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Best places to visit in ohio.

Ohio is home to a wide range of attractions, from sprawling parks with stunning waterfalls to the Lake Erie shoreline to bustling cities and college towns. To help you decide where to go during your next trip to the Buckeye State, U.S. News took into account its diversity of attractions, affordability and outdoor offerings (as well as user input) to determine the best places to visit in Ohio. Have a favorite? Vote below to help decide next year's list.

Hocking Hills State Park

Cuyahoga valley national park, columbus, oh, port clinton.

With its stunning caves and breathtaking waterfalls, Hocking Hills State Park in southeastern Ohio is one of the state's most beautiful destinations for a romantic getaway or a family outing. Inside the park, you'll discover miles of hiking trails, including the Ash Cave Gorge and Ash Cave Rim trails, which lead to Ash Cave (the largest recess cave in Ohio). You can also follow the 6-mile-long Grandma Gatewood Trail from the welcome center to Old Man's Cave (one of Hocking Hills' most popular areas) before continuing on to Cedar Falls, where you'll find the park's largest waterfall by volume.

Head to Cuyahoga Valley National Park to enjoy a relaxing outdoor escape away from the hustle and bustle of nearby cities like Cleveland and Akron. During the warmer months, this national park offers 125 miles of hiking trails, as well as ample biking, fishing and kayaking opportunities, as well as fun kid-friendly activities, such as junior ranger programs and seasonal train rides. Plus, Cuyahoga Valley turns into a winter wonderland during the cooler months, drawing winter sports enthusiasts interested in spending their vacation snowshoeing, cross-country skiing or sledding.

Renowned author Charles Dickens once called Cincinnati "one of the most interesting [cities] in America," and after visiting, you'll have to agree. The riverfront city is home to several neighborhoods, each with their own distinct flair. Eden Park (a popular green space with 186 acres) is just outside of the picturesque Mount Adams neighborhood, while the historic Over-The-Rhine district is where you'll find Findlay Market, Music Hall and some of the city's best shops, bars and restaurants. While here, be sure to try some of Cincinnati's famous five-way chili.

Whether you're a nature lover, an art enthusiast, a sports fanatic, a foodie or a combination of them all, Cleveland will appeal to you. The city's 18 parks offer everything from hiking trails to golf courses to a zoo, while Progressive Field is where you can watch the Cleveland Guardians play baseball. Other Cleveland must-dos include viewing the Cleveland Museum of Art's 61,000-plus works and learning more about music legends at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Don't leave without grabbing a bite to eat at the West Side Market.

Put-in-Bay, which sits less than 23 miles northwest of Sandusky and is accessible via ferry, is one of Ohio's most-visited Lake Erie islands. On Put-in-Bay, which is part of South Bass Island, visitors can take Island Transportation's Tour Train to get an overview of the island or explore attractions like Perry's Victory & International Peace Memorial and the Lake Erie Islands Nature & Wildlife Center on their own. Those traveling with kids will also want to check out Perry's Cave Family Fun Center, which features a butterfly house, a miniature golf course, a rock climbing wall and a giant maze, among other amenities.

Ohio's capital city has no shortage of things to do. Active travelers will appreciate the miles of walking, jogging and bike trails available at the Scioto Mile. Nature lovers can spend a few hours exploring Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Architecture buffs can admire the charming buildings that comprise the historic German Village neighborhood (don't miss The Book Loft, one of the country's largest independent bookstores). Foodies won't want to miss dining at North Market, and art enthusiasts can visit galleries in the Short North Arts District.

The Maumee River meets Lake Erie in this northwestern Ohio city, so visitors can take to the water on The Sandpiper boat for a picnic lunch or sunset cruise or head to Maumee Bay State Park for its sandy beaches, trails and wetlands. Beyond its waterways, Toledo features engaging attractions like the Toledo Museum of Art, which is free to visit and holds 30,000-plus pieces, and the family-friendly Toledo Zoo & Aquarium. Meanwhile, must-try food experiences include biting into a Hungarian hot dog from Tony Packo's and sipping local brews along the 419 Ale Trail.

