Overview
Celina is a city in West Central Ohio, serving as the county seat of Mercer County. Nestled along the shores of Grand Lake St. Marys, Ohio's largest inland lake, Celina offers a blend of outdoor recreation, arts, entertainment, and modern amenities, making it a welcoming destination for travelers.
6 sights · 13 things to do · 12 places to eat · 2 bars & cafés · 4 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Celina
Lake Area Arts Group (LAAG)
Promotes visual arts in the Grand Lake area to inspire all people to create, nurture, and appreciate the arts. Works of local artists are on permanent display at the Celina City Building and the Zahn-Marion Township Libr…
Celina Area Photo Club
Photographers of all skill levels are encouraged to join and share their passion, knowledge, and techniques. The club features members with a broad spectrum of experience and training.
Rotary Lighthouse
A 40-foot working lighthouse built in 1986 by the Celina Rotary Club. It features a wrought iron observation deck for panoramic lake views and is an iconic landmark in Celina.
Grand Lake St. Marys East Bank Lighthouse
A charming lighthouse located in East Bank Park. It offers scenic views of the lake and symbolizes the area's maritime history.
Mercer County Courthouse
An architectural gem with Ionic columns, bronze doors, and marble staircases. The interior boasts a beautiful stained-glass dome.
Nelson the Giant Bigfoot
A whimsical 30-foot-tall Bigfoot statue that's become a local icon. Great for photo opportunities, especially during the Mercer County Fair.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Apr–Oct. Summer highs reach about 86°F; winter lows dip to about 22°F. Cold months (Jan) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Apr and May. (climate data from nearby Dayton)
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.
- FWA Fort Wayne International Airport, Fort Wayne — 44 mi away. Directions
- DAY James M. Cox Dayton International Airport, Dayton — 48 mi away. Directions
- CMH John Glenn Columbus International Airport, Columbus — 96 mi away (major hub). Directions
Celina is easily accessible by several major highways:
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 Grand Lake St. Marys East Bank Lighthouse, Grand Lake St. Marys State Park, Lake Area Arts Group (LAAG)
- Lunch Bella’s Italian Grille
- Afternoon Lakeshore Park, Celina Lake Festival
- Dinner Boardwalk Grill
- Evening Brew Nation / Lake Rat Brewing
Day 2
- Morning Celina Area Photo Club, Mercer County Courthouse, Eastview Park
- Lunch The Speakeasy Steak & Ale House
- Afternoon Mercelina Park, Concerts in the Park
- Dinner The James Watson House
- Evening Sidecar Martini Bar
Day 3
- Morning Rotary Lighthouse, Nelson the Giant Bigfoot, Westview Park
- Lunch CJ’s HighMarks
- Afternoon Pullman Bay Park, Mercer County Fair
- Dinner La Carreta Mexican Grill & Cantina
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
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
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Founded in 1834, Celina has evolved from an agricultural hub to a vibrant lakeside community. The city's history is deeply connected to Grand Lake St. Marys, originally constructed as a feeder lake for the Miami and Erie Canal. Today, Celina embraces its lakeside appeal with waterfront developments, parks, arts, and a bustling downtown area that caters to both residents and visitors.
Get in
By car
Celina is easily accessible by several major highways:
- U.S. Route 127 runs north-south through Celina, connecting it to northern and southern Ohio.
- Ohio State Route 29 connects Celina to Interstate 75 (20 miles east), providing easy access to Dayton (75 miles southeast) and Toledo (95 miles north).
- U.S. Route 33 lies northeast of Celina, offering a direct route to Columbus (approximately a 2-hour drive). Fort Wayne, Indiana, is 55 miles northwest via U.S. Route 33, making Celina accessible from Indiana.
By air
In addition to nearby regional airports, travelers can access Celina via several major airports:
- Dayton International Airport (DAY), about 60 miles southeast of Celina, offers numerous domestic flights.
- Fort Wayne International Airport (FWA), approximately 55 miles northwest, is another convenient option.
- John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), approximately 100 miles east of Celina, provides a wide range of domestic flights (about a 2-hour drive).
- Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), about 110 miles south of Celina, offers numerous domestic and international flights (approximately a 2-hour drive).
- Indianapolis International Airport (IND), roughly 120 miles southwest of Celina, offers extensive flight options (about a 2-hour drive).
- Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW), approximately 150 miles northeast of Celina, is a major hub for domestic and international flights (about a 2.5 to 3-hour drive).
All these airports provide rental car services for easy access to Celina.
Get around
By car
Driving is the most convenient way to explore Celina. The city's layout is straightforward, and most attractions are within a short drive. Ample parking is available downtown, at parks, and near major attractions.
By boat
Numerous area businesses have boat docks along Grand Lake St. Marys. The City of Celina also offers courtesy docks for visitors. Exploring by boat provides a unique perspective of the lake and easy access to lakeside attractions.
