Are you planning a drive from Columbus to Cleveland Ohio? Do you wish to explore some amazing spots on the way?
If so, then we have what you are looking for. In this article, we have listed down a few of the best places that you can stop on your Columbus to Cleveland drive.
There are lots of fun things in Ohio while driving on Interstate 71 to Cleveland from Columbus. From amazing restaurants to historical attractions, you can find a lot to do on your road trip.
Columbus and Cleveland are both amazing places to visit in Ohio and offer lots of amazing sights for you to explore.
However, if you have time, then you can take a detour on your Columbus to Cleveland road trip to cover some other fun places too.
Below, I have listed a few of the best things to see between Columbus and Cleveland on your road trip.
I will also be covering a few basic details for this Ohio road trip such as how much time it takes to drive between these two cities, what to expect, and so on.
So, if you are excited about driving from Columbus to Cleveland, then here is what you need to know!
How Far Is It From Columbus To Cleveland OH?
When planning a scenic drive from Columbus to Cleveland Ohio, the first thing that you should check is the distance that you would be covering.
If you are wondering how far is it from Columbus to Cleveland, then keep reading on.
Now, the distance between the two Ohio cities depends on the route that you are taking and can vary a little bit.
If you opt to take the fastest route via I-71 N, then the distance from Columbus Ohio to Cleveland Ohio is 143 miles or 230 km.
For those taking the OH-301 N and I-71 N, the total distance to cover is 144.6 miles or 232.7 km.
On the other hand, if you choose to take the OH-511 N and I-71 N, then the distance from Columbus Ohio to Cleveland Ohio is 150.2 miles or 241.7 km.
As you can see that there are multiple routes to choose from for your road trip between these two Midwestern cities.
So, the driving distance would ultimately depend on the route you choose which is why it is important to plan the route in advance.
How Long Does It Take To Drive From Columbus To Cleveland OH?
A scenic drive from Columbus to Cleveland can take anywhere around 2 hours and 30 minutes.
The time depends on the route you choose and can increase if you take detours to include more attractions on the way.
If you are planning a direct drive from Columbus OH to Cleveland OH via I-71 N, then it would take you around 2 hours and 13 minutes.
However, this time can differ depending on when you are planning the drive, how many stops you plan to take, and so on.
The best thing about this road trip is that regardless of which route you choose, you can complete the drive within 2 hours and 33 minutes without any stops.
If you take detours and include attractions on your road trip itinerary, the driving time will obviously increase.
What To Expect On The Colombus To Columbus Drive
Of course, the Columbus to Cleveland drive can be a little boring if you choose to stick to Interstate 71. There are no amazing views on this route or attractions for you to cover.
If you are willing to make short detours then you can definitely make this drive much more interesting.
You can plan a scenic drive from Columbus to Cleveland OH by taking the back roads so you can cover fun attractions on the way.
Yes, this would increase the drive time considerably, but at least you will encounter some amazing attractions on your road trip.
15 Best Stops on the Drive from Columbus to Cleveland OH
Ohio State Reformatory
If you are searching for epic things to see between Columbus to Cleveland, then do visit Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield.
While this popular prison has many creepy and eerie stories associated with it, the place has also played an important role in many classic movies.
From The Shawshank Redemption to Judas and the Black Messiah, this castle-like prison has been featured in lots of movies and TV shows.
Enjoy a tour of this 19th-century prison where you can explore the nooks and crannies of the prison rooms. Due to its gruesome past, this place is known to be one of the most haunted buildings in Ohio.
Learn about the design of the building and its horrifying past as you make a short detour from your Columbus to Cleveland Ohio road trip.
Akron
A popular place to visit in Midwest, Akron is the fifth largest city in Ohio that is filled with amazing attractions and activities.
Although this city was earlier famous for its farming community, it features lots of modern sights and has become a major tourist hub.
For architecture and art lovers, Akron Art Museum is a must-visit on this road trip. It is a large art gallery that features both modern and contemporary work and has many traditional paintings as well.
There are many amazing restaurants, historic sights, and hikes to explore around in Akron that will keep visitors entertained.
More importantly, it is just a 28-minute detour from I-71 so you can easily plan a quick stop in this town.
So, whether you are planning a day trip or a short pit stop, plan a stop at Akron on your Cleveland to Columbus OH drive.
There are so many things to do in Akron!
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is another great place to visit when you are driving from Columbus to Cleveland OH. It is only a 20-minute drive from I-71 and definitely worth the detour.
It is one of the coolest national parks in Ohio and offers several amazing hikes, waterfalls, and scenery for visitors to enjoy.
One of the best things to do in this national park is hiking to the 65-foot Brandywine Falls which can be reached hiking.
