Spring brings beauty to the state of Ohio. With perfect timing, you're likely to catch a glimpse of exuberant sakura flowers in Columbus, Athens, Cleveland, and other cities across the state. The first blossoms may pop up in late March and bloom through mid-April or later, depending on the weather and geography. In some years, the trees might not bloom at all. But if they do, the delicate flowers don't stay long before they wilt—only for a week or two. So keep an eye on the forecast to not miss this beautiful springtime show.
Cherry Blossom in Columbus, Ohio (late March–early April)
One of Ohio's popular destinations to view cherry blossoms is the Columbus area. You can find ephemeral spring beauty in the very Downtown of Columbus. Check out such scenic landmarks as Ohio Statehouse, Goodale Park, and German Village neighborhood—namely 3rd Street. Another famed spot is Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, to which Japan gifted 20 cherry trees in 2012.
Additionally, you may go outside of Columbus and discover even more rewarding spots. See a hundred cherry trees at Hidaka USA in Dublin, Ohio, about 15 mi (24 km) northwest of Downtown. Alternatively, go to the Japanese Garden in The Dawes Arboretum, 36 mi (58 km) east of Columbus. The admission is $10 for adults, $5 for kids aged 5–15, and free for the youngest ones.
Cherry blossoms in Athens, Ohio (late March–mid-April)
Columbus is not the only cherry blossom destination in Ohio state. Ohio University in Athens offers a truly exquisite natural spectacle. The campus is studded with cherry trees, which were given to the university as a gift in 1979 by Chubu University, situated in Kasugai, Japan. The trees symbolize the arrival of spring and the long-lasting friendship between the universities in Athens and Kasugai.
Cherry blossoms in Cleveland, Ohio (mid-April–late April)
Cleveland likewise promises a mind-blowing display of cherry blossoms at Wade Oval Park in University Circle. Walk around the Fine Arts Garden of the Cleveland Museum of Art to take in the stunning elegance. Besides the Wade Lagoon, you can also go to Daffodil Hill, located within the always beautiful Lake View Cemetery, which also boasts cherry trees. Just note that in Cleveland, the flowering can only start by mid-April, while in Columbus and Athens, it's practically over.
For further information about visiting Ohio cities, we recommend going to official websites (see External Resources below). Also, consider booking your stay in advance—the map suggests the most convenient options nearby.
Practical info
When is the best time to see cherry blossoms in Ohio?
The best time to view cherry blossoms in Ohio is short-lived, usually for only a week or two. Late March to mid- or late April is the recommended time to catch the trees at their best in the respective areas. Surprisingly, even in different locations, the time period is almost the same. Keep yourself updated with the weather forecast to catch the magnificent cherry blossom flowering season. Show more
Where can I find cherry blossom trees in Ohio?
The three most popular areas in Ohio to look for cherry blossom trees are Columbus, Cleveland, and Athens. Columbus is the best destination for cherry blossom viewing, featuring the Ohio Statehouse, Goodale Park, German Village, Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Hidaka USA, and Japanese Garden in The Dawes Arboretum. Wade Oval Park is the must-visit place in Cleveland, while Ohio University in Athens is also famous for cherry blossom trees viewing. Show more
What are the most popular destinations to view cherry blossoms in Columbus, Ohio?
To view cherry blossoms in Columbus, one can pick from several locations like the Ohio Statehouse, Goodale Park, and German Village's 3rd Street. The Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is home to 20 cherry trees gifted from Japan in 2012. Hidaka USA and the Japanese Garden located in Dublin and The Dawes Arboretum, respectively, are the top places to view cherry blossom trees outside the Columbus area. Show more
What are the best spots to view cherry blossom trees outside of the Columbus area?
To witness the beauty of cherry blossom trees away from Columbus, Hidaka USA and the Japanese Garden situated in Dublin and The Dawes Arboretum in Cleveland city are some of the best spots. Ohio University in Athens is also a must-visit spot, well-known for cherry blossom trees gifted by Chubu University in Japan. Each location holds aesthetic and unique beauty, making it worth exploring all the locations to enjoy the variety of Cherry blossoms on display. Show more
When is the cherry blossom flowering season in Cleveland, Ohio?
The cherry blossom flowering season in Cleveland starts by mid-April and may last for a maximum of a week or two depending on weather conditions. Daffodil Hill in Lake View Cemetery and Wade Oval Park in University Circle where the Fine Arts Garden of the Cleveland Museum of Art are located are the two most popular places to view cherry blossoms in Cleveland. Keep in mind that Cleveland flowering garners late attention compared to areas like Columbus or Athens. Show more
