Efforts by those promoting Ohio as “the heart of it all” have caught the attention of researchers studying road-trip destinations across the country.

In fact, according to WalletHub’s “Best and Worst States for Summer Road Trips (2026),” Ohio is ranked tenth. The Buckeye State is 24th for costs, 25th for safety and 14th for activities.

In Ohio, those dealing with a vehicle break-down will be second-least in the country for repairs, according to the study. Good to know, even if your “road trip” is just to work and back every day.

In other categories, researchers said Ohio is 15th for attractions, 20th for lowest price of a three-star hotel room, 11th for nightlife options per capita, 18th for vehicle miles traveled per capita, 24th for car thefts per capita, 10th for access to scenic byways, 24th for the lowest price of camping and 19th for fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled.

One touchy spot with travelers might be the 30th ranking for driving laws, but we can’t have everything.

Not everyone can jet out of the country or hop on to a cruise for regular vacations. Sometimes it’s a matter of hopping in the car and seeing where the road and your family budget will take you. It is encouraging to know Ohio is such a great option for those travelers.

But those of who live here and perhaps take it for granted can take advantage of that option, too. Take a look at roadtrips.ohio.org/ for themed ideas such as “Family Fun,” “Winning Drive,” “Vibrant Cities,” “Rock and Ride,” “Art Road Trip,” “Charming Towns,” “Foodie Fill-Up,” “The Scenic Route,” “To the Moon and Back,” and “Ohio’s Historical Road Trips.”

McConnelsville’s Jesse Owens State Park features on Winning Drive; and Athens and Marietta both rate as Charming Towns.

But if that feels a little too close to home, there is still plenty to explore on a weekend or even a day trip. And if the people who study this kind of thing have caught on to the fact that Ohio doesn’t have much competition at the top when it comes to great road trips, don’t wait too long to beat the crowds.