Table of Contents
2 A CITY ON THE RISE, A COUNTY FULL OF SURPRISES
Lima and the county are alive with energy!
4 MUST-DO TOP 10
As you explore the area, don’t miss these destinations.
8 CHOOSE YOUR ADVENTURE
No matter your interest, you’ll find it in the Greater Lima area.
PLUS: Explore nearby communities.
12 ENHANCE YOUR CREATIVITY
Music, arts, live theater, and more.
PLUS: Photo-worthy murals.
14 GREAT EATS & TREATS
Whatever you have a hunger for, find it here.
18 TOP-NOTCH SPORTS
The thrill of competition is alive in Greater Lima.
20 PLACES TO HIT THE GREENS
Pack your clubs and take aim.
21 SPLASH ON
Cool down at water attractions.
22 NATURE LOVERS
Have fun in parks around the county.
24 SHOP LOCAL
Discover something special or find the perfect gift at locally owned boutiques.
26 BIG STAGES, BIGGER MOMENTS
Find venues perfect for hosting your events. PLUS: Seasonal traditions.
29 HONORING OUR HEROES
Pay tribute to the men and women who have served our country.
30 STORIES FROM THE PAST
Step back in time to when the area was settled in 1838.
32 HISTORY MAKERS
Places that paint Lima’s stories of the past in a truly unique way.
34 STAY THE NIGHT
Choose from our accommodations.
36 ELEVATE YOUR VISIT
Find your way to destinations around the county with our helpful map.
Downtown Bluffton
AonCity the Rise,
Vista Taco
DOWNTOWN LIMA IS ALIVE WITH ENERGY.
From cozy cafés and rooftop patios to glowing streetscapes and weekend block parties, the city’s transformation is hard to miss — and even better to experience.
At the heart of it all is the exciting Spring & Main district, where you can sip cocktails under the stars at Vista Taco’s rooftop cantina, enjoy homestyle Italian favorites at Casa Lu Al, or challenge friends to a game of duckpin bowling and vintage pinball at Corner Pins. With live music, food trucks, and family-friendly events, this hub is a local favorite.
The new Central District brings even more to explore, with locally owned boutiques, unique eateries, and spaces that invite visitors to shop, stroll, and stay a while. The district adds another layer of charm to downtown along with vibrant spots like The Met
Summer in Lima truly shines at the Greater Lima Region Park and Amphitheater, where music fills the air and the community comes together for open-air concerts.
Lima’s glow doesn’t stop downtown. Across the city, thoughtful improvements like wider sidewalks, bike lanes, enhanced lighting, and fresh landscaping have made the entire area more walkable, inviting, and visitor-friendly.
THE MOMENTUM IS SPREADING BEYOND THE CITY. In Delphos, the rhythm of small-town fun beats at Doc’s Dance Hall and Event Center, where line dancing and special events keep the dance floor moving. Local favorite The Mill is known for signature pizzas, seafood, steaks, and modern comfort food.
Just a short drive away, Bluffton offers small-town charm with a creative twist. Shop handmade jewelry, garden décor, and fair-trade gifts at Ten Thousand Villages, or treat yourself to a bag of sweet or savory treats at Shirley’s Gourmet Popcorn. And when it’s time to unwind, 1861 Wine Lounge pours exceptional wines and craft cocktails in a stylish, relaxing atmosphere.
Whether you’re exploring the heart of downtown Lima or taking a scenic drive through Allen County’s surrounding towns, you’ll find plenty of reasons to stay a little longer.
Your Greater Lima Adventure Awaits
Corner Pins
Central District
1861 Wine Lounge
The Met
The Mill
Shirley’s Gourmet Popcorn
DON’T MISS THESE
DESTINATIONS.
10 Top Must-Do
DOWNTOWN MUST-DOS
Explore the shops and entertainment options in Downtown Lima where you’ll find charming specialty stores, such as Winans Coffee and Chocolate and Betsey’s Boutique
Stay through the evening for duckpin bowling, dinner, live music, and nightlife.
DAYS OF YESTERYEAR
Take the kids to the Children’s Discovery Center at the Allen County Museum for hands-on activities that immerse them in fascinating stories of the past. See the large model railroad display and visit the rotating gallery for unique exhibits.
