201 Willipie Street, Wapakoneta.
Call 419-738-3612 for group tours.
This neoclassical structure of sandstone features a central gallery open to the second floor making the stained glass skylight visible from both floors. "The Copper Lady," who once stood proudly atop the courthouse tower, now has a prominent place in the gallery. Restored for the courthouse's 100th birthday in 1994, "The Copper Lady" once again reigns over the building's activities. Seventeen elementary schools in Auglaize County raised 453,589 pennies for her restoration.

Memorial Park
100 S. Chestnut Street, St. Marys

101 North Main Street, Celina
Call 419-586-3178 to schedule a group tour.
Forty-foot Corinthian columns grace the four entrances to the gray Bedford limestone courthouse in the heart of Celina. Its impressive interior is enhanced with large bronze doors, marble floors, walls and staircases. One can climb the beautiful staircase and gaze from the third floor upon the rotunda below or cast one’s eyes upward to view the colored glass courthouse dome. This magnificent building celebrated its 75th birthday in 1998.

North side of Grand Lake St. Marys
Celina, Ohio
This is one of two lighthouses that grace the shoreline of Grand Lake St.Marys. In the early days, Northwood Lighthouse, located at Northmoor on the north side of the lake between Celina and St. Marys, operated under a government license during the months from April 1 to November 1. No longer a working lighthouse, the Eddystone Lighthouse is a monument to the original English Channel Beacon. There is not public access to this site. Viewing must be from the lake.

US Route 127 and Lake Shore Drive, Celina
In 1986, the Celina Rotary Club built a forty-foot working lighthouse on the west bank of Grand Lake St. Marys. This structure has a wrought iron observation deck encircling it for those who wish a "grander" view of the lake.

Auglaize, Mercer, Shelby & Darke Counties
Call 800-860-4726 for tour information
www.grandlake.net/lctc/

In July of 1979, over sixty buildings representing the German Catholic settlements of southern Auglaize and Mercer Counties, as well as portions of northern Darke and Shelby Counties, were placed on a National Register of Historic Places. Consisting of churches, schools, rectories and convents, this grouping is symbolic of the culture and historic uniqueness of the region. Today, most of these structures remain to remind us of the hard work and dedication of these early settlers as they built the Miami-Erie Canal and forged a new life on the area’s rich and productive farmland. A drive along this Ohio Scenic Byway through the rural countryside follows the quaint churches with their cross tipped “spires to heaven” and includes stops at the focal points of the region: the former convent at Maria Stein, St. Augustine Church – the original Mother Church of the area at Minster and St. Charles center, the magnificent and impressive former seminary at Carthagena.

2291 St. Johns Road, Maria Stein
419-925-4532
Hours: Tuesday–Sunday: Noon. – 4:30 p.m. Closed Mondays and Holidays.
www.mariasteincenter.org

2860 U.S. Route 127 South, Celina
419-925-4516
Group tours by appointment.
http://ma.noacsc.org/stcharl/
This magnificent former seminary rests on 500 acres. Begun in 1861 by the Missionaries of the Precious Blood, the current structure is a late gothic revival building. The awesome facility features a 370-foot frontage and is topped by a five story octagonal dome. The facility serves as a senior living community.

St. Johns Road, Maria Stein
419-925-7625
www.spiritualcenter.net
Formerly the Maria Stein Retreat Center, the Spiritual Center provides a haven for individuals and groups seeking spiritual and religious guidance. Group programs are offered on a year round basis. A chapel, meeting rooms, dining rooms, and recreation hall are available.  A two story stainless steel Cross greets visitors who will find a Respect Life Memorial along the wooded path on the center’s grounds.

 Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, downtown Urbana offers shoppers  a pleasing selection of boutiques, antique stores, art galleries and locally-owned restaurants—all  set in historic buildings that represent Federal, Georgian, Italianate, Richardsonian Romanesque and Second Empire styles of architecture. The oldest building, constructed in 1811, served as military headquarters during the War of 1812. Today it houses Carmazzi’s Delicatessen and Candy Store, a classic family-owned shop that’s been in business since 1893. Well-maintained Victorian homes line Scioto Street, which stretches east from the downtown. 

In Champaign County, a total of 32 properties, including homes, businesses, churches, two downtown business districts (Urbana and Mechanicsburg), three buildings at Urbana University, a residential district (Scioto Street in Urbana) and the Carl Potter Mound, an Indian mound, are listed on the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places.

For a complete list, visit www.nationalregisterofhistoricplaces.com/oh/Champaign/state.html

504 S. Broadway, Greenville, OH 45331

The Darke County Courthouse was designed by architect Edwin May and built in 1874.  Located at 504 South Broadway in the county seat of Greenville, the Darke County Courthouse is still used today and houses the Darke County Court of Common Pleas and its domestic relations division as well as the Greenville Municipal Court.

