Ohio. Find It Here. Scares Up Fantastic Fall Fun

On: By: Roxie Bell

COLUMBUS, Ohio (Sept. 19, 2022) — Fall is a favorite season for many, and fall in Ohio has something for everyone, from haunted places to scenic spaces. Ohio. Find It Here. just launched its annual Fall in Ohio campaign, filled with exciting ways to explore and celebrate autumn, including 100 Things To Do in Ohio this Fall.

“Fall is a beautiful time of year throughout Ohio,” said Gov. Mike DeWine. “I encourage families to get out and make some wonderful fall memories, whether that’s attending a big football game, hiking and biking through our beautiful state parks, or checking out some of Ohio’s ‘haunted’ history.”

Stay a Night in Haunted Ohio

Amateur ghost hunters can travel across Ohio in search of spooky spots. Those brave enough can spend the night in one of Ohio’s many haunted hotels and inns where guests and staff have seen ghosts. Footsteps, voices, and moving furniture have been reported at The Lafayette Hotel in Marietta. Ghostly encounters with the spirit of a little girl have been reported at the 225-year-old Golden Lamb restaurant and hotel in Lebanon. Mysterious laughter has been heard inside the state park lodge at Punderson Manor, one of the Great Ohio Lodges. And you can take a “Ghostory Tour” of the spiritually active Buxton Inn in Granville, which hauntedrooms.com named the most haunted hotel in Ohio.

Other one-of-a-kind haunted experiences this fall include:

  • The Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield is considered one of America’s most famous haunted prisons. It has a long, documented history of paranormal activity and offers ghost hunts all year. Those brave enough can visit Escape From Blood Prison on weekends from Sept. 24 through Oct. 30.
  • Fear reaches new heights at Ohio’s two amusement parks. Kings Island’s Halloween Haunt and Cedar Point’s 25th annual HalloWeekends are open on the weekends through October. Rides and fall festivities happen during daylight, but scary scenes come alive once darkness falls and doors open to the haunted houses. Nearby hotels and resorts are offering special fall packages.
  • ZOMBIEzi Bay in Powell will have guests looking over their shoulders as the waterpark transforms into a land of zombies with four haunted houses, rides, and scare zones.  

“Ohio is a real treat this time of year because we have so many options for people to experience everything from fall fright to family fun,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development. “Now is the time to book a weekend getaway to connect with family and friends in Ohio while taking in the scenic views.”

Fall Festivals and Events

  • Ohio Renaissance Festival: Step back in time as 30 acres in Waynesville transforms into a 16th century English village where visitors interact with costumed characters and watch dozens of performances per day. Bring a prince or princess any weekend through October.
  • Circleville Pumpkin Show: One of Ohio’s most popular festivals returns this year, Oct. 19-22. Hundreds of thousands are expected to attend the festival, which includes parades, music, the infamous pumpkin growing competition, and every type of pumpkin-flavored item imaginable.
  • Ashtabula County Covered Bridge Festival: Held the second weekend of October, this popular festival is an opportunity to celebrate and tour 19 historic covered bridges. An antique car show, live music, and lots of food and activities for the kids round out the event.
  • VetsAid 2022: Ohio’s own Joe Walsh from The Eagles pulled together a concert of all-Ohio rockers that includes Dave Grohl, Nine Inch Nails, The Black Keys, and The Breeders. The Nov. 13 concert at Nationwide Arena will benefit veterans’ services charities in Ohio.

Family Fun

  • For some lighthearted and not-so-scary fun, check out the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s Boo at the Zoo the last three weekends of October. Similar family fun happens at Boo at the Akron Zoo, HallZooween at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, and Little Boo at the Toledo Zoo & Aquarium.
  • In October and November, take the family to one of Ohio’s 75 state parks to camp among the changing leaves or check out stunning views from Ohio’s best fall foliage spots. Stay updated on the changing colors across the state with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ Fall Color Report.
  • Hear the scary tale of the headless horseman by the bonfire and enjoy pumpkin carving and Victorian-era entertainment every Saturday in October at Ohio Village’s “All Hollow’s Eve.”
  • Check out the two Ohio corn mazes nominated in this year’s USA TODAY 10 Best “Corn Mazes” list: Maze Craze in New Springfield, and Tom’s Maze in Germantown. 

Ohio’s Inviting Regions

Spend less time in the car and more time making memories. Fall is a perfect season to spend time in Ohio’s Inviting Regions, which all offer lots of activities, restaurants, and unforgettable experiences.

The Appalachian region, for example, stretches from the very eastern shores of Lake Erie to the banks of the Ohio River and is home to vast woods, hilly terrain, and an eclectic mix of culture and natural wonders. Some places to explore across the 32-county region include:  

  • Burr Oak State Park — a 2,593-acre park with a lodge, campground, lake, and trails.
  • Ravenwood Castle — feel like royalty in one of the castle rooms, cabins, or cottages tucked away in Hocking Hills.
  • Roscoe Village — experience daily life in the 1830s in this restored town along the Ohio and Erie Canal.

Amish Country provides a more laid back and quiet ambiance in the rolling countryside throughout Trumbull, Holmes, and Tuscarawas counties.

Ohioans and visitors are encouraged to share their seasonal fun on social media with #FallinOhio and #OhioFindItHere or follow @OhioFindItHere on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Visit Ohio.org and download the Ohio. Find It Here. app to your smartphone for travel inspiration and to plan your next Ohio vacation.

Information courtesy of Ohio.Find It Here