3
GET CREATIVE
Discover your inner artist at ArtSpace/ Lima, which features works by regional and national artists and a lending library with art books. Take a class and learn to paint, make jewelry, or create pottery. Use the Everything But Glitter room to create your own masterpiece.
4.
IN FULL BLOOM
Kids can explore 30 mini themed gardens at the Allen County Master Gardeners Children’s Garden in downtown Lima, where they can learn about insects, animals, native plants, and their role in the local environment.
5.
CATCH A SHOW
Laugh with comedians, rock out to a wide genre of artists, or bring the entire gang to a family-friendly show at Veterans Memorial Civic and Convention Center and the Greater Lima Region Park & Amphitheater
STARS & STRIPES
Honor those who served in all five branches of the military. The Veterans Freedom Flag Monument is the largest known stationary flag monument in the U.S. Each tower is made of red, white, and blue granite “bricks” engraved to honor our nation’s veterans.
FUN FOR ALL
Test your bowling and axe-throwing skills, try out virtual-reality gaming, challenge your friends with bumper car driving, and more while enjoying a bite and a brew at Westgate Entertainment Center
PHOTOS WITH
GO ON A GEOTRAIL
Take an outdoor treasure hunt with the Visit Greater Lima GeoTrail. Download a passport from visitgreaterlima.com and use GPS coordinates to discover hidden containers, called geocaches. Take your completed passport to Visit Greater Lima to get your official GeoTrail coin.
GREAT OUTDOORS
Get back to nature by kayaking, strolling, or riding your bicycle along the lovely Rotary Riverwalk & Ottawa River Bikeway. The trail covers more than 9 miles and connects Lima’s business district to local parks.
Choose Your Adventure
CULTURE BUFFS
Lima Symphony Orchestra
Sycamore Wine Company
Harrod Railroad Heritage Park
The Met
ACTION SEEKERS
Lima
Metro Park
Delphos Veterans Memorial Park
Spencerville Veterans Memorial Park
Faurot Park
Allen County Master Gardners Children’s Garden
Delphos Canal Commission Museum
Ottawa Metro Park
Limaland Motorsports Park
SkyZone
Harrod Veterans Memorial Park
to
More Explore
DISCOVER OTHER CHARMING COMMUNITIES.
City of Delphos Swimming Pool & Splash Pad
Delphos
This historic town is filled with popular shops and places to play. Explore the golden years of the Miami-Erie Canal at Delphos Canal Commission Museum, before playing a rousing game of sand volleyball at Delphos Stadium Park, followed by splashing and sliding in the swimming pool. Tee off at Delphos Country Club, a course for all skill levels, then cool off on the patio. Find charming ensembles at Victorian Rose Boutique, an emporium of fashion and vintage inspired styles.
LOCAL FAVORITE: Indulge in luscious cones, shakes, malts, and smoothies at The Creamery
Schumacher Homestead
Bluffton
This quaint village is home to Bluffton University, famous places to visit, and spots to commune with nature. Admire stunning works of art showcased along the Bluffton University Art Walk on the campus grounds. Appreciate nature in the 160-acre Bluffton University Nature Preserve of woodland and grassland trails and put a bounce in your step on the swinging bridge. Find the perfect gift or keepsake in the storefront shops of downtown Bluffton, then savor flavors in restaurants locals love. At night, enjoy movies on the big screen at Shannon Theatre, which dates back to the early 1900s.
LOCAL FAVORITE: Visit the Schumacher Homestead to experience life in the 1840s as you explore from attic to cellar.
Spencerville
This canal town is rich in tales from the past and countless ways to enjoy the great outdoors. Stroll the longest section of the Miami-Erie Canal in Deep Cut Historical Park, featuring 45 miles along the 10-foot-wide towpath trail. Learn about days gone by at the Spencerville Historical Museum, filled with canal history, along with military, educational, business, and medicinal artifacts. Take a hike amid wildflowers, and vernal pools in the 159-acre Kendrick Woods State Nature Preserve
LOCAL FAVORITE: Hike or bike along the Miami-Erie Canal Towpath Trail, built in the early 1800s to transport goods and services from Toledo to Cincinnati.
Miami-Erie Canal Towpath Trail
ENHANCE YOUR
Creativity
MUSIC, ARTS, LIVE THEATER, AND MORE.