Dayton is the birthplace of aviation, so it's hardly surprising that many of its main attractions focus on flying and the history behind it. At Wright Brothers Hill and the John W. Berry, Sr. Wright Brothers National Museum, visitors can get a glimpse into the lives of the innovative pilots and learn more about the first practical aircraft they created. Travelers will also want to check out Dayton's National Museum of the United States Air Force – the world's largest and oldest museum dedicated to military aviation history – and the National Aviation Hall of Fame for more aviation background.

Located along the banks of Lake Erie, Sandusky beckons to water lovers and thrill-seekers. In addition to boasting proximity to waterfront trails and beaches, the town is home to Cedar Point, an amusement park that features some of the world's tallest and fastest roller coasters. The attraction also offers rides designed for little ones, plus a sports center and a water park . Outside of Cedar Point, travelers will find additional family-friendly facilities, including the Merry-Go-Round Museum and Kalahari Resorts & Conventions Sandusky, the largest indoor water park in the state.

Water activities abound in this lakeside town, which sits roughly 40 miles southeast of Toledo. Port Clinton is known for its fishing, so anglers can set their lines to catch walleye. Meanwhile, recreation seekers can launch kayaks and canoes in Catawba Island State Park or take a ferry to the surrounding islands and Cedar Point amusement park. For those who like a bit more bustle on their vacation, Port Clinton always seems to have something going on, from various festivals and concerts throughout the summer to the Walleye Drop on New Year's Eve, a longtime local tradition.

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20 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Ohio

Written by Anietra Hamper Updated Jul 26, 2022 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Ohio is a state with wonderful possibilities for travelers looking for a cosmopolitan experience, a small-town retreat, or a full-on escape to nature. Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus, and Dayton offer many of the state's best cultural attractions, great shopping, and a full repertoire of things to do.

Head into the countryside to discover the best of Amish Country, or hit the summer fun towns, like Sandusky, and spend a day at an amusement park. From spring until fall, the lakes and forests are inviting destinations to discover Ohio's best outdoor adventures , many of which can be found in the national and state parks .

In winter, you can even try your luck out on the lakes ice fishing . Regardless of the season, you can find interesting and fun places to visit. Explore the state with our list of the top attractions in Ohio.

1. Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

2. national museum of the us air force, 3. cedar point amusement park, 4. hocking hills state park, 5. amish country, 6. columbus zoo and aquarium, 7. cincinnati museum center, 8. franklin park conservatory and botanical gardens, 9. the cleveland museum of art, 10. kings island, 11. pro football hall of fame, 12. ohio caverns, 13. the wilds, 14. a christmas story house & museum, 15. cincinnati zoo & botanical garden, 16. stan hywet hall & gardens, akron, 17. toledo museum of art, 18. fountain square, cincinnati, 19. cuyahoga valley scenic train ride, 20. west side market.

On Cleveland's waterfront, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has become a pilgrimage site for music aficionados. It's the place to visit in Cleveland for music lovers. The museum offers an extraordinarily comprehensive look at rock and roll history on a decade-by-decade basis, featuring all the great artists from various time periods.

Among the seven floors of rock memorabilia, you will find one-of-a-kind musical instruments, costumes, and interactive exhibits. A must-see gallery during your visit is the wing of Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees. Renowned architect I.M. Pei designed the building, which is one of the most recognized structures in Cleveland.

To add a little something extra to your visit, check the museum's Live Music & Events listings for outdoor concerts and music events taking place during your stay in Cleveland.

Address: 1100 Rock and Roll Boulevard, Cleveland, Ohio

Official site: http://www.rockhall.com/

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Cleveland

The National Museum of the US Air Force is one of the top free things to do in Ohio. The museum is located on Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton. With more than 360 aerospace items on display, you will walk through a time capsule of aviation history with indoor and outdoor exhibits.

