Ohio's Historic West offers the heritage traveler with an authentic experience as illustrated by our cultural and ethnic diversity and our history, traditions and events. We invite you to explore the abundance of agriculture, architecture, historic sites, natural resources and transportation that this region has to offer. Just click on the links below.
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Shelby County Fair
www.shelbycountyfair.com

Each year the Shelby County Fair attracts visitors from all points who come to enjoy the thrills of the midway, sample the many food items, watch the harness racing and tour the agriculture and livestock displays. The County Fair is hosted in July at the Fairgrounds in Sidney.  The Fair features live entertainment, rides, food, displays, commercial exhibits, animals and contests of all varieties.

   
Great Sidney Farmer's Market
On the square in downtown Sidney, this event is held every Saturday.
   

Shelby County Courthouse

Built in 1883, the Shelby County Courthouse at one time held all the county government offices.  Materials for its construction (limestone, sandstone and marble) were brought in by canal boat.  The 170 foot center tower is constructed with galvanized iron and features four clocks.
   
Peoples Federal Savings and Loan Building
937-492-6129
This building was designed by famed architect Louis Sullivan in 1917 and completed in 1918.
   
Big Four Bridge
A Sidney landmark for over 75 years.  The Big Four Railroad line was the east-west link through the county.  It was known as the Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago and St. Louis (thus the Big Four Railroad), later the Bee line, and after 1930, the New York Central Railroad.  Construction was finished July, 1853.
   

GreatStone Castle
937-498-4728

Perhaps no other residence in west central Ohio captures the glamour and opulence of the 1890's more than this home.  Whitby Place was conceived and designed by W.H.C. Goode, one of the wealthiest men in Shelby County, and the owner of the American Steel Scraper Company.  Along with its two acres, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
   
Sidney's Covered Bridge
This covered bridge is one of the many attractions located in beautiful Tawawa Park for all to enjoy.
   

Historic Downtown Sidney
In 1819, the Ohio General Assembly determines that Shelby County needed a permanent site to serve as the county seat. Seventy acres of cleared farmland adjacent to the Great Miami River were donated and the new town was named Sidney, after Sir Phillip Sidney, an English patriot and writer. Now dubbed a National Registered Historic District, the Downtown Courthouse Square area of Sidney hosts an abudance of wonderful artwork, architecture and historic sites which are bound to catch any visitor's eye.
   

Ross Historical Center

937-498-1653

Ross Historical Center is home of the Shelby County Historical Society (www.shelbycountyhistory.org).  This museum features exhibits and a research center for its visitors highlighting the rich history and heritage of Shelby County.
   
Monumental Building

Constructed in 1875 as a living memorial to the Shelby County Civil War veterans, the Monumental Building was home to Sidney Fire Department, Public Library, Government Offices, and Opera House. Annie Oakley, Buffalo Bill, and many other legendary performers graced the stage of the Opera House. This building is now home to the Sidney Municipal Court.

   

Ft. Loramie Wilderness Trail Museum
937-295-3855

The Wilderness Trail Museum

The Wilderness Trail Museum is owned and operated by the Fort Loramie Historical Association.  The Museum features uniforms and memorabilia from the Civil War, WWI and WWII as well as Indian artifacts. Visitors can also view a turn-of-the-century dry goods store, women's store, and a display of old shoe-making equipment.  Included in the tour is a barn which features equipment used on farms in the area a hundred years ago. The Museum offers a variety of programs and events throughout the year, most notably the Williamsburg Christmas Dinners held over a four-evening period in early December each year.

   

Jackson Center Historical Museum
937-596-6545

The museum offers visitors an opportunity to recall times past with a wide variety of memorabilia from Jackson Center's history. The museum is open on Sundays. Special group tours can be scheduled on others days.

   
Amos Memorial Public Library
Established in 1941, Amos Public Library features the Ohio Watercolor Socity's traveling exhibit, which showcases the best of the best from around the state. In addition, a different regional artist is featured in teh library's gallery which is free and open to the public daily. Also, throughout the year, the library hosts musicians and performing artists in an intimate concert setting.
   

The SPOT Restaurant
937-492-8354

Art Moderns style restaurant built in 1941.  Today, the SPOT is a popular gathering place for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  This restaurant is best known for its fresh ground beef burgers, thick malts and home-made pies.

   

Shelby County Park District
937-773-4818

http://www.shelbycopark.org/

The Shelby County Park District is home to more than 200 acres of open space and natural areas with a multitude of interesting geological, historical, and natural examples.

   
Tawawa Park
For those who enjoy the outdoor, Tawawa Park, located within the city, is a 192-acre wooded reserve where vistors can hike, fish and picnic. Walking trails guide hikers along the park's winding creek and around its several lakes. The city's public swimming pool complex is located just inside the park's entrance as well.
   
Big Rock
One of the many attractions located in Tawawa Park.
   

Lockington Dam and Reserve

The Lockington Reserve is a 200-acre tract featuring a remarkable variety of natural landscapes.  Within its boundaries, one can find flood plain forest and upland woods, 90-foot high bluff, pine groves marsh areas, streams and ponds.  This natural area remains undeveloped because of its role as a dry storage basin for floodwaters periodically backing up behind the Lockington Dam.
   
Lake Loramie State Park
937-295-2011
www.dnr.state.oh.us/parks/parks/lkloramie.htm

Lake Loramie State Park, to the north of the city, includes Lake Loramie, a 1600-acre lake with 30 miles of shoreline. It offers unsurpassed convenience for the family who wants to combine boating and camping adventures.
   
Lake Loramie
Lake Loramie visitors can set up camp and launch their boats, knowing there is plenty of opportunity for cruising. A designated swimming area gives young and old alike a chance to enjoy the water or simply relax in the sun. Bicycles can be rented at the park's camp office providing visitors the opportunity to explore the park and the community of nearby Ft. Loramie.
   
Great Miami River
The scenic Great Miami River, which flows leisurely through the city, offers the adventurous both fishing and boating opportunities.
   

Hickory Hill Lakes - Country Concert

www.countryconcert.com
The hills are truly alive with the sound of country music every summer when County Concert at Hickory Hill Lakes brings top country performers to its stage for a four-day extravaganza. Fans come from all 50 states to enjoy the non-stop entertainment.
   

Airstream
937-596-6111
http://www.airstream.com/company/factory/index.html

Airstream is a world-renowned trailer manufacturer and a popular stop for many who travel through the area. The company conducts daily tours that give visitors the opportunity to tour their facility and see how the American legend Airstream is built.
   


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