BE INSPIRED at ArtSpace/Lima where you’ll find rotating exhibits from local creators or join an expert-led class to learn painting, stained glass, pottery-making, and more. Regular events include poetry readings, workshops, and rotating exhibits.
Catch a live production with local talent at the Encore Theater staged by the Amil Tellers of Dramatics.
For more than 70 years, the popular Lima Symphony Orchestra has brought sophisticated sounds to the local community. Check our event calendar for upcoming programs where you can meet the musicians and Maestro!
Find your creative side at Board & Brush Creative Studio in nearby Bluffton with a paint-and-sip workshop. You can even host your own party!
Imagination Lives Here
Lima Symphony Orchestra
Mural, Mural on the Wall
Allen County boasts many beautiful public murals including the Celebrating Our Heritage mural in Downtown Bluffton that ties Allen County’s past with the present. The Delphos Herald Building in downtown Delphos features a historical canal mural. Pay homage to jazz legend and Grammy winner Joe Henderson in his hometown at the mural behind ArtSpace/Lima.
Board & Brush Creative Studio
ArtSpace/Lima Gallery
Encore Theatre
ArtSpace/Lima Workshop
Downtown Bluffton
ArtSpace/Lima
Great Eats Treats &
Inspired Eats
Social House is an inviting venue located in a beautifully revitalized downtown space, featuring Southern-inspired dishes with rotating microbrews and a craft cocktail menu. The courtyard offers cozy fire pits, large lawn games, and live music. The Met showcases an original downtown Lima building on the National Register of Historic Places with a modern vibe. Each meal promises savory bites and familiar flavors. Known for an extensive wine and craft beer list, The Met welcomes you to lunch or an upscale dinner before a show.
Refined Dining
Located below Casa Lu Al, Nonno’s Cellar feels like stepping into the Old World, complete with brick archways and ambient lighting. Dine on a menu of Italian-inspired fare while soaking up the romantic atmosphere. Try a small plate of the house-made sausage and peppers, followed by the smoked beef brisket ravioli. If you’re looking for gourmet appetizers, high-end cuts of beef, and premium seafood dishes, visit Old City Prime. After dinner, head to the Upper Lounge for live shows and craft cocktails.
Old City Prime
Nonno’s Cellar
The Met
Stay Casual
Fill up your plate with fried chicken, pulled pork, and more at the homestyle buffet at The Old Barn Restaurant
They also boast one of the best Sunday brunches. Looking for a fun, laid-back vibe with crowd-pleasing favorites?
Lock 16 offers mouth-watering BBQ, pastas, salad, and steaks, plus plenty of cold beer options on tap.
Wok On
Fast, fresh, and full of flavor, Yamato Steakhouse serves up sizzling hibachi and fresh sushi at two locations. A staple in Lima, Thai Jasmine stirs up flavorful curries and stir fries with bold international flavors.
Pizza Pie Paradise
Whether it’s for carryout or dining in, Fat Jack’s Pizza is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. Enjoy crave-worthy pizza pies loaded with hometown flavor and all your favorite toppings. Beer Barrel Pizza & Grill promises quality toppings, wings, and burgers, along with unique specialty pizzas like the Italian Hot Honey.
Taco About Tasty
Visit Vista Taco in Downtown Lima and relax on the patio with a margarita and a burrito on your plate. La Charreada brings Mexican flavor to Lima at three locations, all featuring their ultra-fresh guacamole and classic Mexican dishes.
Lock 16
Beer Barrel Pizza & Grill
Thai Jasmine Kewpee
Morning Pick Me Ups
A cozy coffee shop in the heart of downtown Delphos, Haehn’s Simply Brewed offers handcrafted drinks and fresh pastries to get your day going. Meeting Place on Market blends café comforts with the energy of downtown Lima. Pick up a gourmet coffee, grilled sandwich, or sweet bakery item to brighten your day.
Donut Miss These!
A Lima tradition since 1959, Mello Creme serves fresh-baked donuts daily. With friendly service, fluffy donuts, and tasty pastry items, Pat’s Donuts & Kreme is a must-stop for early risers. Visit one of four locations around the area.
