There’s nothing worse than being called a “fly-over state”, and frankly, it’s an insult to the Buckeye State.

Here in Ohio, there are plenty of unique places you simply won’t find anywhere else in America—and the entire world. And if you think Ohio is a follower, think again. From important steps in American history to common services we take for granted every day, Ohio was often at the forefront of many significant changes in society. The following are 14 reasons why Ohio is the most unique state in America.

  1. First off, Ohio paved the way for mankind.

Micah Drushal/Flickr Man may have never conjured up the courage to walk on the moon if it wasn’t for one brave Ohioan.

  1. Eight U.S. Presidents came from Ohio.

jpellgen/Flickr We’re currently tied with Virginia for which state has the most—but give it time and that will change.

  1. Ohio was the first state to enact laws protecting working women.

Seattle Municipal Archives/Flickr We’ve paved the way for mankind in multiple ways.

  1. America can thank us for rock n’ roll.

Bob Hall/Flickr Cleveland is the proud home of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame—and you won’t find it anywhere else in the world.

  1. You also won’t find the Pro Football Hall of Fame anywhere else in the world.

marada/Flickr Looking at you, Canton.

  1. Ohio’s state flag is the only state flag that’s not in the shape of a rectangle.

J. Stephen Conn/Flickr We dare to be different.

  1. The largest accessible glacial gloves IN THE WORLD can be found here in Ohio.

Ohio Sea Grant/Flickr Did you know that? Take a trip to Kelleys Island and check it out. 43438, Kelleys Island, OH 43438, USA

  1. We’re home to the Roller Coaster Capital of the World.

Alvin Trusty/Flickr Face it. No other roller coasters are bigger and badder than those at Cedar Point Amusement Park.

  1. We’re also home to the National Museum of the United States Air Force.

marada/Flickr You’ll find it in Dayton and admission is free.

  1. Ohio is believed to have been the first state to have an African American elected to public office.

Mike Mozart/Flickr John Mercer Langston, elected clerk of Brownhelm in 1854, is believed to have been the first African American ever elected to public office.

  1. Ohio is also home to the first interracial and coeducational college in the United States.

stu_spivack/Flickr Pictured is Oberlin College, which was founded in 1833.

  1. Here in Ohio, you can find the world’s largest collection of Indian burial mounds at Hopewell Culture National Historic Park…

The Last Cookie/Flickr as well as what’s arguably the world’s most unusual mound, the Great Serpent Mound (pictured).

  1. We’re home to “Test City, USA.”

Jerry Huddleston/Flickr Before major fast food chains such as McDonalds, Wendy’s and Chipotle release a new menu item to the world, Columbus has first dibs. NPR, Business Insider and several other news outlets have reported extensively on this throughout the past few years.

  1. Without Ohio, America would have no “heart of it all.”

Cranky Pressman/Flickr OUR COUNTRY WOULD HAVE NO HEART.

So, what do you think? Would America be lost without Ohio? Share your thoughts with us and anything else you would add to this list!

Micah Drushal/Flickr

Man may have never conjured up the courage to walk on the moon if it wasn’t for one brave Ohioan.

jpellgen/Flickr

We’re currently tied with Virginia for which state has the most—but give it time and that will change.

Seattle Municipal Archives/Flickr

We’ve paved the way for mankind in multiple ways.

Bob Hall/Flickr

Cleveland is the proud home of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame—and you won’t find it anywhere else in the world.

marada/Flickr

Looking at you, Canton.

J. Stephen Conn/Flickr

We dare to be different.

Ohio Sea Grant/Flickr

Did you know that? Take a trip to Kelleys Island and check it out.

43438, Kelleys Island, OH 43438, USA

Alvin Trusty/Flickr

Face it. No other roller coasters are bigger and badder than those at Cedar Point Amusement Park.

You’ll find it in Dayton and admission is free.

Mike Mozart/Flickr

John Mercer Langston, elected clerk of Brownhelm in 1854, is believed to have been the first African American ever elected to public office.

stu_spivack/Flickr

Pictured is Oberlin College, which was founded in 1833.

The Last Cookie/Flickr

as well as what’s arguably the world’s most unusual mound, the Great Serpent Mound (pictured).

Jerry Huddleston/Flickr

Before major fast food chains such as McDonalds, Wendy’s and Chipotle release a new menu item to the world, Columbus has first dibs. NPR, Business Insider and several other news outlets have reported extensively on this throughout the past few years.

Cranky Pressman/Flickr

OUR COUNTRY WOULD HAVE NO HEART.

