The Architecture Lover’s Guide to Ohio
Cincinnati, perched along the Ohio River in the southwestern corner of the state, offers architecture lovers a fascinating blend of historic and modern styles, and nowhere is this mix more evident than in the Over-the-Rhine district. Just a short walk north of downtown Cincinnati, Over-the-Rhine boasts one of the largest collections of 19th-century Italianate architecture in the United States. Strolling through streets like Vine and Main, visitors can admire the intricate brickwork, ornate cornices, and tall, narrow windows that speak of Cincinnati’s rich German immigrant heritage. The neighborhood’s revival in recent decades has brought vibrant shops, breweries, and restaurants into these historic shells, making it ideal to explore on sunny afternoons or warm spring weekends when outdoor patios invite relaxation among the brick facades.
In northeast Ohio, about 15 minutes south of Cleveland, the Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens in Akron offers a grand example of early 20th-century Tudor Revival architecture. This estate, once home to the co-founder of Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, spans nearly 70 acres of meticulously landscaped gardens and forest trails. Touring the mansion reveals lavish interiors, handcrafted woodwork, and stained glass that reflect the Arts and Crafts movement’s emphasis on craftsmanship. The surrounding grounds, especially charming in fall when the leaves turn fiery reds and golds, provide a peaceful contrast to the house’s stately grandeur. Stan Hywet’s seamless integration of architecture and landscape design makes it a must-see for those interested in how architectural style extends beyond buildings to shape entire environments.
Columbus, the state capital situated in central Ohio, is home to the LeVeque Tower, an Art Deco skyscraper rising prominently in the city’s skyline. About a mile north of the Ohio Statehouse, this building was once the tallest in Ohio and remains an emblem of early 20th-century ambition. Visitors can appreciate its streamlined, vertical lines and decorative setbacks that embody the optimism of the 1920s. Though access to the upper floors is limited, the tower’s lobby and exterior detailing reward architectural enthusiasts with gleaming marble and intricate metalwork. Evening hours offer the best chance to see the LeVeque bathed in colorful lights, highlighting its geometric elegance against the dark sky.
Travel northeast from Columbus towards the small town of Marietta, near the Ohio River, and you’ll find the Harmar Historic District. About two hours southeast of Columbus, Harmar preserves a treasure trove of Federal and Greek Revival architecture dating back to the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Walking the quiet streets, visitors encounter well-preserved brick homes with symmetrical facades, elegant columns, and fanlights that echo the early days of the republic. The presence of the nearby Muskingum River locks adds a layer of industrial heritage, illustrating how architecture and infrastructure combined to support early American commerce. Late spring and early fall are perfect for wandering here, when the temperate weather invites leisurely exploration without the summer crowds.
In Toledo, located in northwest Ohio near the Michigan border, the Valentine Theatre stands as a beautifully restored example of Beaux-Arts architecture. About 30 minutes from downtown Toledo, the theater invites visitors to admire its ornate façade, featuring detailed sculptures and grand arches, along with a richly decorated interior boasting a vaulted ceiling and intricate plasterwork. Attending a performance or simply touring the venue showcases how early 20th-century theaters were designed as palaces for the arts, intended to inspire awe through architecture as much as entertainment. The theater’s historical ambiance feels especially alive during evening shows when the chandeliers glow warmly and the plush red seats fill with eager audiences.
Traveling eastward to the town of Yellow Springs, roughly 45 minutes west of Dayton, fans of mid-century modern design can visit the Glen Helen Nature Preserve and the associated Antioch College campus. The college features several buildings by architect Edward Larrabee Barnes, whose clean lines and thoughtful integration with the landscape reflect modernist principles. Walking through the campus, visitors find simple geometric forms and large glass windows that frame views of the surrounding woodlands, creating a harmonious balance between built space and nature. The preserve’s hiking trails, particularly the Glen Helen Gorge Trail, complement the architectural visit with natural beauty, best enjoyed in early autumn when the forest colors amplify the serene atmosphere.
Finally, in the southern town of Chillicothe, about an hour south of Columbus, the Ross County Courthouse rises as a grand example of Romanesque Revival architecture. This imposing building features rounded archways, massive stone walls, and a distinctive clock tower that dominates the downtown skyline. Inside, visitors can glimpse original woodwork and stained glass that highlight the craftsmanship of the late 19th century. Its significance is heightened by Chillicothe’s role as Ohio’s first capital, making this courthouse a tangible link to the state’s early governance and civic pride. The courthouse grounds, particularly vibrant during morning light, offer a compelling place to pause and reflect on how architecture conveys authority and history in small-town America.