Sweet Treats
The delicious smell of fresh cupcakes and scratch-made treats will draw you through Sara’s Sweets door. Rest assured: everything tastes as good as it looks! Pete’s Ice Cream is a local staple serving up 40 flavors of hand-dipped ice cream, sherbet, and Dole whip treats from March to September.
Good Eats, This Way
Local Legend
KEWPEE IS LIMA’S LOCAL FAVORITE HAMBURGER SPOT AND HAS BEEN FOR NEARLY 100 YEARS
“We’ve been around since 1928, which in our industry is a feat,” says Scott Shutt, Vice President and General Manager of Kewpee Hamburgers. “It’s because of the quality of our food. We’re proud to still follow the way things have been done for decades because it’s the right way to do it.”
Visitors and locals alike even pick up Kewpee-themed ball caps and baby bibs to share their pride. “Food is more than sustenance: it’s enjoyment,” says Shutt. “For locals, this place brings back good memories of family moments.”
FUN FACT What’s a Kewpie doll, the restaurant’s namesake? A Kewpie doll is a small, cherubic doll with big eyes, a tiny mouth, and a curl on top of their head. They were originally based on comic strip characters from the early 1900s by an artist named Rose O’Neill.
Vista Taco Pat’s Donuts & Kreme
Sara’s Sweets
Top-Notch Sports
THE THRILL OF COMPETITION IS ALIVE IN GREATER LIMA.
YOU’D HAVE TO BE LITTLE LOCO to miss out on seeing future MLB players on the Lima Locos The Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League baseball team, which has won seven league titles, plays their home games at Simmons Field.
BURN RUBBER over to Limaland Motorsports Park for thrilling races every Friday night from May through early August. The quarter-mile dirt oval track hosts various styles of races during the summer, such as UMP Modifieds, Thunderstocks, and Great Lakes Super Sprints. 1 2 3
HUDDLE UP for the Lima Warriors minor league amateur football team. The squad of amateur collegiate-level players hits the gridiron Saturday nights during the summer as part of the Players Football Association. The Warriors, who play home games at Allen East High School, square up against other teams from across Ohio and the Midwest.
Ready, Set, Play!
Limaland Motorsports Park
Lima Locos
4 Places to Hit the
Bluffton Golf Club
Colonial Golfers Club
Delphos Country Club
Hidden Creek Golf Club
Splash On
The brand-new Lima Community Aquatic Park is making a splash as the region’s go-to destination for swim meets, tournaments, and team training. Open to the public year-round, the facility features an indoor pool for every season and an outdoor splash pad that’s perfect for summer fun.
Lima Community Aquatic Park
Lima Community Aquatic Park
Nature Lovers
HERE’S JUST A FEW OF THE PARKS WAITING FOR YOU IN ALLEN COUNTY.
Hiking
Biking
Fishing
Kayaking
Playground
All Abilities
Playground
Picnic Area
Dog Friendly With Leash
Splash Pad
JOHNNY APPLESEED METROPOLITAN PARK DISTRICT
Heritage Park - West End 2092 Reed Road, Lima 45804
Hermon Woodlands 485 N. Wapak Road, Elida 45807
Kendrick Woods 971 N. Defiance Trail, Spencerville 45887
McLean Teddy Bear Park 2004 N. Dixie Highway, Lima 45801
Ottawa Metro Park 2632 Ada Road, Lima 45801
CITY OF LIMA PARKS & RECREATION
Faurot Park S. Cole Street & Lakewood Avenue, Lima 45805
Hover Park 800 S. Collett Street, Lima 45801
Lincoln Park Shawnee Street & East Elm Street, Lima 45801
Robb Park 700 W. Robb Avenue, Lima 45805
Rotary Riverwalk/ Ottawa River Bikeway
Ottawa Metro Park
Kendrick Woods
Lippincott Bird Sanctuary
Ottawa Metro Park
Fort Amanda Canoe Livery
Ottawa Metro Park
Faurot Park
Shop Local
LOOKING TO SHOP SMALL AND DISCOVER SOMETHING SPECIAL? Visit these Greater Lima area boutiques for everything from handmade gifts and home décor to luxe self-care products — perfect for treating yourself or finding that just-right item for someone else.
