All free museums and attractions to visit in Ohio

If you are on a budget Ohio (United States) still has a lot to offer for you culturally, including free museums, free activities and free attractions. 59 museums and attractions in Ohio can be visited without charge.

Are you looking for free things to do in Ohio? These are the best places to visit:

  1. National Museum of the U.s. Air Force1

    National Museum of the U.s. Air Force

    Riverside, OH
    The National Museum of the United States Air Force, also known as NMUSAF, is the official museum of the U.S. Air Force. It is situated at the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Riverside, which is near Dayton, Ohio. This location is significant as it is one of the largest museums in the world and the oldest military aviation museum.
  2. Cleveland Museum of Art2

    Cleveland Museum of Art

    Cleveland, OH
    The Cleveland Museum of Art, located in Cleveland, Ohio, is a highly esteemed institution in the realm of American fine arts and archaeology. It is one of the wealthiest and most reputable museums in the country, boasting a financial endowment of $755 million and attracting approximately 700,000 visitors annually.
  3. Toledo Museum of Art3

    Toledo Museum of Art

    Toledo, OH
    The Toledo Museum of Art is an internationally known art museum located in the Old West End neighborhood of Toledo, Ohio . It houses a collection of more than 30,000 objects. With 45 galleries, it covers 280,000 square feet and is currently in the midst of a massive multiyear expansion plan to its 4
  4. Contemporary Arts Center4

    Contemporary Arts Center

    Cincinnati, OH
    The Contemporary Arts Center (CAC) is a contemporary art museum located in Cincinnati, Ohio. It is recognized as one of the first institutions in the United States dedicated to contemporary art. This makes it a significant landmark in the country's art history and a notable destination for art enthusiasts visiting Cincinnati.
  5. The Richland County Museum5

    The Richland County Museum

    Lexington, OH
    The First Congregational Church and Lexington School are two historic buildings located in Lexington, Ohio. The church is situated at 47 Delaware Street, while the school, which is now the Richland County Museum, is at 51 W. Church Street. These sites offer a glimpse into the rich history of the area and are worth a visit for those interested in architecture and history.
  6. Wexner Center For the Arts6

    Wexner Center For the Arts

    Columbus, OH
    The Wexner Center for the Arts, located at Ohio State University in Columbus, United States, serves as a contemporary art gallery and a 'research laboratory' for the arts. This unique combination makes it a place where art is not only displayed but also created, offering a dynamic and engaging experience for visitors.
  7. Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland7

    Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland

    Cleveland, OH
    The Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland, also known as moCa, is a unique contemporary art museum located in Cleveland, Ohio. It holds the distinction of being the only contemporary art venue of its kind in Metropolitan Cleveland, making it a unique destination for art enthusiasts and tourists alike.
  8. International Women's Air and Space Museum8

    International Women's Air and Space Museum

    Cleveland, OH
    The International Women's Air & Space Museum (IWASM) is located in Cleveland, Ohio. It is dedicated to preserving the history of women in aviation and space, and documenting their ongoing contributions. This museum provides a unique opportunity to learn about the significant roles women have played in these fields.
  9. Ohio Craft Museum9

    Ohio Craft Museum

    Columbus, OH
    Visit the only museum in the Midwest exclusively devoted to fine craft. Try their artist lectures or hands-on workshops for children and adults.
  10. Butler Institute of American Art10

    Butler Institute of American Art

    Youngstown, OH
    The Butler Institute of American Art, situated in Youngstown, Ohio, holds the distinction of being the first museum solely dedicated to American art. This historic institution was established in 1919 by Joseph G. Butler, Jr., a local industrialist and philanthropist. Since its inception, the museum has been operating pro bono, offering visitors a chance to explore the rich tapestry of American art without any admission fee.
  11. 11

    Cincinnati Skirball Museum

    Cincinnati, OH
  12. Lloyd Library and Museum12

    Lloyd Library and Museum

    Cincinnati, OH
    The Lloyd Library and Museum is a unique institution located in the heart of downtown Cincinnati, Ohio. As an independent research library, it offers a wealth of knowledge and resources for those interested in a variety of scientific and historical subjects. Its central location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the city.
  13. Toledo Firefighters Museum13

