Findlay is a beautiful, bountiful city nestled in the northwestern corner of the Buckeye State. You can find fascinating historic destinations and unique things to do in Findlay around every corner, from a buzzing arts and culture scene to diverse restaurants, cafes and breweries. If you’re on a day trip in Findlay or spending a few nights in one of our stellar hotels, use this expansive list as your trusty travel guide.
What Is There to Do in Findlay, Ohio?
There are plenty of fun, intriguing, memorable activities and sights to see in Findlay, and our list only grazes the surface of what this Midwest micropolitan gem has to offer. We’ve picked some of our favorite eateries, nightlife hotspots, nature reserves and other attractions we think you’ll adore.
1. Enjoy Findlay’s Fantastic Food Scene
Whether you’re in the mood for some hearty, all-American comfort food or something more elegant and refined, the Flag City has what you need. Check out these three top-rated restaurants and our honorable dessert mention for a sweet treat at the end of a world-class meal:
Mancy’s Steakhouse at the Hancock Hotel
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Mancy’s Steakhouse at the Hancock Hotel offers exquisite, high-end fine dining, freshly prepared desserts and a selection of over 100 wines, craft beers, and classic cocktails in the heart of historic downtown Findlay. Mancy’s Steakhouse at the Hancock Hotel also offers private dining for events and celebrations, giving you and your party the ultimate VIP treatment.
The Gathering
For delicious, seasonal American staples at a reasonable price, visit the Gathering, a convivial watering hole with occasional live music, a wide selection of beer, wine and spirits and an upmarket atmosphere. Travel upstairs to their Anvil Whiskey Bar and relax with a premium bourbon or craft cocktail after dinner.
Stix Restaurant
A stone’s throw from the Hancock Hotel, Stix’s contemporary spin on traditional Asian cuisine is ideal for diners looking for something unique, exciting and sharable, with their selection of globally inspired small plates. Menu options include bao buns, hot stone bibimbap, yaki oysters, honey-hoisin baby back ribs and ahi tuna tataki.
Dietsch Brothers Ice Cream
The two iconic, family-operated Dietsche Brothers Chocolates and Ice Cream stores in Findlay are superb after-lunch destinations, where you’ll find dozens of ice cream flavors, artisanal chocolates and gift baskets. TripAdvisor placed Dietsch Brothers on their official list of top 10 ice cream shops in the country two years in a row.
2. Visit Historical and Cultural Attractions in Findlay, Ohio
Findlay’s rich American history, community spirit and passion for the arts make it a rewarding tourist destination for both out-of-towners and Ohio natives. To delve into Ohio’s captivating past or take inspiration from some of this century’s most talented artists, explore downtown Findlay.
Marathon Center for the Performing Arts
The Marathon Center for the Performing Arts is the city’s cultural hub and geographic center point, hosting exceptional live music, comedy shows, theatrical performances, dance, poetry, author talks, art exhibitions and more. They’ve hosted Tony-Award-winning musicals, STOMP and even the Irish vocal powerhouse, Celtic Woman.
Hancock Historical Museum
History buffs will adore the sprawling Hancock Historical Museum, which showcases some of Hancock County’s most fascinating artifacts and memories. The museum hosts classic movie nights for a cinematic blast from the past, as well as Findlay’s annual Oktoberfest celebration.
The Findlay ArtWalk
If you’re in luck, your stay will coincide with Findlay’s bustling ArtWalk on the first Fridays in February, May, August, and November. Meander through downtown Findlay and marvel at local talent, including local live music, arts, crafts and refreshing drinks. The event is free, family-friendly and features diverse artistic mediums like pottery, painting, jewelry, photography, woodwork, stained glass and more.
3. Experience Findlay’s Invigorating Nightlife
An enchanting blend of small-town charm and dazzling city fun awaits you in Findlay. Expect an eclectic night on the town, from cozy pubs to trendy bars and out-of-the-box arcade-style entertainment centers. Whether you’re planning a toned-down date night or a rip-roaring pub crawl with friends, you’ll come home already planning your next trip back.
The Bourbon Affair
Start your evening at the sophisticated 1930s speakeasy-style bar, The Bourbon Affair. This bar serves an impressive collection of fine, top-shelf spirits, over 100 unique bourbons and craft cocktails that range from classic to brilliantly modern. For the full experience, enjoy some hors d’oeuvres or a charcuterie board with your drink.
