20 Things To Do In Findlay, Ohio That Make It Worth the Stop

Findlay is in northwest Ohio, 47 miles (76 km) south of Toledo, and is the largest city in Hancock County. Findlay’s population is less than 50,000 and is far from one of Ohio’s biggest cities, yet it has an energy that few Midwest cities can rival.

There are lots of things to do in Findlay but nature parks and beautiful surrounding landscapes is what it’s best known for. From the largest antique store in northwest Ohio to the only picture-book museum in the world, Findlay packs quite a punch for despite its compact size, plus it is also budget-friendly and family-friendly.

Findlay, Ohio

20 Things To Do In Findlay

1- Go Birdwatching At Blanchard River Nature Preserve

The Blanchard River Nature Preserve is an outdoor oasis with activities and attractions, such as the Blanchard River, the preserve’s scenic landmarks, nature trails and plenty of wildlife.

The nature preserve is home to an impressive array of bird species, such as the Acadian flycatcher, the yellow-throated warbler, and the woodpecker. 

It’s the starting point for the Blanchard River Water Trail, a 38-mile (61 km) nature trail stretching along the banks of the Blanchard River that passes through some of Ohio’s most breathtaking scenery.

Blanchard River Nature Preserve is at 22006 Co Rd 17, Forest, OH 45843.   

2- Visit The Children’s Museum

The Children’s Museum of Findlay is dedicated to inspiring, educating and entertaining kids, and encouraging young minds to pursue an interest in science, technology, engineering, arts and math.

The museum features 24 exhibit areas designed to be interactive for kids as the Children’s Museum of Findlay believes that play is essential to develop socially, physically and emotionally fully. 

Opened in 2014, the Children’s Museum of Findlay has quickly established itself as one of Findlay’s best family attractions.

Children’s Museum of Findlay is at 1800 Tiffin Ave 201, Findlay, OH 45840.

3- Play Golf At The Country Club

Findlay Country Club (1908) is a private golf course on 157 acres (64 ha) along the banks of the Blanchard River.

The club is more than just a top golfing venue, as it offers tennis and pool amenities and is a fine dining destination too. 

The Findlay Country Club is an excellent golf course in Ohio and its 18-hole course that’s friendly enough for beginners yet remains challenging enough even for pros.

Findlay Country Club is at 1500 Country Club Dr, Findlay, OH 45840. 

4- Visit The Hancock Historical Museum

Established in 1970 by local civic leaders Jack Harrington, Harold Corbin, Jim Brucklacher, Ed Heminger, and Joe Opperman, the privately funded, non-profit Hancock Historical Museum aims to preserve the history of Findlay and the surrounding area.

The museum’s main facility is within Hull-Flater House, built in 1881 for the co-founder of the Findlay Artificial Gas and Light Company, Jasper Hull. 

Since its inception, the Hancock Historical Museum has grown into nine separate facilities. 

It incorporates some of Findlay’s most historic venues as part of its overall collection, which includes photographs, artefacts, manuscripts, and more than 70,000 books.

Hancock Historical Museum is at 422 W Sandusky St, Findlay, OH 45840.    

5- Meet Some Locals At Emory Adams Park

Emory Adams Park is the social hub of Findlay, featuring baseball and softball, soccer pitches, lacrosse fields and the state-of-the-art Fort Findlay Playground.

The park is home to two nature trails popular with Findlay’s outdoorsy types, and the park regularly hosts events to engage the local community, such as the Flag City BalloonFest.    

Emory Adams Park is at 1827 S Blanchard St, Findlay, OH 45840.  

6- Taste Local Beer At The Findlay Brewing Company

The popular Findlay Brewing Company was Hancock County’s first brewery when it opened in 2007. 

It has 24 taps serving the brewery’s beloved locally-brewed beers, such as their famous Floodwater Stout and Brilliant Blonde Ale. 

If you’re not a beer drinker, try cocktails or wine and there’s a full food menu. Plus the venue also sells its brews to patrons wishing to take a couple of bottles back home with them.

Findlay Brewing Company is at 213 E Crawford St, Findlay, OH 45840.

