Are you planning to spend a day in Findlay Ohio, and are wondering what there is to do there? Or perhaps you are driving through the area, and are wondering if the place is worth a stop. I drove up to Findlay (voted best micropolitan city in the country) to find out!
If you are driving north towards Findlay your first stop could be…
Findlay’s Ghost Town. I arrived there and walked around a bit (I might have been trespassing, but there were no signs to deter me). The Ghost town is a cool little spot, but it was deserted when I was there (as a Ghost Town should be I suppose). However, this place is technically only open for events. So check their Instagram or Facebook page and stop by if something is happening! Click on a picture to scroll through them at full size!
Next, you could make a stop at Oakwoods Nature Preserve or Blue Rock Nature Preserve. They are both small, but worthy stops for a nice little nature walk.
If you have kids, you will want to stop at the Fort Findlay Playground in Emory Adams Park or if your kids like to skateboard, the nearby Eagle Creek Skate Park. There is a fitness trail next to the playground. See photos.
Next, head over to…
The Baking Company & Bread Kneads and pick up some delicious Butterflake bread! Then head east towards the Hancock County Fairgrounds for an event. Check the calendar here. If nothing is happening, keep heading west towards the Blanchard River Covered Bridge and into Riverbend park. Here you will find Bridle Trails, Restrooms, A Lodge, A Lakefront Activity Center, Picnic shelters, Raccoon Run Winter Sports Center, Giertz Lake with two fishing piers, Primitive campground, K-9 Field of Dreams Dog Park, Sand volleyball courts, 18-hole disc golf course, Playgrounds, Robert G. Payne Arboretum, Access to the Blanchard River Water Trail, and a Gazebo. It is a beautiful place to explore with your kids and/or your dog(s). Nearby Findlay Reservoirs provide more hiking/walking and fishing opportunities. The Perennial Plant Peddler is also in this area and is a popular seasonal attraction to find all kinds of plants and flowers.
If you are feeling hungry…
There are some common comfort-food chains nearby, such as; Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, Olive Garden, Chik-Fil-A, Panera, Hot Head, and Red Lobster. Or you could hold out for some amazing local restaurants we will get to later. Meanwhile, if you have kids, you could stop at the Children’s Museum of Findlay, in the Findlay Village Mall, eat at the Tokyo Japanese Steakhouse or shop at Best Buy next door. Alternatively, Rancho Fiesta gets rave reviews. For a quick snack, you could try the Fort Findlay Coffee and Doughnut Shop or try something new at B&T’s Asian Market.
Riverside Waterfront Park is a great place to go swimming, boating (rent here), picnicking, or just a leisure walk.
There is also a bandshell and pavilion in the park with periodic events. Visitors to the Waterfalls Area can walk or bike along the Blanchard River Greenway Trail, picnic, launch, land, and fish.
Heading north…
You will find the Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation Museum which looks like great fun for train enthusiasts, the city of Findlay Recreation Department (The Cube Ice Skating Arena), and Jeffrey’s Antique Gallery, an antique-lovers fantasy. A little further north is the Van Buren State Park for more biking, hiking, boating, camping, and fishing.
Heading south…
On your way, down 1-75, you will pass more favorite chain eateries such as Outback Steakhouse, Texas Roadhouse, Bob Evans, Beer Barrel Pizza & Grill, Cracker Barrel, Denny’s, Tony’s, Fins (live music), Penn Station, Shirley’s Popcorn, and Cold Stone/Tim Hortons. You will also find an AMC Classic Findlay 12 Theater and the always tasty Gillig Winery.
Before heading downtown, take a side trip over to the University of Findlay’s Mazza Museum. Their six galleries exhibit more than 300 works that celebrate the original art of picture books.
A day in Findlay Ohio is not complete without the…Downtown District! I parked my car and walked down the main street and some of the side streets. This is what I found…
Restaurants
Highly-rated local eateries abound; such as Rossilli’s Restaurant, Gathering Wine/The Gathering (live music and amazing murals), Coffee Amici (live music), Tavern At The Inn, Alexandrias (fun upper deck and rooftop), Vivir Modern Mexican, The Bourbon Affair, Japan West, Logan’s Irish Pub, The Baker’s Cafe, Circle of Friends (Communal Eating), The Swan Room (Lunch and High Tea), Stix Restaurant, We Serve Coffee, Joey Fratello’s Pizzeria, Main Street Deli, Scramblers, Findlay Wine Merchant, Wilsons, and Mancy’s Steakhouse. Certainly downtown is the best place to eat in Findlay! And don’t forget the famous Deitch Brother’s Ice Cream!
Shopping
I also found shops such as Trends on Main, InVogue Records, Stout Cyclery, Elida Candle Co., The Urban Market, The Shimmery Belle, Burlwick & Co., and Guitar Ranch.
Things to Do
Finally, I discovered fun things to do such as Axe Ventura Axe Throwing, Painter’s Pottery, Yoga and Massage studios, the Hancock County Museum, Marathon Center for the Performing Arts, and Fort Findlay’s Playhouse. In addition, you could learn about and admire the gorgeous Hancock County Courthouse. And don’t miss the interesting exhibits of old cameras across the street from the Stix Restaurant (in front of the closed Imagine That). There is a lot to see and do downtown for a great day in Findlay, Ohio!
Finally, if you still have time…Head over to Litzenberg Memorial Woods for some beautiful views and hiking through the woods. There is also the McKinnis house and garden where events are held.
If you visit in summer, don’t forget mosquito repellent!
Need more to do after you have spent a day in Findlay, Ohio? Check out the Schumacher Homestead (Swiss Community Historical Society) on your way to a short visit to nearby Bluffton, Ohio!