For a list of gems to explore in Ohio, check out our previous article: 16 Underrated Places In Ohio To Take An Out-Of-Towner.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Address: Ohio, USA

The OIYS Visitor Center

Ohio’s Uniqueness Abounds In Many Ways October 01, 2022 Will Suphan Ohio is usually known for football from The Ohio State University and for being a deciding state in Presidential elections. However, there is a lot more to this state than you may know. What do Ohioans do that nobody else does? While Ohio is often seen as your average Midwestern state, the residents have their own special quirks that seem to only happen there. If someone yells “O H” people all around will yell back “I O” as a salute to their pride in OSU football. Ohioans will also top their chili with a massive pile of shredded cheddar cheese, which was popularized by Cincinnati’s own Skyline Chili. Since Wendy’s originated in Ohio, locals invented the treat of dipping french fries into their Frosty. Since weather is extremely quick to change, you’ll find Ohio residents often using AC and heat in the same day! What shops can only be found in Ohio? Ohio is chock-full of quaint and interesting shops. The Toys Time Forgot store in Canal Fulton has toys from and for every age and is sure to bring feelings of nostalgia to everyone who visits. Cleveland’s Sweetie Candy Company is one of the largest candy stores in the world and has walls absolutely lined with bulk candy containers. If you have a sweet tooth, this is the place for you! Why keep Christmas just for December? You can enjoy it year-round at the Candy Cane Christmas Shoppe in the tiny town of Archbold. What dining experiences are unique to Ohio? Ohio is the national testing market for many restaurants, which makes it a bit of a foodie haven. Ohio has a ton of unique restaurants you’ll truly enjoy. Schmidt’s Sausage Haus in Columbus is famous for their spicy Bahama Mama bratwurst as well as massive cream puffs and fried sauerkraut balls. The sausage sampler has the best German potato salad I’ve yet tasted. The Butcher and The Brewer in Cleveland brings you delectable cuts of meat along with their own crafted brews to accompany it. Looking for a spot to eat at? Try out The Spot! It started over 100 years ago as a chuckwagon and is now a haven for some of the best cheeseburgers in Ohio.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Ohio’s Uniqueness Abounds In Many Ways

October 01, 2022

Will Suphan

Ohio is usually known for football from The Ohio State University and for being a deciding state in Presidential elections. However, there is a lot more to this state than you may know. What do Ohioans do that nobody else does? While Ohio is often seen as your average Midwestern state, the residents have their own special quirks that seem to only happen there. If someone yells “O H” people all around will yell back “I O” as a salute to their pride in OSU football. Ohioans will also top their chili with a massive pile of shredded cheddar cheese, which was popularized by Cincinnati’s own Skyline Chili. Since Wendy’s originated in Ohio, locals invented the treat of dipping french fries into their Frosty. Since weather is extremely quick to change, you’ll find Ohio residents often using AC and heat in the same day! What shops can only be found in Ohio? Ohio is chock-full of quaint and interesting shops. The Toys Time Forgot store in Canal Fulton has toys from and for every age and is sure to bring feelings of nostalgia to everyone who visits. Cleveland’s Sweetie Candy Company is one of the largest candy stores in the world and has walls absolutely lined with bulk candy containers. If you have a sweet tooth, this is the place for you! Why keep Christmas just for December? You can enjoy it year-round at the Candy Cane Christmas Shoppe in the tiny town of Archbold. What dining experiences are unique to Ohio? Ohio is the national testing market for many restaurants, which makes it a bit of a foodie haven. Ohio has a ton of unique restaurants you’ll truly enjoy. Schmidt’s Sausage Haus in Columbus is famous for their spicy Bahama Mama bratwurst as well as massive cream puffs and fried sauerkraut balls. The sausage sampler has the best German potato salad I’ve yet tasted. The Butcher and The Brewer in Cleveland brings you delectable cuts of meat along with their own crafted brews to accompany it. Looking for a spot to eat at? Try out The Spot! It started over 100 years ago as a chuckwagon and is now a haven for some of the best cheeseburgers in Ohio.

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

What do Ohioans do that nobody else does?

While Ohio is often seen as your average Midwestern state, the residents have their own special quirks that seem to only happen there. If someone yells “O H” people all around will yell back “I O” as a salute to their pride in OSU football. Ohioans will also top their chili with a massive pile of shredded cheddar cheese, which was popularized by Cincinnati’s own Skyline Chili. Since Wendy’s originated in Ohio, locals invented the treat of dipping french fries into their Frosty. Since weather is extremely quick to change, you’ll find Ohio residents often using AC and heat in the same day!

What shops can only be found in Ohio?

Ohio is chock-full of quaint and interesting shops. The Toys Time Forgot store in Canal Fulton has toys from and for every age and is sure to bring feelings of nostalgia to everyone who visits. Cleveland’s Sweetie Candy Company is one of the largest candy stores in the world and has walls absolutely lined with bulk candy containers. If you have a sweet tooth, this is the place for you! Why keep Christmas just for December? You can enjoy it year-round at the Candy Cane Christmas Shoppe in the tiny town of Archbold.

What dining experiences are unique to Ohio?

Ohio is the national testing market for many restaurants, which makes it a bit of a foodie haven. Ohio has a ton of unique restaurants you’ll truly enjoy. Schmidt’s Sausage Haus in Columbus is famous for their spicy Bahama Mama bratwurst as well as massive cream puffs and fried sauerkraut balls. The sausage sampler has the best German potato salad I’ve yet tasted. The Butcher and The Brewer in Cleveland brings you delectable cuts of meat along with their own crafted brews to accompany it. Looking for a spot to eat at? Try out The Spot! It started over 100 years ago as a chuckwagon and is now a haven for some of the best cheeseburgers in Ohio.