About
Ohio is a state in the Midwest of the United States, on the southern shore of Lake Erie in the Great Lakes region of North America. It is often called the Buckeye State, and its postal abbreviation is OH. Among its nicknames is the Mother of Presidents, a reference to the number of U.S. presidents who were born or raised there.
What a visit offers
Ohio suits travellers who like to combine city life with lake country and a sense of American history. Its best-known cultural draw is the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which is part of the state's identity and gives many visitors a reason to come. Beyond that, the state is shaped by its Great Lakes setting, so the lakeshore is a natural counterpoint to the cities inland.
Getting oriented
- Columbus is the state capital and its largest city, a practical base for exploring the state.
- The Great Lakes shore gives Ohio a long edge on Lake Erie, with the water shaping both landscape and local life.
- Presidential heritage runs through the state, which is why its nickname recalls so many national leaders.
Because Ohio is a large state covering a range of towns and countryside, it helps to decide early whether your interest lies in music, history, the lakeshore or the capital, and plan routes around that. Check current details for specific attractions before you travel, as these can change.
