In a recent bid to merge education with leisure, TourismOhio has unveiled a trilogy of historical road trips geared toward Presidents' Day holidaymakers. With tours designed to celebrate Ohio's storied presidential past, its pioneering women, and its ancient cultural roots, the state welcomes visitors to hit the road for a blend of learning and exploration. Not surprisingly, the initiative was announced by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, who lauded the state's notable contribution to American heritage, as reported by the Ohio Department of Development. "Ohio's history is full of stories that shaped our nation," DeWine shared, expressing the ease and excitement these itineraries aim to provide for families delving into Ohio's history.
An immersive experience awaits travelers with the Ohio Historical Road Trip, charting a course from the Ohio River to Lake Erie. Here, tourists will trace the monumental steps of Adena and Hopewell cultures and the pioneers who settled the Northwest Territory. For those keen on experiencing narratives of grit and breaking barriers, the Women's History Road Trip offers stops like the First Ladies National Historic Site and the National Annie Oakley Center at the Garst Museum. While honoring history's trailblazer women, visitors on the Presidential History Road Trip will uncover the legacies of the eight U.S. presidents from Ohio, from Ulysses S. Grant's humble beginnings to Rutherford B. Hayes's 31-room abode.
The preference for four-wheeled travel is evidenced by TourismOhio's stats: a solid 80 percent of overnight visitors in 2023 chose road trips as their mode of vacationing. Last year, Ohio presented its attractions to 48 million sightseers, with a promised return rate of 84 percent. TourismOhio asserts that these road trips are a quintessential means to immerse oneself in presidential homesteads, cultural emblems, and Ohio's picturesque landscape. Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development, highlighted the state's effort to offer experiences that combine historic discovery and scenic beauty. Further options for themed road trips or the 80-plus Ohio Adventure Trails can be found on Roadtrips.Ohio.org and Ohio.org, offering experiences ranging from arts to antiques and from pizza to coffee.
Channeling efforts into local tourism, the Ohio Department of Development, the umbrella organization over TourismOhio, advocates for community success by investing in Ohio’s people, places, and businesses. For more insight into the state’s initiatives or to start planning your trip down Ohio’s memory lanes, consider visiting the Ohio Department of Development. The promise is a journey through time, mapped out for convenience and filled with enriching stories waiting to be rediscovered.
