Every year I like to make an Ohio Bucket List. There are so many great things to see and do in our home state of Ohio that making a list helps me to be more intentional! Here are 10 things which I am making a priority in 2019! You can see my 2018 Bucket List HERE.
Watch the battle of Ohio baseball – Cleveland, Ohio
The Reds take on the Cleveland Indians in June at Progressive Field. Last year, we were blessed to experience the Reds stadium and museum in Cincinnati. In 2019, we hope to visit Progressive Field with our children (for the first time) and check out some of their new kid-friendly areas.
Sleep in a yurt
Last year, I wanted to stay in a yurt at Kelleys Island. But I’ll be honest, these yurts book up FAR in advance – i.e. it’s not even January and June is nearly fully booked! What?!? I love unique properties, so if we can’t stay on Kelleys Island, I’m on the hunt for another yurt for which to lay our heads. Thankfully, there at yurts at 7 other state parks, as well as The Wilds and The Inn at Cedar Falls.
Summer Moon Festival – Wapakoneta, Ohio
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of Neil Armstrong’s landing on the moon, the Summer Moon Festival takes place in Wapakoneta, Ohio from July 19-21. I’m eager to get back to Wapakoneta and explore more of the sites of Armstrong’s boyhood. In addition, the festival will offer talks by astronauts, aviation inflatables, and Star Wars characters!Ohmy- count us in!
You can read more about this area in a post about our visit to Mercer & Auglaize Counties.

Unofficial Lego Museum – Bellaire, Ohio
If you read about our trip to LEGOLAND Florida, you know that our younger son is obsessed with all things LEGO. Eastern Ohio is home to a private museum dedicated to those plastic bricks and 2019 proves to offer some new exhibits. I don’t really know what to expect, but I think we better give it a go. Have you been?
Learn about Georgia O’Keeffe’s life at The Cleveland Museum of Art
I’ve enjoyed the artwork of Georgia O’Keeffe since my 6th-grade teacher had prints of her robust flowers adorning the classroom.? Then, when my husband and I visited New Mexico, we made it a point to visit Ghost Ranch.? Now through March 3, fans of the artist can visit the exhibit called, “Georgia O’Keeffe: Living Modern.” If you aren’t a fan of Georgia O’Keeffe, visiting the CMA is free (without special exhibits) and merits an afternoon of wandering.
Ohio was the birthplace of many astronauts and John Glenn is one of the more notable Americans to visit space. His childhood home in New Concord, Ohio is open May-October. After visiting the Armstrong Air & Space Museum, our kids are even more interested in all things SPACE, and I think this would be a great complement to homeschooling.
Shawshank Redemption 25th Anniversary
Is it possible to NOT be a fan of The Shawshank Redemption?? The Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman film is something of a cult classic! Shawshank was filmed mostly in and around Mansfield, Ohio. In 2019, the film marks her 25th anniversary and local organizers are planning a massive celebration with celebrity appearances. The Warden, played by actor Bob Gunton, has already confirmed his attendance. I can’t wait to visit and chat with other fans of the film!

Visit the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in Dayton
It’s at the top of TripAdvisor’s list of Things to do in Ohio, yet we haven’t been?? The shame! Not only is this the world’s oldest and largest military aviation museum – it’s absolutely free! I see the kids being totally in awe of the numerous aircraft on display.
Spend time driving Ohio’s Scenic Byways
Ohio has no lack of scenic roadways. Unfortunately, many Ohioans don’t realize that ODOT oversees 27 scenic drives scattered throughout our great state. Whether you want to explore Ohio’s Presidential history, Lake Erie beaches, or Cross-Tipped Churches; there’s plenty of interesting roadside attractions to keep you busy. I’ve only been on 7/27 byways, so it looks like the Yoder Toter will be hitting the road. 😉

What’s high on your list of places to go in Ohio during 2019?? Any favorites???
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