The Cedar Point Amusement Park in Sandusky is a great place for roller coaster enthusiasts. Nicknamed the "Roller Coaster Capital Capital of the World," Cedar Point has an astounding 17 roller coasters. It's a quick drive from Cleveland, and also has an exciting water park attached for those who want to beat the Ohio heat. If you're down closer to the central Ohio area, visit the Mid-Ohio Driving School in Mansfield. Not only will you get a chance to drive a high performance race car, but there also are Indy and Nascar races held at various times during the year.
Closer to the southern end of the state in Mason is another large amusement park, Kings Island. This park boasts 15 roller coasters along with three water rides and many more attractions. It also contains a replica of the Eiffel Tower located on its infamous International Street, which features several shops and shows.
Surfing in Ohio? The changing season from fall to winter brings large waves to Lake Erie. Put your wetsuit on and head to Cleveland's shores to surf or kayak. Edgewater State Park is a popular place around the Cleveland area. After drying off, head over to Cleveland to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The museum showcases such famous musicians as Mick Jagger, Bob Dylan and the Beach Boys.
Ohio also offers a chance to put on your diving gear and go below the waters. Scuba diving at the Twin Quarries near Circleville is a great place to view sunken remains, including planes and buses, as well as jellyfish during the summer months.
Like most of the Midwest, Ohio loves its sports. Visit Canton, Ohio, just south of Akron, to stop in at the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame showcases all players from the NFL who have been inducted. Admission rates are $18 for adults.
Near the center of the state in Columbus is one of the nation's largest public universities, Ohio State University. Watching a Buckeye football game in the fall is a must. The giant Ohio Stadium has capacity for more than 100,000 screaming fans
Ohio also is home to two professional football teams, the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns, as well as two major league baseball teams, the Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Indians. It also has a professional basketball team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, and a professional hockey team, the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Visiting Indian Lake near Lima is a must during the summer months in western Ohio. Treat yourself to your own private island for an ultimate, mid-west relaxation. Renting a beach house on Oak Island would be the perfect destination for a family reunion or wedding.
Located just 12 miles off Ohio's coast near Toledo and across Sandusky Bay is Kelleys Island. The island offers a bit of everything, no matter what your budget. It is home to the famous glacial grooves, there is swimming on the north side, and is an active area for bird watching. For those looking for a little more luxury, stay at the Kelleys Island Venture Resort where views abound and each suite has its own private patio.
The city of Cincinnati, along the southern end of the state, sits on the Ohio River, which separates Ohio and Kentucky. Take a riverboat trip and view the spectacular Cincinnati skyline. There are several riverboat companies to choose from offering anything from short day trips to night dinner cruises.
