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Ohio is one of the top most fun states, new study shows. Here’s where it ranks and why

By Sundi Rose
This photo provided by Rock & Roll Hall of Fame shows the new “Long Live Rock” sign outside the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. The outdoor sign will be formally dedicated Thursday, Nov. 10, 2016 as officials share details of a multimillion-dollar redesign expected to include the Hall of Fame and main exhibit spaces.
This photo provided by Rock & Roll Hall of Fame shows the new “Long Live Rock” sign outside the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. The outdoor sign will be formally dedicated Thursday, Nov. 10, 2016 as officials share details of a multimillion-dollar redesign expected to include the Hall of Fame and main exhibit spaces. Rock & Roll Hall of Fame via AP Apple Photos Clean Up

Ohio residents know how special it is to live here, but it has been officially confirmed. It ranked in the top 20 most fun states in the US, according to WalletHub’s 2025 “Most Fun States in America” report.

The study compared all 50 states across dozens of categories and while we didn’t quite crack the top 10, Ohio’s rank as 14th most fun state is definitely something to brag about.

Here’s how OH landed at #14 most fun state

Ohio’s spot didn’t come from one single attraction. As we all know, the state balances big-city entertainment with small-town charm, offering plenty of options, no matter what your version of “fun” is.

The category numbers depict the relative rank of that state, where a rank of 1 represents the best conditions and 50 is the worst. The total score is out of 100.

  • Overall rank: 14
  • Overall score: 45.58
  • Entertainment and recreation: 15
  • Nightlife: 12 

How they get the numbers

WalletHub weighed 26 key metrics in both categories, comparing all 50 states, accounting for variety, accessibility, and affordability of fun.

Here are the metrics used:

Entertainment and recreation

  • Number of attractions
  • Variety of arts, entertainment and recreation establishments
  • Ideal weather
  • Restaurants
  • Amusement parks
  • Golf courses and country clubs
  • Arcades
  • Fitness centers
  • Skiing facilities
  • Marinas
  • Shoreline mileage
  • Beach quality
  • Access to scenic byways
  • Number of state fairs and events
  • Access to national parks
  • Personal spending on recreation services
  • State and local direct general expenditures on parks and recreation

Nightlife

  • Average beer and wine price
  • Movie costs
  • Nightlife options
  • Access to bars
  • Time of last call
  • Music festivals
  • Performing arts theaters
  • Casinos 

Top 10 states for fun in the US

  • 1 - California
  • 2 - Florida
  • 3 - Nevada
  • 4 - Illinois
  • 5 - New York
  • 6 - Colorado
  • 7 - Washington
  • 8 - Texas
  • 9 - Minnesota
  • 10 - Oregon

Whether you’re visiting the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, planning a getaway on Lake Erie, or hiking the Hocking Hills, Ohio stands out as a surprisingly fun place to live.

What are some little-known and less-explored fun things you’ve found in Ohio? Email me at srose@ledger-enquirer.com or, better yet, send me a photo on social media.

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