Ohio National Parks

NATIONAL MONUMENT 

Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers Xenia, OH 

Throughout his life, Charles Young overcame countless obstacles in his ascent to prominence. In spite of overt racism and stifling inequality, Young rose through the military ranks to become one of the most respected leaders of his time. A well-rounded man with a steadfast devotion to duty, Young led by example and inspired a generation of new leaders.

NATIONAL PARK 

Cuyahoga Valley Cleveland and Akron, OH 

Though a short distance from the urban areas of Cleveland and Akron, Cuyahoga Valley National Park seems worlds away. The park is a refuge for native plants and wildlife, and provides routes of discovery for visitors. The winding Cuyahoga River gives way to deep forests, rolling hills, and open farmlands. Walk or ride the Towpath Trail to follow the historic route of the Ohio & Erie Canal. 

NATIONAL MEMORIAL 

David Berger Beachwood, OH 

This site honors the memory of David Berger, an American citizen who was one of 11 Israeli athletes killed at the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich, Germany. David had no expectations of winning a medal but joined the Israeli weightlifting team to realize his dream – a dream which ended tragically. The Memorial is dedicated to his memory and the memory of the ten other athletes. 

NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK 

Dayton Aviation Heritage Dayton, OH 

Three exceptional men from Dayton, Ohio, Wilbur Wright, Orville Wright and Paul Laurence Dunbar, found their creative outlet here through accomplishments and failures, and finally success. However, these men offered the world something far greater, they offered the world hope, and the ability to take a dream and make it a reality. 

NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE 

Fallen Timbers Battlefield and Fort Miamis Toledo, OH 

The Battle of Fallen Timbers was the culminating event that demonstrated the tenacity of the American people in their quest for western expansion and the struggle for dominance in the Old Northwest Territory. The events resulted in the dispossession of American Indian tribes and a loss of colonial territory for the British military and settlers.

NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE 

First Ladies Canton, OH 

First Ladies National Historic Site consists of two properties in downtown Canton, Ohio – the home of First Lady Ida Saxton-McKinley and a small visitor center with an exhibit and film. Come learn about how the position of First Lady has evolved over time to include a public role.

NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK 

Hopewell Culture Chillicothe, OH 

Earthen mounds and embankments forming huge geometric enclosures grace the landscape of the Ohio River Valley. These monumental structures were built by Native American hands almost 2,000 years ago. Hopewellian people gathered at these earthworks for feasts, funerals and rites of passage. Come learn about these sacred spaces and reflect upon the lives of these American Indians. 

NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE 

James A Garfield Mentor, OH 

A front porch can serve many purposes. For some, a place to enjoy the breeze on a warm summer night. For others, a perch from which to keep eyes on what’s happening in their neighborhood. In 1880, James Garfield used his front porch as a platform to greet thousands of well-wishers during his presidential campaign. Today, the porch serves as a gateway to the story of the Garfield family. 

NATIONAL HISTORIC TRAIL 

Lewis & Clark Sixteen States: IA,ID,IL,IN,KS,KY,MO,MT,NE,ND,OH,OR,PA,SD,WA,WV 

The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail is approximately 4,900 miles long, extending from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to the mouth of the Columbia River, near present day Astoria, Oregon. It follows the historic outbound and inbound routes of the Lewis and Clark Expedition as well as the preparatory section from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Wood River, Illinois. 

HERITAGE AREA 

National Aviation Dayton, OH 

Aviation is chock-full of tradition & history and nowhere will you find a richer collection of aviation than here, the birthplace of aviation. From the straightforward bicycle shops that fostered the Wright brothers’ flying ambitions to the complex spacecraft that carried man to the moon, the National Aviation Heritage Area has everything you need to learn about this country’s aviation legacy. The replica 1905 Wright Flyer being flown at Huffman Prairie Flying Field. 

NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL 

North Country Seven States-New York to North Dakota MI,MN,ND,NY,OH,PA,VT,WI 

Come to the North Country. Trek the hills and valleys. Stand on the shores of lakes & streams from glaciers 10,000 years before. Clear-flowing water, red/gold of autumn, a fairyland of snow, open prairies, and distant horizons paint the land. Historic sites along the way tell how America settled and grew as a nation. From North Dakota to New York (and soon Vermont), adventure is never far away. 

MEMORIAL 

Perry’s Victory & International Peace Put-in-Bay, OH 

Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial was established to honor those who fought in the Battle of Lake Erie, during the War of 1812, and to celebrate the long-lasting peace among Great Britain, Canada and the U.S. The Memorial, a Doric column, rising 352 feet over Lake Erie is situated 5 miles from the longest undefended border in the world. 

NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE 

William Howard Taft Cincinnati, OH 

High atop one of Cincinnati’s most prominent hilltops stands the two-story Greek Revival house where William Howard Taft was born and grew up. Hard work, a good education, and an interest in civic duty are attributes that made the Taft family outstanding leaders over the years. The environment that shaped Taft’s character and philosophy is highlighted on a visit to the site.