June 2025

June 2025 Ohio Magazine cover (photo by Laura Watilo Blake)

Travel

10 Caves and Caverns for a Cool Summer Adventure

Discover a world of wonders, from incredible rock formations to subterranean passageways, and explore the stories and histories found deep beneath Ohio’s surface.

11 Ways to Enjoy Columbus This Summer

Our capital city is brimming with activity, from a lineup of favorite festivals to great museum exhibitions to new arrivals on the scene.

13 Must-Do Summer Activities in Dayton

From sites that explore aviation history to vibrant music and museums to an abundance of outdoor recreation, here are some of the best ways to experience the city.

25 Great Hiking Trails to Conquer This Summer

Lace up your hiking boots and get ready to explore. Ohio’s park systems and nature preserves have a wealth of trails to seek out this summer, from the rocky cliffs of Appalachia to the serenity of the Lake Erie shore.

4 Ways to Celebrate Father’s Day in Ohio

From a car show in Akron to a philharmonic concert in Dayton, here are four finds for dad to enjoy this Father’s Day. 

5 Top Spots to Visit in Western New York This Summer

The communities around Chautauqua Lake offer a wealth of opportunities for enjoying the season on and along the water, while Holiday Valley ski resort, about an hour’s drive east, promises plenty of summer fun.

6 Stargazing Events This Summer

Don’t let the night sky pass by overhead without taking a closer look. These events hosted across our state can help you. 

8 Things to Do in Pennsylvania for Nature and History Lovers

From the countryside to the Lake Erie shore, the Keystone State showcases its historical significance and rugged playfulness.

9 Fun Summer Destinations in Lake County

From lakefront beaches to incredible wineries to destinations made for family fun, this county along the Lake Erie shore promises plenty to help you make the most of summer.

Age of Steam Roundhouse Museum Brings World War II History to Life

For Father’s Day weekend, take part in “Steam to Victory,” a living-history event hosted by the Sugarcreek museum that provides a fun, hands-on look into the past.

Celebrate President Hayes’ Love for the Outdoors at GroveFest

Visit the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums at Spiegel Grove in Fremont on June 21 for an event that focuses on nature and wildlife. 

Enjoy Family Fun on the Farm in Lake County

Visit Lake Matroparks’ Farmpark on June 21 and 22 for Dairy Days, where kids can milk a cow, ride a pony and more. 

Hearsemania Car Show Brings History to Life

This Lima car show set for June 14 and 15 offers attendees the chance to view a lineup of classic funeral home hearses and other specialty vehicles.

Hike the Buzzardroost Rock Trail at The Edge of Appalachia Preserve System

This 4.4-mile trail leads to a cliffside overlook with sweeping vistas, offering a hike that is moderately challenging while remaining kid-friendly.

Hike the Conkles Hollow Rim Trail at Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve

This 1.9-mile trek in the Hocking Hills features a short paved gorge trail for a family-friendly stroll and a rim hike that provides a scenic, cliffside adventure for more daring hikers.

Hike the Ledges Trail at Cuyahoga Valley National Park

This 1.8-mile loop through Ohio’s only National Park offers a moderately challenging hike along the base of these enormous rock formations.

Hike the Ottawa Wildlife Interpretive Trail at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge

This 8-mile hike provides opportunities for birdwatching, wildlife spotting and scenic marsh views along the Lake Erie shoreline.

Hike the REI River Trail Columbus & Franklin County Metro Parks’ Scioto Grove Metro Park

This 3.6-mile out-and-back trail along the Scioto River offers gentle terrain, backpacking sites and family-friendly features like a swinging bridge and archery courses.

History with a Twist Embraces the 1990s

This annual cocktail event returns to the Hancock Historical Museum in Findlay, with a focus on the last decade of the 20th century. 

Midcentury Barware Show Hosted by Gay Fad Studios Returns to Lancaster

Bottoms Up features gorgeous glassware, entertainment, special presentations and much more over its four-day run. 

Ohio Wine Month: 5 Wineries to Visit for Food and Fun This Summer

Enjoy a glass of Ohio-made wine with a side of great views and fun in the sun at these wineries that show the range of what our state has to offer.