The courthouse features Second Empire and Renaissance architecture and is built predominantly of stone. In 1973, the building’s dome was removed after part of the gutter fell from the clock tower. Many citizens subsequently wanted to raze the building but a group of citizens created the Project Dome Committee of the County Bicentennial Committee to raise money to repair the clock tower.  It took eight years to raise the necessary funds and on July 2, 1983, a helicopter hoisted a replica dome into place on top of the new columns. Darke County was named after Revolutionary War Gen. William Darke. The courthouse was placed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.

W. Fourth St., Greenville, OH 45331
For more information, please call the Darke County Visitors Bureau at 937-548-5158.

(937) 548-4998
www.DowntownGreenville.org

Historic Downtown Greenville is a distinctive shopping district nestled in the heart of a scenic rural community. Shoppers enjoy friendly store-keepers (some four generations old), hand-made crafts, and county charm mixed with unexpectedly urban and sophisticated finds. A visit to Historic Downtown Greenville is like coming home.

Historic Downtown Greenville boasts 85 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. The landscaped streets contain one of the largest rows of early 19th century commercial buildings still in use today, along with outstanding examples of High Victorian, Italianate and Gothic Victorian Architecture. Viewed from the comfortable street benches, the beloved buildings form a continuous, four block long corridor of historic buildings.

The quality shopping district began in 1880 when farming wealth from corn, wheat and tobacco fueled banking and merchandising in our quaint town. Through the years, Downtown Greenville has remained economically sound even in relatively bleak times, like the Great Depression.

In 1935, Greenville had the largest retail volume of any town or city its size in Ohio and surpassed some larger cities such as Troy and Sidney . Today, Historic Downtown Greenville still enjoys a glorious atmosphere of quality, one-of-a-kind retail and dining experiences.

10015 Road 47
West Liberty, Ohio 43357
Phone: 937-465-2821 
www.piattcastles.org
Open March through September for regular tours.
Open Thanksgiving through New Years for Holiday tours.
Large group tours by appointment.

101 South Main Street
Bellefontaine, Ohio 43311 
www.co.logan.oh.us

This courthouse is on the register of National Historic Sites. It was built in 1870.  The exterior of the Franco-Italian structure was built with Sandstone, from Ohio based quarries.  This area was also once the location of Blue Jacket Town, a Shawnee settlement named after one their famous leaders. Blue Jacket led the “Seven Nations” in their defeat at Fallen Timbers, and was later prominent in the making of the Treaty of Greenville.

2817 Sandusky Street
Zanesfield, Ohio 43360

The Sloan Library is located in downtown Zanesfield, Ohio, named after Dr. Earl Sloan a native of Zanesfield who left a legacy of generosity to the citizens of Logan County.  He made his fortune with a family recipe for horse liniment that people discovered was also good for human aches and pains.  He established the library in 1914.  He also established a foundation that provides equipment for the Bellefontaine City Schools and Ohio Hi-Point Career Center.

Road 5 & CR 153
Zanesfield, Ohio 43360

3527 Road 153
Zanesfield, Ohio 43360

The Goshen Friends Church dates from 1807, a time of migration. The many Quakers living in the area were in part responsible for the activities of the Underground Railroad in this area. More than 12,000 slaves traveled northward through Logan County during the civil war, although those harboring these runaway slaves risked a fine of $1,000 and imprisonment.

215 West Main Street
Troy, OH 45373
937-440-5910

The quality shopping district began in 1880 when farming wealth from corn, wheat and tobacco fueled banking and merchandising in our quaint town. Through the years, Downtown Greenville has remained economically sound even in relatively bleak times, like the Great Depression.

In 1935, Greenville had the largest retail volume of any town or city its size in Ohio and surpassed some larger cities such as Troy and Sidney . Today, Historic Downtown Greenville still enjoys a glorious atmosphere of quality, one-of-a-kind retail and dining experiences.

116 W. High Street
Piqua, OH 45356
www.TheFortPiquaPlaza.com
937-773-8871

Historic Eldean Covered Bridge
Corner of N. Co. Rd. 25-A & Eldean Rd. 
Troy, OH 45373
           
Set amidst the backdrop of Miami County’s vast farmland and the tree-  lined corridor of the Great Miami River, the Eldean Covered Bridge is one of only two covered bridges remaining in the county. Built in 1860, the  historic bridge, painted in the traditional red, was once the second longest of its kind in Ohio, and is still the longest “Long Truss” covered  bridge in the nation. Today, visitors can still cross under the protected barriers of this historic landmark, both on foot and by car. Whether you walk or drive across the bridge, the craftsmanship of the design will no doubt take you to another time in Miami County’s early history.   Open year round.

