Overview
Tiffin is a city in Northwest Ohio and part of the United States of America. It is the county seat of Seneca County, a rural county of Ohio. It is also the home to two institutions of higher learning: Tiffin University and Heidelberg University.
6 sights · 4 things to do · 7 places to eat · 4 bars & cafés · 2 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Tiffin
Ritz Theater
It was first opened in 1928 in the opulent style of theaters of that era. Renovated in 1998, the theater is now managed as a not for profit and presents a full schedule of acts.
Heidelberg University
A private university that was founded in 1850. It has many historic buildings, and hosts college sports including football, baseball, and soccer.
Tiffin University
Once an offshoot of Heidelberg, the now independent Tiffin University is known for its school of business.
Tiffin Dragons
The sports team of the University of Tiffin.
Tiffin Glass Museum
features displays of Tiffin glass including some for sale. Museum employees can explain to you the history of the (now defunct) Tiffin glass works, also known as the "Glass House".
Seneca County Museum
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 — 50 mi away. Directions
- CLE Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, Cleveland — 68 mi away (major hub). Directions
Driving is the only realistic way to get in.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $100–$100 a night (typical $125), from 2 listed prices.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$140, mid-range ~$200, comfortable ~$270.
Options are grouped as Budget, Mid-Range, Splurge in the Sleep guide ↓.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Tiffin Glass Museum, Ritz Theater, Seneca County Museum
- Lunch Jolly's
- Afternoon Tiffin University, American Civil War Museum of Ohio
- Dinner Reino's Pizza
- Evening Bear's Inn
Day 2
- Morning Tiffin Dragons, Mercy Community Nature Preserve
- Lunch Napoli Pizza
- Afternoon Tiffin Cross Country Carnival
- Dinner Paulette's
- Evening The Laird Arcade Brewery
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
Once a bustling industrial city, Tiffin's manufacturing base and population has declined in recent decades. However, Tiffin residents enjoy cultural and educational opportunities unmatched by most small towns thanks to the two colleges that that call Tiffin home.
The city of Tiffin is bisected by the Sandusky River. Just east of the river is the city's downtown area, including city hall and public library. On the western side of the river, on the outskirts of town is the Wal-Mart, shopping mall, and supermarket.
Tiffin itself is seldom a destination for tourists. However, if family or business reasons call you to Tiffin, rest assured you will find activities to fill your time, as well as a friendly small town atmosphere.
Visitor information
Get in
Driving is the only realistic way to get in.
By car
US224 passes through Tiffin.
By plane
Go Seneca County Airport
A public General aviation airport. No regularly scheduled commercial flights serve Tiffin.
Get around
By foot
Tiffin is a small town and you can easily walk anywhere in the downtown area or through the older neighborhoods.
By car
Some newer neighborhoods and shopping malls are on the outskirts of town, requiring a car.
By taxi
Tiffin does have several taxi services available for those who do not drive.
By bike
The Mad River Bike Trail goes from the Fairgrounds to Tiffin University near Downtown.
See
Do
Buy
Shop Tiffin Glass Company
It was famous for its fancy and ornamental glass. The company and factory went out of business in the early 1980s, however the Tiffin Glass Museum has pieces for sale.
Shop Drive-through grocery store
Buying necessities from your car at a drive-through grocery store adds a certain amount of charm and kitsch to your purchases. Amazingly, Tiffin has two such drive-in grocery stores to choose from. Eborgs Drive Thru at 205 S Sandusky Street, +1 567-938-6069. Or head to Robenalt's Point Drive Thru at 201 Clay Street, phone +1 419 448-4261.
Eat
Budget
Eat Jolly's
Sells rootbeer and hot dogs.
Eat Reino's Pizza
A traditional pizzeria in downtown Tiffin. Offers custom orders or a buffet.
Mid-range
Eat Fort Ball Pizza Palace
Pizza buffet
Splurge
Eat The Pioneer Mill Restaurant
On the Sandusky river and inside a historic mill. The restaurant serves typical American in an upscale casual setting. One can walk across a footbridge from the mill to a small island on the Sandusky river. Occasionally this site is used for concerts and other events in the summer. Unique tidbit: From the restaurant's lower level, one can look through a portal built into the floor and see part of the electrical-generating waterwheel installed years ago.
Eat Empire at 138
Sells sandwiches, bowls, soups, and salads.
Drink
Drink The Laird Arcade Brewery (The LAB)
Drink Madison Street Tavern (MST Pub & Grub)
Drink Hoptometry Brewing Company
Sleep
Budget
Mid-Range
Splurge
Go next
- Toledo - The nearest major city.
Nearby
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My experience
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