Findlay

History

Findlay started as an American military outpost during the War of 1812. After the war Findlay began growing into a town, and was a stop on the Underground Railroad. Findlay became a booming city on its ties to the natural gas boom in the late 1880s. During this time Findlay became a manufacturing hub for glass and other energy intensive manufacturing. Late in the boom, Tell Tailor wrote the song Down By the Old Mill Stream while in Findlay, which became a barbershop quartet hit. While heavy industry and the gas itself went up in smoke, the legacy of the boom is felt in the institutions and architecture it left behind. Findlay Ohio has a large number of Victorian era buildings, and most of its public buildings and prominent institutions hail from that era as well. Now Findlay is a city with a few industries that survived, bolstered by it's cultural amenities and educational assets to provide services to nearby rural communities.

Culture

Because of it's location in Ohio, Findlay has strong agricultural and equestrian traditions, especially among those living on the outskirts of the city. Even today the Sheriff has a horse mounted posse, and the University of Findlay operates an equestrian program that has separate farms for western riding and English riding styles. While it's uncommon to see horse drawn carriages on the road as in Amish country, it's fairly common as a leisure activity, and competitions can be a big deal at the county fair. In the summer locals frequent country produce stands and the farmers market for fresh goods.
Downtown is more cosmopolitan. Artists tend to live or set up studios in the Jones block and other lofts. Socializing over food and drink is big, and it can be difficult to find a place to sit in popular downtown restaurants during the lunch rush despite Findlay's relatively small size.
The American flag is widely flown in Findlay from commercial buildings to private homes due to efforts from John B. Cooke, who purchased thousands of flags for people to fly in Findlay. Eventually, Findlay became known as Flag City USA.

Visitor Information

• Hancock County Convention & Visitors Bureau

  phone: +1 419-422-3315
  address: 123 E Main Cross St

By car

• I 75 N/S is the main highway cutting through west Findlay, with access from Toledo and Detroit to the north, or Dayton and Cincinnati to the south. There are two main exits to Findlay.
• SR 224 E/W is a state highway that eventually reaches Akron to the east.

By plane

• Findlay Airport

  phone: +1 419 422-4182
  address: 1615 Gray St
  A general aviation airport with two grooved asphalt runways. One runway is 6,500 feet, and the other is 4,500 feet. Can support propeller and small jet aircraft. Sells 100LL and Jet A. 813 ft / 247.8 m above sea level. Tune to 132.850 for weather information.

By car

Findlay can easily be navigated by car, and parking outside the downtown core is rarely an issue. There is a parking garage downtown for when extended parking is needed.

By bus

HATS runs a public shuttle that runs for limited hours on weekdays, as well as shuttles with more flexible hours to anywhere in the county if pre-arranged.

By Bike

Biking in Findlay is possible, if a bit treacherous. Motorists in Findlay don't like to share the road, so ride defensively.

By Foot

Downtown Findlay and the University of Findlay campus are both very walkable, and have shady sidewalks with ample crossings. The outskirts can be hit or miss - You might be walking on a nice sidewalk, the shoulder of the road, or in a ditch. Going from one side of the city to another can take hours, but is doable.

Museums

• Mazza Museum

  phone: +1-419-434-5521
  address: 100 N Main St
  The Mazza Museum is an art museum that focuses on children's book illustrations. The Museum has a collection of over 12,000 pieces, of which a small fraction are rotated for public viewing. The Museum often hosts authors for talks and book signings.

• Black Heritage Library and Multicultural Center

  phone: +1 419 423-4954
  address: 817 Harmon St
  A specialized library and teaching museum dedicated to multicultural history. Has an exhibit on African American Aviators, and an exhibit on Japanese culture. Hosts an annual Kwanzaa celebration.

