Benton Ridge OhioATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Benton Ridge, Ohio.
1. Benton Ridge Community Park
RECREATION FOR THE FAMILY
Benton Ridge Community Park offers various recreational facilities including baseball and soccer fields, a volleyball court, playground, and walking track. The park also features picnic sites and an enclosed building with heat and air conditioning that is available to rent. Visitors can enjoy the StoryWalk program, a feature of the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library.
2. West End Tavern
LOCAL FOOD AND DRINKS
West End Tavern is a popular local establishment serving food and drinks in Benton Ridge. The tavern provides a welcoming atmosphere for both residents and visitors to relax and socialize. It serves as a gathering place for the community and offers a taste of local hospitality.
3. Hancock Historical Museum
LOCAL HISTORY PRESERVED
The Hancock Historical Museum preserves and showcases the rich history of Hancock County and the surrounding areas. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of the region's past. The museum offers educational programs and special events throughout the year to engage the community in learning about local heritage.
4. Gilboa Quarry
ADVENTURE IN WATER
Gilboa Quarry is a popular destination for scuba diving, swimming, and other water activities in a former limestone quarry. The clear waters provide visibility for divers to explore underwater attractions including a bus, boats, and other sunken objects. The quarry also offers camping facilities and is a great outdoor recreational spot for families and adventure seekers.
5. Findlay Brewing
CRAFT BEER EXPERIENCE
Findlay Brewing is a local craft brewery offering a variety of handcrafted beers in a welcoming taproom environment. Visitors can sample different beer styles while enjoying the brewery's food menu featuring items that pair well with their brews. The brewery often hosts events and live music, making it a cultural hub in the Findlay community.
6. Mazza Museum
CHILDREN'S BOOK ART
The Mazza Museum houses one of the world's largest collections of original artwork from children's literature. Located at the University of Findlay, this unique museum displays illustrations that bring beloved children's stories to life. The museum offers tours, educational programs, and special events that celebrate the art of children's book illustration.
7. Marblehead Lighthouse State Park
HISTORIC LAKE ERIE BEACON
Marblehead Lighthouse State Park is home to the oldest lighthouse in continuous operation on the Great Lakes, shining for over 200 years. Visitors can climb the 77 steps to the top of the lighthouse for panoramic views of Lake Erie during the operating season from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The park grounds offer perfect settings for picnics, relaxing in the grass, and walking along the rocky shores of the Marblehead Peninsula.
8. Celina Bigfoot Statue
QUIRKY ROADSIDE ATTRACTION
The Celina Bigfoot Statue is known as Ohio's Biggest Bigfoot and stands as a unique roadside attraction for curious travelers. This oversized representation of the legendary creature draws visitors looking for unusual photo opportunities. The statue has become a local landmark and conversation piece in the Celina area.
9. World's Largest Basket
UNIQUE ARCHITECTURAL WONDER
The World's Largest Basket is a distinctive building shaped like a massive picnic basket, formerly the headquarters of the Longaberger Basket Company. This seven-story structure features basket handles arching over the top of the building, making it an architectural marvel and popular tourist stop. The basket-shaped building represents Ohio's quirky roadside attractions that surprise and delight visitors.
10. Futuro Ohio UFO House
RETRO SPACE-AGE ARCHITECTURE
The Futuro Ohio UFO House is a rare example of futuristic prefabricated housing from the late 1960s, designed by Finnish architect Matti Suuronen. The distinctive flying saucer-shaped structure represents space-age optimism and stands out dramatically in its surroundings. Only about 100 of these UFO houses were ever built worldwide, making this an unusual architectural treasure in Ohio.
11. VW Bug Tower
STACKED VINTAGE VOLKSWAGENS
The VW Bug Tower features vintage Volkswagen Beetles stacked vertically to create an eye-catching roadside attraction. This unusual sculpture demonstrates creative repurposing of classic automobiles in an artistic installation. Visitors often stop to photograph this whimsical automotive tower that has become a notable landmark.
12. Flag City USA
PATRIOTIC DOWNTOWN DISTRICT
Flag City USA is Findlay's official nickname, earned for its prominent display of American flags throughout the downtown area. Visitors can explore the patriotic-themed downtown with its shops, restaurants, and historical buildings adorned with flags. The designation as Flag City USA was made official by Congress in 1974, making Findlay a destination for those interested in American heritage.
13. Riverside Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION AREA
Riverside Park offers extensive outdoor recreational opportunities along the banks of the Blanchard River in Findlay. The park features walking trails, playgrounds, picnic areas, and water access for fishing and boating activities. Seasonal events and community gatherings are often held at this popular green space that serves as a natural retreat within the city.
14. Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation
HISTORIC TRAIN EXPERIENCE
Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation celebrates the region's railway heritage through exhibits, model trains, and a quarter-scale riding train. Visitors can take rides on the miniature train that circles the property, providing a fun experience for train enthusiasts of all ages. The preservation center hosts special events throughout the year, including popular holiday-themed train rides that delight families.
15. Black Swamp Arts Festival
ANNUAL CULTURAL CELEBRATION
The Black Swamp Arts Festival is a renowned annual event showcasing visual arts, music, and food in downtown Bowling Green. Artists from across the region display and sell their work while multiple stages feature diverse musical performances throughout the weekend. This free festival typically held in September has become one of the premier cultural events in Northwest Ohio, drawing thousands of visitors each year.