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Findlay - city in Ohio, United States

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.

Understand

History

A boom era map of Findlay Findlay made glass at The Met in New York City 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

The Marathon Oil Company Offices

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

HATS (dead link: December 2020) runs 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

Findlay in the Fall

  • A total solar eclipse on Monday 8 April 2024 starts at 3:10PM local time and lasts 4 min. The chances of a clear sky are 30%. The track of totality is northeast from Mexico and Texas to Ohio, then along the Canada–New England border.

Museums

The Mazza Museum

  • Mazza Museum, 100 N Main St (Enter the University of Findlay's Virginia B. Gardner Fine Arts Pavilion.), 41.0537°, -83.65336°, +1-419-434-5521. W-F noon - 5PM, Su 1-4PM. 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 for talks and book signings. 2019-01-28
  • Black Heritage Library and Multicultural Center, 817 Harmon St, 41.0586°, -83.636°, +1 419 423-4954. 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. 2019-07-20
  • Hancock Historical Museum, 422 W Sandusky St, 41.0374°, -83.6561°, +1-419-423-4433. W-F 10AM-4PM, Su 1-4PM. 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. $5 2019-07-04
  • Children's Museum of Findlay, 1800 Tiffin Ave Suite 201, 41.0547°, -83.61331°, +1-567-250-9616. 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. 2018-11-17
  • Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation (NWORRP), 12505 C.R. 99, 41.0835°, -83.6404°, +1-419-423-2995, NWORRP@NWORRP.ORG. A small rail museum with a miniature quarter scale rideable train in the back. Offers themed seasonal activities during the holidays. $2 adult, $1 child 2019-05-27
  • Indian Trail Caverns (Sheriden Cave), 722 Ohio St Rt 568, 41.0024°, -83.4777°, +1 419-387-7773. 1PM-4PM, Memorial Day through Labor Day. $9 adult, $6 child, cash only 2018-12-02
  • Findlay Art League, 117 W Crawford St, 41.03767°, -83.65099°, +1 419 422-7847. An art gallery that occasionally hosts visiting artists and classes. 2022-11-01

Architecture

The Courthouse Charles H. Bigelow House 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.

  • First Hancock County Courthouse, 41.032222°, -83.643611°. The historic first courthouse building from 1833. One of the first buildings to be fitted with gas heating in Findlay. Viable from the street. 2022-11-02
  • Hancock County Courthouse, 41.038889°, -83.650556°. 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). Free 2022-11-02
  • Little Red School House, 41.038056°, -83.593056°. A preserved one room schoolhouse. Includes a play yard and outhouses. 2022-11-02
  • Charles H. Bigelow House, 41.074444°, -83.650556°. A painted lady house built in 1888 on the north end of town. 2022-11-02 The University of Findlay
  • The University of Findlay (UF), 1000 N Main St, 41.055°, -83.655°. 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). 2022-11-02

Do

Events

  • Annual Flag City Hot Air Balloon Fest, Emory Adams Park, 41.0185°, -83.64077°. Middle of August. A display of Hot Air ballons. Many food trucks and exhibits similar to the county fair are present. Hot Air Balloon rides are available, but may require preregistration. Free 2019-07-20
  • Hancock County Fair, 1017 E Sandusky St, 41.0356°, -83.6312°, +1 419-429-7344. Late August. 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. $7 single day adult ticket), $21 season ticket 2022-11-02
  • Riverside Wine Festival, Riverside Park, 41.043°, -83.6313°. Early summer. A gathering of wineries from across Ohio at the historic Riverside Park. Guests who pay for a tasting ticket can enjoy free samples. Bottles are available for purchase at the event. $25 for tasting, $10 nontasting 2022-11-02
  • ArtWalk, Downtown Findlay, 41.03763°, -83.65049°. Afternoon of the first Friday of May and November, 5-9PM. A showcase of the arts and crafts made by the local community in Downtown Findlay. Free 2022-11-02
  • Marathon Center for the Performing Arts (MCPA), 200 W Main Cross St, 41.0395°, -83.6523°, +1 419 423-2787. 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. 2022-11-02
  • Fort Findlay Playhouse, 300 W Sandusky St, 41.0371°, -83.6539°. A volunteer run theater housed in a historic church building. $12-15 2022-09-27
  • Ghost Town, 40.95839°, -83.67078°. Summer, Halloween. A summer flea market that becomes a spooky ghost town around Halloween. 2022-11-02

Sports

Donnell Stadium

  • Donnell Park & Donnell Stadium, 41.0256°, -83.6544°. 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. 2022-11-02
  • Flag City Sports Complex, 3430 N Main St, 41.083°, -83.6537°. Includes the Marathon Diamonds baseball and softball complex, The Cube Indoor Ice Arena, the Roethlisberger Football Field where Findlay Youth Football plays, a walking track, and a large playground. Free 2022-11-02

Parks

The Weir on the Blanchard River Donnell Park Parks in the area are either managed by the City of Findlay, or Hancock County.