Logan’s Irish Pub
For the quintessential throw-back tavern experience with exceptional-quality drinks and meals, swing by Logan’s Irish Pub for authentic draft beer, scrumptious traditional pub grub, warm Irish hospitality and upbeat live music on Fridays. They’re positioned between some of Findlay’s hottest locations, so you can hop from one stellar meeting place to another on foot.
False Chord Brewing Co.
A firm favorite with locals, False Chord Brewing Co. (formerly “Modcraft”) is right next door to Logan’s Irish Pub and currently has a whopping 4.9/5 stars on Facebook. This alternative taproom offers patrons plenty of on-tap beer varieties, visiting food trucks, live music, a beer garden, various board games and bingo and trivia nights.
Main Street Deli Bar and Arcade
Across the road from Logan’s, you’ll find the immensely fun Main Street Deli Bar and Arcade. This wondrous combination of affordable yet modern drinks, classic deli-style sandwiches and retro arcade games like Pacman and Pinball will keep you laughing and playing for hours.
4. Explore Findlay’s Splendid Natural Wonders
Attractions in Findlay, Ohio, extend far beyond the concrete jungle. For a peaceful walk in nature with your loved ones or an invigorating hike through forests, wetlands and meadows, look no further than Findlay. Rent a canoe, have a romantic picnic or watch the kids frolic between the trees.
Oakwoods Nature Preserve
If you’re in the mood for kayaking, fishing or relaxing in the great outdoors near the city, visit Oakwoods Nature Preserve. It features 227.5 acres of woodland, prairie and wetland wilderness furnished with picnic tables, fishing piers, pristine restrooms and a boat launch. Oakwoods is also home to the Doc Phillips Discovery Center, an educational building with a butterfly garden, birdwatching, touch tables, snake and turtle terrariums and wildlife viewing areas.
Triple T Ranch
Enjoy a scenic horseback trail ride at Triple T Ranch through 10 acres of pristine woodland between April and November. This western-style ranch is perfect for experienced riders and first-timers, and children are welcome to participate, too. You may even spot some wildlife on your tranquil nature ride, like deer and indigenous birdlife. Rides are by appointment only, so give them a call before you head out.
Findlay Riverside City Park
The banks of the Blanchard River are home to Findlay Riverside City Park, the epicenter of Findlay’s outdoor recreation. The park’s extensive list of activities includes a swimming pool, a playground, volleyball and pickleball courts, grills, shuffleboard and cornhole equipment, walking trails, and more.
Litzenberg Memorial Woods
Take a scenic drive west of the city to Litzenberg Memorial Woods, an idyllic natural landscape with 100+-year-old trees and colonial heritage sites like the 1847 McKinnis House. The woodland is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who want to enjoy Findlay’s fauna, flora and rich cultural history.
5. Take a Kid-Friendly Day Trip in Findlay
If you’re looking for things to do in Findlay to entertain and enthrall the little ones, you’re in luck. Findlay has some brilliant and inclusive activities for kids and their guardians, including an interactive museum specially designed for children and toddlers, several parks with playgrounds, and a lot more.
Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation and Riverside Train
The Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation and Riverside Train is a must-see for all families with little travelers onboard — and adults who love trains! From educational old-timey train rides to intricate model train tracks and many seasonal events, this destination is one of the top-notch attractions in Findlay, Ohio.
Children’s Museum of Findlay
Kids will have the time of their lives at the Children’s Museum of Findlay, a utopia for curious, active children who love to explore, climb, play and use their imagination. The museum is more of an interactive, educational funhouse, boasting 24 engaging exhibits like a mini fire station, a pretend vet, sock hockey and a climbing wall.
Miracle Park Playground
The Blanchard Valley Health System’s Miracle Park of Findlay is an inclusive play area specifically designed for children with disabilities. It has three colorful, fun-filled playgrounds, each catering to a different age group, and accessibility features like wide ramps, railings, swings with lap bars, restrooms and plenty of shade.
