5 Great Day Trips from Columbus, Ohio

Located at the geographical center of Ohio, Columbus is a vibrant modern city. While there is always plenty to do within the city of Columbus, there are numerous fun day trips within a short distance. There are many natural wonders of the surrounding area, as well as historic sites and cultural activities for all ages to appreciate.

Here are five great day trips from Columbus, Ohio.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland, OH

Just two and a half hours up Highway 71 is the city of Cleveland. It is home to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame where anyone with an appreciation of music is sure to enjoy the various exhibits on display. There are numerous fun activities for children of all ages. Adults tickets run at $22 per person, while kids from 9-12 are $13 and under 8 get in free. Although the drive is rather lengthy the music history is unparalleled.

Ohio Caverns, West Liberty, OH

A little over an hour from Columbus are the Ohio Caverns, a series of immense limestone caves open to the public. The caverns are open daily year round with tickets for children costing only $8 dollars. There are a few different tours of the caves, one regular tour, and a historic one available for groups of 10 or more. Outside the caves, visitors can get the chance to mine for gems in an authentic setting.

Rockbridge State Nature Preserve, OH

One hours’ drive south of Columbus is the Rockbridge Nature Preserve. It is a wonderful place to hike year round. The winter months offer frozen waterfalls and untouched snow. In the summer the gorges are filled with water while the leaves change in the fall. The most interesting sight is the natural rock bridge which spans a portion of the trail.

Natural Bridge and Red River Gorge Geologic Area, Slate, KY

The Natural Bridge and Red River Gorge Area is a four hour drive from Columbus. Though the distance seems far, the drive is worthwhile. A part of the Daniel Boone National Forest, the wilderness is spectacular and the miles of hiking trails around the region reveal many natural wonders. The area is dotted with jagged cliffs and natural bridges.

Fort Ancient State Memorial, Lebanon, OH

One and one half hours southwest of Columbus, Fort Ancient is a collection of Native American earthworks. Built over a period of 400 years, the Earthworks are comprised of 3.5 miles of walls that are made of over a half million cubic yards of soil. There is a museum on the premises that covers the 1500 years of Native American history in the region.

Source: Stefanie Hauck, Great Ohio Day Trips, Columbus Parent.com


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