The museum has special meaning in Ohio as natives Wilbur and Orville Wright invented the first successful aircraft. From the Wright brothers' invention to space travel, military aircraft, and the stealth technology of today, you do not have to be an aviation fanatic to enjoy the visit.

One of the most notable areas of the museum is the Presidential Gallery, where you can walk through several preserved aircrafts used by Presidents Roosevelt, Truman, and Eisenhower.

Address: 1100 Spaatz Street, Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, Ohio

Official site: http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Home.aspx

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Dayton, OH

Cedar Point amusement park is one of the most popular summer destinations in Ohio. Located near Sandusky on the shores of Lake Erie, Cedar Point has more than 17 world-class roller coasters, several kids' areas, and live entertainment.

Adjacent to the amusement park is the Cedar Point Shores Water Park, with equally thrilling water adventures. The park has a wave pool, lazy river, shallow pools for children, and a six-story aqua-drop water slide for the truly adventurous. The resort has a variety of accommodation options, from camping to cabins or suites in Cedar Point's Hotel Breakers .

Since the park is located on Cedar Point Beach, you can take advantage of water sports on Lake Erie like kayaking, jet skiing, and parasailing.

Address: One Cedar Point Drive, Sandusky, Ohio

Official site: https://www.cedarpoint.com/

Hocking Hills State Park near Logan is a rugged natural area popular with outdoor enthusiasts. The area has hiking trails, caves, camping facilities, and cottages. It is also one of the best places for a weekend getaway in Ohio , especially in the fall, when the leaves are changing to vibrant colors in the forested areas.

Park naturalists host regular events throughout the year on topics like bird watching; photography; caves; and hikes, including a popular winter hike that draws thousands of participants. You can review the Hocking Hills State Park event calendar before your visit for the most updated programs.

Local outfitters offer other outdoor adventure options including canoeing, ziplining , and rock climbing. The top areas to visit in the park are Old Man's Cave, Cedar Falls, Cantwell Cliffs, Rock House, and wheelchair-accessible Ash Cave.

A drive through the rolling landscape of Amish Country on a summer's day is a wonderful way to escape the city and see a simpler lifestyle at work. Amish buggies ply the twisting roads, and farmers work in the fields.

Small communities offer opportunities to stop and pick up everything from household goods to locally made cheeses, candy, ice cream, produce, and much more. While Amish Country spans five counties, the best places to visit first are along the 160 miles of the Amish Country Byway, in Holmes County.

You will want to take your time and keep the agenda flexible as you drive through villages like Walnut Creek, Charm, and Berlin for impromptu stops at cheese factories or for a cup of coffee and fresh bakery items.

Shopping is popular for Amish-made furniture, antiques, and gifts from small independent shops. Keep in mind that nothing will be open in the area on Sundays.

• Read More: Ohio's Amish Country: Highlights and Hidden Treasures

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is consistently rated as one of the top zoos in the nation . More than 10,000 animals and eight regions are featured in the zoo, like Asia Quest, Heart of Africa, Congo Expedition, and North America. Regular stage performances and special educational programs are held throughout the year.

The winter draw is Wildlights, a spectacular celebration with more than three million lights throughout the zoo. It generally runs from late November through the holidays. It is a unique way to see the zoo animals at night and a fun way to enjoy winter in Ohio.

Next to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is Zoombezi Bay water park , which is a popular add-on to a day at the zoo in the summer.

Address: 4850 Powell Road, Powell, Ohio

Official site: https://www.columbuszoo.org/

• Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Columbus
• Top Things to Do in Columbus

The Cincinnati Museum Center is a multi-museum complex inside Union Terminal giving visitors a range of scientific, historical, and educational experiences. There are several museums with combined collections of 1.8 million artifacts.

Visitors can spend time exploring the museums, which include the Cincinnati History Museum, the Duke Energy Children's Museum, the Cincinnati History Library and Archives, the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center, the Museum of Natural History and Science, and an OMNIMAX theater.

It can easily be a multi-day visit. The center is worth a visit just to see the 1930s Art Deco train station building. With several cafés located throughout the center, it is easy to find snacks during your visit.