Learn

  • Owens Community College, 3200 Bright Rd, 41.0788°, -83.6195°, +1 567 429-3500. 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. 2022-11-02
  • Millstream Career Center, 1150 Broad Ave, 41.0546°, -83.6658°, +1-419-420-3342. Provides vocational training in fields such as culinary arts or welding. Also offers a variety of single period classes. 2022-11-02

Buy

Riverwalk Bridge

Eat

Confections, coffee, & tea

Budget

  • Wilson's Sandwich Shop (Wilson's), 600 S Main St (Across the Street from the Marathon Building), 41.0356°, -83.6506°, +1 419 422-5051. 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). 2022-11-24
  • Jac N Do's, 1201 W Trenton Ave, 41.0583°, -83.6735°, +1 419-422-5778. Su-Th 11AM-11PM, F Sa 11AM-1AM. A popular local pizzeria that sells thin, crispy, pizza with a tangy tomato sauce, and filling pizza subs. 2022-11-24
  • Oler's Bar & Grill, 708 Lima Ave, 41.0276°, -83.6604°, +1 419 423-2846. 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. 2022-11-24
  • Shady Grove Golf Course, 15733 E US Route 224, 41.05733°, -83.57861°, +1 419-422-9768. Seasonal. A golf course and restaurant. Classic American fast food is sold at the restaurant. 2022-11-24
  • Ming's Great Wall, 1535 Broad Ave, 41.0602°, -83.664°, +1 419 422-8992. 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. 2022-11-24
  • Keith's Dugout, 41.07781°, -83.65017°. A baseball themed drive thru. 2022-11-24
  • Circle of Friends, 125 W Sandusky St, 41.03717°, -83.64901°, +1-567-294-4274. M-Sa 11AM - 9PM. Serves a wide variety of international food, particularly from the Middle East and east Asia. 2022-11-24
  • Fergie's Burgers, Pies, & Fries, 41.06459°, -83.61782°, +1 419-306-1541. 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. 2022-11-24

Mid-range

Splurge

Drink

Pubs

  • Logan's Irish Pub, 414 S Main St, 41.0373°, -83.6505°, +1 419 420-3602. 11AM-midnight. 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. 2022-11-02

  • Alexandria's, 132 E Crawford St, 41.03794°, -83.64865°, +1 419 424-5750. 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. 2022-11-24

  • Campus Pollyeyes, 339 S Blanchard St, 41.03814°, -83.64087°, +1 567 525-5539. A pizza parlor notable for its stuffed breadsticks. Also offers calzones and submarine sandwiches. A branch of the Bowling Green Campus Pollyeyes. $7-16 2022-11-24

  • Legends, 411 S Main St, 41.03731°, -83.65006°, +1-419-422-7000. 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. $9-24 2019-07-01

  • Findlay Brewing Co., 213 E Crawford St, 41.03767°, -83.64818°, +1 419 419-2739. Tu-Th 11AM-10PM, F Sa 11AM-midnight, Su 11AM-8PM. A microbrewery. Also has a section where their own brews can be tasted alongside burgers, flatbreads, and sweets. $7-12 2022-11-24

  • The Bourbon Affair, 121 B E Crawford St, 41.03767°, -83.64901°, +1 567-250-9162. M-Th 3-11PM, F Sa 3PM-1AM. Sells bourbon, wine, cocktails, and hors D'oeuvres. 2022-11-24

  • Old Stoney Ledge, 41.051533°, -83.664633°. Dive bar by the university. 2022-11-12

Wine

Sleep

Budget

Mid-Range

Splurge

Stay safe

The hospital 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.

Connect

Many businesses, especially coffee shops and restaurants, have public Wi-Fi Hotspots.

The local area codes for Findlay are 419 and 567. Most cellular carriers have 4G coverage in Findlay.

Cope

  • Findlay YMCA, 300 E Lincoln St, 41.03476°, -83.64631°, +1 419 422-4424. Provides indoor gyms, lockers, a whirlpool, and two indoor swimming pools for fitness. Regularly offers swimming lessons. Occasionally hosts workshops relating to fitness, as well as art. Also provides a babysitting service. Nonmember adult: $10 for a day pass, $20 for a day family pass 2018-11-05
  • The Courier (The Republican Courier), 701 W Sandusky St, 41.0365°, -83.6602°, +1 419 422-5151. Findlay's local newspaper. 2022-11-24

Go next

A decorated oil tank, as seen from I75

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

Findlay

ci.findlay.oh.us
Postal code:45839–4584045840Date Time:Please wait...Timezone:America/New_YorkPopulation:40,313Coordinates:41.04, -83.64

Hancock County

2nd-order administrative division

Ohio

Primary administrative division

United States

usa.gov
Population:327.2 MDial code:+1Currency:Dollar (USD)Voltage:120 V, 240 V, 60 Hz
NEMA 14-30NEMA 14-50