Fletcher Covered Bridge
Downing Street, one block north of U.S. Rt. 36
Fletcher, OH 45326

St. Rt. 571 off I-75
Tipp City, OH 45371
www.VisitTippCity.org

Known for its charming historical district which bursts with architectural heritage, the Tipp City of today is an almost perfect example of the small town.  The majority of the Main Street shops and businesses are housed in many original structures from the past, lending a historic atmosphere. Unique specialty shops offering an eclectic assortment of treasures including oriental rugs – clothing – pottery – art galleries – and furniture - are set alongside restaurants, coffee houses and professional offices, making it a magnet for shoppers.  The Hotel Gallery, which was originally a hotel in the 1850s, is now home to a wide assortment of shops with handmade pottery, antiques, collectibles and crafts.  Over 90 of the historic buildings in this quaint downtown are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, with examples of many architectural styles.

429 North Ohio Avenue
Sidney, Ohio 45365
Ph: 937-498-4728
www.greatstonecastle.com
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. This three story Victorian mansion operates as a bed and breakfast and features a day spa in its lower level.  Along with its two acres, GreatStone Castle is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  90 minute guided tours are offered.  Call for information regarding admission fees, facility rental, overnight stays, and catering options.

101 East Court Street
Sidney, Ohio 45365
Ph: 937-492-6129
A Louis Sullivan architectural masterpiece built in 1917. The People’s Federal Board of Directors met with Sullivan in Chicago and commissioned him to design their Bank. This building is believed to be one of the first air-conditioned buildings in the United States. Its structure and interior furnishings are much the same as they were in their original state including the stainless steel bank vault door weighing 11 tons.  Tours are offered by appointment and free of charge so please call for reservations.

133 South Ohio Avenue
Sidney, Ohio 45365
937-498-0011
Constructed in 1875 as a living memorial to Shelby County Civil War veterans, the Monumental Building was home to the 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. Today this building is home to the Sidney Municipal Court.

The Brumback Library was built with funds bequeathed to Van Wert County residents by John Sanford Brumback, a former resident of Van Wert. Mr. Brumback’s will dictated that enough funds from his estate be devoted to the building and furnishing of a library as a gift to Van Wert County if the county would provide books and maintenance. The Brumback Library stands as the first county library formed in the United States.The cornerstone of the building was laid in 1899 with dedication on January 1, 1901. In 1991, a 10,500 square foot addition was added along with a complete renovation of the existing structure. The architecture is a combination of Gothic and Romanesque. With turreted towers and a Ludowici tile roof, the library is nestled amid the trees of the park where it is located. It contains an excellent Children's Department that provides meaningful reading related activities for the youth of the area.  More information about the Brumback Library and its services may be viewed on their website at www.brumbacklib.com

Built in 1876, the Van Wert County Court House celebrated its 130th birthday in 2006. The structure remains today much as it was when built at a cost of $110,174. The pressed brick used to construct the Court House was made locally at a mill which had been located about where the Van Wert County Fairgrounds is today. The building contains a clock whose bell weighs 2,000 pounds and whose clapper weighs 430 pounds. The Court House is listed on the National Register of Historic Buildings.  For more information about the courthouse contact the Van Wert Area CVB at 419.238.9378 or 877.989.2282

The Marsh Foundation was a gift from early Van Wert industrialist, George H. Marsh, who in his last will and testament said, “I depart this life in the hope that the Foundation shall become an instrument of enduring and ever increasing benefit to mankind.”  According to legend, George and Hilinda were traveling through Van Wert on a frosty winter night on their way home from the theater in Fort Wayne, Ind. when they noticed two small boys huddled together in a dark deserted doorway. Their mother was working evening hours. Moved with compassion, Hilinda said, “There George, we could use our money when we need it no longer, to establish a home for little fellows such as those.”  The Marsh endowment, contributed more than 80 years ago, has provided resources for building a stately campus, assembling dedicated professionals, underwriting a successful orphanage for many decades and now for expanding services to meet the changing needs of children and families.  The home of the Marsh family, containing original furnishings from the late 19th century, is open for tours as is the campus itself. For more information about the Marsh Foundation  visit their web site at www.marshfoundation.org.

The Niswonger Performing Arts Center of Northwest Ohio, opened its doors in the spring of 2007.  Since then, this state-of-the-art entertainment facility has, and continues to provide wold class entertainment to the surrounding region.  The NPAC provides opportunities for educational, inspirational, and cultural enjoyment and growth through a variety of artists, Broadway, dance, lectures and more.  The 1,200 seat music hall, 175 seat lecture hall and spacious lobbies of this $9.9 million facility offer many amenities that are available for the community and school to use.  Operating the facility, the Van Wert Area Performing Arts Foundation continues to schedule exciting programming each season.  Owned by the Van Wert City Schools, the facility also offers a unique performing arts venue for the local school district.

www.npacvw.org