By shuttle
- Blue Goose Transit operates a weekend shuttle service connecting key locations such as downtown Celina, Boardwalk Village, and recreational spots along Grand Lake St. Marys.
On foot or by bicycle
Celina's downtown area and lakefront parks are pedestrian-friendly. Walking or cycling along the West Bank Walkway offers scenic views of the lake and easy access to local shops and restaurants.
See
Arts
Landmarks
See Rotary Lighthouse
A 40-foot working lighthouse built in 1986 by the Celina Rotary Club. It features a wrought iron observation deck for panoramic lake views and is an iconic landmark in Celina.
See Grand Lake St. Marys East Bank Lighthouse
A charming lighthouse located in East Bank Park. It offers scenic views of the lake and symbolizes the area's maritime history.
See Mercer County Courthouse
An architectural gem with Ionic columns, bronze doors, and marble staircases. The interior boasts a beautiful stained-glass dome.
See Nelson the Giant Bigfoot
A whimsical 30-foot-tall Bigfoot statue that's become a local icon. Great for photo opportunities, especially during the Mercer County Fair.
Do
Parks
Do Grand Lake St. Marys State Park
Ohio's largest inland lake offers boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, and birdwatching. Rent boats, kayaks, or paddleboards. The park features campgrounds and hosts various events throughout the year.
Do Eastview Park
A 51-acre park with baseball/softball diamonds, football fields, batting cages, shelter houses, restrooms, an 11-acre pond with a beach area, playground equipment, walking path, pickleball courts, and upcoming Ninja Course.
Do Westview Park
Another 51-acre park boasting baseball/softball diamonds, soccer fields, playground equipment, skate park, shelter house with restrooms, a 2-acre pond, nature preserve, walking path, and batting cages.
Do Lakeshore Park
A 5-acre park offering 3/4 mile of shoreline, courtesy docks, boat ramp, shelter houses, restrooms, and picnic areas with beautiful lake views.
Do Mercelina Park
Features a basketball court, splash pad, playground equipment, zip lines, rental docks, boat ramp, restrooms, shelter houses, and the Harley Jones Amphitheatre for concerts and events.
Do Pullman Bay Park
A 2-acre park offering a shelter house, restrooms, and playground equipment. Ideal for family picnics and gatherings.
Events and Entertainment
Do Concerts in the Park
The Celina Summer Concert Series brings live music on Sundays at the Red Tent in the Bryson Park District. Enjoy local bands and performers in a scenic outdoor setting.
Do Celina Farmers' Market
From May through September, find quality produce, baked goods, and crafts on Saturday mornings from 9 AM to noon. Supports local farmers and artisans.
Buy
Shop The 419 Collective
A boutique featuring locally made goods, vintage items, and gifts from over 60 vendors.
Shop Celina Farmers' Market
Open May through September on Saturdays. Offers fresh produce, baked goods, crafts, and more from local vendors.
Eat
Eat Bella’s Italian Grille
Lakeside dining offering Italian cuisine, including pasta, seafood, and wood-fired pizzas. Outdoor seating with lake views.
Eat Boardwalk Grill
Located in Boardwalk Village, offering American fare with an island twist. Enjoy burgers, seafood, and cocktails with a lakeside ambiance.
Eat The Speakeasy Steak & Ale House
A Prohibition-era themed restaurant serving steaks, seafood, and ales. Unique atmosphere with live music on weekends.
Eat The James Watson House
An elegant restaurant in a restored 19th-century building. Offers steaks, seafood, sandwiches, and signature dishes like truffle mushroom ravioli.
Eat CJ’s HighMarks
Family-friendly restaurant known for steaks, ribs, seafood, and their signature Steak on a Stone experience.
Eat La Carreta Mexican Grill & Cantina
Authentic Mexican cuisine offering tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, and a full-service bar.
Eat Chouraku Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi
Features hibachi grills, a sushi bar, and traditional Japanese dishes.
Eat Pullman Bay Restaurant
Offering comfort food and homemade pies. Enjoy a nostalgic diner atmosphere with lake views.
Eat Lake City Creamery
Local ice cream shop offering a variety of flavors.
Eat Celina Wine Store
Offers wines, craft beers, and a menu featuring pizzas, subs, and appetizers.
Eat Asian Buffet & Mongolian Grill
Offers Asian dishes, including sushi, stir-fry, and a Mongolian grill. Buffet and menu options.
Eat Hazelnut Coffee Company
A cozy coffee shop offering specialty coffees, teas, pastries, and light lunch options.
Drink
Drink Brew Nation / Lake Rat Brewing
A local brewery and coffee shop combo. Offers craft beers brewed on-site, specialty coffees, and live music events.
Drink Sidecar Martini Bar
An upscale bar offering handcrafted martinis, cocktails, and small plates.
Sleep
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