Address: 1301 Western Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio

Official site: http://www.cincymuseum.org/

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Cincinnati

The Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Columbus is a year-round tourist attraction that features indoor and outdoor exhibits of plants and flowers, with special exhibitions that change throughout the year.

The horticultural institution has exotic plant collections that take you around the world. The conservatory is home to several glass greenhouses that feature more than 400 species of plants from the Himalayas, rainforest, desert, and Pacific Islands.

You might see a wedding taking place during your visit to the Palm House, which is a popular backdrop for events. The Victorian-style glass greenhouse was built in the late 1800s and is one of the oldest and largest wings of the facility. The exquisite glass room features 43 species of palms from around the world.

Address: 1777 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio

Official site: http://www.fpconservatory.org/

The Cleveland Museum of Art has been an institution in the city since it was founded in 1916. By the 1950s, it had established an international reputation for its collection. The collection has grown and changed directions over the years, and the original Neoclassical building has been repeatedly expanded and renovated.

Today, the museum focuses on a number of different areas, with outstanding collections of European, Asian, and American art. One of the most interactive areas is the ARTLENS Gallery, which lets visitors use digital technology to engage more intimately with the collections of art on display. You can even use the inspiration to create your own masterpiece in the ArtLens Studio.

Address: 11150 East Boulevard, Cleveland, Ohio

Official site: http://www.clevelandart.org/

Kings Island amusement park near Cincinnati has been a top family destination in Ohio since it opened in 1972. The park is known for its world-class roller coasters, Planet Snoopy Kids' Area, and special events throughout the year including concerts and themed celebrations like Halloween Haunt and WinterFest.

The park has thrilling roller coasters, like the iconic Beast coaster, Diamondback, and Orion and adventurous rides like Delirium and Flight of Fear. It is just as fun to walk around the park to enjoy attractions like the Eiffel Tower, a popular meeting spot for families throughout the day.

Kings Island also has Soak City Water Park with over 50 water rides and activities, including 36 water slides, float lagoons, and two wave pools to cool off in during the Ohio summers.

Address: 6300 Kings Island Drive, Kings Island, Ohio

Official site: https://www.visitkingsisland.com

Anyone who is a fan of football should visit the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton. It is a comprehensive museum focused on professional football and the legends who have made history in the game. The museum opened in 1963 as a small space to recognize football excellence.

Today, it has expanded to showcase the historic moments and players who have elevated the game throughout the decades. A must-see exhibit is the Hall of Fame Gallery, which features a bronze bust of the more than 350 Hall of Famers, along with interactive displays with inductee bios, photos, and their greatest moments in football.

Another multi-sensory exhibit is the "A Game for Life" holographic theater, which lets fans see pro football legends like Vince Lombardi and Joe Namath up close by using state-of-the-art interactive technology. Several types of tours are available including a behind-the-scenes VIP tour.

Address: 2121 George Halas Dr. NW, Canton, Ohio

Official site: https://www.profootballhof.com

With a history of more than 125 years, the Ohio Caverns is one of the most fascinating natural experiences in the state. While there are several caverns located throughout Ohio, the Ohio Caverns is the largest, with more than two miles of winding underground passageways.

Take a sightseeing tour to experience the twisting tunnels that take you from 30 feet to 103 feet below the surface to explore the natural geological wonders like stalactites, including the largest one in Ohio, and other formations. The temperature below ground is always at 54 degrees Fahrenheit, so you can visit anytime of the year.

There are several types of tours available, including a Discovery Lantern Tour. The park on the grounds has additional activities like a mining station for fossils and gems that is a hit with kids.

Address: 2210 East State Route 245, West Liberty, Ohio

Official site: https://ohiocaverns.com

You do not expect to see animals like giraffes and rhinos roaming the plains of the rural landscape in Ohio, but a visit to The Wilds in Cumberland will let you experience just that. This is a conservation facility that offers open-air safari tours and even zipline experiences over the landscape to learn about the animals that live at The Wilds in this natural setting.

