With hundreds of attractions spread throughout the region, you'll be sure to find many treasures for you and your family to enjoy. Just click on the links below for a taste of the wonderful attractions for you to visit.

Springfield, in Clark County, is a remarkable stop along the Historic National Road. Take time to visit the nationally accredited Springfield Museum of Art & School, with an exceptional 19th and 20th century American Art Collection displayed in seven beautiful galleries.  The museum also showcases original and unusual art pieces.  A recently-completed $3.8 million expansion added 35,000 square feet to the facility.  Special events at the Museum include Lunch on the Lawn with musical entertainment by the Springfield Symphony Orchestra.  The Museum of Art’s outdoor sculpture collection is clustered near the picturesque Buck Creek with a backdrop of the Veterans Memorial Park Cliffs. 

Wander through Springfield with the new “Explore” walking tour series, a collection of over thirty outdoor sculptures.  The sculptures range from a 7-foot bronze of Harry Toulmin (patent attorney for the Wright Brothers) by local artist Michael Major, to the massive Westcott House Urns by Architect Frank Lloyd Wright. 

For additional information about Springfield’s culture, heritage, and events, visit www.springfieldlive.com or call the Springfield-Clark County VCB at 800-803-1553.  www.springfieldart.museum .

While exploring Ohio’s Historic West, travelers will find themselves in some of Ohio’s most charming villages and towns, such as Versailles.  On permanent display is The Sculptural Village of Versailles, which consists of 12 life sized sculptures plus a unique, historical arch and brick wall.  Many are located in the downtown area, which gives one the feeling of stepping back to a more simple time in life.  The Sculptures depict people engaged in everyday activities such as playing golf, jumping rope, swinging on a swing, playing ball, reading a book with a friend and playing musical instruments.  The newest sculpture on display is Monet sitting in front of his  easel painting a portrait.  Visitors will marvel at the life-like qualities and superb workmanship.  While you are in this lovely village, enjoy lunch or dinner at the award winning Inn at Versailles.  Experience world-class cuisine in a French-country atmosphere.  Also, take time to tour the Winery at Versailles. Sample their award winning wines.  For more information, contact the Darke County Visitors  Bureau, 800-504-2995; www.discoverourlegends.com

Sculptures on the Square, a semi-annual event hosted by Troy Main Street, Inc. returns in 2007 but this time with a different twist.  The 2007 exhibit will feature “Sculptures Takes Flight”, which honors the historic WACO aircraft, displaying25 replicas of the open cockpit biplane, each with a different design and theme, created by local and regional artists.  The sculptureswill grace the sidewalks of the lovely, historic business district in the town square of downtown Troy. WACO airplanes, one of the all time great American aircraft ever built, were manufactured from the 1920s - 40s in Troy and at one time, WACO was the largest producer of aircraft in the world. Most will  recognize the famous barnstorming/aerobatic style plane, popularized by pilots flying in exciting and daring stunt performances.  Sculptures will be on display from mid-May through September. For more information contact:  Miami County VCB at 800-348-8993; www.VisitMiamiCounty.org or www.troymainstreet.org.


The Dayton Art Institute, one of the nation's finest mid-sized art museums, features more than20,000 objects spanning 5,000 years of art history. This beautiful 88 year old building is on theNational Register of Historic Places.  Highlights include the museum's outstanding Asian collection, 17th century Baroque paintings, 18th and 19th century American art and contemporary art collection. In addition to its diverse collection, the museum features world-class special exhibitions, a wide variety of educational programs and an interactive, family-oriented  Experiencenter gallery.  Dayton, Ohio  800/296-4426. Open 365 days a year. Group tours of The Dayton Art Institute's permanent collection are free. However, prices vary for group tours of the museum's special exhibitions. Advance reservations are required.  For more information please contact: (937) 223-5277 ext. 337. www.daytonartinstitute.org.



The history of St. Marys, from its beginning as a fort to prosperity as a canal town to the present day, is depicted in vivid imagery in the mural “Traces of St. Marys”.  The three large art pieces grace the wall of Heritage Park in downtown St. Marys.  New Bremen Artist Dan Keyes spent nearly a year researching and painting the three intricate mural pieces. A narrative brochure is provided that explains the many images and how they  pertain to the history of the area.  The mural serves as a focal point in the park that is designed with German and Japanese influences to honor St. Marys’ two sister cities.  For more information, contact the Auglaize/Mercer CVB at 800-860-4726; www.seemore.org.

Quilts on barns?What an unusual idea!  Relax, unwind, and   experience yesteryear as you travel the beautiful countryside in this unique driving tour of Champaign & Miami Counties.Both counties currently have 17 Barn Quilts on their tours, with many more in the making.  The Barn Quilt concept was started as a way to bring visitors to experience all that each community has to offer. to highlight the agricultural heritage as well as the important folk art of quilting, the Barn Quilt Tour features large, painted renditions of traditional patchwork quilt blocks hung or painted on the sides of barns,a   growing trend that has captured the spirit of heritage tourism.  While connecting the rural countryside and our lovely historic downtown communities with a colorful array of painted Barn Quilts, the tour provides a new and exciting way for visitors to enjoy the beauty and simple elegance of our countryside as they make their way from town to town.  Map brochures will be available for those interested in taking the enjoyable tour. For more information, contact Miami County Visitors & Convention Bureau 800-348-8993, or Champaign County Visitors Bureau at  877-873-5764.

Ohio’s Historic West is a not for profit organization comprised of 8 counties in west central Ohio, including; Auglaize, Champaign, Clark, Darke, Logan, Mercer, Miami and Shelby counties. Ohio’s Historic West is the story of our American Experience as illustrated by our cultural and ethnic diversity, family farms, historic freedoms and liberties, rural lifestyle, scenic beauty, ingenious industrial innovations, hometown heroes, patterns of development and settlement, small town charms, and spirit of community. Take the journey!

Ohio's Historic West
Consisting of Auglaize, Champaign, Clark, Darke, Logan, Mercer, Miami and Shelby counties.