9 Unique Airbnbs in Ohio for the Perfect Midwest Getaway

With an abundance of forested and cliffside hiking trails, plenty of access to rivers and lakes, and more than 70 state parks, there’s so much more to Ohio than most people know about.

From Lake Erie in the north to the Ohio River in the south, this Midwestern State may be on the slightly smaller side, but there’s something to appease nearly every type of outdoor adventurer.

With hearty food, breweries, some hip college towns, several professional sports teams, and a young, urban culture going through somewhat of a hipster renaissance, Ohio well-deserves your week — or at least a weekend — of vacation time.

From the capital city of Columbus’ abundance of galleries, theaters, shopping to cities like Cleveland and Cincinnati, the birth state of Annie Oakley offers plenty of places to see. Venturing off to smaller towns offers a more quaint, relaxed, and more nature-focused experience, while staying in the cities provides entertainment as great as anything you’d find in some of America’s more beloved cities.

In Ohio, many of the best and most unique Airbnbs reflect the state’s connection with nature and the outdoors. Some of the most sought-after cabins, tiny homes, and beautiful abodes focus on natural, minimalist design, but still offer the small details that help make every stay memorable.

Ready to go? These are the best Airbnbs in Ohio for your upcoming getaway.

1. The Box Hop

Why you should stay: A cozy shipping container cabin with splendid views.

Nearest town: Rockbridge
Sleeps: 6
Minimum stay: 2 nights
Rates from: $375/night

The Box Hop was built out of three old shipping containers and sits on over 18 acres of private land. Expect minimalist decor, sustainable design, and large windows to make you feel like you’re really a part of nature.

The inside is quite modern, as you might expect a shipping container home to be, and the contemporary elements continue onto the deck with a gas fire pit and hanging nest chair for two. Soak up the sun on the terrace or rooftop garden during nice weather, and plan to spend most evenings relaxing in the private hot tub.

Rockbridge itself is a small town, but there are more than a few nearby recreation areas, including the natural bridge for which the town is named. Hocking Hills State Park is only 12 miles away with a variety of hikes to choose from, and Cantwell Cliffs offers trails going past forested cliffs and cave systems. Be sure to visit John Glenn Astronomy Park if you have time, which offers night sky viewing programs for kids and adults.

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Related Read: 8 Unique & Secluded Cabin Rentals in Ohio

2. Garden Villa

Garden Villa ohio airbnb — Photo: Airbnb

Why you should stay: A safe, beautiful villa with your own private garden

Nearest town: Columbus
Sleeps: 2
Minimum stay: 1 night
Rates from: $127/night

This 475-square-foot Garden Villa is in the Columbus suburbs, so it’s a great place to stay if you plan to explore the town. Think of it as a super-modern tiny house, but with one major upgrade: it has a huge private garden area just for you. The outdoor space on this home is far larger than the indoor space and includes everything from an outdoor claw-foot bathtub to an outdoor sink and dining area to a fountain and manicured hedges.

There’s so much to do in Columbus that it’s almost pointless to even try listing them all, but one of the city’s highlights is its fabulous collection of museums, including a large art gallery, a natural history museum with a dinosaur exhibit kids will love, and an interactive science center ideal for kids and adults..

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3. Ivy Cottage

Why you should stay: Secluded, spacious converted barn with plenty of hiking trails and parks nearby.

Nearest town: Logan
Sleeps: 5
Minimum stay: 2 nights
Rates from: $599/night

Tucked away on 13 acres, Ivy Cottage is nicknamed “Barndominium” by the owners and designers because of its modern spin on a classic barn, complete with vaulted ceilings. This converted barn is a great home-away-from-home and ideal for a family or small gatherings who want to have a large private space while still being near a few urban destinations.

This modern Airbnb offers two queen bedrooms and a third bedroom for the kids with bunk accommodations. There’s also a TV in each room so no one has to watch something they don’t like at night.

Hocking Hills State Park is a short drive away with several hiking trails, including the popular Old Man’s Cave. This rental is about an hour from Columbus but only 40 minutes from Athens, the trendy college town where you’ll find Ohio University.

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4. Cincinnati Loft

Why you should stay: Renovated and immaculate loft in the center of Cincinnati.

Nearest town: Cincinnati
Sleeps: 4
Minimum stay: 1 night
Rates from: $90/night

If your idea of a perfect morning in Ohio means waking up to views of the Cincinnati Music Hall, you’ll love this stunning 1890s loft condo. Although it’s renovated, it still retains historic details like exposed brick and bay windows. There’s just one bedroom, but the apartment is quite roomy and has thoughtful details like remote window shades to ensure you don’t have to wake up with the sun – perfect if you spent the night before exploring the city’s trendy bar scene.

