A Summer of Milestones Awaits in Ohio

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) - TourismOhio is helping travelers make the most of summer with new trip-planning resources, refreshed road trips, and the state's official Travel Guide featuring festivals, sports, outdoor experiences, and destinations across Ohio.

As America prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, this summer offers Ohio travelers a chance to experience history, discover new destinations, and make memories through America 250-Ohio events, new trails, road trips, and hundreds of seasonal experiences. The season also features milestone moments across the state, including the 50th anniversary of the Memorial Tournament and growing excitement around the FIFA World Cup.

"Summer in Ohio is an opportunity to discover someplace new, revisit a favorite destination, and experience the communities that make our state special," said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development, which oversees TourismOhio. "From major celebrations and local festivals to road trips and outdoor adventures, we're helping travelers create lasting memories and discover more of what Ohio has to offer."

"The best summer trips are the ones people talk about long after they're over," said state tourism director Sarah Wickham. "From a perfect scoop of ice cream to celebrating moments that make history, Ohio is full of experiences people remember, and we're making it easier for travelers to find them."

The official 2026 Ohio Travel Guide is now available. Organized into five regions, the guide highlights destinations, local favorites, and hidden gems recommended by Ohioans who know their communities best, along with interviews featuring leaders, creators, and entrepreneurs helping shape Ohio today.

Travelers can also explore the new 2026 Ohio Summer Events Guide, featuring 440 events across Ohio, including five highlighted events from each county. America 250-Ohio celebrations, including picnics, historical festivals, parades, and fireworks, are featured throughout the guide to help Ohioans take part in the nation's Semiquincentennial celebration.

New to Ohio.org this year is the Ohio Golf Trail. Building off the popularity of TourismOhio's Adventure Trails, the Ohio Golf Trail showcases more than 180 public golf courses across the state. The trail celebrates Ohio's golf legacy, from legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus to Clearview Golf Club, the first golf course built and owned by a Black man, William "Bill" Powell. This year also marks the 50th anniversary of the Memorial Tournament, held annually in Dublin.

Sports fans can also explore the refreshed Ohio Sports Road Trip, featuring new stops and new ways to experience Ohio's sports history. The road trip now includes experiences tied to football, baseball, soccer, hockey, volleyball, and motorsports, along with recommended stops for food and entertainment.

Also available this summer is the Ohio Ice Cream Trail, back with new scoop shops and the best dairy dessert destinations across the state. Travelers can also explore the updated 100 Things to Do This Summer list featuring top attractions and must-see destinations across the heart of it all, along with a new edition of Summer Charming Towns featuring five communities packed with Americana celebrations and historic charm.

Looking for Ohio summer travel story ideas, hidden gems, road trip inspiration, or interviews with tourism destinations across the state? Reporters and producers can contact the Ohio Department of Development at [email protected] for interviews, story ideas, and additional resources.

Operating within Ohio's Department of Development, TourismOhio works to showcase all Ohio has to offer as a place of adventure, a place of promise, and the place for you.

The Ohio Department of Development empowers communities to succeed by investing in Ohio's people, places, and businesses. Learn more about our work at development.ohio.gov.

Press Contact:
Mason Waldvogel (Email)
(614) 466-2609

Immediate Release:
May 22, 2026