Overview
Findlay is a city of 41,000 people (2018) in Northwest Ohio. This former oil and gas town is the seat of Hancock County, and home to the University of Findlay. The city has a distinct mix of amenities aimed at the working class and academics, almost universally housed in historic architecture.
12 sights · 15 things to do · 22 places to eat · 9 bars & cafés · 10 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Findlay
Mazza Museum
The Mazza Museum is an art museum that focuses on children's book illustrations. The museum has a collection of over 12,000 pieces, of which a small fraction are rotated for public viewing. The Museum often hosts authors…
Black Heritage Library and Multicultural Center
A specialized library and teaching museum dedicated to multicultural history. Has an exhibit on African American Aviators, and an exhibit on Japanese culture. Hosts an annual Kwanzaa celebration.
Hancock Historical Museum
This museum offers a look into Hancock County history, including farming implements, business products and memorabilia, and even a bathtub brought back by local veterans from the infamous USS Maine battleship, which was …
Children's Museum of Findlay
A museum oriented towards teaching children job skills. Exhibits are mostly geared at teaching normal jobs, but also include a few specialized fields such as robotics, banking, and visual arts.
Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation
A small rail museum with a miniature quarter scale rideable train in the back. Offers themed seasonal activities during the holidays.
Indian Trail Caverns
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 — 39 mi away. Directions
- FWA Fort Wayne International Airport, Fort Wayne — 81 mi away. Directions
- CMH John Glenn Columbus International Airport, Columbus — 82 mi away (major hub). Directions
Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $60–$160 a night (typical $109), from 10 listed prices.
- Typical meal: about $7 per person at listed restaurants.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$80, mid-range ~$160, comfortable ~$260.
Options are grouped as Budget, Mid-Range, Splurge in the Sleep guide ↓.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Hancock Historical Museum, Fort Findlay Playhouse, Marathon Center for the Performing Arts
- Lunch Coffee Amici
- Afternoon Hancock County Courthouse, ArtWalk
- Dinner Japan West
- Evening Logan's Irish Pub
Day 2
- Morning Mazza Museum, The University of Findlay, Black Heritage Library and Multicultural Center
- Lunch Cakes for Heaven's Sake
- Afternoon Charles H. Bigelow House, Flag City Sports Complex
- Dinner La Charrita
- Evening Old Stoney Ledge
Day 3
- Morning Indian Trail Caverns, Upground Reservoirs
- Lunch Shady Grove Golf Course
- Afternoon Little Red School House
- Dinner Tokyo Steakhouse
- Evening Campus Pollyeyes
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
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
History
Findlay started as an American military outpost during the War of 1812. After the war Findlay began growing into a town, and was a stop on the Underground Railroad. Findlay became a booming city on its ties to the natural gas boom in the late 1880s. During this time Findlay became a manufacturing hub for glass and other energy intensive manufacturing. Late in the boom, Tell Tailor wrote the song Down By the Old Mill Stream while in Findlay, which became a barbershop quartet hit. While heavy industry and the gas itself went up in smoke, the legacy of the boom is felt in the institutions and architecture it left behind. Findlay Ohio has a large number of Victorian era buildings, and most of its public buildings and prominent institutions hail from that era as well. Now Findlay is a city with a few industries that survived, bolstered by its cultural amenities and educational assets to provide services to nearby rural communities.
Culture
Because of its location in Ohio, Findlay has strong agricultural and equestrian traditions, especially among those living on the outskirts of the city. Even today the Sheriff has a horse mounted posse, and the University of Findlay operates an equestrian program that has separate farms for western riding and English riding styles. While it's uncommon to see horse drawn carriages on the road as in Amish country, it's fairly common as a leisure activity, and competitions can be a big deal at the county fair. In the summer locals frequent country produce stands and the farmers market for fresh goods.
Downtown is more cosmopolitan. Artists tend to live or set up studios in the Jones block and other lofts. Socializing over food and drink is big, and it can be difficult to find a place to sit in popular downtown restaurants during the lunch rush despite Findlay's relatively small size.
