"Ohio's Historic West" is a State Designated Heritage Area dedicated to the development of cultural and heritage tourism in a ten county area; Auglaize, Champaign, Clark, Darke, Hardin, Logan, Mercer, Miami, Shelby, Van Wert. It is truly a patchwork of diverse places, and highlights many historic, cultural, scenic, and agricultural sites and attractions.

With community partners such as Chambers of Commerce, Convention and Visitor Bureaus, Main Street Programs, Economic Development Offices, and many others; OHW is dedicated to providing our heritage traveler with an authentic experience as we introduce our history, traditions, events and natural resources.

Ohio's Historic West is the story of the American Experience as illustrated by our cultural and ethnic diversity, family farms, historic freedoms and liberties, rural lifestyle, scenic beauty, ingenious innovations, hometown heroes, patterns of development and settlement, small town charms, and the spirit of community. Traveling the by-ways of this region rich with charm, the American Experience is about a rolling landscape of lakes and streams and tree-lined streets with historic architecture standing like frozen music. Towering church steeples dot the countryside while you travel winding country roads, past thriving small towns with innovative industries and attractions rich with stories about Ohio heritage.

This region offers the traveler an authentic experience of Americana. From exploring canals and mills, state scenic rivers and lakes, castles, steeples and courthouse domes, peace treaties and forts, enchanting downtowns and festivals to man walking on the moon, Ohio's Historic West welcomes the modern day pioneer to discover our stories of the past.

With the power of its history and pride of its people, Ohio's Historic West is a place you won't be able to resist! Find out for yourself... Discover the American Experience!

The following section breaks the region down into smaller areas to give you more in-depth information. Roll your cursor over an area on the map to reveal a photo and click to go directly to that counties website.