Ohio has 10 Units that fall into the National Park Services list of site. The sites include one National Park, several National Monuments and Historic Sites, and a couple National Trails.
Read Along to Explore ALL the National Parks in Ohio.
National Parks
National Parks are the crown jewel of the National Park system and 63 of units fall into this category. Ohio has one national park among the units within the state.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Established in 1974, Cuyahoga Valley National Park preserves land and rural landscape along the Cuyahoga River between Cleveland and Akron. The park maintains over 32,000 acres however there are several state, country, as well as private land that falls within the boundaries. There are actually quite a few shops and a farmers market visitors to the park can also visit while in Cuyahoga. A scenic train also winds its way through the park that visitors can take to enjoy and view various areas of the National Park.
Other National Park Units
Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument
Established in 1974, the Charles Young National Monument commemorates the life of Charles Young, who overcame impossible odds to rise through the ranks to become one of the most respected soldiers in the military. The site is the preserved family home of the Young family in Ohio. Even after retirement his service was regularly called on to train soldiers or perform duties overseas.
Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historic Park
The Dayton Aviation Heritage Park protects and manages areas related to the early days of flight in Ohio. Established in 1992, the park contains houses, stores, and fields related to the Wright Brothers’ and their early experiments in manned flight. The park includes one of the original Wright Brothers’ bicycle shops as well as a field now within Wright-Patterson AFB that was used for flight experiments in the Dayton Area.
First Ladies National Historic Site
Established in 2000, the First Ladies National Historic Site consists of two sites that track life and work of the First Ladies of the United States. The Education Center contains a visitor center as well as various exhibits of first wives dress and work. The McKinley house tracks the life of William and Ida McKinley and their lives in Ohio.
Hopewell Culture National Historic Park
The Hopewell Cultural Park contains earthenware and burial mounds from the Hopewell Indian Culture. This indigenous culture flourished from about 200BC – 500 AD. The Native religious movement swept much of the continent for over 400 years. Visitors can view Hopetown Earthworks, Seip Earthworks, and various mound groups.
James A Garfield National Historic Site
Established in 1980, the site protects the Ohio Estate of President James Abram Garfield. Garfield was famous for his porch campaigning and greeted thousands from his front porch of his estate. The land protects the estate and the first presidential library established in the US.
Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial
Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial commemorates those who fought in the Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812. Established in 1936, the park honors those who fought as well as commemorates the now longstanding peace and friendship between the US, Canada and Great Britain. The site is located near South Bass Island where Commodore Perry lead his fleet to one of the most decisive victories of the War.
William Howard Taft National Historic Site
The William Taft Historic Site protects the childhood home of 27th President William Howard Taft. Taft was the only person to serve both as President and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Learn about the life, love, and great work of this American President.
National Trails
National Trails are trails that often span across states for various geological or historical nature. Two of these trails traverse the state of Montana. They are also national park units (with cancellation stamps) but are so diverse and connect across various parks and other sites that its not necessarily just one spot to visit. You can often visit (and get cancelation stamps) at various sites along these trails.
Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail
The Lewis and Clark National Historical Trail runs about 4,900 miles from Pittsburgh Pennsylvania to Astoria Oregon. Across the trail you can visit quite a few National Park and State Park sites that comprised the journey of the Corps of Discovery. It follows the historical trail of the Corps as well as the preparatory sections between Pennsylvania and Illinois. Sites within Ohio include Fort Steuben, Campus Martius Museum, and Ohio River Islands.
North Country National Scenic Trail
The 4,800 mile North Country trail is one of the longest in the National Trail system and follows the landscape from Vermont through North Dakota. You can hike the entire trail although few do the entire length. The diversity of the scenery and geological, archeological and natural history of the area are incredible. The trail runs through parts of the Wabash Cannonball Trail, Wayne National Forest, and historic towns in Ohio.
Check out Nearby States National Park Sites
Pennsylvania | Indiana | Michigan | West Virginia | Kentucky