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While there’s no shortage of fun things to do in Columbus, a day trip from the state capital of Ohio might be just the ticket when you’re ready for a break from the big city. Its Midwest location makes Columbus a fantastic base for exploring the region, especially as summer arrives and good weather beckons day trippers to nearby destinations.

Whether you're interested in history, nature, or simply a change of scenery, there are plenty of fantastic spots within an easy (and often scenic) drive from downtown Columbus. Between them, these destinations offer a mix of outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, and unique attractions guaranteed to keep the curious traveler occupied throughout the summer months.

Take a Hike in Hocking Hills State Park

Hocking Hills State Park is a must-visit summer destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Located about an hour southeast of downtown Columbus, it’s popular for its stunning landscapes and features towering cliffs, deep gorges, waterfalls, and lush forests. Must-see attractions within the park include Old Man’s Cave, Ash Cave, and Cedar Falls, each offering excellent scenic views.

Other popular summer activities include rock climbing, zip-lining, and hiking. The park's extensive trail system caters to all skill levels and is as accessible for families with younger hikers as it is for seasoned hikers. Other fun stuff to do here includes canoeing, kayaking, and fishing in the Hocking River. Be sure to also pop into the Visitor Center with its educational exhibits and information on the area's natural history.

Visit the Village of Granville

Located 30 minutes east of Columbus, the village-like ambience of Granville makes for a wonderful summer day trip. Head first to the Historic Village of Granville district, a lovely area to stroll featuring picturesque streets lined with numerous fine examples of heritage architecture. Top attractions here are the Granville Historical Society Museum which provides a glimpse into the village's rich past; and the Robbins Hunter Museum, a Greek Revival mansion built in 1842 that features original décor and furnishings. It’s especially nice to visit in the summer months for its gardens and attractive grounds.

The Bryn Du Mansion, a historic estate, is also worth visiting and hosts various events and art exhibits throughout the year, while nearby Denison University features a campus that’s pleasant to walk around. The Granville Art Affair and Wine Festival is a popular summer event that attracts visitors from across the region, while the scenic Licking County bike path runs through Granville and also makes for a fun family outing.

Dig Up the Past at Newark Earthworks

The Newark Earthworks is a fascinating historical site that offers a unique glimpse into the ancient past of North America. Just under an hour's drive due east of Columbus, this impressive site features a complex of prehistoric mounds built by the Hopewell culture around 2,000 years ago and is considered one of the most impressive examples of ancient engineering on the continent.

Highlights of a visit include exploring the Great Circle Earthworks, the Octagon Earthworks, and the Wright Earthworks, each showcasing different aspects of the Hopewell culture's astronomical alignments and construction techniques. Over 1,200-feet in diameter, the Great Circle is particularly awe-inspiring and is believed to have been used for ceremonial purposes. Educational programs and guided tours are provided throughout the summer, while the grounds are perfect for a walk or picnic.

Explore Delaware State Park

Head straight north from downtown Columbus for an hour and you’ll find yourself in Delaware State Park. This 2,016-acre attraction is centered around scenic Delaware Lake, a great spot for a summer hike or bike ride, or even a swim at its well-maintained beach. Boating and fishing are also major draws with the lake being home to a variety of fish species including channel catfish and largemouth bass. There’s also a handy marina providing boat rentals and supplies.

Bring some good walking shoes as there are plenty of trails leading through diverse habitats including woodlands, meadows, and even wetlands. Binoculars are another must as the park’s a good spot to get in some birdwatching and wildlife spotting. Camping is also available, and programs such as nature walks, and educational talks are available all summer long.

Wander the Grounds at Dawes Arboretum

As it’s also just shy of an hour east of Columbus, Dawes Arboretum is an easy attraction to combine with a visit to Newark Earthworks. If that sounds like something you’d do, be sure to allow at least a few hours here as there are over 2,000 acres to explore. In addition to its large collections of plants, trees, and shrubs, themed areas to explore include the Japanese Garden with its koi pond and traditional lanterns. A more natural setting can be enjoyed at the Cypress Swamp, a wetland environment with a diversity of plant and animal life to see.

Other highlights include the arboretum’s Observation Tower with its panoramic views of the grounds, and Daweswood House Museum. Former home of the Dawes family, this impressive estate home was built in 1867 and offers guided tours that focus on the history of the property and its founders. A summer day trip here also offers the chance to enjoy guided nature walks and workshops.

Go Underground at the Olentangy Indian Caverns

Here’s an easy day trip for those not wanting to go too far from downtown Columbus: the Olentangy Indian Caverns. Located just a 30-minute drive away in Delaware and easy to combine with a trip to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, these limestone caverns were formed millions of years ago by an underground river and were known to have been used by the Wyandotte Indians as a refuge from hostile tribes… and extreme summer weather.

Visitors can embark on fascinating guided tours through a series of underground passages and chambers that offer an up-close look at unique geological formations, all while saying cool as the caverns remain a constant cool 54 degrees year-round, making them a refreshing escape during the summer months. Other fun things to do here include mini-golf, gem mining, a petting zoo, picnic areas, and nature trails.

The Final Word

The area surrounding Columbus offers no end of exciting day trips and excursions. From exploring the natural beauty of Hocking Hills State Park and the historic village-like charm of Granville to seeing the ancient manmade structures at the Newark Earthworks, there’s something for everyone. Whatever you enjoy doing while traveling, these best day trips from Columbus to take this summer are ready to be enjoyed.