SOUTHWEST OHIO
New Weston Ohio
10 ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
1. Eldora Speedway
HIGH-SPEED DIRT RACING | NEW WESTON OH
Eldora Speedway is a world-famous half-mile clay oval racetrack in New Weston. Known as "The Big E," it hosts major dirt racing events, including the prestigious World 100 and Kings Royal. Motorsports enthusiasts flock to Eldora for thrilling races featuring sprint cars, late models, and modifieds throughout the racing season.
2. The Winery at Versailles
WINE TASTING & TOURS | VERSAILLES OH
The Winery at Versailles offers a delightful wine-tasting experience near New Weston. Visitors can sample a variety of locally produced wines, enjoy guided tours of the vineyard, and relax in the charming tasting room. The winery also features a gift shop and hosts special events throughout the year, making it a popular destination for wine enthusiasts.
3. Bear's Mill
HISTORIC GRIST MILL | GREENVILLE OH
Bear's Mill is a historic grist mill built in 1849, located near Greenville. This well-preserved water-powered mill offers guided tours, showcasing its original French buhr stones and milling equipment. Visitors can explore the mill's art gallery, purchase freshly ground flours and meals, and enjoy the scenic surroundings along Greenville Creek.
4. Garst Museum
LOCAL HISTORY MUSEUM | GREENVILLE OH
Garst Museum in Greenville showcases the rich history of Darke County and its famous residents. The museum features exhibits on Annie Oakley, Lowell Thomas, and the Treaty of Greene Ville. Visitors can explore six buildings filled with artifacts, including Native American relics, military memorabilia, and early settler displays, offering a comprehensive look at local history.
5. Shawnee Prairie Preserve
NATURE TRAILS & EDUCATION | GREENVILLE OH
Shawnee Prairie Preserve is Darke County's largest nature preserve, offering over 5 miles of hiking trails through diverse habitats. The preserve features a nature center with interactive exhibits, a restored log house, and a sugar shack demonstrating maple syrup production. Visitors can enjoy bird watching, wildflower walks, and educational programs throughout the year.
6. Maid-Rite Sandwich Shoppe
ICONIC LOCAL EATERY | GREENVILLE OH
Maid-Rite Sandwich Shoppe is a beloved Greenville institution known for its unique loose meat sandwiches. This historic diner, established in 1934, features a quirky exterior covered in chewing gum and a nostalgic interior. Visitors flock to Maid-Rite for its famous sandwiches, shakes, and friendly small-town atmosphere, making it a must-visit culinary destination.
7. Fort Recovery State Museum
MILITARY HISTORY SITE | FORT RECOVERY OH
Fort Recovery State Museum commemorates two significant battles between Native Americans and the U.S. Army in the 1790s. The museum features exhibits on military and Native American history, including artifacts from the battles. Visitors can explore the reconstructed fort, view monuments, and learn about this pivotal period in Ohio's early settlement.
8. The Great Darke County Fair
ANNUAL COUNTY FAIR | GREENVILLE OH
The Great Darke County Fair is a beloved annual event held in Greenville, typically in August. This week-long fair features agricultural exhibits, livestock shows, carnival rides, live entertainment, and a variety of food vendors. Visitors can enjoy harness racing, tractor pulls, demolition derbies, and numerous family-friendly activities celebrating the county's rural heritage.
9. Versailles Area Museum
LOCAL HISTORY EXHIBITS | VERSAILLES OH
The Versailles Area Museum showcases the rich history of Versailles and surrounding communities in Darke County. Housed in a historic former hotel, the museum features exhibits on local industries, military history, and daily life in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Visitors can explore artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays that bring the area's past to life.
10. Annie Oakley Birthplace Memorial
HISTORIC SITE | NORTH STAR OH
The Annie Oakley Birthplace Memorial honors the famous sharpshooter born near North Star in Darke County. This historic site features a marker indicating Oakley's birthplace and provides information about her life and achievements. Visitors can learn about the legendary Wild West performer and her connection to the local area at this commemorative location.
New Weston Attractions
THINGS TO DO IN NEW WESTON
New Weston, Ohio, is best known for its world-famous Eldora Speedway, a premier dirt racing facility that attracts motorsports enthusiasts from across the globe. This half-mile clay oval track, often referred to as "The Big E," hosts some of the most prestigious dirt racing events in the country, including the World 100 and the Kings Royal.
While Eldora Speedway is undoubtedly the main attraction, New Weston's charm extends beyond the racetrack. The surrounding Darke County offers a variety of attractions that complement the town's racing heritage. Just a short drive away, visitors can explore the Winery at Versailles, offering a delightful contrast to the high-octane excitement of the speedway with its serene vineyard setting and wine tastings.
History buffs will appreciate the nearby Garst Museum in Greenville, which showcases the rich heritage of Darke County, including exhibits on famous residents like Annie Oakley. Nature lovers can enjoy the Shawnee Prairie Preserve, offering miles of hiking trails and opportunities for wildlife observation.
For those seeking a taste of local culture, the annual Great Darke County Fair in Greenville provides a week-long celebration of the area's agricultural roots, featuring livestock shows, carnival rides, and live entertainment. These diverse attractions, combined with New Weston's small-town charm and the thrill of Eldora Speedway, make the area a unique destination that offers something for every type of visitor.