7 Reasons Why Ohio is Superior to Michigan

It’s no secret that Michigan and Ohio haven’t exactly seen eye to eye on things in their vast and rich histories. Michiganders don’t exactly enjoy traveling to Ohio and Ohioans aren’t too fond of Michigan — with a few exceptions, of course.

Each state has its points of pride and will tell you they’re the better Midwestern state. But we’re here to tell you in the Michigan-Ohio debate, Ohio clearly stands out as the superior state. Don’t believe us? Read on to find out the many reasons why the Buckeye State trumps its Great Lakes neighbor.

1. It’s the Home of Rock and Roll

Michigan, specifically Detroit, may be the home of Motown music, but Ohio takes pride in being the birthplace of rock and roll. An eclectic variety of musicians have come from Ohio, including The Black Keys, Nine Inch Nails, Bootsy Collins, Dean Martin, and the Isley Brothers.

The term “rock and roll” was coined by Cleveland DJ Alan Freed in the 1950s, earning Cleveland the moniker, “The Birthplace of Rock and Roll.”

It only makes sense then that the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is in Cleveland. This music mecca celebrates the greatest legends of the music world, offering an unparalleled experience for visitors who come from far and wide.

2. Cedar Point is the Roller Coaster Capital of the World

For Ohioans, Midwesterners, and adrenaline junkies alike, no summer is truly complete without a trip to Cedar Point.

This Sandusky Ohio staple is the ultimate destination for amusement park aficionados, offering over a dozen world-class rollercoasters, including the Millennium Force, the Maverick, and the Raptor. With non-stop thrills and plenty of fun for non-rollercoaster visitors, Cedar Point is one of the most popular spots in Ohio for a day trip.

Michigan may have some fun parks, but Ohio’s Roller Coaster Capital of the World,” simply can’t be beat.

3. O-H-I-O. Nuff Said.

Ok, we get it. Michigan’s “point to your hometown on your hand” thing is cute, but let’s be honest: It’s hard to follow if you’re not from Michigan. On the other hand, anyone and everyone who hears, “O-H,” followed by “I-O,” knows that folks from Ohio are nearby.

It’s most often heard at Buckeye Stadium in Columbus on Saturdays in the fall as excited Ohio State University football fans watch the Buckeyes play.

The chant dates back to 1947 when Buckeyes fans would spell out Ohio State. That proved too long and the “O-H-I-O” chant was the one that stuck.

4. Ohio is the “Mother of Presidents”

Looking for a future president of the United States? Look no further than Ohio, which has produced seven of the 45 men who have held the nation’s highest office. Presidents born in Ohio include Ulysses S. Grant, Rutherford B. Hays, James A. Garfield, Benjamin Harrison, William McKinley, William Howard Taft, and Warren G. Harding.

That’s seven, count ’em seven presidents from Ohio; just one behind Virginia for the highest number of presidents by state (by birthplace). Michigan claims former president Gerald Ford, but he was actually born in Nebraska.

So any way you count it — 7-1 or 7-0 — gives the Buckeye State a pretty decisive advantage and history buffs can learn more about these leaders at five different presidential libraries in Ohio.

Did we also mention that Ohio has Michigan beat in statehood by nearly three decades?

5. Ohio’s Sports Enthusiasm is Top Notch

From the Cleveland Browns’ die-hard fans to Ohio State University’s fervent Buckeye supporters, Ohio’s sports culture is vibrant and deeply rooted, and Ohioans are some of the most passionate sports fans you’ll find anywhere in the country.

Sure, Michigan has its Wolverines, but Ohio’s collective spirit and dedication to college and pro sports makes the Buckeye State a true powerhouse. Ohio has six pro teams in the four major sports, 13 Division 1 college basketball teams, and eight FBS (football bowl subdivision teams) college football teams, so you don’t have to travel far to find a sports fan in the Buckeye State.

We don’t want to rub it in, but Ohio State has also won 17 of the last 22 matchups in the Michigan-Ohio State football rivalry… and we’ll just agree to not talk about the last three years.

6. Ohio Has Beautiful Lake Erie Coastline

When it comes to the Great Lakes, Michigan is hard to beat because it’s surrounded by four of them. But there’s no denying that the Lake Erie shoreline is a thing of pure beauty and Ohio has over 300 miles of that shoreline.

With pristine beaches, charming coastal towns, and recreational opportunities, Ohio is the perfect escape for beachgoers who know Lake Erie is the best Great Lake. The Lake Erie Islands, including the popular Put-in-Bay, provide the perfect escape for boating, fishing, and relaxation.

Lake Erie is so exceptional that it’s not uncommon for Michigan anglers to make their way to Ohio waters in search of big fish.

 7. Ohio is a Land of Culinary Delights

Pasties? Coney dogs? Cherries? Those are mere child’s play compared to the delicious and delightful mix of culinary delights you can find in Ohio. The lineup of deliciousness runs the gamut from savory to sweet and all things in between.

Sit down to a bowl of Cincinnati’s famous chili (try it in all possible “ways”) or dig into a cheese coney (the true top dog in the Midwest). Journey to Columbus for authentic German cuisine or sink your teeth into a Polish Boy or a cassata cake in Cleveland.

Oh, and make sure you save room for some beloved buckeye candy. This variation on the peanut butter cup is the perfect sweet/salty combo and resembles the buckeye nut that holds a special place in the heart of Ohioans.

See, Ohio is Way Better Than Michigan

Whether you’re a lifelong Ohioan who dislikes Michigan with every fiber of your being, or you don’t mind visiting sometimes, there’s no doubt that Ohio is better than Michigan in just about every way.

From the excitement and thrills of Cedar Point rollercoasters and the unbridled enthusiasm of Ohio sports culture to the sheer deliciousness of Ohio’s exciting mix of signature foods, the Buckeye State offers something for everyone.

So next time you find yourself caught in an Ohio vs. Michigan debate, remember that Ohio is just better in every way!