Welcome to Findlay, Ohio. Proudly known as Flag City USA, Findlay was laid out in 1821 and named for Colonel James Findlay, a hero of the War of 1812.
South of Toledo and north of Dayton, there are a number of fun things to do in Findlay, Ohio. It’s one of those surprising little cities that seems to come out of nowhere as you cruise the interstate.
Home to the University of Findlay, Marathon Petroleum, and a shocking number of beautiful sunset spots, there are plenty of fun things to do in Findlay, Ohio.
Things to Do in Findlay, Ohio
1. Hancock Historical Museum
The Hancock Historical Museum has been around since 1970. A few prominent men in the Findlay area founded the museum, and ever since, it has served local community interests.
The museum focuses on building a sense of community through honoring the past. The museum is always putting something new together for Findlay to enjoy with fun rotating exhibits.
If you’re looking for things to do in Findlay, Ohio, this weekend, it’s worth checking out one of the many programs the museum boasts. Consider taking a trip down memory lane with the 1960s and 1950s exhibits. The museum also preserves the Crawford Log House, Little Red Schoolhouse, and the Riverside Train.
See Related: Best Museums in the US You Need to Visit
2. Marathon Centre for the Performing Arts
Entertainment in Findlay, Ohio, is just around the corner. With a trip to the Marathon Centre for the Performing Arts, you can experience one of the best local shows you’ll see in all your travels.
Housed in what was once the old Findlay High School building, Marathon is a downtown performing arts center that does more than just stage productions. Country superstar Darius Rucker performed there once, and you can even book the place for your wedding.
It’s a grand time at Marathon Centre. As far as things to do in Findlay, you can hit up a show or enjoy one of the many special events they put together. Check their website to discover what shows they will be performing during your visit – or even plan a visit around your favorite one!
3. Riverside Park
If you’re looking for what to do in Findlay, Ohio, Riverside Park is a great place to spend a sunny afternoon. It’s great for families, with a seasonal pool where the kiddos can splash and play.
Swing by Hancock County’s oldest park, where you can swim, hike some trails, have a picnic, enjoy incredible views, and take pictures of the waterfalls.
There’s also a boat rental. So if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can take a paddleboat out on Blanchard River.
4. Ghost Town
It would be best if you didn’t have to travel all the way to California to experience a real-life ghost town. Well, it turns out you don’t have to. You can find an authentic western ghost town right here in Findlay.
Opened in the 1950s, Ghost Town Findlay has seen thousands of visitors who enjoy the programs, the shows, and the flea market that rolls in every so often in the summer months.
If you’re wondering what to do in Findlay, look no further than the 1880s-style Ghost Town. It’s a hoot and a half, guaranteed. Not to mention, it gets really spooky during Halloween!
5. Findlay Brewing
Situated on Crawford Street, you’ll find Findlay Brewing Company. It’s a spunky brew spot with a wild story, a local testament to grit, determination, and the power of dreams.
After opening around 2010, Findlay Brewing never stopped growing. It’s a go-to spot for a bite and a good brew, with local Findlay folks waiting to greet you when you walk in.
Findlay Brewing sports an outstanding menu and a spot-on taproom selection. Not only that, but they also host an array of fun events for locals to enjoy. What could be better than beer and yoga? Beer and yoga at the same time.
Book Findlay accommodations, like The Hancock Hotel, so you can stay a few days and enjoy all Findlay Brewing offers.
See Related: Things to Do in Toledo, Ohio
6. Children’s Museum of Findlay
If you’re traveling with kids, you’ll want to include some exciting destinations for them. What could be better than watching the joy of discovery on a child’s face?
The Children’s Museum of Findlay will surely put that joy on your kid’s faces as they enjoy this great space for learning and excitement. Focused on bringing kids together in a fun, safe environment, the museum strives to promote a child’s natural desire to learn and grow.
The museum is a fascinating stop, even for adults. The exhibits are all interactive, getting the kids involved and having a good time in minutes.
See Related: Things to Do in Lima, Ohio
7. Swiss Community Historical Society
Did you know that Ohio is something like the original West? Before people clamored to get to Colorado, Wyoming, and California, they wanted to get to Ohio.
If you’re up for a 30-minute drive west, the Swiss Community Historical Society is a great place to visit. You’ll find yourself transported back to the 1800s when homesteaders and pioneers made their way to a proverbial Promised Land.
The Swiss Community Historical Society is on the seven-acre Schumacher Farmstead in Bluffton-Pandora. It’s open through the summer months, and the Farmstead offers many fun, exciting things to do. Special events are often hosted, including the annual Bluffton Fall Festival.
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8. Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation Inc.
Locomotives are a fascinating feat of engineering artistry. Seriously, have you ever looked at an old train and not been blown away by how incredible it is? If you, your kids, or your loved ones are train fanatics, this railroad preservation organization is a must-see on your Findlay visit.
Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation Inc. works to vindicate and validate train lovers everywhere. It’s a wonderful spot to see neat and unique train models, special events, and even experience a real train ride.
Because the name is so long, it’s sometimes called the NWORRP. And at the NWORPP, you can experience full-size rolling stock, including a boxcar and real-life railroad depot from the old days. Don’t forget to visit the museum and the gift shop for all your train-related souvenir needs.
See Related: Things to Do in Cincinnati, Ohio
9. The Cube Ice Arena
Ice skating is a fun pastime that people of all ages can enjoy. Luckily, with The Cube Ice Arena in Findlay, you don’t have to wait until winter to go ice skating.
If you’re wondering what to do in Findlay – any time of the year – make sure this location is at the top of the list. This indoor ice skating rink is a great place to enjoy the thrill of gliding across the ice in the middle of July.
Open seasonally, when there happens to be no ice anywhere in Ohio, The Cube offers a great space to skate, play hockey, try your hand at figure skating, or even host a wedding. Book a stay at the Hilton Garden Inn in Findlay and get your fill of ice skating.
10. Port Royal Cigars
If you want to find a good cigar, you must stop by Port Royal Cigars. Of all the signature Findlay, Ohio things to do, a nice stogie from the best smoke shop in the area is among the most Findlay things you can do.
With locations in Findlay, Toledo, and Dundee, Michigan, the Port Royal Cigar store is a great place to unwind, enjoy some quality tobacco, and maybe even make a new friend or two. The atmosphere is perfect for enjoying a nice cigar. The chairs are comfortable, and the conversation is pleasant. Don’t be surprised if you end up staying a few hours!
11. Litzenberg Memorial Woods
Located just a little bit west of Findlay, you can find Litzenberg Memorial Woods. It’s a massive park with hiking trails and gorgeous wildlife where the rolling hills of northern Ohio are graced with inherent beauty and spectacle.
There’s so much to explore at Litzenberg Memorial Woods. Hiking abounds, and plenty of picnic spots make a lunch stop with the family perfectly feasible. Initially settled by pioneers in the 1820s, the park also features a homestead area that hosts living history programs and costumed interpretative stories.
Ensure you let the kiddos check out the playground and the Heritage Trail. It’s an excellent place for a day out in the Findlay area.
12. The Gathering
Looking for things to do in Findlay, Ohio, should always include looking for fun places to grab a bite and enjoy a glass of something divine. At The Gathering, you have the opportunity to enjoy both of those things in a friendly environment.
After checking into a local hotel, like Drury Inn and Suites, you can explore all the fine dining experiences the city has to offer. The Gathering is one of those places you have to try while you’re in Findlay.
With great food, wine, beer, and atmosphere, The Gathering offers a night out on the town unlike any other.
13. Oakwoods Nature Preserve
Another great park in the Hancock County area, Oakwoods Nature Preserve, is a beautiful place to enjoy nature and wildlife up close. Whatever outdoor experience you’re looking for, you can find it here.
The Discovery Center offers educational attractions that teach you all about the woods, the nature trails, and the area’s lakes. And the trails will take you on a fun adventure in the woods that’s well worth the time.
Dold and Shank Lake are both observable at Oakwoods, so bring your fishing poles along. If you’re a boat person, there’s a boat ramp that’ll get you out on the water.
14. Emory Adams Park
Findlay, Ohio, has no shortage of parks. Why not spend time somewhere like Emory Adams Park, with so much outdoor beauty? The wooden playground has a timeless quality that will thrill the youngest in your crew.
Between the soccer field, the basketball court, and the lacrosse nets, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at Emory Adams. When the kids’ tire of running and playing, they want something to eat. So make sure you bring a picnic lunch along. You can eat in the shade of the shelter house or enjoy one of the picnic tables outside.
15. The Buffalo Trading Company
If you find yourself in Findlay, Ohio, and you’re looking for things to do, stop by the Buffalo Trading Company for a unique experience you won’t quickly forget.
Something about The Buffalo Trading Company feels like the Old West. Experience it for yourself. When you walk through the doors, take a deep breath and feel the vibrancy of life from a different time.
The Buffalo Trading Company is an Old West American-style gun shop, shooting range, and gift store all wrapped in one. They offer safety classes and training on the range and host special events for local community members.
16. Riverbend Recreation Area
If you thought we wouldn’t discuss more parks, think again. One of the best things to do in Findlay, Ohio, is visit the many parks. And that’s not because the rest of Findlay is boring; it’s just that the parks here are so good!
At Riverbend Recreation Area, you can experience playgrounds, picnic shelters, a disc golf course, easy access to the Blanchard River Water Trail, and a dog park where your furry friends can run and play.