The apartment is in the center of the city just steps away from Washington Park. Be sure to visit the Cincinnati Art Museum and catch up on history at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. The airport is only about 20 minutes away, so it’s a great place to crash if you’re coming to explore the city on a weekend getaway.

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5. Ela at Forest Haven

ela at forest haven ohio — Photo: Airbnb

Why you should stay: A unique tiny home with an outdoor shower and fire pit.

Nearest town: Millersburg
Sleeps: 2
Minimum stay: 1
Rates from: $185/night

Nestled in the woods, the owners of Forest Haven-Ela created it from two shipping containers that are now a rustic and chic space to rent during your Ohio vacation. Details like dark tiles, a separate lofted deck, and a huge window wall ensure you’ll have excellent views no matter where you are in the home. There’s a great chance of spotting wildlife, too.

A perfect romantic getaway for a couple, you can unwind on the modern deck, or wake up in the morning with a dip in the hot tub or outdoor shower. There’s also great stargazing in the evenings.

The nearby small town of Walnut Creek offers a variety of bistros and coffee shops. It’s also part of Ohio’s Amish country, so it’s a popular tourist destination – the town’s Coblentz Chocolates is an Ohio staple.

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6. Dunlap Hollow Cottage

Dunlap Hollow Cottage OH — Photo: Airbnb

Why you should stay: A cottage in the forest with access to hiking trails, waterfalls, and beautiful views.

Nearest town: Rockbridge
Sleeps: 6
Minimum stay: 1
Rates from: $250

Dunlap Hollow cottage sits on an incredibly piece of land that includes cliffs, caves, and even a seasonal waterfall, all within walking distance of the home. Though the cottage was built around 100 years ago, it’s since gotten a facelift and offers modern amenities. That includes Wi-Fi, which can be tricky to find when you’re isolated in the woods. The home has two bedrooms, each with a queen bed, and two twin beds in the loft.

Outdoor lovers will appreciate that you can take off on a well-marked trail and hike directly from the cottage’s backyard. As the owner promises, the terrain is a lot like nearby Hocking Hills State Park, but without any crowds.

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7. Duck Inn Too

Why you should stay: Lake views? A private boat dock? Yes, please.

Nearest town: Thornville
Sleeps: 4
Minimum stay: 2 nights
Rates from: $165/night

Located in a residential neighborhood, Duck Inn Too offers gorgeous views of the Buckeye Lake. With thoughtful nautical decor, the spacious, open-floor plan home has everything you need to enjoy a getaway from the hustle and bustle of your daily life. This is the kind of home where you sit out on the deck in the afternoon, look out on the water, and think “I’d like to have a little place like this some day.”

The home has a private dock for up to two boats (or probably a dozen kayaks) so you can bring your own or rent from one of the local shops in the area. Once you’ve gotten your fill of on-water recreation, visit the Legend Valley Music Center — a campground-like venue with concerts and drive-in movies — or spend the day at the National Trails Raceway.

When you return to this Airbnb, open a bottle of wine, admire the sunset from the covered deck, and get ready to contemplate starting a new life lakeside in Ohio.

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8. Luxury Treehouse

Why you should stay: It’s like the childhood treehouse of your dreams – if it came with a Jacuzzi.

Nearest town: Millersburg
Sleeps: 4
Minimum stay: 2 nights
Rates from: $239/night

Have you ever wanted to live in a treehouse? Well, great news: this is your opportunity to experience life 30 feet above the ground. Built on 38 acres, this treehouse cabin has fabulous vistas that are simply a joy to wake up to. And as you might imagine, the roomy outdoor deck is the perfect place to relax with a cup of coffee in the morning while you listen to the birds chirping.

The interior is rustic but with modern touches and amenities to help you appreciate your time in Amish country, including a fireplace, jacuzzi and king bed. It’d be an ideal Airbnb for couples who like to cook together, since there’s a full oven and range – and an amazing porch just begging for al fresco evenings.

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9. The Lily Pad

Why you should stay: A stunning modern home with minimalist vibes – and a hot tub, fireplace and swinging bed.

Nearest town: Logan
Sleeps: 2
Minimum stay: 2 nights
Rates from: $379/night

The Lily Pad is a delightful home made from a shipping container set in the woods. Sitting on 13 acres of land, it’s a tranquil space that makes a wonderful getaway for couples who want to explore Columbus and get in some hiking and time in the woods. If you love nature, you’ll love this home, as there’s a motorized glass garage door that opens up to the deck to connect the living room to the outdoors.

During the day, venture out to Hocking Hills State Park (with more than 30 trails) or visit Cedar Falls. This home is also nearby Rock House, a large cave with an interesting (and slightly scandalous) history.

In between adventures, be sure to find time to relax on the twin swing bed on the covered porch. When night falls, open a bottle of wine and sit around the fire, or hop in the hot tub and gaze at the stars.

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