You will see rare and even endangered animals, and learn about the important efforts that are underway to protect them. A visit to The Wilds gives visitors a chance to see animals like a Bactrian camel, Central Chinese goral, Persian onager, and Sichuan takins.

You can stay overnight at The Lodge at the Wilds ; a cabin by the lake; or in a luxury yurt, where you can sit on your porch at night to enjoy an undisturbed view of the stars.

Address: 14000 International Road., Cumberland, Ohio

Official site: https://thewilds.columbuszoo.org

A fun and nostalgic attraction tucked away in a quiet Cleveland neighborhood is the A Christmas Story House, which was featured in the 1983 holiday classic A Christmas Story. Take a tour inside Ralphie's movie-set home as the recognizable décor and home setting from the movie make the scenes come to life.

Be sure to go across the street to A Christmas Story Museum, which houses many original costumes and movie props, including the family's car, toys, and other memorabilia. The gift shop is where you can take home a piece of movie history with many prop replicas for sale, including the famous leg lamp.

Serious fans of the movie can even plan an overnight stay at the A Christmas Story House, which gives you access to the entire house. The Bumpus House, the home of Ralphie's fictional neighbors, is also available for overnight guests.

Address: 3159 W 11th Street, Cleveland, Ohio

Official site: https://www.achristmasstoryhouse.com

Plan for a full and exciting day when visiting the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, as it is two attractions rolled into one.

The Cincinnati Zoo has habitats like the Cat Canyon, Elephant Reserve, Gibbon Islands, and Roo Valley, which feature species by category and regions. Interactive areas like the children's zoo and the Wings of Wonder bird encounter are popular places to visit.

In addition to the sprawling zoo grounds is the Botanical Garden , which started as a zoological garden in 1875. The gardens feature collections of tulips, endangered plant species, and a butterfly garden. Walk the grounds to learn about the native plants in the area, as well as gardens that are important for pollinators.

There are regular public events and even plant sales where you can pick up some new bulbs or species for your own garden.

Address: 3400 Vine Street, Cincinnati, Ohio

Official site: https://cincinnatizoo.org

Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens in Akron is the nation's sixth largest historic home that is open to the public. You will find yourself enchanted with the original furnishings in the Manor House and the elegant details in the five buildings and historic gardens throughout the 70-acre estate.

F.A. Seiberling, the founder of the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, built the home and surrounding gardens. The name, Stan Hywet, is an Old English term referring to "story quarry," which was the most significant natural feature on the property when it was purchased at the turn of the 20th century.

Take your time as you stroll through the home, gardens, Corbin Conservatory, Gate Lodge, and Carriage House. A gift shop and café are also on the property.

Address: 714 North Portage Path, Akron, Ohio

Official site: http://www.stanhywet.org/

One of the highlights of Toledo is the outstanding Toledo Museum of Art. In existence for well over 100 years, the museum has amassed an extensive collection, which ranges from ancient Greek, Roman, and Egyptian pieces to American and European painting, and modern and contemporary art. Of particular note is the glass collection.

The museum's campus is spread over close to 40 acres, with 35 galleries in six buildings. The main museum has a distinctive and grand Greek façade. Opened in 2006, the Glass Pavilion, which contains glass-blowing studios and galleries, is a unique postmodern structure with many walls, including the exterior, made entirely of glass.

Official site: http://www.toledomuseum.org/

Cincinnati's Fountain Square is a central meeting place in the city where people can have an outdoor coffee in summer, skate the ice rink in winter, and escape from the confines of offices and apartments.

Located in the center of Cincinnati's expanding and vibrant Fountain Square District, Fountain Square offers great restaurants and free music and entertainment throughout the year. The main feature of the park is the ornate Tyler Davidson Fountain, dedicated in 1871.

Fountain Square is just a few blocks from the Backstage District, Cincinnati's arts district, so many people congregate at the square before or after theater and music shows.