    Toledo Firefighters Museum

    Toledo, OH
  14. Cincinnati Art Museum14

    Cincinnati Art Museum

    Cincinnati, OH
    The Cincinnati Art Museum is a renowned American art museum situated in the city of Cincinnati, Ohio. It is a significant cultural institution in the Midwest, offering visitors a chance to explore a vast collection of art from various periods and styles.
  15. Mazza Museum15

    Mazza Museum

    Findlay, OH
    The Mazza Museum, located at The University of Findlay in Findlay, Ohio, is an art museum that specializes in illustrations from children's picture books. This unique focus makes it a distinctive destination for art enthusiasts and families alike. The museum's collection is vast and varied, offering a fascinating insight into the world of children's literature.
  16. First Ladies National Historic Site16

    First Ladies National Historic Site

    Canton, OH
    The First Ladies National Historic Site is a significant landmark located in Canton, Ohio. It was established in the year 2000 with the primary aim of commemorating all the First Ladies of the United States. This site serves as a tribute to the contributions and influences of these women, not just as wives of the Presidents, but as individuals who have played a crucial role in shaping the nation.
  17. 17

    Orton Hall Museum

    Columbus, OH
  18. Dittrick Museum of Medicine History18

    Dittrick Museum of Medicine History

    Cleveland, OH
    The Dittrick Museum of Medical History is located within the Dittrick Medical History Center of the College of Arts and Sciences of Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. The museum is dedicated to the study of the history of medicine and houses a collection of rare books, museum artifacts, archives, and images. Established in 1898 by the Cleveland Medical Library Association, the museum functions as an interdisciplinary study center.
  19. The Wright Cycle Company Building19

    The Wright Cycle Company Building

    Dayton, OH
  20. Clark County Heritage Center20

    Clark County Heritage Center

    Springfield, OH
    The Clark County Heritage Center, located in central Springfield, Ohio, is a building designed in the Romanesque architectural style. This style, popular in the 11th and 12th centuries, is characterized by round arches and heavy stone construction. The Center's design is a testament to this historical architectural style, making it a unique landmark in the area.
  21. Mansfield Memorial Museum21

    Mansfield Memorial Museum

    Mansfield, OH
  22. Huffman Prairie Interpretive Center - National Park Service22

    Huffman Prairie Interpretive Center - National Park Service

    Wright-Patterson AFB, OH
    Huffman Prairie, also known as Huffman Prairie Flying Field or Huffman Field, is a significant part of Ohio's Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park. This 84-acre patch of rough pasture is located near Fairborn, northeast of Dayton. It is historically significant as the place where the Wright brothers, Wilbur and Orville, undertook the task of creating a dependable, fully controllable airplane and training themselves to be pilots. Many early aircraft records were set by the Wrights at Huffman Prairie.
  23. Hopewell Culture National Historical Park23

    Hopewell Culture National Historical Park

    Chillicothe, OH
    Hopewell Culture National Historical Park is a significant historical site in the United States. It features earthworks and burial mounds from the Hopewell culture, a group of indigenous peoples who thrived from around 200 BC to AD 500. These ancient structures provide a glimpse into the lives and practices of the Hopewell people, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in history and archaeology.
  24. Kennedy Museum of Art - Ohio University24

    Kennedy Museum of Art - Ohio University

    Athens, OH
    Ohio University, a public institution, is situated in Athens, Ohio, United States. The main campus spans an area of 7.3 km² and is home to nearly 20,000 students. This bustling campus provides a vibrant atmosphere for visitors to experience.
  25. Northern Ohio Railway Museum25

    Northern Ohio Railway Museum

    Gloria Glens Park, OH
    The Northern Ohio Railway Museum is a non-profit, educational organization that was established in 1965. It is located near Chippewa Lake, Ohio, United States. The museum is dedicated to the collection, preservation, and exhibition of streetcars, artifacts, and assorted railway equipment related to the origin, development, and use of transit equipment and operations in northern Ohio.
  26. Allen Memorial Art Museum26