7- Explore Litzenberg Memorial Woodlands

Featuring stunning landscapes such as prairie, wetlands, wooded ravines, and verdant countryside, the Litzenberg Memorial Woodlands is one of Findlay’s most visited outdoor landmarks.

Besides being famous for its incredible natural beauty, Litzenberg Memorial Woodlands is also a culturally rich destination.

It’s home to historical landmarks such as the McKinnis House from 1847 and the Heritage Trail Center.

From horseback riding and bird watching to exploring northwest Ohio’s rich historical sites, the Litzenberg Memorial Woodlands is easily one of Findlay’s top places to visit.

Litzenberg Memorial Woodlands is at 6100 US-224, Findlay, OH 45840.  

8- Go Ice Skating At The Cube Arena

The Cube Arena is an indoor ice rink and arena that opened in 1974 and has become a popular venue for live events and winter sports. 

The facility operates as an ice rink between September and March, when local high schools, resident ice skaters and pro figure skaters use the facility’s competition-grade ice to hone their craft. 

During the rest of the year, the Cube Arena becomes an event space capable of hosting everything from concerts to weddings, making it a true dual-purpose venue you can visit throughout the year.    

The Cube Arena is at 3430 N Main St, Findlay, OH 45840.

9- Explore The Collections At The Black Heritage Library 

The expansive Black Heritage Library and Multicultural Center was established in 1982 as a library and museum dedicated to celebrating the history and impact made by minorities in northwest Ohio and the United States.

Housing artefacts and art pieces from over 50 countries worldwide, the Black Heritage Library and Multicultural Center is an award-winning facility right in the heart of Findlay. 

The venue’s collection ranges from the Smithsonian’s internationally renowned Red Tails – WWII Tuskegee Airmen exhibit to the exhibits celebrating the African-Americans involved in the NASA Space Shuttle program.

Black Heritage Library and Multicultural Center is at 817 Harmon St, Findlay, OH 45840.

10- Marathon Centre for the Performing Arts

Capable of seating up to 960, the Marathon Centre for the Performing Arts is Findlay’s musical and theatrical heart. 

The venue features an art gallery, lounge space and an event hall, and its large performance area, making it a multi-purpose cultural venue.

The Marathon Centre for the Performing Arts is inside a historic 1925 building that once housed the Findlay High School and moved into the building when a new high school was built nearby. 

Today, the internationally recognised Marathon Centre for the Performing Arts hosts over 300 performances throughout the year, making it an excellent place to visit during your visit to Findlay.

Marathon Centre for the Performing Arts is at 200 W Main Cross St, Findlay, OH 45840.

11- Go Kayaking At Oakwoods Nature Preserve

Oakwoods Nature Preserve is a 228-acre (92 ha) stretch of protected nature featuring all sorts of attractions and landmarks, such as two lakes, an abundance of nature trails, and the Richard S. “Doc” Phillips Discovery Center.

The sprawling preserve’s three main biomes are prairie, wetland and woodland, which combine to create a scenic outdoor destination with something to see and do for every visitor. 

The Oakwoods Nature Preserve is perfect for a lazy picnic, spotting native bird species, or enjoying the lake’s calm waters aboard a kayak or a boat, and is one of northwest Ohio’s best outdoor spots to visit.

Oakwoods Nature Preserve is at 1400 Oakwood Avenue, Findlay, OH 45840. 

12- Wander Around Riverside Park

Riverside Park is Hancock County’s oldest public park, opened in 1906 and is at Findlay’s old Water Works Park. 

The park features amenities such as pickleball courts, baseball diamonds, grills, picnic tables, shuffleboard courts and volleyball courts, making it a lovely public park.

Riverside Park’s top attraction is the Waterfalls Pavilion, which you can see up close thanks to the many observation areas along the river. 

The park is in a convenient location close to Downtown Findlay and many attractions and features, making it one of Findlay’s best public parks and a fantastic place to stop by.

Riverside Park is at 231 McManness Ave, Findlay, OH 45840.     

13- See The Picturebooks At Mazza Museum

The Mazza Museum was the brainchild of Jerry Mallett, a former professor at Findlay College who wanted to establish a museum dedicated to the history of picture books. 

The museum opened in 1983 thanks to donations from Aleda Mazza and Dr August and has grown into one of northwest Ohio’s top cultural centres.