• Hancock Historical Museum

  phone: +1-419-423-4433
  address: 422 W Sandusky St
  This museum offers a look into Hancock County history, including farming implements, business products and memorabilia, and even a bathtub brought back by local veterans from the infamous USS Maine battleship, which was sunk off the coast of Cuba. Aside from local history, the museum houses a few international curiosities, such as a set of samurai armor. The main museum is based in the historic Hull House, itself a prime example of a Victorian era mansion. Other buildings on the museum campus include an 1840s log cabin, an 1860s farmhouse, A Transportation building featuring rare vehicles, and a civic history center. The museum has a small gift shop, and can be rented out for events.

• Children's Museum of Findlay

  phone: +1-567-250-9616
  address: 1800 Tiffin Ave Suite 201
  A museum oriented towards teaching children job skills. Exhibits are mostly geared at teaching normal jobs, but also include a few specialized fields such as robotics, banking, and visual arts.

• Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation

  phone: +1-419-423-2995
  address: 12505 C.R. 99
  A small rail museum with a miniature quarter scale rideable train in the back. Offers themed seasonal activities during the holidays.

• Indian Trail Caverns

  phone: +1 419-387-7773
  address: 722 Ohio State Route 568

• Findlay Art League

  phone: +1 419 422-7847
  address: 117 W Crawford St
  An art gallery that occasionally hosts visiting artists and classes.

Architecture

Findlay has some of the highest concentration of Victorian architecture in the United States. While most Victorian houses are still in private use, all can be observed quite well from the street or sidewalk, and many offer occasional tours or dinners.

• First Hancock County CourthouseThe historic first courthouse building from 1833. One of the first buildings to be fitted with gas heating in Findlay.

• Hancock County CourthouseA historic courthouse in downtown Findlay Ohio. Built in the oil boom era, it features ornate carvings and statues lining it's exterior, oil paintings and stained glass windows depicting scenes of justice on it's interior. Visitors are welcome, but must go through a security checkpoint (No weapons permitted).

• Little Red School HouseA preserved one room schoolhouse. Includes a play yard and outhouses.

• Charles H. Bigelow HouseA painted lady house built in 1888 on the north end of town.

• The University of Findlay

  address: 1000 N Main St
  A private non-profit university in the north end of town. The campus is centered around a unique Victorian era building known as "Old Main". Has a performing arts center, fine arts pavilion, theological seminary, and several athletics facilities that often host events. Has a small Japanese garden next to the Japanese program house. Has a few farms off the main campus dedicated to equestrian studies. WiFi is available on campus (Connect to the guest network).

Events

• Annual Flag City Hot Air Balloon Fest

  address: Emory Adams Park
  A display of Hot Air ballons. Many food trucks and exhibits similar to the county fair are present. Hot Air Balloon rides are available, but may require preregistration.

• Hancock County Fair

  phone: +1 419-429-7344
  address: 1017 E Sandusky St
  A large county fair, featuring amusement rides, food trucks, A demolition derby, a rodeo, cattle shows, pony rides, tractor pulls, crops and crafts competitions, and local merchants. Also features a gospel pavilion and emergency service booths. A tradition since 1852.

• Riverside Wine Festival

  address: Riverside Park
  A gathering of Wineries from across Ohio at the historic Riverside park. Guests who pay for a tasting ticket can enjoy free samples. Bottles are available for purchase at the event.

• ArtWalk

  address: Downtown Findlay
  A showcase of the arts and crafts made by the local community in Downtown Findlay.

• Marathon Center for the Performing Arts

  phone: +1 419 423-2787
  address: 200 W Main Cross St
  Hosts bands, choirs, plays, musicals, magicians, visiting speakers, and other traveling performances. Has a permanent art gallery, with rotating exhibits. Also hosts a hall of fame for Hancock County residents with significant contributions to the arts. A former art deco Middle School auditorium that was renovated into a music hall and theater.

• Fort Findlay Playhouse

  address: 300 W Sandusky St
  A volunteer run theater housed in a historic church building.

• Ghost TownA summer flea market that becomes a spooky ghost town around Halloween.

Sports

• Donnell Park & Donnell StadiumDonnell Stadium is the largest football stadium in Findlay, belonging to the affluent Donnell Middle School, and shared with Findlay High School and University of Findlay athletic teams. It features art deco architecture, a football field, and a running track. Donnell Park is adjacent to the stadium and is centered around Donnell pond. The park features small cliffs and gardens, as well as a large fountain.