There are many other Ohio waterfalls here for you to explore. If this hike seems a little strenuous, then you can check out other easier hikes in this park as well.
Also, don’t forget to take the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad as it will take you through the park and allow you to enjoy the greenery surrounding you here.
Rocky River Reservation
Rocky River Reservation is a mere 20-minute drive from Cleveland and is one of the perfect attractions to see on your Columbus Ohio to Cleveland OH drive.
This reservation follows the course of River Rocky from Berea to Lake Erie and offers stunning views for visitors to enjoy.
There is a natural center, a marina, three golf courses, and stables where visitors can interact with animals or indulge in small games.
There are lots of fun activities to enjoy in this reservation such as hiking, biking, picnicking, sledding, and more.
It is also a top steelhead fishing spot and is one of the top 150 fishing locations in the country.
So, whether you are looking to go on a hike or simply enjoy the stunning scenery, the Rocky River Reservation is a great place to visit on your short road trip.
Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens
For architecture lovers, one of the top places to visit on the Columbus OH to Cleveland OH drive is the Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens in Akron.
Explore the magnificent estate that features a 65-room Tudor Revival Manor House, Gate Lodge, Corbin Conservatory, and some historic gardens.
You can take a guided tour of the Manor House and the gardens and other attractions here to learn more about this place.
Explore the Manor House and learn how the Seiberling family lived here. Tour through the Music Room and Great Hall and make way to the well-landscapes gardens which take up 70 acres of the area.
Honestly, if you are a history buff or an architecture enthusiast, then a visit to this place is a must.
MAPS Air Museum
Are you searching for interesting things to see between Columbus to Cleveland? If yes, then check out MAPS Air Museum.
This is an internationally known museum for aviation and is a great place to learn about aviation history in Ohio.
The museum is home to amazing interactive exhibits, a collection of aviation artifacts, and historical archives.
Visitors can admire displays of the Pearl Harbour War Memorial, Fallen Feathers Memorial, Lee Kessler, and more.
So, whether you have just an hour or a full day, you can easily find something to keep you entertained at the MAPS Air Museum in Canton, Ohio.
Castle Noel
Do you love Christmas celebrations? If yes, then one of the best places to check out on your Columbus to Cleveland road trip is Castle Noel.
This is America’s largest indoor Christmas entertainment attraction that is open year-round. Here, you will find the largest collection of Christmas props from Hollywood movies.
You can find costumes and props from some amazing Christmas movies such as Fred Claus, Elf, The Grinch, Christmas Carol, and more.
Medina is only a 43-minute drive from Cleveland and the perfect addition to your fun family road trip.
Lakeview Park
Lakeview Park is another great addition to your Columbus OH to Cleveland Ohio road trip itinerary, even though it is located 40-minutes from Cleveland.
This lakeside recreational park is located in Loraine, Ohio, and features 20 acres beside Lake Erie.
The park offers recreational activities well-suited for the entire family which includes beach volleyball, swimming, bowling, and more.
That’s not all, this park is also famous for its Historical Rose Garden, stunning sunsets, and gorgeous views of Loraine Lighthouse.
So, if you are looking for fun things to do in or near Cleveland on your road trip, then do visit Lakeview Park.
Olentangy Caverns
If you love exploring caves, then do make a stop at Olentangy Caverns when driving from Columbus to Cleveland.
These underground caverns were formed millions of years ago due to the pressure of the underground river and were used as a refuge by Wyandotte Indians.
Visitors can descend 105 feet below the earth’s surface and learn about the ancient history of this place.
That’s not all, there are many attractions here to keep you occupied such as a petting zoo, miniature golf, exhibits, and more.
If you are planning your road trip in summer, then Olentangy Caverns in Delaware Ohio is perfect for midday exploration.
Lucas
One of the top things to see between Columbus to Cleveland, Lucas is a 1-hour drive from Columbus and a 20-minute drive from Mansfield.
Here, you can visit the Malabar State Farm Park which is famous for wildflower hikes and several festivals.
Visitors can explore the home built by Louis Bromfield which has all the original furnishings and interesting history.
There are many Midwest hiking trails and viewpoints to enjoy in this park. One such great point is Mount Jeez which overlooks the farmlands and the town.
Bridge of Dreams
If you don’t mind taking a 45-minute detour from I-75 then another great place to see on your Ohio road trip is the Bridge of Dreams.
This beautiful 379-foot covered bridge is located near Brinkhaven, Ohio, and is the second longest covered bridge in the state. It was built as a railroad bridge in the 1920s and was turned into a covered bridge in 1998.
The scenery around this bridge is gorgeous and there are several walking, hiking, and biking trails that visitors can enjoy.