    Allen Memorial Art Museum

    Oberlin, OH
    The Allen Memorial Art Museum (AMAM) is a renowned art museum situated in Oberlin, Ohio. It is managed by Oberlin College and has been a significant part of the cultural landscape since its establishment in 1917. The museum is not only a place to view art but also serves as a teaching institution, primarily aimed at the students, faculty, and staff of Oberlin College, as well as the surrounding community.
  27. Nature Center At Shaker Lakes27

    Nature Center At Shaker Lakes

    Shaker Heights, OH
    The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, located in Shaker Heights, Ohio, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of natural areas, education about nature, and the promotion of better environmental stewardship. The center offers a variety of programs and activities aimed at fostering an appreciation for nature and encouraging responsible environmental practices.
  28. 28

    Toledo Museum of Art Glass Pavillon

    Toledo, OH
  29. 29

    Mcdonough Museum of Art

    Youngstown, OH
    The McDonough Museum of Art is a hub for contemporary art, situated in Youngstown, Ohio, USA. It is conveniently located on the campus of Youngstown State University (YSU), making it easily accessible for visitors.
  30. 30

    May 4th Visitors Center

    Kent, OH
  31. 31

    Kenneth W. Berger Hearing Aid Museum and Archives

    Kent, OH
  32. 32

    Cleveland Hungarian Heritage Museum

    Cleveland, OH
    The Cleveland Hungarian Museum is dedicated to protecting and preserving the history of Hungarians in northeast Ohio. It offers a unique opportunity for tourists to learn about the Hungarian community's contributions and experiences in this region of the United States.
  33. 33

    Miami University Art Museum

    Oxford, OH
    The Richard and Carole Cocks Art Museum is a public art museum situated on the campus of Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. It is easily accessible to the public and offers a wide range of art collections for visitors to explore.
  34. 34

    Karl E. Limper Geology Museum

    Oxford, OH
    The Karl Limper Geology Museum is situated in Shideler Hall at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. This location is easily accessible and provides a convenient spot for tourists who are interested in geology and natural history. The museum's location within a university setting also offers visitors the opportunity to explore the campus and other nearby attractions.
  35. 35

    Trumbull County Historical Society

    Warren, OH
  36. 36

    Follett House Museum

    Sandusky, OH
  37. 37

    Pickerington-Violet Township Historical Society

    Pickerington, OH
  38. 38

    Rose Hill Museum

    Bay Village, OH
  39. 39

    Osborn Learning Center

    Bay Village, OH
  40. 40

    Toledo, Lake Erie & Western Railway and Museum Inc.

    Grand Rapids, OH
  41. 41

    Veterans Memorial Museum Foundation

    Germantown, OH
  42. 42

    Glass Heritage Gallery Fostoria

    Fostoria, OH
  43. 43

    Oldest Stone House Museum - The Lakewood Historical Society

    Lakewood, OH
  44. 44

    Massillon Museum

    Massillon, OH
  45. 45

    Versailles Area Historical Society

    Versailles, OH
  46. 46

    James A Garfield

    Garrettsville, OH
  47. 47

    Heritage Sylvania

    Sylvania, OH
  48. 48

    Slate Run Living Historical Farm

    Lithopolis, OH
  49. 49

    Decorative Arts Center of Ohio - Reese-Peters House

    Lancaster, OH
  50. 50

    Bath Township Historical Society

    Akron, OH
  51. 51

    Ohio Small Town Museum

    Ashville, OH
  52. 52

    Alpine Hills Museum

    Sugarcreek, OH
  53. 53

    Hoover Historical Center

    North Canton, OH
  54. 54

    Logan County History Center

    Bellefontaine, OH
  55. 55

    Euclid Historical Society and Museum

    Euclid, OH
  56. 56

    Loveland Museum Center

    Loveland, OH
  57. 57

    Montgomery Historic Preservation Association

    Montgomery, OH
  58. 58

    Nature Center At Shaker Lakes

    Shaker Heights, OH
  59. 59

    The Jones Mansion

    Findlay, OH

All museums in Ohio