Jan./Feb. 2026

Ohio Magazine January February 2026 cover (illustration by Dean Davis)

Travel

30 Reasons to Love Ohio Right Now

From dining spots and wildlife encounters to vibrant murals and historic restorations, there’s plenty of new discoveries to be made and places to explore across the Buckeye State.

8 Outdoor Winter Festivals to Warm the Season

From Cleveland’s annual outdoor music festival to Medina’s annual ice-carving sculpture extravaganza, check out these events happening between now and Feb. 26.

America 250-Ohio Events Centered on Transportation History and Cinema

A statewide celebration of cinema and a showcase of transportation innovation are just part of the festivities happening here in honor of America’s 250th anniversary.

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s New North America Trek Highlights Native Wildlife

This new habitat at the popular Columbus-area attraction gives visitors a close-up look at some of the animals who share our geographically diverse continent with us.

Explore Lake Erie Wildlife at Put-In-Bay’s New Aquatic Visitor Center

This South Bass Island destination transformed a former fish hatchery on South Bass Island into an educational center that offers visitors a close-up look at wildlife.

Explore Prohibition History at the Anti-Saloon League Museum

The Westerville History Museum shares how the city was once the headquarters of the Anti-Saloon League, an organization which helped spur the enacting of the 18th amendment.

Joy Valley Nature Preserve Protects Thousands of Acres in Appalachian Ohio

A partnership between the Athens Conservancy and The Nature Conservancy ensures nearly 3,000 acres in Appalachian Ohio are protected for future generations.

Killer Video Pays Homage to Vintage Horror and VHS Culture

This museum in downtown Akron embodies the look and feel of a 1980s mom-and-pop movie rental store and offers guided tours that share the spirit of the VHS era.

New Immersive Augmented Reality Experience Coming to COSI

Starting Jan. 30, visitors to the Columbus science destination can explore and interact with imaginary, virtual worlds through this holographic theater exhibit.

Newark Arcade’s Revival Celebrates Local Shops and Community History

The restoration of the historic arcade in downtown Newark gave a tired property new life and provides a community gathering place with shopping, food and apartments.

River Gallery Project Plans to Bring Vibrant Murals to Toledo Waterfront

Building on the success of the Glass City River Wall, artist Dean Davis’ latest project aims to bring 23 additional works to the Toledo riverfront.

Watch a Fish Predict the Weather at Buckeye Lake Winterfest

On Jan. 31, gather at this lakeside village to witness Benny the Bass in action, followed by an art show and Polar Plunge on Feb. 1

Food + Drink

Columbus’ Royal Flamingo Coffee Offers Award-Winning Roasts

Driven by curiosity and craft, this coffee roaster has evolved from a home hobby into an inventive and award-winning coffee brand.

How Sandusky Bay Pancake House Became a Local Breakfast Favorite

This northwest Ohio spot gave a former Perkins restaurant new life as a locally sourced breakfast spot known for its fun takes on pancakes.

Learn the Sweet History of The Dawes Arboretum at Maple Syrup Day

The Newark arboretum’s founders, Beman and Bertie Dawes, began harvesting sap for maple sugar in 1919. Today, the annual Maple Syrup Day shares that heritage with visitors.

Pub Fare Meets Whiskey History at Dayton’s Mudlick Tap House

This crafted scratch kitchen began in Germantown over a decade ago. This summer, it moved to a new location in Centerville that pays tribute to its past.

The Rumpled Queen Blends Elegant Dining With Family History

Chef Annie Gano worked at restaurants in Chicago, New York and Paris before returning home to open this upscale dining spot in the building where her mom and dad had their first date.

Why Rudy’s Strudel and Bakery Is a Must-Visit Paczki Destination

Each Fat Tuesday, customers line up outside this destination in Parma for the delectable Eastern European pastry. 

Arts

3 Family-Friendly Symphony Concerts in Cincinnati

The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra has several musical performances planned during January and February, each offering a show that is suitable for the entire family.

Concert Posters, Natural History and the Art of Derek Hess

This Cleveland Museum of Natural History exhibition shows how the artist’s concert-poster past evolved into fine art shaped by paleontology, animals and ingenuity.

Every Exhibition at the Dayton Art Institute in 2026

From traveling shows featuring the works of artist Tony Foster and William H. Johnson to focus exhibitions curated from the museum’s collection, here is what’s on the schedule this year.

Hear Radio Plays of ‘1984’ and ‘The African Queen’  Live on Stage

The Shaker Heights-based Radio on the Lake Theatre shares the beauty of the classic-radio-drama era with its audio performances.

See ‘Tony Foster: Exploring Time, A Painter’s Perspective’ in Dayton

Artist Tony Foster examines both the enormity and fleeting nature of time with his watercolor paintings. An exhibition of his work opens at the Dayton Art Institute on Feb. 21.

Home + Garden

Haulin’ Hoof Farm Store Creates Whimsical Handmade Buttons

This Athens County store crafts adorable buttons inspired by animals and other elements found in nature and are available for purchase online.

Ohio Life

Backstory: The Mound Builders

We know little of the long-gone Ohio Adena and Hopewell. Yet their earthworks remain, silent testimony to the grandeur of their civilizations.

How a Mother and Daughter Built Frank Lloyd Wright’s Last Home in Ohio

The legendary American architect’s final home design was sitting on his drafting table at the time of his death. More than six decades later, Debbie and Sarah Dykstra put it on the Lake County property where it was always intended to go.

Ohio Finds: Woven Coverlet

This item was made by Frederick E. Hesse in Logan, Ohio, in 1862.

Tom Schiff Shares the Story Behind ‘Civic Architecture Across America: Extraordinary Views’

Cincinnati-based photographer Thomas Schiff’s new book contains over 100 panoramic views of our nation’s most beautiful civic buildings.