A Day in Piqua, Ohio

I highly recommend spending a day in Piqua, Ohio. This place is definitely worth a stop! It has lots of history, beautiful scenery and a great downtown.

First stop, the Lockington Locks

This was a very cool find, with giant ruins akin to much older locales. When we arrived, several children were playing in and around the locks and it reminded me of the 1980s when kids could run wild unattended to explore strange and fascinating places. The rolling hills and the ruins are quite photogenic. Of course, there is history here. It must have taken quite some time to get the boats up the hills through all of those locks!

Second stop: Veteran’s Park and Pitsenbarger Sports Complex…

To pay tribute to the fallen. To really appreciate these places, I recommend watching the movie, The Last Full Measure (2019 film) It is a great film about Piqua’s local hero, William Pitsenbarger.

Third stop, the John Johnston Farm and Historical Area

This attraction is open June-August with additional events for fall/winter festivals. It is here you can learn all about John Johnston and his family’s very interesting history and tour their 1815 Farmhouse and surrounding outbuildings. In addition, you can browse the Johnston Farm Museum, and take a real ride on the canal boat, General Harrison, down the Miami/Erie Canal with a costumed guide. Here is a field trip booklet for kids. You can also visit an Adena Indian Mound on the property. There is a lot of history in Piqua with historical markers throughout the area.

Fourth stop, Downtown Piqua

Time to take a break in the downtown. Admire Piqua’s beautiful library (a historic former grand hotel) and the St Paul United Church. Have lunch at 3 Joe’s Pizzeria & Trattoria, or El Herradero Mexican Grill. Pick up a chocolate treat at Winans Chocolates + Coffees.

And finally, a Bicycle Adventure

Piqua has a great system of bike paths through gorgeous scenery. From Lock Nine Riverfront Park (a scenic observation point), you can take the path (Great Miami River Recreational Trail) south towards Goodrich Giles Park and Farrington Reserve. Or you can take the path east or west to do a loop. Going east or west will eventually take you north and then loops you around to the place you started. To make the loop you need to connect the Great Miami River Trail/ the Linear-River’s Edge Trail (through Fountain Park)/ the Ohio-Indian Trail (through French Park and Linear Park). Here is a map. If you are more up for a walk than a bike ride, Hollow Park is a nice place to take a stroll through the woods.