GRAND LAKE REGION

On the Water

Grand Lake St. Marys is Ohio’s largest inland lake, ideal for both unwinding and staying active. From birding and boating to fishing and camping, this 13,500-surface-acre aquatic gem has options for everyone. Formerly the world’s largest reservoir (until the Hoover Dam was completed in 1936), the body of water once fed the Miami & Erie Canal. Today’s Grand Lake is shallow yet expansive, reaching across Auglaize and Mercer counties to Celina on its northwest shore and the town of St. Marys on its northeast.

“One quirky fact about Grand Lake, it sits along a kind of continental divide,” says Dave Faler, manager at Grand Lake St. Marys State Park “The water on the west end goes south, eventually ending up in the Ohio River, while the water on the east side goes north to Lake Erie.”

The Grand Lake Region offers a natural playground that includes restored wetlands, beaches and three decorative lighthouses for visitors to enjoy. In addition to plenty of tranquility, there is fun along the shore with live music, restaurants and events that bring travelers to town during the summer months.

“If you’re looking for peace or a party, you’ll find that here,” Faler says. “Our park is a beautiful, natural area with a great diversity of wildlife You’re also near museums that highlight bicycles, Neil Armstrong’s space exploration and Fort Recovery.”

Grand Lake’s fishing reputation makes it a hot spot for anglers, too. Ample crappie, bluegill, bass and more populate the waters. Local companies rent pontoon boats and fishing boats for those who do not have their own watercraft.

“The fish coming out of Grand Lake are some of the biggest in this area,” Faler says. “You’d have to travel far south to find this kind of fishing.”

Birding is another big attraction, with bald eagles and ospreys frequently spotted in the area. During the spring, birders who visit the region are likely to spy common loons migrating north.

“Five years ago, a large flock of American white pelicans took up residence here,” Faler adds. “They stay 11 months of the year.”

Grand Lake St. Marys State Park’s campground has 208 campsites, as well as cabins, for those who want to make a weekend of it. Nature trails and dog parks help the whole family stay active, while sandy beaches — including boater’s beaches with sand bars are popular hangouts, as are the state park’s outdoor pool and splash pad.

On the Town

Stroll the city of Celina’s downtown district, where historic architecture blends with modern flavors and styles. Restaurants, breweries, coffeehouses and shops reflect the investment by local entrepreneurs working to make this city of nearly 11,000 residents a destination for travelers.

Co-owners Ben Amstutz and Nathan Giesige operate 211 Speakeasy Steak & Ale House, a downtown eatery that offers surf-and-turf entrees like the bone-in porterhouse and blackened scallops, along with a multitude of craft beer choices.

Hazelnut Coffeehouse offers fresh espresso and homemade pastries served lakeside, while Brew Nation serves up cold beer and barbecue with live music on weekends. New restaurants like The Anchor, which opened in 2021, further boost downtown’s appeal. (Try appetizers like the street corn chori queso or the gourmet jalapeno popper burger.)

The James Watson House is another addition to Celina’s food scene. Husbandand-wife team Chris and Cassie Campbell are restoring the historic Celina landmark named for city founder James Watson Riley — as a restaurant. For the project, they partnered with Phil Moeller and Michael Hoying, owners of the late-1800s