The Ohio National Parks You Didn’t Know Existed

Most of us think we know what a national park is.

Yellowstone.

The Grand Canyon.

Yosemite.

The Great Smoky Mountains.

Majestic mountains, waterfalls, wildlife, and miles of hiking trails.

And we’d be right – but we’d also be wrong.

When most of us hear the words national park, we picture one of the country’s 63 national parks. But the National Park Service actually manages more than 430 sites, preserving everything from natural wonders to places where American history was made.

Some of America’s most fascinating National Park Service sites don’t have mountains, waterfalls, or even campgrounds.

Instead, they preserve everything from a bicycle shop and an aviation field to ancient earthworks, battlefields, presidential homes, and the places where people helped change history.

That’s one reason to pay attention to National Park Week (August 22-30). The theme this year is “Celebrate America’s Story.” It’s a good reminder that the American story isn’t just found in amazing scenery. Sometimes it’s found in places we’ve driven by dozens of times without ever stopping.

Five National Park Service Sites Worth Visiting near Southwest Ohio

The Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park does not have mountains or waterfalls. But it does preserve the story of two bicycle mechanics whose curiosity and determination changed the world forever. The Wright brothers’ bicycle shop, Huffman Prairie Flying Field, and other sites tell the story of how powered flight began in the Miami Valley.

Just a short drive away is the Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument in Wilberforce, the only national monument in the state. Young was the third African American to graduate from West Point, commanded Buffalo Soldier regiments, served as a diplomat, and became a high-ranking officer in the U.S. Army. Visitors can tour his home, view museum exhibits, and walk the surrounding trails.

The Hopewell Culture National Historical Park contains enormous geometric earthworks built nearly 2,000 years ago – one of North America’s greatest archaeological mysteries.

William Howard Taft National Historic Site is the beautifully restored Cincinnati birthplace and childhood home of America’s 27th president.

And if you are looking for the classic national park experience, Cuyahoga Valley National Park offers beautiful forests, waterfalls, scenic railroad rides, and more than 125 miles of hiking trails.

Maybe you don’t live in Ohio. That’s okay. No matter where you live, there’s a good chance a National Park Service site is closer than you think. Even better, admission is free at every National Park Service site on August 25th in celebration of the National Park Service’s 110th birthday. You might be surprised by what’s within a short drive from your home.

Did you know the National Park Service also manages:

• the Gateway Arch in St. Louis?
• Alcatraz Island?
• Mammoth Cave?
• Sleeping Bear Dunes?
• The Statue of Liberty?
• the home where Abraham Lincoln was born?

National Park Week might be a good excuse to cross Yellowstone or the Grand Canyon off your bucket list. But it might also be a good excuse to visit the National Park Service site that has been in your backyard all along.