Nestled in the Central District in Downtown Lima, Leaf & Luxe is a plant lover’s paradise. Owner Miranda hand-selects rare and beautiful greenery and pairs each plant with a perfectly styled pot.
Also in the Central District, you’ll find Ev’Dera, a soothing space dedicated to natural, handmade skincare. Founded by Michael, whose calm and welcoming energy fills the store, Ev’Dera offers soaps, body washes, salts, and more.
Just across the hall, Modish Maven invites you into a stylish, empowering boutique where fashion meets heart. Owner Tonya is always ready with a warm smile and expert styling advice.
Ev’Dera
More to See
From artisan markets to charming village shops, Allen County is filled with places to browse, discover, and be inspired.
Housed in a charming 125-yearold building, Black Lab Trading Co. in Bluffton overflows with handmade treasures, vintage finds, and locally crafted goods.
Heavenly Stitches, a transformed church, invites quilters and crafters nationwide to join a class or workshop, or shop for high-quality fabrics and sewing notions.
Treasure Hunt Here
Black Lab Trading Co.
Modish Maven
Big Stages, Bigger
The Allen County Fairgrounds offers a full year-round event calendar including live concerts, motorcycle races, gun shows, craft shows, swap meets, 4H competitions, exhibitions, and so much more. The Schmidthorst Pavilion at the fairgrounds is a covered arena, which can hold up to 2,000 people and hosts many livestock exhibitions. The Veterans Memorial Civic & Convention Center is the epicenter for musical and theatrical performances, as well as conference and event space in Allen County. Visitors enjoy shows straight from the Broadway stage, national touring musical acts, family-friendly shows, and the summertime Curtain Call evenings on the patio. The Greater Lima Region Park and Amphitheater showcases the Pangle Pavilion with their summer concert series and community events.
Allen County Fairgrounds
Bigger Moments
Big Ideas Start Here
Schmidthorst Pavilion at Allen County Fairgrounds
Crouse Performance Hall
Greater Lima Region Park and Amphitheater
Seasonal Traditions
Lima Irish Parade
Pork Rind Festival Spencerville Summerfest
Juneteenth
Star Spangled Spectacular
Allen County Fair
Lauer Farms 1944
Delphos Canal Days
Bluffton Fall Festival
Bells, Brass, Bows
Mercy Health Bright Nights
Allen County Museum Christmas Tree Festival
Honoring Our Heroes
Greater Lima offers many ways to pay tribute to the men and women who have served our country. Visit the Veterans Freedom Flag Monument, the nation’s largest stationary flag memorial. This monument is perfect for a photo op or a quiet moment of reflection. See real military equipment at Harrod Veterans Memorial Park, including an M60 A3 tank, 155 mm M114 A2 towed howitzer, and a UH-1 helicopter. Recognize those who sacrificed their lives at Delphos Veterans Memorial Park, which commemorates local soldiers from the Civil War to the Vietnam War. Sit and reflect at Spencerville Veterans Memorial Park while taking in the 18-foot monument representing the armed forces. Make sure to save time for a contemplative, scenic hike through Fort Amanda Memorial Park, a major supply depot for the American army during the War of 1812.
Delphos Veterans Memorial Park
Past
WHEN FIRST SETTLED IN 1838, ALLEN COUNTY WAS KNOWN FOR ITS RICH, FERTILE SOIL. Step back in time to see how the land was toiled in the mid-19th century at the Schumacher Homestead, an original Swiss home featuring a summer kitchen, heritage garden, and original barn, one of the oldest and largest in the area. An expansive new Heritage Center has been added for rotating history displays, events, and more.
The Lauer Historical Farm gives visitors a glimpse of Lima homesteading life in the early 20th century. Part of the Johnny Appleseed Metro Parks system, this farm offers a host of activities and events, including the can’t-miss annual WWII living history event, featuring reenactments, historic military vehicles, and skill challenges every fall.
History Makers
RANGING FROM THE ELEGANT TO THE QUIRKY, THESE FOUR STOPS DELIVER LIMA’S STORIES OF THE PAST IN A TRULY UNIQUE WAY.
Scan For More Stories
Don’t miss the Allen County Museum, jam-packed with historical stories including the wild tales of outlaw John Dillinger’s time in Lima, the showstopping Shay locomotive, or the wild “Things Swallowed” display from two local doctors’ over 100 patients.