Address: Fifth Street and Vine Street, Cincinnati, Ohio

Official site: http://myfountainsquare.com/

Train enthusiasts will want to ride the rails along the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Train route. This historical route winds its way from the Rockside Station in Independence down to the Northside Station in Akron.

Along the way, the train follows the Cuyahoga River through Cuyahoga Valley National Park . This area is ideal for spotting wildlife, including deer and eagles.

Different seating options are available, and range from regular seats in coach and an upper dome car right through to an executive class car.

For a romantic rail trip, take the evening dinner train. On this excursion, you are served a full four-course meal in the beautiful domed dining car. Another great trip is to take the train in the fall, when the leaves in the Cuyahoga Valley burst into a riot of oranges, yellows, and reds.

A fun activity in the summer is to ride the train one way with your bike and then cycle back from your chosen stop along the Towpath trail to the beginning.

Official site: https://www.cvsr.org/

Looking for the freshest ingredients for that special dinner? Look no further than the West Side Market in Cleveland. Housed in a historical building and running since 1912, this market is a foodie must-do when in town.

You'll find over 100 vendors selling everything from cupcakes to the freshest seafood in town. All are small operators and are quick to offer helpful suggestions on what to do with a particular cut of meat, a vegetable, or spice.

Stay for breakfast or lunch at the West Side Market Café, which uses local ingredients to make specialties like Lake Erie walleye sandwiches and pierogis that are unique to the Cleveland area.

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Where Does Ohio State Rank Among Best Jobs in College Football?

Caleb spinner | may 7, 2024.

It's no question the Ohio State Buckeyes are one of the best college football teams in the country.

Thus, being at the head of a national championship contender would be a pretty sought-after gig. 247Sports writer Brad Crawford recently published his list of the top ten college football jobs in the country, listing the Buckeyes at No. 3.

"When leading a program expected to win national championships, that speaks to the penchant for success established by a tradition-rich history," Crawford said. "Everything is first-rate in Columbus and the Buckeyes have only been a couple plays away the last few seasons of getting back to the medal stage."

The only two teams ahead of the Buckeyes were the Georgia Bulldogs and Texas Longhorns at No. 1 and No. 2, respectively.

"Ohio State flexed its bully-on-the-block strength this offseason after drawing blood in NIL wars with others," Crawford said. "Remember the speculation concerning Ohio State's lack of NIL resources in recent years? There's a contingent of boosters and former players who stepped up to the plate through the Buckeyes' THE Foundation and made this 2024 roster one to remember."

Speaking of the roster, Ohio State's more-than-impressive collection of players has led to them being known by some as the 'paper champions.' The opinion that the Buckeyes are the nation's best team on paper is a stance shared by Crawford.

"Ryan Day assembled an Avengers-like roster through the transfer portal and No. 1 overall recruit Jeremiah Smith," Crawford said. "Player retention is another leading storyline in an ever-changing landscape and this program was able to convince several early-rounders to return."

Ohio State's impressive additions were not just limited to the players on the field. Ryan Day made significant improvements to his coaching staff by adding UCLA Bruins head coach Chip Kelly (as offensive coordinator) and Oregon Ducks running backs coach Carlos Locklyn, while promoting graduate assistant James Laurinaitis to linebackers coach.

Day and the Buckeyes will have their first chance to show the country what their made off when they host the Akron Zips at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, August 31.

CALEB SPINNER

Ohio lawmakers are at odds over effort to ensure Biden appears on November ballot

An effort to ensure that President Joe Biden is on Ohio’s general election ballot stalled Wednesday in the Legislature, raising the likelihood of legal action to resolve the issue.

It's the latest twist in what has usually been a straightforward move to fix conflicts between late conventions and state election laws in the past.

This time, with their own convention scheduled for July, Republicans appear less inclined to help Democrats without something in return.

In a party-line vote, the Republican-controlled state Senate advanced a bill that would relax a pre-convention deadline for Democrats to certify Biden as their nominee — while also outlawing foreign contributions to state ballot measure campaigns.

