St. Marys

Understand

Local information

• St. Marys city website.

Get in

By plane

St. Marys is served by two nearby general aviation airports:

For commercial flights, the nearest major airports are:

• Dayton International Airport (DAY), about a 1-hr drive south.
• John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), about a 1 hr 40 min drive southeast.

By car

St. Marys is directly accessible via US-33 (east and west), which connects the area to Auglaize county seat Wapakoneta in the east and to the state capital Columbus to the southeast and Fort Wayne to the northwest. The main access points are along US-33 (exits 27A/B, 26 and 25). The city is also accessible by state routes 29, 116, and 66 all of which intersecting with US-33 from the north to south.

By bike

The city features many major bike paths including several road and land trails by the lake as well as another path running next to the St. Marys canal. The path running by the Lake extends over 2.5 miles but is also accessible by vehicles so exercise extra precautions. The St. Marys Canal has a 6.3-mile-long stretch sitting alongside the scenic and historic waterway. This path intersects with a few roadways which requires extra safety precautions. Also, features a small tunnel running under US-33 which may require you to walk your bike as it is a tight fit. The canal is accessible by Memorial Park in downtown St. Marys off of East Spring Road.

Get around

St. Marys' major commercial district is downtown, featuring a mix of fast food chains and local restaurants and businesses. The downtown area is centered on East Spring Street and extends through several intersections, including North Front Street, North Spruce Street, and a number of smaller connecting roads.

Memorial Park serves as the city’s main hub for festivals and events, hosting concerts, farmers markets, and seasonal gatherings. Popular events include St. Marys SummerFest, the Fourth of July Festival, and the Nature Fall Fest. The park is located along the St. Marys Canal and marks the main entrance to the city's walking and biking path. Notable landmarks within the park include the Memorial Covered Bridge, a clock tower, and the Belle of St. Marys canal boat.

The city is best known for its proximity to Grand Lake St. Marys State Park, which boasts the largest man-made lake in Ohio at 13,500 acres. The lake lies along State Route 364. Visitors arriving via US-33 can take Exit 26 and head south on Koenig Road, which leads directly to the lake. Located on the city’s west side, the lake offers a sprawling shoreline with numerous campgrounds, restaurants, fishing spots, and swimming areas.

A secondary commercial district is located off US-33 at Exits 27A and 27B. This area includes a variety of fast food options such as Buffalo Wild Wings and Biggby Coffee, along with the city’s main shopping center, Kroger. A pedestrian bridge crosses above US-33 near this exit.

Stay safe

• St. Marys is a generally quiet and safe small town with low crime. As always, use common sense when walking alone at night, and lock your vehicle and belongings, especially during festivals or at busy parks.
• If you're visiting Grand Lake St. Marys, be aware that the lake has historically had issues with harmful algal blooms (HABs), particularly during the warmer summer months. These blooms can produce toxic cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) that may be dangerous to humans and pets.
• Before swimming, boating, or allowing pets near the water, check the latest Ohio EPA or Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) advisories for the lake. Signs may also be posted at state park access points if water quality is a concern.
• Avoid ingesting or swimming in discolored water, and rinse off immediately after contact. Drinking untreated lake water is not recommended at any time.

Up-to-date information can be found on: Ohio Algae Information Portal

Go next

• Celina - Neighboring city also sitting on Grand Lake St. Marys with a popular boardwalk.
• Wapakoneta - Birthplace of Neil Armstrong, with a space museum and quaint downtown.
• Lima (Ohio) – A regional hub with a restored theater and classic Midwestern charm.
• Indian Lake Region - Another lake in the Western Ohio area which brings in thousands of visitors a year and also features a state park.