Exploring Ohio by Train, Boat, or Hot Air Balloon
Just northeast of Cincinnati, the little town of Lebanon offers a charming gateway to Ohio’s rich railroad heritage. The Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad carries passengers along a scenic 5.5-mile stretch of track through Warren County’s rolling hills. This vintage train ride takes you past lush farmland and historic bridges, winding gently along the Little Miami River. The train itself, often pulled by restored steam or diesel engines, evokes a bygone era of travel and adventure. Visitors can enjoy themed excursions, like holiday rides or summer evening trips, making it a delightful way to step back in time while soaking up the peaceful countryside. Spring and fall are especially beautiful, when the foliage paints the landscape in vibrant colors.
A short drive north of Cleveland, along the shore of Lake Erie, Put-in-Bay on South Bass Island is a boat lover’s dream. Accessible by ferry from Catawba Island or Sandusky, this lively island village buzzes with maritime charm. At Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial, boaters and visitors gather to celebrate the site of the War of 1812 naval battle. Exploring the island by boat lets you discover hidden coves, sandy beaches, and the tranquil waters of Lake Erie’s western basin. Kayaking around Gibraltar Island, home to Ohio State University’s Stone Laboratory, offers a closer look at native wildlife and rare aquatic plants. Summer is prime time here, when warm weather invites sunbathers and sailors alike to enjoy the water and the island’s festive atmosphere.
In the heart of Ohio’s Amish country, just outside Berlin near Akron, the scenic Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a delight for both train enthusiasts and outdoor lovers. The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad runs through this lush valley, offering a slow, relaxing way to take in the park’s natural beauty. The railroad passes through dense forests, along the winding Cuyahoga River, and near the iconic Brandywine Falls, a 65-foot waterfall accessible via a short trail from the station in Peninsula. Hiking the Brandywine Gorge Trail, an easy one-mile loop, reveals stunning geology and rushing cascades. The mix of verdant greenery, historic sites, and wildlife sightings sets this experience apart, especially vibrant in fall when the park’s colors explode into red and gold.
Between Columbus and Dayton lies the picturesque town of Yellow Springs, a hub for arts and outdoor adventures. Here, you can drift peacefully over the region in a hot air balloon, offering a rare perspective on Ohio’s patchwork of farmland and rolling hills. Balloon rides launch from open fields near the John Bryan State Park, which itself is a gem for hiking and picnicking about 30 minutes west of Dayton. The park’s trails guide you along the Little Miami River gorge, with limestone bluffs and shaded woodlands creating a vivid contrast to the sky above. Mornings just after sunrise are ideal for ballooning, when winds are calm and the light bathes the landscape in soft gold, making the balloon ride an unforgettable aerial tour.
Further southwest, the Ohio River town of Marietta invites travelers to explore the waterway that shaped much of the region’s history. Historic Sternwheelers and riverboats dock here, such as those that cruise along the Ohio River, offering narrated tours that delve into the river’s role in trade and transportation. The Ohio River Museum, housed in a restored riverfront building, complements these journeys with exhibits on steamboat technology and river culture. From the boat deck, you can watch barges, kayaks, and fishing boats drift by while the sunset casts a warm glow over the historic downtown architecture. Summer evenings are perfect for riverboat cruises, when the air is warm and the river sparkles under the fading light.
Down in the northeastern corner near the Pennsylvania border, the Cuyahoga River itself offers a chance to paddle through urban wilderness in Cleveland’s Metroparks. The river, once heavily industrialized, has undergone a remarkable transformation, and the Towpath Trail running alongside it draws cyclists and runners for a 20-mile stretch. For boaters, the Flats district near downtown provides a lively waterfront scene where you can launch kayaks or take guided boat tours. These excursions highlight the blend of cityscape and nature, passing under historic bridges and past revitalized warehouses. Spring and early summer bring wildflowers and migratory birds, making this stretch a refreshing escape within a major city.
On the western edge of the state, near Dayton, you’ll find Huffman Prairie Flying Field, part of the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force complex. While technically centered on aviation history rather than scenic travel, this site marks where the Wright Brothers refined their early powered flights. Visitors can tour the historic field and imagine the first tentative flights that helped shape modern aviation. Balloonists and aerial enthusiasts often visit nearby parks like Englewood MetroPark to launch and watch flights, enjoying open vistas and gentle prevailing winds. Fall’s crisp, clear air provides excellent conditions for flying and adds a touch of nostalgia to any visit that honors Ohio’s pioneering spirit in the skies.