• Flag City Sports Complex

  address: 3430 N Main St
  Includes The Marathon Diamonds baseball and softball complex, The Cube Indoor Ice Arena, the Roethlisberger Football Field where Findlay Youth Football plays, a walking track, and a large playground.

Parks

Parks in the area are either managed by the City of Findlay, or Hancock County.

• Riverside Park

  phone: +1 419 424-7176
  address: 231 McManness Ave
  Findlay's oldest park. Has a public pool with water slides and diving boards, rentable boats at the Blanchard river bank, picnic shelters, sports pitches, and an outdoor band shell.

• Upground ReservoirsThe largest upground reservoirs in Ohio. There is a trail around the perimeter of the reservoir dikes. Allows for shore and boat fishing of walleye, perch, bluegill, catfish, and bass. In the winter, the retaining hill becomes one of the few locations where locals can go sledding. In the winter, Ice fishing may also be performed, at the fisherman's own risk.

• Emory Adams Park

  address: 1827 S Blanchard St
  Includes baseball diamonds, soccer fields, a bike path, and a large wooden playground stylized as a fort.

• Litzenberg Memorial Woods

  address: 6100 U.S. Route 224 W
  A country park featuring trails crossing vast woods and wetlands. Includes the historic 1847 McKinnis House and a 19th century garden. Often hosts living history programs.

• Riverbend Recreation Area

  address: 16618 Township Rd 208
  Includes campgrounds, a dog park, bridle trails, an Arboretum, a disk golf course, a small lake with fishing piers, a lodge, sports pitches, and a winter sports center.

• Oakwoods Nature Preserve

  address: 1400 Oakwoods Ln
  Includes a nature discovery center, wetlands, woodlands, a prairie, and a lake with boat launch and fishing pier.

• Owens Community College

  phone: +1 567 429-3500
  address: 3200 Bright Rd
  The Findlay branch of the Toledo based community college. The Findlay campus includes some outdoor art installations, as well as a small library, bookstore, and restaurant. Outdoors, student run beehives and renewable energy installations can be observed. Aside from regular classes, it also offers some small workshops focused on personal enrichment, ranging from introductions to art and computer skills, to ghost hunting and beer appreciation. WiFi is available across campus. Offers Child Care services at their Child Care Center.

• Millstream Career Center

  phone: +1-419-420-3342
  address: 1150 Broad Ave
  Provides vocational training in fields such as culinary arts or welding. Also offers a variety of single period classes.

• Jeffery's Antiques

  phone: +1 419 423-7500
  address: 11326 County Road 99
  A large antique mall with 300 antique dealers.

• Farmer's MarketHosts craftsmen, produce vendors, community organizations, and food trucks. Also hosts live music.

• Findlay Village Mall

  phone: +1 419 423-8732
  address: 1800 Tiffin Ave
  Findlay's largest indoor mall. Hosts electronics stores, sporting goods stores, a bookstore, a Megachurch branch, and a small arcade among other businesses.

• Post Board Gaming

  phone: +1 419 424-1112
  address: 441 E Sandusky St
  A shop that sells all manner of tabletop gaming supplies, as well as board, card, and other traditional games. Also hosts a variety of events related to the games they sell.

• Brinkman's Country Corner

  phone: +1 419 422-3936
  address: 1800 E Sandusky St
  A rustic country grocer that offers a deli, butcher, produce section, bakery, and a greenhouse serving seasonal plants, flowers, and other gardening supplies. For travelers, it's most useful for sampling local produce or getting a gift for a local.

• Wolfe's Produce StandOffers a variety of fresh vegetables and fruits, as well as some prepared foods and confections. Open late spring through early fall.

• Stout Cyclery

  phone: +1 419 957-9553
  address: 610 S Main St
  Bicycle shop. Sells bottle cap mirrors and offers bike fitting services.

