Tucked Away in Ohio’s Scenic Hocking Hills: An Enchanting Gateway City Brimming with Cozy Midwest Charm

Published
Tucked Away in Ohio's Scenic Hocking Hills: An Enchanting Gateway City Brimming with Cozy Midwest Charm

Less than an hour south of Columbus sits the unassuming town of Logan. Home to fewer than 10,000 people, Logan has long been a popular destination for local Ohioans — not only is it packed with cozy Midwest charm, but it serves as a gateway to two incredible state parks. So whether you’re looking to get lost in the rolling hills and dense forests of central Ohio or cruise around scenic Lake Logan, the town is overflowing with outdoor recreation options.



Hiking, boating, and kayaking are just the beginnings of what Logan has to offer visitors. When you’re not out enjoying nature, you can unwind and refuel in its charming downtown. It’s about as large as you’d expect for a town of its population, but there’s a shocking number of excellent restaurants, hotels, and entertainment options to keep you occupied in between your excursions. That makes Logan an extraordinarily well-rounded getaway destination — and one that’s easy to recommend for any travelers seeking an action-packed Midwest vacation.

As a bonus, out-of-state visitors flying into John Glenn Columbus International Airport can explore an underrated state park perfect for nature lovers. Columbus itself is also worth exploring — and if you’re an avid football fan, consider grabbing tickets to an Ohio State football game, as the stadium (and city) is a sight to behold on game day.



Lodging, dining, and entertainment in Logan, Ohio

Logan is an excellent hub for adventures, as it’s home to a walkable downtown filled with fantastic restaurants, hotels, and other amenities. In fact, it’s much like Ohio’s oldest city that’s also filled with lovely specialty shops. If you’re traveling with kids, the first stop you should make is the Hocking Hills Children’s Museum. Exhibits are designed for kids from 6 months to 10 years old, and day passes are quite affordable at around $10 for non-residents. For more offbeat entertainment — and a chance to view more than 3,400 pencil sharpeners — you can drive to the Paul A. Johnson Pencil Sharpener Museum.

With over 2,500 Google reviews, Pizza Crossing is one of the most popular restaurants in town. Featuring a casual setting and unique dishes like Bigfoot Pizza and Mexican Pizza, it’s a delicious (and affordable) way to feed the whole family. Venture out of downtown to find the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls Restaurant — another highly rated destination. The elegant eatery serves “extraordinaire” food within a casual setting. It’s also one of the best lodging options in Logan, as guests can book a cabin, geodome, yurt, and several other unique room options.

See also  Egg Carton Road Trip Hack: How to Keep Your Car Organized


Worthington of Logan, meanwhile, is a vibrant boutique hotel near downtown. The independent hotel features a Tiki breakfast bar, Bali swimming pool, and 36 rooms with pastel colors flowing throughout the common areas and into the guest rooms, each featuring all the modern comforts you’d expect from a typical hotel experience.

Hocking Hills and Lake Logan State Parks

Dave Pennells

By Dave Pennells

Dave Pennells, MS, has contributed his expertise as a career consultant and training specialist across various fields for over 15 years. At City University of Seattle, he offers personal career counseling and conducts workshops focused on practical job search techniques, resume creation, and interview skills. With a Master of Science in Counseling, Pennells specializes in career consulting, conducting career assessments, guiding career transitions, and providing outplacement services. Her professional experience spans multiple sectors, including banking, retail, airlines, non-profit organizations, and the aerospace industry. Additionally, since 2001, he has been actively involved with the Career Development Association of Australia.