The American flag is widely flown in Findlay from commercial buildings to private homes due to efforts from John B. Cooke, who purchased thousands of flags for people to fly in Findlay. Eventually, Findlay became known as Flag City USA.
Visitor Information
Get in
By car
- I 75 N/S is the main highway cutting through west Findlay, with access from Toledo and Detroit to the north, or Dayton and Cincinnati to the south. There are two main exits to Findlay.
- SR 224 E/W is a state highway that eventually reaches Akron to the east.
By plane
Go Findlay Airport (FDY)
A general aviation airport with two grooved asphalt runways. One runway is 6,500 feet, and the other is 4,500 feet. Can support propeller and small jet aircraft. Sells 100LL and Jet A. 813 ft / 247.8 m above sea level. Tune to 132.850 for weather information.
Get around
By car
Findlay can easily be navigated by car, and parking outside the downtown core is rarely an issue. There is a parking garage downtown for when extended parking is needed.
By bus
HATSoperates a public shuttle that runs for limited hours on weekdays, as well as shuttles with more flexible hours to anywhere in the county if pre-arranged.
By bike
Biking in Findlay is possible, if a bit treacherous. Motorists in Findlay don't like to share the road, so ride defensively.
On foot
Downtown Findlay and the University of Findlay campus are both very walkable, and have shady sidewalks with ample crossings. The outskirts can be hit or miss - You might be walking on a nice sidewalk, the shoulder of the road, or in a ditch. Going from one side of the city to another can take hours, but is doable.
See
Museums
See Black Heritage Library and Multicultural Center
A specialized library and teaching museum dedicated to multicultural history. Has an exhibit on African American Aviators, and an exhibit on Japanese culture. Hosts an annual Kwanzaa celebration.
See Hancock Historical Museum
This museum offers a look into Hancock County history, including farming implements, business products and memorabilia, and even a bathtub brought back by local veterans from the infamous USS Maine battleship, which was sunk off the coast of Cuba. Aside from local history, the museum houses a few international curiosities, such as a set of samurai armor. The main museum is based in the historic Hull House, itself a prime example of a Victorian era mansion. Other buildings on the museum campus include an 1840s log cabin, an 1860s farmhouse, A Transportation building featuring rare vehicles, and a civic history center. The museum has a small gift shop, and can be rented out for events.
See Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation (NWORRP)
A small rail museum with a miniature quarter scale rideable train in the back. Offers themed seasonal activities during the holidays.
See Indian Trail Caverns (Sheriden Cave)
Architecture
Findlay has some of the highest concentration of Victorian architecture in the United States. While most Victorian houses are still in private use, all can be observed quite well from the street or sidewalk, and many offer occasional tours or dinners.
See First Hancock County Courthouse
The historic first courthouse building from 1833. One of the first buildings to be fitted with gas heating in Findlay. Viable from the street.
See Hancock County Courthouse
A historic courthouse in downtown Findlay Ohio. Built in the oil boom era, it features ornate carvings and statues lining its exterior, oil paintings and stained glass windows depicting scenes of justice on its interior. Visitors are welcome, but must go through a security checkpoint (No weapons permitted).
See Little Red School House
A preserved one room schoolhouse. Includes a play yard and outhouses.
See The University of Findlay (UF)
A private non-profit university in the north end of town. The campus is centered around a unique Victorian era building known as "Old Main". Has a performing arts center, fine arts pavilion, theological seminary, and several athletics facilities that often host events. Has a small Japanese garden next to the Japanese program house. Has a few farms off the main campus dedicated to equestrian studies. WiFi is available on campus (Connect to the guest network).
Do
Events
Do Hancock County Fair
A large county fair, featuring amusement rides, food trucks, A demolition derby, a rodeo, cattle shows, pony rides, tractor pulls, crops and crafts competitions, and local merchants. Also features a gospel pavilion and emergency service booths. A tradition since 1852.
Do Marathon Center for the Performing Arts (MCPA)
Hosts bands, choirs, plays, musicals, magicians, visiting speakers, and other traveling performances. Has a permanent art gallery, with rotating exhibits. Also hosts a hall of fame for Hancock County residents with significant contributions to the arts. A former art deco Middle School auditorium that was renovated into a music hall and theater.