Confections, Coffee, & Tea

• Dietsch Brothers

  phone: +1 419-422-4474
  address: 400 W Main Cross St; 1217 Tiffin Ave
  A local ice cream and confectioneries shop. The shop has a history dating back to the 1930s. Dietsch's ice cream and chocolate are prepared on premises, and have a unique flavor. Unlike many american chocolates, there is no waxy texture.

• George House

  phone: +1-419-425-3809
  address: 1041 N Main St
  A coffee shop across the street from the University of Findlay. Also sells some used books. Seating can be sparse on some nights. Fee Wi-Fi is available to customers.

• Coffee Amici

  phone: +1 419-423-7957
  address: 328 S Main St
  Serves Coffee, Tea, Smoothies, and various sweet biscuits. Friday Nights are open mic night. Saturday nights have live music from local musicians. Local art is showcased on the walls.

• We Serve Coffee

  phone: +1-567-525-4680
  address: 114 E Sandusky St
  Sells coffee, tea, smoothies, baked goods, panini, and soup.

• Fort Findlay Coffee & Doughnut Shoppe

  phone: +1-419 425 5550
  address: 1016 Tiffin Ave
  Sells coffee, doughnuts, and bagels, as well as coffee beans to go.

• Wolfes Roasted Nut Company

  phone: +1 419 423-1355
  address: 1718 N Romick Pkwy
  Sells a variety of spiced and flavored nuts.

Budget

• Wilson's Sandwich Shop

  phone: +1 419 422-5051
  address: 600 S Main St
  A classic hamburger diner from 1936. Wilson's sells staple fast food including burgers and malts. Has a naming jargon (IE: A Frosty = A Thick)

• Jac N Do's

  phone: +1 419-422-5778
  address: 1201 W Trenton Ave
  A popular local pizzeria that sells thin, crispy, pizza with a tangy tomato sauce, and filling pizza subs.

• Oler's Bar & Grill

  phone: +1 419 423-2846
  address: 708 Lima Ave
  The outside looks like a dive, but the inside is nice. Their Tex-Mex food can be cooked with sauces of different levels of spiciness on request.

• Shady Grove Golf Course

  phone: +1 419-422-9768
  address: 15733 E US Route 224
  A Golf Course and Restaurant. Classic style fast food is sold at the restaurant.

• Ming's Great Wall

  phone: +1 419 422-8992
  address: 1535 Broad Ave
  American Chinese fast food near the interstate, it tends to get rushed by students at lunch. Known for their almond chicken. They have a drive-thru, but you must call ahead to use it.

• Keith's DugoutA baseball themed drive thru.

• Circle of Friends

  phone: +1-567-294-4274
  address: 125 W Sandusky St
  Serves excellent Asian and Mid East food

• Fergie's Burgers, Pies, & Fries

  phone: +1 419-306-1541
  Sells burgers with a variety of patties, fried dessert pies, fires, and other american staples. Most of their customers are factory workers or truckers and their portions match with big burgers. Gets their meat fresh from a local butcher, and has one vegan burger option.

Mid-range

• Main Street Deli

  phone: +1 419 425-3354
  address: 513 S Main St
  A casual deli that sells sandwiches, soups, and other complementary foods. Also sells baked goods and craft sodas. The lunch rush often causes them to sell out of soup, so arrive before 11:30AM if you want the full menu. Local memorabilia and photos line the walls.

• Bread Kneads

  phone: +1 419 422-3863
  address: 510 S Blanchard St
  A bakery that is oriented around ready to eat food as well as typical bakery items.

• La Charrita

  phone: +1 419 422-8226
  address: 3210 N Main St
  A good Mexican cantina on the north side of Findlay.

• Joey Fratello's Pizza

  phone: +1 419 427-5639
  Serves New York style pizza and calzones

• Cedar Valley Cafe

  phone: +1-419-425-8866
  address: 1132 Tiffin Ave
  Lebanese Restaurant that serves Shawarma, Hummus, Falaffel, Stuffed Grape Leaves, and Tabbouli. Serves specialty teas. Has many vegetarian options.

