Ohio’s history is rich with indigenous cultures, a legacy of innovation, and a long list of Presidents and national leaders. These National Park Service sites will guide you through Ohio’s storied past and will introduce you to the people, places, and ideas that made Ohio the heart of it all.

Ohio’s history is rich with indigenous cultures, a legacy of innovation, and a long list of Presidents and national leaders. These National Park Service sites will guide you through Ohio’s storied past and will introduce you to the people, places, and ideas that made Ohio the heart of it all.

1 Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park

16 South Williams Street
Dayton, OH 45402

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.

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2 North Country National Scenic Trail

510 Webster St.
Dayton, OH 45402

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.

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3 Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument

1120 U.S. Route 42 E
Wilberforce, OH 45384

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.

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4 Fallen Timbers Battlefield and Fort Miamis National Historic Site

5601 Anthony Wayne Trail
Maumee, OH 43537

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.

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5 Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial

93 Delaware Ave.
Put-In-Bay, OH 43456

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.

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6 David Berger National Memorial

26001 S Woodland Rd.
Beachwood, OH 44122

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.

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7 James A. Garfield National Historic Site

8095 Mentor Ave.
Mentor, OH 44060

A front porch can serve many purposes. For some, it is 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.

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8 Cuyahoga Valley National Park

6947 Riverview Rd.
Peninsula, Ohio 44264

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.

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9 First Ladies National Historic Site

205 Market Ave S.
Canton, OH 44702

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.

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10 Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail

409 Fort St.
Marietta, OH 45750

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.

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11 Hopewell Culture National Historic Park

16062 OH-104
Chillicothe, OH 45601

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.

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12 William Howard Taft National Historic Site

2038 Auburn Ave.
Cincinnati, OH 45219

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.

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