See Hot Air Balloons Fill the Skies at Ashland BalloonFest

Celebrate 35 years of high-flying fun at this annual tradition that features balloon launches, evening balloon glows and live music June 26 through 28 in Ashland. 

See the Spiegel Grove Squires Play Vintage Base Ball in Fremont

Baseball enthusiasts bring the game back to the 1860s with a series of free games at the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums. 

The Fairport Harbor Marine Museum and Lighthouse Shines a Light on Great Lakes History

This museum along the Lake Erie shore offers an informative and immersive look at maritime history.

The Grand Resort Named Best in Ohio for Second Year in a Row

The Grand Resort in Warren becomes Ohio’s top-rated resort once again for its outstanding blend of luxury, leisure and award-winning hospitality. 

Food + Drink

5 June Food Festivals in Ohio

Ohioans know good food, and these events celebrate favorite eats of the Buckeye State.  

Celebrate a Summer Treat at the Troy Strawberry Festival

The Troy Strawberry Festival features dozens of foods that highlight its sweet star ingredient.

Fairport Harbor Creamery Serves Ice Cream, Mini Golf and Summer Fun

This family-owned business located just steps from Lake Erie has been a favorite for ice cream, boozy treats and more since it opened in 2019. 

MadTree Brewery Goes Big with Nature-Inspired Parks & Rec

This outdoor-infused spot in the Cincinnati suburb of Blue Ash’s Summit Park blends craft brews, great food and inclusive design.

This New Graeter’s Ice Cream Flavor Fuses Lemon and Blueberry

Zesty lemon, juicy berries and buttery streusel crumble come together in the latest limited-time flavor from the company’s Summer Bake Shop series.

This Ohio Farm Bakery Makes Beautiful Breads and Pastries

James Bigham works alongside his mom, sister and aunt to create artisanal fare using ingredients from the family’s farm that he sells at pop-up markets in the region. 

Visit Northeast Ohio’s National Park-Inspired Brewery

This Cuyahoga Valley-inspired spot located a short drive from some of Summit County’s most popular natural areas offers a great place to relax after a day of exploring.

Arts

Celebrate Over 50 Years of Art and Community at the Boston Mills ArtFest

This summer, the Boston Mills ArtFest brings two weekends of fine art, food and festival fun to the heart of this popular wintertime destination.

Cincinnati Exhibition Explores Why These Late 1800s French Artists Focused on Food

Discover how art helped reframe France’s national image in the face of war and unrest. “Farm to Table: Food and Identity in the Age of Impressionism” runs June 13 through Sept. 21

Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum Introduces Soundscapes

Starting June 20, this outdoor arts destination in Hamilton launches an immersive audio experience for summer visitors. 

See Monumental Outdoor Art Installations at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Musuem

This one-of-a-kind destination in Hamilton presents large works of art set among rolling hills, offering visitors delightful surprises at every turn.

Home + Garden

Leah Storrs-Fisher’s Artwork Captures the Beauty of the Outdoors

The Columbus-based artist creates detailed paintings and prints inspired by her early childhood using delicate screen-printing and watercolor techniques.

Ohio Life

Carillon Historical Park Marks 75 Years

This Dayton landmark opened June 3, 1950, and has been sharing Gem City history ever since. 

Charles Lindbergh Visits Orville Wright in Dayton

On June 22, 1927, fresh off the heels of his groundbreaking achievement, the 25-year-old aviator traveled to Ohio to meet with the revolutionary inventor.

How Lights Out Cleveland Is Helping Save Birds

Glowing city skylines are an alluring sight, especially if you're a migrating bird. But an epidemic of collisions with buildings has led groups across Ohio, including Lights Out Cleveland, to form rescue squads and help raise public awareness about the problem.

How Shana Byrd Helps Protect Ohio’s Natural Areas

The Nature Conservancy oversees fragile landscapes around the globe, and Shana Byrd leads the organization’s efforts in our state.

Ohio Finds: Carved Eagle from Lake Erie Steamboat

This intricate 19th-century carving once adorned the top of a ship’s pilothouse.

Ohio Love Staff Picks: June 2025

From delicious ballpark eats to a scenic hike in Toledo to an underground speakeasy, here’s what our staff loves about Ohio this month.