The attachment of the latter provision means the state Senate bill conflicts with a state House fix that was introduced this week , which included no such conditions. The House version would allow Biden’s name to appear on the ballot while also allowing more time and flexibility for political parties to certify presidential nominees in future elections.

After the state Senate voted on its measure Wednesday, the Republican-led House adjourned without considering either version.

State Secretary of State Frank LaRose, a Republican, warned Democrats last month that Biden was in danger of not qualifying for the state’s November ballot because the party’s nominating convention is scheduled after the Aug. 7 deadline for certifying candidates.

LaRose has said a legislative fix passed without an emergency clause must be in place by the end of the day Thursday for it to take effect by the deadline. A state House GOP spokesperson declined to say Wednesday whether votes on the legislation were planned before then. A spokesperson for the state House Democratic caucus did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

“For weeks now I’ve said the easiest way to [ensure Biden is on the ballot] is to pass temporary legislation that adjusts the deadline by which they can certify their nominee to my office,” LaRose said in a statement Wednesday. “Unfortunately, the Ohio House couldn’t get that done today, it appears because Democrats are more interested in protecting foreign billionaires who want to bankroll Ohio’s elections than in getting their presidential candidate on the ballot.

"The House still has time to act with an emergency vote, and it’s in the best interest of Ohio voters, as well as our ability to quickly and effectively prepare for a general election, that they find a way to do so,” he added.

The stalemate means Democrats might need to go to court to make sure Biden is on the ballot in the purple-turned-red state. Last week, Alabama’s GOP-controlled House unanimously passed a bill to resolve a similar issue for Biden, and Republican Gov. Kay Ivey quickly signed it into law.

“Joe Biden will be on the ballot in all 50 states,” Biden campaign spokesperson Charles Lutvak said in a statement. “Election after election, states across the country have acted in line with the bipartisan consensus and taken the necessary steps to ensure the presidential nominees from both parties will be on the ballot.”

Meeting with reporters Wednesday, Ohio Senate President Matt Huffman suggested that GOP members needed an incentive to help Biden, “because Republicans in both the House and the Senate aren’t going to vote for a stand-alone Biden bill.”

“There’s a lot of folks in their districts that say, ‘I’m going to go run in my district, and the one vote that I took was to put Joe Biden on the ballot,’” Huffman added. “Eventually, Joe Biden is going to be on the ballot through whatever means that’s going to happen. But I think that it’s fair for us to come together and say no foreign money in Ohio elections.”

Ohio law requires presidential and vice presidential nominees to be “certified to the secretary of state or nominated” through one of several manners “on or before the ninetieth day before the day of the general election.” That makes Aug. 7 — 12 days before the start of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago — the deadline this year.

The issue has come up in previous elections in Ohio and other states, but until now it had typically been resolved without acrimony or fanfare. Democrats and Republicans both had late August conventions in 2012 and 2020.

Justin Levitt, a professor at Loyola Law School in Los Angeles who was a senior policy adviser for democracy and voting rights in the Biden White House, said that if the Legislature doesn’t resolve the matter, a pricey legal fight almost certainly will.

“The only question is whether it’s fixed cheaply or expensively or in a friendly manner or in a non-friendly manner, but it’s going to get fixed,” Levitt said. “This is the easiest lawsuit ever if they bring it, because the law actually asks for a reason if you’re going to impede somebody’s ballot access, and there’s no reason why Ohio needs this answer [on who the Democratic presidential nominee is] as early as it does.

“The fact that we’re even here at this point, it’s a little bit like a toddler holding its breath,” Levitt added. “The outcome is inevitable. It’s only a question of how embarrassing it is for the toddler in the meantime.”

Henry J. Gomez is a senior national political reporter for NBC News.

Emma Barnett is a 2024 NBC News campaign embed.

Ohio State football targeting Big Ten transfer option to bolster secondary

• Updated: May. 08, 2024, 7:05 p.m. |
• Published: May. 08, 2024, 12:23 p.m.

• Nathan Baird, cleveland.com

COLUMBUS, Ohio — A couple of transfer departures left Ohio State football thin on scholarship players at safety.