• Dougie John's

  phone: +1-567-250-8978
  address: 106 S Main St
  Sells thin crust, cauliflower crust, and fold up pizza, flatbreads, and subs. Has a vegan cheese option.

Splurge

• The Gathering

  phone: +1 419 422-5930
  address: 114 E Main Cross St

• The Greek Garden

  phone: +1-419-422-0808
  address: 321 S Main St
  Sells Gyros, Dolmades, Spanakopita, Hummus Plates, and Chili .Serves Saganaki with a tableside flambé and "opa!". Serves Greek alcohols as well.

• Tokyo Steakhouse

  phone: +1 419 420-8881
  address: 1800 Tiffin Ave
  An Japanese teppanyaki and hibachi restaurant in the mall.

• Japan West

  phone: +1-419-424-1007
  address: 406 S Main St
  Serves Sushi, Teppanyaki (Iron Griddle cooked Meats), Donburi (Rice Bowl with Meat and or Vegetables), and boxed dinners.

• Stix

  phone: +1 567 525-3192
  address: 110 E Sandusky St
  Modern asian fusion restaurant. Open for Brunch and dinner. The menu changes each season, but the bibimbops are a constant. Offers a variety of craft alcohol.

• Bistro on Main

  phone: +1-419-425-4900
  address: 407 S Main St

• Rossilli's

  phone: +1-419-423-5050
  address: 217 S Main St
  Italian dining with a focus on pasta, seafood, and meats.

Pubs

• Logan's Irish Pub

  phone: +1 419 420-3602
  address: 414 S Main St
  An Irish Pub in Findlay's Irish Block. Sells beers, boxty, fish and chips, corned beef, as well as more american food such as burgers and salads. Hosts a Saint Patrick's Day celebration.

• Alexandria's

  phone: +1 419 424-5750
  address: 132 E Crawford St
  A pub on the first floor. Has a bowling alley and bar on the second floor, as well as a rooftop patio and tiki bar. Offers live entertainment on the weekends, and occasionally opens its dance hall for events. Building is a former horse stable, that's seen many different alterations though it's life.

• Fire Side Brick Oven Pub N Grill

  phone: +1 419 777-5088
  address: 331 S Main St
  Offers Neapolitan style pizza cooked in a wood fired oven, as well as a variety of Mediterranean food and craft beers.

• Campus Pollyeyes

  phone: +1 567 525-5539
  address: 339 S Blanchard St
  A pizza parlor notable for its stuffed breadsticks. Also offers calzones and submarine sandwiches. A branch of the Bowling Green Campus Pollyeyes.

• Legends

  phone: +1-419-422-7000
  address: 411 S Main St
  Sports Gastropub. Occasionally hosts events with local coaches and athletes. Specializes in burgers, wings, craft beer, and cocktails. Has a few banquet rooms. Current host of the Hancock Sports Hall of Fame, which details the history of notable Hancock county athletes such as William "Dummy" Hoy, and Ben Roethlisberger.

• Findlay Brewing Co.

  phone: +1 419 419-2739
  address: 213 E Crawford St
  A microbrewery. Also has a section where their own brews can be tasted alongside burgers, flatbreads, and sweets.

• The Bourbon Affair

  phone: +1 567-250-9162
  address: 121 B E Crawford St
  Sells bourbon, wine, cocktails, and hors D'oeuvres.

Wine

• The Wine Merchant

  phone: +1 419 424-0391
  address: 540 S Main St
  Carries over 400 wines and 100 beers. Offers weekly wine tastings every Friday for $10 and beer tastings every Saturday for $5. Occasionally hosts barbecues for themed meals.

• diVine Wine Bar

  phone: +1-567-250-8534
  address: 326 S Main St
  A self serve wine bar with over 28 wines on temperature controlled dispenser, which allows for small 1oz samples, half glasses, or full glasses. Despite the name, it also serves bottled beer. Hosts parties and live music.

• Gillig Winery

  phone: +1 419 408-3230
  address: 1720 Northridge Rd

Budget

• Econo Lodge

  phone: +1-419-422-0154
  address: 316 Emma St
  Includes free WiFi, and free breakfast.