Trust me, this is one place that is worth the delay on your drive from Columbus to Cleveland.
Ohio Caverns
If you are looking for a relaxing road trip from Columbus to Cleveland, then you should definitely make a detour to Ohio Caverns near Columbus.
It is a 1-hour drive driving from Columbus to Cleveland and one of the top things to do near Columbus.
These underground tunnels are quite popular for their colors and have become a popular day trip destination in Ohio.
You can take a tour of these colorful caverns discovered between 1897 and 1025 to learn more about it.
Trust me, if you love unique places or caves, then this is one of the best stops on your Columbus to Cleveland road trip.
German Village Is An Attraction Not To Miss When Traveling From Columbus To Cleveland
Located in Columbus, German Village is also an attraction to include in your Columbus Ohio to Cleveland Ohio drive.
It is one of the most picturesque neighborhoods in Columbus Ohio and has a rich history associated with it as well.
The district was home to mainly German inhabitants in the 19th century which is why one can still see the German brick homes with cobbled streets.
This is why it is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Here, you can explore some amazing art galleries, enjoy a beer at breweries, buy books, and so on.
So, if you are looking for a pretty place to explore on your Columbus to Cleveland road trip, this is a perfect choice.
Clay’s Resort Jellystone Park Is A Very Cool Stop On A Columbus To Cleveland Trip
One of the most fun places to visit in your Columbus to Cleveland road trip with your entire family is Clay’s Resort Jellystone Park.
It is a 30-minute detour from I-71 but is perfect for a few hours of fun or an overnight stay as well.
It is one of the coolest places for camping in Ohio.
You can stay in a cabin, an RV, or set up your camping tent here for a night of fun with friends and family.
However, if you are looking for just a short break, then you can make the most of this waterpark in Ohio by going to the attractions, pools, sports courts, and more.
In fact, you can go for their Day Passes to double the fun at an affordable price.
Trust me, this attraction is a great stop for those who are doing the road trip with their family or friends!
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Is An Epic Stop When Traveling From Columbus To Cleveland
Located in Downtown Cleveland, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is one of the top places to visit on your Cleveland to Columbus Ohio road trip.
It is one of the top museums to visit in Ohio, especially for music lovers. The museum has an intriguing building design which makes for a great backdrop for some trip photos.
Visitors can learn about the history of rock and roll and see the inductee’s signatures in the Hall of Fame.
From Elvis Presley to Pink Floyd, this museum is home to exhibits and memorabilia for some memorable rock and roll artists through the years.
They also hold events and concerts so, do check the schedule and attend a musical concert if it interests you.
Overall, this is one of the most fun places that you can visit on your Columbus to Cleveland road trip.
Packing List When Traveling From Columbus OH to Cleveland OH
If you are searching, here are some tips on how to pack lightly when packing to travel from Columbus To Cleveland.
A concealed travel pouch may be one of the most important items you bring along when searching for attractions in Ohio.
It is always important to protect your personal information. Identity thieves are everywhere.
This unisex RFID blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors. It has lots of organization to give you peace of mind.
If you have a pouch already that does not come with the RFID protection, as I do, these RFID sleeves are the perfect solution.
This configuration comes with enough credit card sleeves that the entire family would be protected. They are slim too, so they will easily fit into your pouch or wallet.
If you are planning on taking a lot of pictures with your phone you will definitely want to consider an external charging battery. This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.
It can be used on a variety of phones, not just an iPhone like I have. And wow is it fast!
I like that it holds its charging capabilities for several uses so I do not have to worry about it while out and about, and if I forget to recharge it at night, it will still be good to go the next day.
My daughter gifted me with this FugeTek selfie stick and tripod setup for my birthday. I absolutely love it! It is made of lightweight aluminum and is so easy to use.
It has Bluetooth connectivity and is a breeze to use for taking selfies when roadtripping Ohio.
Hydration is so important when traveling. You want to remain hydrated throughout your travels to support your immune system which in turn will be stronger to fight off any germs you will encounter during your travels.
You will want to bring your own refillable water bottle with you.
I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle. The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for hiking and it fits nicely in the pocket of a backpack.
When filled with water, it is not too heavy to carry. And the charcoal filter ensures fresh clean water whenever you fill the Bobble.
Perhaps you are traveling a long distance and packing space is a premium in your suitcase, or in your car.
Then this set of collapsible silicone foldable water bottles would work well for you. Would not take up much space at all.
You will want a backpack or daypack with you to store snacks, your water bottle, phone, extra clothes, etc.. then this foldable water-resistant backpack would be great.
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Here are 15 interesting and fun Ohio attractions to explore when road tripping from Columbus to Cleveland!
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