Ohio

Parks

  • National Monument

    Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers

    Xenia, OH

    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.

    Buffalo Soldiers of the 9th Cavalry pose for a photo before shipping out to the Philippines. c.1900

  • National Park

    Cuyahoga Valley

    Cleveland and Akron, OH

    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.

    Photo of the Beaver Marsh by Jeffrey Gibson.

  • National Memorial

    David Berger

    Beachwood, OH

    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.

    Photo of the top of the David Berger National Memorial

  • National Historical Park

    Dayton Aviation Heritage

    Dayton, OH

    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.

    Facade sign of The Wright Cycle, Co. building on South Williams Street

  • National Historic Site

    Fallen Timbers Battlefield and Fort Miamis

    Toledo, OH

    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.

    Image of statue, pink sky

  • National Historic Site

    First Ladies

    Canton, OH

    Two properties, the home of First Lady Ida Saxton McKinley and the seven story 1895 City Bank Building, are preserved at this site, which honors the lives and accomplishment of our nation's First Ladies. The site is managed by the National Park Service and operated by the National First Ladies Library.

    Saxton House at First Ladies National Historic Site

  • National Historical Park

    Hopewell Culture

    Chillicothe, OH

    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.

    Mound City Group in early spring

  • National Historic Site

    James A Garfield

    Mentor, OH

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

    Front Porch of the Garfield Home - site of 1880 presidential campaign

  • Heritage Area

    National Aviation

    Dayton, OH

    Aviation is chock-full of tradition & history and nowhere will you find a richer collection of aviation than here, the birthplace of aviation. From the straightforward bicycle shops that fostered the Wright brothers' flying ambitions to the complex spacecraft that carried man to the moon, the National Aviation Heritage Area has everything you need to learn about this country’s aviation legacy.

    The replica 1905 Wright Flyer being flown at Huffman Prairie Flying Field. Photo Courtesy of: Dean Alexander

  • National Scenic Trail

    North Country

    Seven States-New York to North Dakota , MI,MN,ND,NY,OH,PA,WI

    From New York to North Dakota, you're never far from a great outdoor adventure. When completed the trail will be the longest continuous hiking trail in the United States. The trail links scenic, natural, historic, and cultural areas across seven states allowing visitors to experience a variety of northern landscapes. Come and experience your America, at a walking pace.

    A hiker enjoys the view along the North Country Trail in New York.

  • Memorial

    Perry's Victory & International Peace

    Put-in-Bay, OH

    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 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.

    Detail of Bronze urn

  • National Historic Site

    William Howard Taft

    Cincinnati, OH

    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.

    View of the room housing Presidential memorabilia from Taft's Presidency

By The Numbers

These numbers are just a sample of the National Park Service's work. Figures are for the fiscal year that ended 9/30/2015.