• Super 8

  phone: +1 419 408-3046
  address: 1951 Broad Ave
  Includes free WiFi, free Breakfast, and HD TV.

• Motel 6

  phone: +1-419-422-8863
  address: 1600 Fox St
  Includes free WiFi and free coffee.

Mid-Range

• Holiday Inn Express

  phone: +1 567 271-0330
  address: 1920 Express Way
  Includes free breakfast, WiFi, Indoor pool, fitness center, and business center.

• Country Inn

  phone: +1-419-422-4200
  address: 903 Interstate Dr
  Includes free breakfast, free wifi, an indoor pool, a fitness center, and a business center.

• Fairfeild Inn

  phone: +1 419 424-9940
  address: 2000 Tiffin Ave
  Includes free WiFi, free breakfast, a pool, and a fitness center.

• Extended Stay Deluxe

  phone: +1 419 425-9696
  address: 2355 Tiffin Ave
  Includes WiFi, Free Breakfast, and a Fitness Room.

Splurge

• Findlay Inn & Conference Center

  phone: +1-419-422-5684
  address: 200 E Main Cross
  A Hotel and Conference center in downtown Findlay. Includes breakfast, complementary newspaper, WiFi, and a Fitness Center

• Drury Inn & Suites

  phone: +1 419 422-9700
  address: 820 Trenton Ave
  Includes free breakfast and an afternoon snack. Includes free Wi-Fi, a Fitness Center, a Business Center, and a Pool.

• Hancock Hotel

  phone: +1 419 423-0631
  address: 631 S Main St
  Located on the premise of Marathon Headquarters. Includes a Fitness Center, Business center, and Ballroom. All rooms have HD TVs and Complimentary Wifi. Hosts a branch of Mancy's Steakhouse from Toledo.

• Hilton Garden Inn

  phone: +1 567 250-2525
  address: 1050 Interstate Dr W
  Includes Free Wi-Fi, a Fitness Center, Business Center, Indoor Swimming Pool, and Ballroom.

Findlay is generally a safe city and most crimes that do occur are minor.
If a phone is available and an emergency occurs, call 911 for assistance.

• Blanchard Valley Hospital

  phone: +1 419-423-4500
  address: 1900 S Main St

Weather

Every so often, the Blanchard river floods Findlay with some floods being flash floods. If a flood occurs, don't panic but be sensible and avoid contact with floodwater directly, as it may contain untreated sewage. In a particularly bad flood there are portions of I-75 may become unusable. Major Floods can downscale or close Findlay's public services and business for months after they occur, especially if that service or business is located downtown.

Many businesses, especially coffee shops and restaurants, have public Wi-Fi Hotspots.
The local area codes for Findlay are 419 and 567. Most cellular carriers have 4G coverage in Findlay.

• Findlay-Hancock County Public Library

  phone: +1-419-422-1712
  address: 206 Broadway St
  Offers free WiFi, public computers with internet access, and printers. Also has books, movies, and genealogy services. Often hosts special events featuring authors or entertainers.

• US Post Office

  phone: +1 419 423-1264
  address: 229 W Main Cross St
  A historic post office building in downtown Findlay. Offers retail services and PO boxes.

• Findlay YMCA

  phone: +1 419 422-4424
  address: 300 E Lincoln St
  Provides indoor gyms, lockers, a whirlpool, and two indoor swimming pools for fitness. Regularly offers swimming lessons. Occasionally hosts workshops relating to fitness, as well as art. Also provides a babysitting service.

• The Courier

  phone: +1 419 422-5151
  address: 701 W Sandusky St
  Findlay's local newspaper.

Villages and Hamlets

• Bluffton - A small college town
• Van Buren - A quaint village next to a large state park.
• Houcktown An unassuming hamlet at a crossroads. Was the birthplace of William "Dummy" Hoy, who is credited with coming up with many of the hand signals used in baseball due to his deafness.

Cities

• Fremont
• Lima
• Marion
• Sandusky
• Bowling Green
• Toledo