Next to Giertz Lake, you’ll find two fishing piers and a Lakefront Activity Center with all the information you need to have a great time on the water.
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17. JC Donnell Memorial Stadium
If one thing still brings people together, it’s high school football. And at JC Donnell Memorial Stadium, you can experience high school and college football on the same field. Opened in 1928, the stadium is one of those nostalgic places that makes you feel at home no matter where you’re from or where you’re going.
The Findlay High Trojans and the University of Findlay Oilers have played on this field since it opened. And something about that feels right.
A trip to Findlay wouldn’t be complete without stopping by the stadium to pay your respects. And if there’s a game going, you won’t regret taking a seat.
18. Bistro on Main
Downtown Findlay is bustling with fun things to do. It’s a great place to grab a delicious meal, and it doesn’t matter what sounds good. They’ve got everything, and they do it all well.
The Bistro on Main is the perfect example. This upscale Italian restaurant makes you want to dress up and pretend you’re in a Francis Ford Coppola movie. You walk in and immediately feel important.
Regardless, the Bistro on Main is a great place to find a delicious meal you can rave about for days after. You can’t go wrong at the Bistro, from the perfectly baked penne to the lasagna that might be better than your grandmother’s.
19. Expired Time Escape Games
Escape rooms have become increasingly popular over the years, and Findlay has one of the go-to facilities. At Expired Time, you have 60 minutes to leave a series of rooms.
You must have cunning, intellect, strategy, and a knack for finding things in strange places. But it’s all worth it for the thrill of getting out with time to spare – even if only two minutes are left on the clock.
If you’re looking for something fun on the weekend in Findlay, consider stopping by Expired Time. Even if you’ve never tried escape rooms, this will be a great first experience.
20. Shady Grove
With all the outdoorsy things to do in Findlay, Ohio, I’m surprised we haven’t come across a golf course yet. Well, that is all about to change. Shady Grove is an 18-hold course complete with driving, miniature golf, a restaurant, and an ice cream shop. It is, essentially, a one-stop shop for everything you might need on your golfing adventures.
Being out on the course on a beautiful spring day is one of those soul-gratifying experiences everyone needs to try at least once. It’s also a great time. And if golfing isn’t your thing, you can always stop by the ice cream shop. Because who doesn’t like ice cream?
21. The Anvil Whiskey Bar
We’ve already talked about The Gathering. But we have yet to mention the whiskey bar on top of it. That’s right, above The Gathering, we find The Anvil. This fantastic little whiskey bar features a stunning area of liquor options, craft beer, and a full bar.
There’s food, live music, and entertainment, and the space is available for rent. So if you’ve ever wanted to host a fantastic event at a whiskey bar, this might be your opportunity.
The Anvil is a sister restaurant to The Gathering, which explains why their proximity is what it is. The Anvil serves some of the best bourbon and scotch available, making an accurate impression on this whiskey snob.
22. Triple T Ranch
For all the western-themed shops and restaurants in Findlay, Ohio, it’s no wonder that Triple T Ranch also exists there. And what makes this place so great?
Horseback riding. The Triple T Ranch features fun trails where you and your trust steed can explore the natural beauty of the Ohio countryside. You can take riding lessons, an excellent option for this horse-riding rookie.
Nothing makes you feel as free as riding through the backwoods, learning how to make the horse follow your lead, and enjoying the experience of doing something unique.
23. Wolfies Roasted Nuts
Whenever you finish your horseback ride, head on over to Wolfies Roasted Nuts for a delicious treat that’s unlike anything else Findlay has to offer.
Since 1996, this family-owned business has been one of the many priceless gems that Findlay, Ohio, has been hiding. These nuts are unlike anything I’ve ever had, and the family-owned aspect of the business makes it all that much better.
The Wolfie tradition is one of excellence and integrity. What started as a small hole-in-the-wall shop has become a nut-shipping magnate with a loyal customer base who love these nuts.
Not only are their nuts unique, but they’re incredibly flavorful. Wolfies has created a masterpiece that few – if any – could replicate, using recipes and designs that don’t exist in other nut shops’ dreams. A trip to Findlay would be incomplete without a quick stop at Wolfies Roasted Nuts shop.
24. West End Tavern
The West End Tavern has been a part of the Findlay community since the 1930s. The building has been around since long before, some dating back to the mid-1800s. That makes this West End Tavern a 100% authentic piece of Findlay history.
The West End Tavern is more than just a historical marvel. It’s a great place to take a load off, enjoy a great burger or a classic tenderloin, and get a true taste of what it means to be in Findlay, Ohio.
The West End Tavern is the sort of place that makes you feel connected. So when you’re looking for something to do in Findlay, Ohio, make sure the Tavern is on your list.
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