6. Soak Up Findlay’s Delicious Coffee, Beer and Wine Locations
There’s nothing quite like a visit to a brewery or the smell of freshly ground coffee to start off an exciting daytime adventure. Findlay is a cornucopia of good brews, both hot and brown and cold and fizzy. For wine lovers, Findlay has its own winery that hosts live music and workshops.
Coffee Amici
For excellent-quality coffee, tea, smoothies and scrumptious baked goods, drop by Coffee Amici in central Findlay. Their open mic nights on Fridays and their wall displaying local artworks are uniquely community-focused, sparking lively conversation among friends, family and business associates.
Findlay Brewing Company
Findlay’s very own brewery serves customers a wide variety of locally brewed beers on tap from a spectacular warehouse-style location in the town’s bustling nucleus. Pair your Findlay Brewing Company IPA or ale with yummy all-American comfort food like pretzel sticks with queso, loaded tots and classic fried cheese curds.
Gillig Winery
At Gillig Winery and Bistro, you’ll be treated to some of the best pizza and wine pairings the Midwest has to offer. Their wines are locally crafted with grapes sourced from outstanding vineyards worldwide, which you can savor inside, on their lovely patio, or in their designated tasting room.
7. Discover Unique, Niche Things to Do in Findlay
Novel experiences and sights to see in Findlay are in no short supply. If you’re in the mood to mix it up and do something exhilarating, this city has you covered.
Expired Time Escape Games
Surpass the ordinary at Expired Time Escape Rooms, working with friends, family or colleagues to discover hidden clues, solve challenges and ultimately unlock the door. Participants are given 60 minutes to “escape” several weird and wonderful themed rooms, including Knights of the Round Table and Dracula’s Lair.
The Findlay Ghost Town
Experience Findlay Ghost Town’s spooky yet family-friendly atmosphere and shop their remarkable farmers, crafts and flea markets hosted there in summer and fall. Check their Facebook page for seasonal events like their Haunted Ghost Town event on Halloween, opening and closing times and other fun activities.
Millstream Speedway
Fans of fast cars and roaring engines will find their sanctuary at Millstream Speedway, a short drive from the city. Previously known as Findlay Speedway and Flag City Motorsports Park, this race track hosts exciting dirt racing events.
Axe Ventura Axe Throwing
If you’ve never learned to hurl axes, mark it down as one of the crucial things to do in Findlay and get your eye in at Axe Ventura Axe Throwing. It’s a hugely popular destination in the city center, maintaining a staggering 4.9/5 star review on Google with over 230 reviews and counting.
8. Stay at Fantastic Campgrounds and the Best Hotels in Findlay, Ohio
Where to stay in Findlay for the perfect overnight experience depends on the atmosphere and amenities you prefer. Fortunately, Findlay has accommodation options for every taste, from a luxurious, high-end hotel to the fun and games of outdoor camping.
The Hancock Hotel
The stately Hancock Hotel is Findlay’s only 4-star luxury, high-end hotel. It’s in downtown Findlay’s spectacular historic district and within walking distance of many of the city’s best attractions, eateries and nightlife hotspots. It offers outstanding amenities, a beautifully modern interior design, valet parking, corporate conference facilities, an exquisite fine-dining restaurant and a top-of-the-line fitness center.
Van Buren State Park Campground
If you’re visiting Findlay in an RV, van or caravan or simply love sleeping in the great outdoors, camp at Van Buren State Park Campground. It’s the best-rated pet-friendly campground in the area for its exceptional amenities like clean, upgraded restrooms, amphitheater, playground, basketball and volleyball courts, and so much more. It’s only a 15-minute drive from the city center.
Choose the Hancock Hotel for Your Findlay Stay
Get the most out of your stay in Findlay by picking a hotel at the city’s heart. The illustrious Hancock Hotel is perfectly positioned between various excellent restaurants, museums, natural wonders and sights to see in Findlay, making it the ideal home base for your adventure. You can even take a virtual tour of our premises to discover why we’re among the best hotels in Findlay, Ohio, and the Midwest.
Spectacular Events, High-End Amenities and More
The Hancock Hotel can provide a gorgeous space for your wedding, corporate event or party, complete with premium catering and a choice of several decadent halls. If you book your event with us, we’ll provide only absolute excellence, from ambiance to operations. Contact us by phone or reach out online to discuss any questions or special requests you may have.
Book Your Exquisite Room at the Hancock Hotel
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