The Best Things to Do in Findlay Ohio: 10+ Ideas

Welcome to Findlay OH! Nicknamed the Flag City USA. This unassuming town offers small town charm along with an array of things to do in Findlay Ohio.

Findlay OH is conveniently located close to I-75 which makes it an easy pit stop during a road trip or a quick weekend getaway from a nearby city. Findlay is 45 minutes from Toledo, 1.5 hours from Detroit, 2.5 hours from Cincinnati, and 2.5 hours from Cleveland.

The best things to do in Findlay OH range from outdoor parks, museums, delicious dining, and more!

Things to do in Findlay Ohio — Mural in Findlay Ohio

How Much Time Do I Need in Findlay Ohio?

This is a quaint & compact town, so you can easily explore the best things to do in Findlay OH in one day. If you are passing through the city along I-75, you could explore the town with just a few hours as well.

I would recommend visiting as a one night getaway or a day trip. This will allow you plenty of time to explore the best things to do in Findlay Ohio.

Things to Know about Findlay Ohio

Below are a few things to know before diving into the best things to do in Findlay Ohio:

Downtown Findlay is a DORA (Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area). This means that you are able to purchase alcoholic drinks from local restaurants and bars and stroll outdoors with your beverage. The drinks need to remain within the designated DORA areas.
Marathon Petroleum Corporation is headquartered in Findlay. Their office is downtown and has played a huge role in revitalizing downtown Findlay.
The University of Findlay is a short walk or drive to downtown which brings young adults to the area.
Findlay has a population of just over 40,000. It offers the small town feel plus entertainment and dining options.

Where to Stay in Findlay Ohio

You can explore the best things to do in Findlay Ohio without spending the night, but if you are interested in a sophisticated boutique hotel stay, I would recommend the Hancock Hotel.

The Hancock Hotel is located on Main St and is surrounded by the beautiful boutiques, restaurants, and bars in the town of Findlay. The hotel is very clean and beautifully decorated. The rooms are very spacious as well.

My favorite part of this hotel are the small thoughtful details, from the chocolate covered pretzels left in the room, umbrella in the closet, and the bikes available for guest use!

Things to Do in Findlay Ohio

Check out the array of things to do in Findlay Ohio! Below are my 10+ ideas for a day of exploring.

Oakwood Nature Preserve

The Oakwood Nature Preserve is located less than 10 minutes away from downtown Findlay. The nature preserve has 2 lakes for fishing or boating, walking trails, and a discovery center.

We followed this 3.2 mile loop which took approximately 1 hour to complete. The trail is flat and easy so it was perfect for a relaxing nature walk. This was one of my favorite things to do in Findlay Ohio!

Hancock Historical Museum

The Hancock Historical Museum was founded in 1970 by 5 local civic leaders and is now an important part of the Findlay community. The museum highlights the history of the area.

Check their website as hours vary by day. Currently, adult admission is $5 and children admission is $2.

Painter’s Pottery Studio

Painter’s Pottery Studio is a family-friendly paint studio right in downtown Findlay. The pottery pieces are pre-made, so you will pick out your desired pottery piece, paint it, and then pick up your painted piece after it has been fired and finished.

The price is dependent on the size of pottery you choose. This would be a great option for things to do in Findlay Ohio with children.

Axe Ventura: Premier Axe Throwing

Axe Ventura: Premier Axe Throwing is a unique & exciting experience to try in Findlay! They are located on Main St in downtown Findlay.

Axe throwing is $25 per person for 1 hour or $45 per person for 2 hours. You can reserve a time slot in advance. Walk ins are also welcome on a first come first serve basis.

Currently, Axe Ventura does not have a liquor license, but you are able to bring Dora beverages from other bars or restaurants. This activity would be a perfect option for things to do in Findlay Ohio for adults & teens!

Findlay Brewing Company

Taste local craft beer at Findlay Brewing Company. They serve a creative menu of craft beers and also have a large food menu. Check out their website for some interesting events including Beer + Board games and Taproom Yoga!

The Gathering Wine Bar

Try new wine at The Gathering Wine Bar. Each wine is sampled by a manager prior to adding on the menu to ensure they offer a variety of high quality wines. All wines are available for on-property consumption and for retail purchase at state-minimum pricing.

Coffee Amici

Grab a handcrafted coffee at Coffee Amici. They have a large indoor space and often have live acoustic music. The space is very fun and eclectic!

Dietsch Brothers Ice Cream & Candy Shop

Enjoy some delicious ice cream or candy at Dietsch Brothers Dessert Shop. They have a large selection of ice cream flavors and homemade candy. They also have a variety of candy boxes already wrapped which would make the perfect gift!

Dietsch Brothers also has a shopping area including seasonal décor, children’s toys, kitchen goods, and more.

Breakfast at Scramblers

Scramblers is an old-school breakfast and lunch restaurant. They serve breakfast classics including pancakes, omelets, sausage, and more.

Lunch at Main Street Deli

Main Street Deli has been open since 1989. They serve fresh salads and made-to-order sandwiches. Their breads are made in house. Bonus: check out the bar location right next door which has multiple arcade games!

Dinner at Rossilli’s

Eat dinner at Rossilli’s Italian Restaurant. Their bread knots are absolutely delicious and I loved the house poppy seed salad dressing! Their menu includes something for everyone from pasta, short rib, chicken, seafood and more.

Below are some other dinner restaurants that looked very promising, but I did not have a chance to try.

Final Thoughts

Findlay Ohio is a charming small town located in north west Ohio. Things to do in Findlay Ohio range from a nature preserve, historical museum, ax throwing, dining, drinking, and more.

Findlay Ohio can easily be explored in one day or a few hours which makes it the perfect destination for an overnight getaway, day trip, or even a quick stop off the highway. Findlay’s proximity to I-75 makes it an ideal pit stop along a road trip as well.

In my visits to this town, I was thoroughly impressed with the charm and things to do in Findlay Ohio!

If you enjoyed these things to do in Findlay Ohio, check out my other Midwest articles ->

Chatting with Claire