Sports
Do Donnell Park & Donnell Stadium
Donnell Stadium is the largest football stadium in Findlay, belonging to the affluent Donnell Middle School, and shared with Findlay High School and University of Findlay athletic teams. It features art deco architecture, a football field, and a running track. Donnell Park is adjacent to the stadium and is centered around Donnell pond. The park features small cliffs and gardens, as well as a large fountain.
Parks
Parks in the area are either managed by the City of Findlay, or Hancock County.
Do Riverside Park
Findlay's oldest park. Has a public pool with water slides and diving boards, rentable boats at the Blanchard river bank, picnic shelters, sports pitches, and an outdoor band shell.
Do Upground Reservoirs
The largest upground reservoirs in Ohio. There is a 5 mi trail around the perimeter of the reservoir dikes. Allows for shore and boat fishing of walleye, perch, bluegill, catfish, and bass. In the winter, the retaining hill becomes one of the few locations where locals can go sledding. In the winter, Ice fishing may also be performed, at the fisherman's own risk.
Do Riverbend Recreation Area
Includes campgrounds, a dog park, bridle trails, an Arboretum, a disk golf course, a small lake with fishing piers, a lodge, sports pitches, and a winter sports center.
Learn
Place Owens Community College
The Findlay branch of the Toledo based community college. The Findlay campus includes some outdoor art installations, as well as a small library, bookstore, and restaurant. Outdoors, student run beehives and renewable energy installations can be observed. Aside from regular classes, it also offers some small workshops focused on personal enrichment, ranging from introductions to art and computer skills, to ghost hunting and beer appreciation. WiFi is available across campus. Offers child care services at their Child Care Center.
Buy
Shop Farmer's Market
Hosts craftsmen, produce vendors, community organizations, and food trucks. Also hosts live music.
Shop Brinkman's Country Corner (Brinkman's)
A rustic country grocer that offers a deli, butcher, produce section, bakery, and a greenhouse serving seasonal plants, flowers, and other gardening supplies. For travelers, it's most useful for sampling local produce or getting a gift for a local.
Shop Wolfe's Produce Stand
Offers a variety of fresh vegetables and fruits, as well as some prepared foods and confections. Open late spring through early fall.
Eat
Confections, coffee, & tea
Eat Dietsch Brothers (Dietsch's)
A local ice cream and confectioneries shop. The shop has a history dating back to the 1930s. Dietsch's ice cream and chocolate are prepared on premises, and have a unique flavor. Unlike many American chocolates, there is no waxy texture.
Eat Coffee Amici
Serves coffee, tea, smoothies, and various sweet biscuits. Friday nights are open mic night. Saturday nights have live music from local musicians. Local art is showcased on the walls.
Eat Fort Findlay Coffee & Doughnut Shoppe
Sells coffee, doughnuts, and bagels, as well as coffee beans to go.
Eat Wolfes Roasted Nut Company
Sells a variety of spiced and flavored nuts.
Eat Cakes for Heaven's Sake
Cupcakery near the University of Findlay campus.
Budget
Eat Wilson's Sandwich Shop (Wilson's)
A classic hamburger diner from 1936. Wilson's sells staple fast food including burgers and malts. Has a naming jargon (i.e., a Frosty = a Thick).
Eat Jac N Do's
A popular local pizzeria that sells thin, crispy, pizza with a tangy tomato sauce, and filling pizza subs.
Eat Oler's Bar & Grill
The outside looks like a dive, but the inside is nice. Their Tex-Mex food can be cooked with sauces of different levels of spiciness on request.
Eat Shady Grove Golf Course
A golf course and restaurant. Classic American fast food is sold at the restaurant.
Eat Ming's Great Wall
American Chinese fast food near the interstate, it tends to get rushed by students at lunch. Known for their almond chicken. They have a drive-thru, but you must call ahead to use it.
Eat Circle of Friends
Serves a wide variety of international food, particularly from the Middle East and east Asia.