For more canal history, check out the Spencerville Historical Museum, which explores life in the early days of the area through memorabilia, photos, and more.
Step into the past at MacDonell House, a restored 1893 Victorian mansion and the only remaining home left of Lima’s “Golden Block,” once known for its opulent, well-manicured houses in the prominent downtown.
Explore the history and folklore of the Miami-Erie Canal and how it shaped current-day Allen County at the Delphos Canal Commission Museum. Displays include collections of military memorabilia, model trains, and historic wedding gowns.
Stay Night the
Free WiFi Available
Free Breakfast
Pet Friendly
Fitness Center
Indoor Pool
Business Center
On-Site Laundry
On-Site Bar
Meeting/Event Space
In-Room Kitchen
Outdoor Grill
EV Charging Stations
Stay Your Way
Howard Johnson by Wyndham 1920 Roschman Ave., Lima 419-222-0004
Holiday Inn & Suites by IHG 803 S. Leonard Ave., Lima 419-879-4000
Quality Inn 1210 Neubrecht Rd., Lima 419-228-4251
TownePlace Suites by Marriott 906 S. Leonard Ave., Lima 567-289-9784
Wingate by Wyndham 175 W. Market St., Lima 419-228-7000
Howard Johnson by Wyndham
Holiday Inn Express & Suites by IHG 1925 Motel Ave., Lima 567-289-2400
Hampton Inn by Hilton 1933 Roschman Ave., Lima 419-225-8300
Courtyard by Marriott 936 Greely Chapel Rd., Lima 419-222-9000
Home2 Suites by Hilton 1432 Bellefontaine Ave., Lima 419-812-2030
Motel 6 1800 Harding Hwy., Lima 419-228-0456
Country Inn & Suites
804 S. Leonard Ave., Lima 419-999-9992
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott 2179 Elida Rd., Lima 419-224-8496
Microtel by Wyndham 480 Moxie Ln., Delphos 567-765-1500
Travelodge by Wyndham 805 S. Leonard Ave., Lima 419-227-2221
Home2 Suites by Hilton
Red Carpet Inn 1231 Neubrecht Rd., Lima 419-227-1101
Imperial Inn 131 E. North St., Lima 419-228-4231
East Gate Motel 1327 Bellefontaine Ave., Lima 419-229-8085
Colonial Motel 1940 Elida Rd., Lima 419-223-2015
Country Inn Motel 2002 Elida Rd., Lima 419-229-9311
TownPlace Suites by Marriott
Wingate by Wyndham
GREATER LIMA, OHIO
Attractions
Colonial Motel
Country Inn Motel
Country Inn & Suites
Courtyard by Marriott
East Gate Motel
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott
Hampton Inn by Hilton
Holiday Inn Express
Holiday Inn & Suites
Home2 Suites
Howard Johnson by Wyndham
Imperial Inn Motel
Microtel by Wyndham
Motel 6
Quality Inn
Red Carpet Inn & Suites
TownePlace Suites by Marriott
Travelodge by Wyndham
Wingate by Wyndham
Allen County Fairgrounds
UNOH Event Center Veterans Memorial Civic & Convention Center
Acres Wedding & Event Venue
Apollo Career Center
Bluffton University
Borra Center for Health Sciences
Rhodes State College (Downtown)
Ohio Northern University Campus
Ohio State University Lima Campus
Rhodes State Campus
University of Northwestern Ohio (UNOH)
Allen County Museum
Central District
Lauer Historical Farm
Lima Mall
Lincoln Park Railway Exhibit & Firefighters Museum
MacDonell Victorian House
Schoonover Observatory
Schumacher Homestead
Spring & Main
• Corner Pins
Veterans Freedom Flag Monument
Westgate Entertainment Center
Crouse Performance Hall
Veterans Memorial Civic & Convention Center
Encore Theatre
Lima Public Library
Pangle Pavilion Amphitheater
Master Gardeners Children’s Garden
Faurot Park Pavilion & Splash Pad
Harrod’s Veterans Memorial Park
Lima Community Aquatic Center
Lima Stadium Park & Splash Pad
Ottawa Metro Park - Lima Lake
Simmons Field
Spartan Stadium
