Overview
Bluffton is a college town in Northwest Ohio.
5 sights · 7 things to do · 7 places to eat · 2 bars & cafés · 1 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Bluffton
Bluffton University
A private university that offers a number of public events.
Schumacher Homestead
A preserved Swiss homestead. Hosts the Swiss Day celebration in June.
Bluffton Beavers football
The football team of Bluffton University.
Bluffton University Nature Preserve
A former 160-acre farm turned into a permanent nature reserve.
Sauder Visual Arts Center
Yoder Recital Hall
A music hall at Bluffton university. Hosts performances year round as well as the annual community chorale performance of Handel's Messiah in December.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Apr–Oct. Summer highs reach about 86°F; winter lows dip to about 20°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: May and Apr. (climate data from nearby Toledo)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- TOL Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport, Toledo — 48 mi away. Directions
- FWA Fort Wayne International Airport, Fort Wayne — 68 mi away. Directions
- CMH John Glenn Columbus International Airport, Columbus — 81 mi away (major hub). Directions
I75 passes through Bluffton, going north to Findlay, and south to Lima.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Bluffton University, Yoder Recital Hall, Bluffton Beavers football
- Lunch Shirley's Gourmet Popcorn Company
- Afternoon Sauder Visual Arts Center, Shannon Theater
- Dinner Greenhorn
- Evening Luke's
Day 2
- Morning Schumacher Homestead
- Lunch LuLu's Diner
- Dinner Twisted Whisk Cafe
- Evening Campito Lindo
Day 3
- Morning Bluffton University Nature Preserve
- Lunch Padrone's Pizza
- Dinner China Wok
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
There are a small number of chain restaurants near the interstate.
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Bluffton was founded in 1831 by Swiss and Irish religious settlers, who originally named the town Shannon after the green hills surrounding the village. Today Bluffton maintains its heritage, with numerous churches and natural features dotted around the village.
Visitor information
Get in
By car
I75 passes through Bluffton, going north to Findlay, and south to Lima.
By plane
Get around
By foot
Bluffton's downtown is extremely walkable, as is the campus of Bluffton University. Edge destinations can take longer to get to.
By bike
Bluffton is bike-friendly, and some roads have dedicated bike lanes. The Lions Way Path also offers a dedicated bike and hike trail.
See
Do
Buy
Shop The Food Store
A small food co-op that focuses on health foods. Also offers various soaps, oils, and health adjacent products.
Eat
There are a small number of chain restaurants near the interstate.
Eat Community Markets
Local grocery store
Eat China Wok
Serves Chinese-American food.
Drink
Drink Luke's
Bar, grill, and music venue.
Sleep
Go next
Nearby
Columbus Grove
City / town · 11 listings · 9 mi away
Ada
City / town · 29 listings · 9 mi away
Lima
City / town · 23 listings · 16 mi away
Findlay
City / town · 83 listings · 16 mi away
Van Buren
City / town · 16 listings · 21 mi away
Kenton
City / town · 11 listings · 23 mi away
Delphos
City / town · 9 listings · 24 mi away
Indian Lake Region
City / town · 46 listings · 27 mi away
My experience
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