Information on Ohio
Situated on the southern shores of Lake Erie, Ohio is the most industrialised Great Lakes state in the country. Railroads, the Ohio River and the ports on Lake Erie, as well as the construction of the Erie-Ohio Canal linking the two waterways, aided the state's development as a major manufacturing centre, combined with abundant natural resources that enabled its cities to become important centres of industry. However most of the industry is clustered around the Ohio River to the east.
The major cities of Cleveland and Cincinnati have been renovated into attractive cities, despite being home to the manufacturing hub of Ohio, by exchanging the drab factories for gleaming downtown centres. Cincinnati offers a variety of museums, galleries, fine dining and shopping, while Cleveland's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a major internationally acclaimed attraction. Fascinating neighbourhoods, miles of parklands and a revitalised lakefront image are drawing visitors to this city on the shores of Lake Erie. The state capital of Columbus is the main hub of education, research and commerce and is a lively college city with fine architecture and several interesting museums.
The most popular holiday destinations in Ohio are the sandy shores of the Lake Erie Islands, which offer a range of active and relaxing activities to visitors, including fishing, swimming, sailing and a variety of historical and cultural attractions.
Although associated with vast industries and pollution, the landscape of Ohio are predominantly fertile farmlands and in the northeast is home to the world's largest Amish population, a decidedly old-fashioned community sell their freshly grown produce along with traditional handmade crafts in the small town country shops. To the south lies Ohio's outback, a less populated region that is heavily forested and can best be experienced in Wayne National Forest.