The collection includes more than 17,000 individual items and allows visitors to see the art of picture books the way authors and artists observe it. 

You’ll find the largest and most diverse picture book collection in the world here. 

Mazza Museum is at 201 College St, Findlay, OH 45840. 

14- Go Camping At Riverbend Recreation Area

Riverbend Recreation Area is a park that covers 129 acres (52 ha) is home to the scenic Giertz Lake.

There are plenty of activities at the Raccoon Run Winter Sports Center, the Heritage Trail, the Riverbend Disc Golf Trail, volleyball courts, playgrounds, and camping sites.

Riverbend Recreation Area is at 16618 Township Rd 208, Findlay, OH 45840.

15- Relax In Van Buren State Park

The serene Van Buren State Park in northwest Ohio features some of the most picturesque landscapes in the state, with woodlands and rolling countryside all around the 296-acre (120 ha) park. 

The park has several nature trails ranging in difficulty and elevation, and the park is also a great camping site. 

With tons of entertaining outdoor activities, such as kayaking, disc golf, fishing and cycling, the Van Buren State Park is always worth stopping by when spending time in Findlay.     

Van Buren State Park is at 12259 Township Rd 218, Van Buren, OH 45889.   

16- Celebrate Railroad History At Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation

The Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation features quarter-scale rideable trains with coal-burning engines that perfectly mimic the real deal. 

It has several train routes you can board, each with something else to see along the way.

The Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation is all about celebrating the history of the railroad, with a gift shop and museum situated within the preservation’s boundaries. 

Stop by during December, when the popular North Pole Express dazzles passengers and spectators with stunning displays of Christmas lights at one of northern Ohio’s most unique attractions.

Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation is at 12505 County Rd 99, Findlay, OH 45840.

17- Escape To Switzerland At The Swiss Community Historical Society

Celebrating the history, traditions and impact of the Bluffton-Pandora community’s Swiss population who settled in Findlay after emigrating from Switzerland, the Swiss Community Historical Society is a perfect slice of rural Switzerland in northwest Ohio.

The Swiss Community Historical Society is on the 7-acre (3 ha) Schumacher Farmstead, built in 1843 for a family of Swiss settlers. 

The farmstead features workshops, a summer kitchen and one of the oldest barns in Ohio, plus a perfectly preserved main house furnished just the way it was during the 1800s. 

The society regularly hosts special events and gatherings, which visitors can partake in to learn all about Findlay’s Swiss roots.

Swiss Community Historical Society is at 8350 Bixel Rd, Bluffton, OH 45817.   

18- Picnic At Blue Rock Nature Preserve

The Blue Rock Nature Preserve covers an area of 11 acres (4 ha) on a former clay mine once used by the Remington Arms Company during the early 20th century.

Famous for its bluish clay, the Blue Rock Nature Preserve has since been transformed into a beautiful urban park where locals and visitors are encouraged to have fun and enjoy the great outdoors. 

The preserve features several nature trails for its small size, a wetland area, and many opportunities to spot native birds or interact with the locals.

Blue Rock Nature Preserve is at 329 E Yates Ave, Findlay, OH 45840.

19- Hunt For Ghosts 

Ghost Town Findlay is a replica of an 1800s ghost town and has been a popular attraction in Findlay since it first opened to the public in 1959. 

The site was initially renovated to host flea markets and craft shows before being adopted into a classic haunted ghost town for Halloween. 

Ghost Town Findlay has been opened and closed several times throughout its history, however, it is today open to the public and a top spot to be during Halloween.

Ghost Town Findlay is at 10630 Co Rd 40, Findlay, OH 45840.     

20- Shop At Jeffrey’s Antique Gallery

Jeffrey’s Antique Gallery is the largest antique shop in northwest Ohio, featuring more than 300 booths and dealers selling all sorts of vintage items, décor pieces, furniture, clothing and art. 

Established in 1990, the gallery has been voted the best antique store in Ohio and is situated close to top restaurants and other attractions. 

It’s one of Findlay’s must-see destinations and a real treat for anyone interested in collecting vintage memorabilia.     

Jeffrey’s Antique Gallery is at 11326 County Rd 99, Findlay, OH 45840.