • Features rotating exhibits of some of the greatest modern and historic artwork.
    • Toledo Museum of Art.
      • This museum contains a massive collection of art in all of its forms, while also featuring rotating exhibits of contemporary and classic works.
    • National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.
      • Exhibiting historic and rare aircrafts, this museum, located in Dayton, is the official museum of the U.S. Air Force.
  • Dining, Shopping, and Entertainment:
    • Easton Town Center.
      • Columbus' hot spot for shoppers and diners.
    • Great American Ball Park.
      • Home of the Cincinnati Reds, this ballpark looks over the Ohio River and provides a great atmosphere to enjoy a ballgame.
    • The Ohio Theatre.
      • This historic theater hosts some of today's highly regarded acts in many forms of entertainment and art.
  • Lake Erie Shore.
    • A hot summer destination, Ohio's portion of the Lake Erie shoreline offers several resort towns for you to use when you need a break from the road.
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