That is also the position which has been most linked to possible incoming transfers since the deadline to enter the portal passed last Tuesday. Now a specific target has emerged — and he comes with Big Ten experience.

Per multiple reports, Michigan State safety Jaden Mangham will visit Ohio State this weekend. According to 247Sports’ Matt Zenitz, he will follow that with a visit to Nebraska early next week and one to Michigan the following weekend.

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Mangham totaled 52 tackles and four interceptions last season while starting 10 of the 11 games he played. He also started two of his nine games the prior season as a freshman.

However, he may best be known to Ohio State fans as the player who had to be carted off the field after a collision with running back TreVeyon Henderson last season at Spartan Stadium. Mangham did not end up missing any games due to that incident.

Ohio State has only six scholarship safeties on the roster following the transfer departures of Ja’Had Carter and Cedrick Hawkins. (That does not count cornerbacks such as Jordan Hancock and Lorenzo Styles Jr. who play nickel, which defensive coordinator Jim Knowles previously described as a third safety position.)

The top of the depth chart is secure, with Lathan Ransom returning for a third year starting at bandit and freshman All-American Caleb Downs set to take over at adjuster. Even with Malik Hartford’s solid freshman year and good springs from redshirt freshman Jayden Bonsu and true freshman Jaylen McClain, it makes sense the Buckeyes would seek more depth.

Mangham would have two years of eligibility remaining, too. He would remain in the mix for 2025 after Ransom, Hancock and possibly others depart.

Ohio State emerged from the transfer portal window with a scholarship count of 80 — well under the NCAA-mandated limit of 85. That gives Ryan Day some flexibility as he supplements what is already considered one of the best rosters in the sport.

If you or a loved one has questions and needs to talk to a professional about gambling, call the Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-589-9966 or the National Council on Program Gambling Helpline (NCPG) at 1-800-522-4700 or visit 1800gambler.net for more information. 21+ and present in Ohio. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.

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Ohio State graduation death being investigated as a suicide

COLUMBUS, Ohio − Officials are investigating Sunday's graduation ceremony death at the Ohio State University football stadium as a suicide, coroner's office documents show.

On Tuesday, the university announced the woman who fell to her death from stadium stands had been identified as Larissa Brady , a family member of a graduate participating in Sunday's ceremony.

Preliminary reports from the Franklin County Coroner's Office said Brady's death is being investigated as an "apparent suicide ," The Columbus Dispatch, part of the USA TODAY Network, reported.

Brady, 53, lived north of Atlanta with her husband and son, and her daughter was a graduating senior at OSU, according to the school's commencement program.

What does the coroner report say?

Brady spoke to her daughter as she entered the stadium for commencement, according to the coroner's report.

Brady then went into the stadium with her husband and son, 12, to sit and watch the ceremony, the coroner's report said. Once seated, Brady told her family she wanted to move higher into the stadium and her family told investigators they lost sight of her.

After making her way to the last row of benches, witnesses saw Brady climb over the stadium's concrete wall, according to the coroner's office.

On Sunday, photos from the scene showed police and yellow tape near gate 30 at Ohio Stadium.

What did Ohio State University say?

Officials from Ohio State University said Tuesday that campus police, who were responsible for investigating the incident, did not suspect foul play and do not think Brady's death was accidental.

The OSU community is grieving and going through a difficult time this week, university spokesperson Benjamin Johnson said Tuesday in a statement.

"Ohio State is grieving the death of Larissa Brady, a family member of one of our graduates," Johnson said. "Our hearts go out to her family and friends during this exceptionally difficult time."

Following the death, the university contacted all graduates and staff who volunteered at graduation and offered counseling services, Johnson told the Dispatch.

University officials and commencement speakers – including social entrepreneur and OSU alum  Chris Pan  – made no reference to the death during the ceremony, which continued uninterrupted, the Dispatch reported.

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or a crisis and needs help, call or text 988 to reach the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Max Filby reports for The Columbus Dispatch. Claire Thornton reports for USA TODAY.