Eat Fergie's Burgers, Pies, & Fries
Sells burgers with a variety of patties, fried dessert pies, fires, and other American staples. Most of their customers are factory workers or truckers and their portions match with big burgers. Gets their meat fresh from a local butcher, and has two vegan burger options.
Mid-range
Eat Main Street Deli
A casual deli that sells sandwiches, soups, and other complementary foods. Also sells baked goods and craft sodas. The lunch rush often causes them to sell out of soup, so arrive before 11:30AM if you want the full menu. Local memorabilia and photos line the walls. Contains a bar and arcade in a separate room.
Eat Bread Kneads (The Baking Company and Bread Kneads)
A bakery that sells ready-to-eat food and typical bakery items.
Eat La Charrita
Mexican cantina on the north side of Findlay with a thematic interior and a large menu.
Eat Joey Fratello's Pizza
Serves New York style pizza and calzones.
Eat Dougie John's
Sells thin crust, cauliflower crust, and fold up pizza, flatbreads, and subs. Has a vegan cheese option.
Splurge
Eat Tokyo Steakhouse
A Japanese teppanyaki and hibachi restaurant in the mall.
Eat Japan West
Serves sushi, teppanyaki (iron griddle-cooked meats), donburi (rice bowl with meat and/or vegetables), and boxed dinners.
Eat Stix
Modern Asian fusion restaurant. Open for Brunch and dinner. The menu changes each season, but the bibimbops are a constant. Offers a variety of craft alcohol.
Eat The Bistro (Bistro on Main)
Eat Rossilli's
Italian dining with a focus on pasta, seafood, and meats.
Drink
Pubs
Drink Logan's Irish Pub
An Irish pub in Findlay's Irish Block. Sells beers, boxty, fish and chips, corned beef, as well as more American food such as burgers and salads. Hosts a Saint Patrick's Day celebration.
Drink Alexandria's
A pub on the first floor. Has a bowling alley and bar on the second floor, as well as a rooftop patio and tiki bar. Offers live entertainment on the weekends, and occasionally opens its dance hall for events. Building is a former horse stable, that's seen many different alterations though its life.
Drink Campus Pollyeyes
A pizza parlor notable for its stuffed breadsticks. Also offers calzones and submarine sandwiches. A branch of the Bowling Green Campus Pollyeyes.
Drink Legends
Sports gastropub. Occasionally hosts events with local coaches and athletes. Specializes in burgers, wings, craft beer, and cocktails. Has a few banquet rooms. Current host of the Hancock Sports Hall of Fame, which details the history of notable Hancock county athletes such as William "Dummy" Hoy, and Ben Roethlisberger.
Drink Findlay Brewing Co.
A microbrewery. Also has a section where their own brews can be tasted alongside burgers, flatbreads, and sweets.
Drink The Bourbon Affair
Sells bourbon, wine, cocktails, and hors D'oeuvres.
Drink Old Stoney Ledge
Dive bar by the university.
Wine
Drink The Wine Merchant
Carries over 400 wines and 100 beers. Offers weekly wine tastings every Friday for $10 and beer tastings every Saturday for $5. Occasionally hosts barbecues for themed meals.
Sleep
Budget
Mid-Range
Splurge
Stay safe
Findlay is generally a safe city and most crimes that do occur are minor. If a phone is available and an emergency occurs, call 911 for assistance.
Weather
Every so often, the Blanchard river floods Findlay with some floods being flash floods. If a flood occurs, don't panic but be sensible and avoid contact with floodwater directly, as it may contain untreated sewage. In a particularly bad flood there are portions of I-75 may become unusable. Major Floods can downscale or close Findlay's public services and business for months after they occur, especially if that service or business is located downtown.
Go next
Villages and hamlets
- McComb - A quaint village in Northwest Hancock county. Their public library houses two of the earliest Medals of Honor issued to American Soldiers from the area for a daring raid that occurred during the American Civil War.
- Bluffton - A small college town
- Van Buren - A quaint village next to a large state park.
- Houcktown An unassuming hamlet at a crossroads. Was the birthplace of William "Dummy" Hoy, who is credited with coming up with many of the hand signals used in baseball due to his deafness.
Cities
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