Overview
Lima is a city in Allen County, Northwest Ohio and is the county seat of Allen County. Lima remains prominent in the area as a hub for business and local culture.
6 sights · 3 things to do · 4 places to eat · 2 bars & cafés · 3 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Lima
Allen County Museum
The Allen County Museum is a delightful treat. While focusing on Lima's pioneer days, the lower level celebrates the glory days of Lima, prior to the discovery of Texas Oil. The museum also includes an exhibit on John Di…
James A. Rhodes State College
A state college in Lima Ohio.
Ohio State University, Lima Campus
Ohio State University's Lima Branch. This campus frequently hosts open events relating to the arts and STEM.
Nickel Plate 779
A preserved steam locomotive, and the final steam locomotive built by the now defunct Lima Locomotive Works.
Allen County Courthouse
A historic sandstone courthouse built in 1881 using the second empire architectural style.
Lima Stadium
A historic stadium where Lima's sports teams play.
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.
- DAY James M. Cox Dayton International Airport, Dayton — 58 mi away. Directions
- FWA Fort Wayne International Airport, Fort Wayne — 59 mi away. Directions
- CMH John Glenn Columbus International Airport, Columbus — 82 mi away (major hub). Directions
Lima is about a 1-hour drive from Dayton International Airport (DAY), a 1½-hour drive from John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), a 1½-hour drive from Toledo Express Airport (TOL), and a 2-hour drive from Detroit Metro Airport (DTW).
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $134–$134 a night (typical $136), from 2 listed prices.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$180, mid-range ~$210, comfortable ~$300.
See the Sleep guide ↓ for places to stay.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Allen County Museum, Allen County Courthouse, Lima Stadium
- Lunch Kewpee
- Afternoon Veterans Freedom Flag Monument, Westgate Entertainment Center
- Dinner Yamato West
- Evening The Met
Day 2
- Morning James A. Rhodes State College, Ohio State University, Lima Campus
- Lunch The Milano Cafe
- Afternoon Allen County Fair
- Dinner Western Sizzlin of Lima
- Evening Reservation Alley
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Most restaurants in Lima are of the chain variety, either fast food or sit-down. There is at least one of most major types of restaurant (Texas Roadhouse, IHOP, Applebee's, Olive Garden, Panera Bread, etc.) in town, but there are a few local restaurants worth visiting.
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
Though the town shares its name with the capital of Peru, it is pronounced 'Lye-mah' thanks to the local vernacular. Founded in the 1830s, Lima became an oil boom town in the late 1800s. The city flourished as an industrial town until the 1970s, when many industries began to leave as part of the Rust Belt decline that affected much of the Midwest. This is evidenced by the number of abandoned factories and warehouses in the city.
Tourist information
- Visit Greater Lima website
Get in
By plane
Lima is about a 1-hour drive from Dayton International Airport (DAY), a 1½-hour drive from John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), a 1½-hour drive from Toledo Express Airport (TOL), and a 2-hour drive from Detroit Metro Airport (DTW).
By car
From the north or south, Lima is easily accessible from I-75, exits 124, 125 and 127. From the east, Lima can be accessed from State Route 81 or U.S. 30 to I-75 south. From the west, one can take U.S. 30 to State Route 309.
Get around
In the city center, the two main hubs are Market Street (running east and west) and Main Street (running north and south). The two streets meet at the center of town, in a small area known as Town Square. It is here that most downtown businesses are, and where weekly "Rally in the Square" events take place during the summer. The yearly "Square Fair" also takes place here in early August.
In the main business district outside of downtown (known as 'Westgate'), main hubs are Elida road (running northwest to southeast) and Cable Road (running North and South). The majority of activities can be found in this area of town, about 5 mi northwest of downtown. Most restaurants, shopping, activities and the Lima Mall are in this area.
If you take Market Street east out of town it will become Bellefontaine (pronounced 'Bell-fountain') Street, and you will find another business district (known as 'Eastgate') similar to that near Elida/Cable Roads. This is where I-75 exit 125 meets the city, and the Allen County Fairgrounds are about a mile east of this stretch of businesses on Bellefontaine.
Go Rotary Riverwalk
A pedestrian and bike path that goes from Heritage Park in the southern part of the city to downtown at Schoonover Park.
See
See Allen County Courthouse
A historic sandstone courthouse built in 1881 using the second empire architectural style.
Do
Buy
Eat
Most restaurants in Lima are of the chain variety, either fast food or sit-down. There is at least one of most major types of restaurant (Texas Roadhouse, IHOP, Applebee's, Olive Garden, Panera Bread, etc.) in town, but there are a few local restaurants worth visiting.
Eat Kewpee
Even if you are just passing through, a visit to Lima is not complete without a burger from Kewpee. Founded as a fast food chain in the 1920s, most Kewpee restaurants closed decades later except for the family-owned franchises in Lima, which retain their nostalgic feel. The burgers, fresh from local meat, are spectacular and well worth a stop off the highway.
Eat Yamato West
It is like your friendly hibachi neighborhood grill.
Eat Western Sizzlin of Lima
A local steakhouse.
Drink
Drink Reservation Alley
Local coffee shop with frozen, iced, and hot options. Has food and sugar free options available.
Sleep
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