From outdoor adventures and amazing arts scenes to engaging events and family fun, Ohio has so many unique destinations to explore. Here’s a look at some of our most popular and recommended areas of Ohio, The Heart of it All. Democrat Amy Acton has won Ohio’s race for governor, defeating Republican businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, NBC News projects. The race became hostile in its closing days after Ramaswamy’s campaign. It includes the largest stalactite in Ohio, The Crystal King, along with many other marvelous formations and colors. The Winter Tour is the only tour offered from October 1st through April 30th. The recorded history of Ohio began in the late 17th century when French explorers from Canada reached the Ohio River, from which the Ohio Country took its name, a river the Iroquois called O-y-o, great river. Physical map of Ohio showing major cities, terrain, national parks, rivers, and surrounding countries with international borders and outline maps. Key facts about Ohio. Ohio is the 34th-largest state by area, at 44,825 sq mi (116,100 km2), and the seventh-most populous state, with a population of nearly 11.9 million. Its capital and most populous city is Columbus. Other urban areas include the major metropolitan cities of Cleveland and Cincinnati, alongside Dayton, Akron, and Toledo. Here to serve! Learn about Ohio's government and find popular government resources. Unclaimed Funds The Ohio Department of Commerce can help you claim money owed to you. The first state to be carved from the Northwest Territory, Ohio became the 17th member of the union on March 1, 1803. In many respects, Ohio has come to reflect the urbanized, industrialized, and ethnically mixed United States that developed from an earlier agrarian period. Description: This map shows states boundaries, the state capital, counties, county seats, cities, towns, islands, lake Erie, and national parks in Ohio.