What’s the mark of a great Ohio small town? Hidden gems, plenty of history, delicious local restaurants and an unusual backyard museum or two. Wapakoneta just might be the most Ohio town ever. With a little bit of everything, there’s plenty here to see and do. Here’s why this hidden gem of a town belongs on your bucket list:
With just under 10,000 residents, this small city in northwestern Ohio is the proud birthplace of astronaut Neil Armstrong.
Friscocali/Flickr While this claim to fame is impressive, there’s so much more to this small Ohio town.
This quaint town is located along the Auglaize River. It’s a great place to stop and enjoy the day.
sarah jane/Flickr As you can likely tell by the town’s name, Wapakoneta has Indian roots. Many of the streets are also named after the Indians who first inhabited the area.
The first stop you’ll want to make while you’re here is the Armstrong Air & Space Museum. Here, you can observe The Apollo 11 Moon Rock and other treasures related to this hometown hero’s once in a lifetime mission.
Joe Ross/Flickr This world renown museum is worth its own day trip. The Armstrong Air & Space Museum is located at 500 Apollo Dr., Wapakoneta, OH 45895.
There’s also an impressive backyard museum you’ll want to check out. Jim Bowsher’s home features an impressive collection of artifacts from the America you don’t typically read about in history books at The Temple of Tolerance.
GigemAggie/Trip Advisor The central monument of the temple complex is dedicated to tolerance, and Bowsher continues to add to his unique creation to this day. You’ll find it at 203 S Wood St., Wapakoneta, OH 45895.
For lunch, we highly recommend dining at J. Marie’s. It has all the charm of a small town restaurant, complete with a wood-fire oven.
Kathy P/Trip Advisor You’ll find it at 7 W Auglaize St., Wapakoneta, OH 45895.
On the menu, you’ll find everything from mouthwatering baked mac and cheese to wood-fired pizzas.
sha2839/Trip Advisor To see a full menu, click here.
Before you leave, take some time to explore the Auglaize Antique Mall. It’s full of all kinds of treasures that antique lovers will appreciate.
Bernardo F/Trip Advisor Auglaize Antique Mall is located at 116 W Auglaize St., Wapakoneta, OH 45895.
Have you ever visited Wapakoneta before? If so, share your photos and experiences with us!
Friscocali/Flickr
While this claim to fame is impressive, there’s so much more to this small Ohio town.
sarah jane/Flickr
As you can likely tell by the town’s name, Wapakoneta has Indian roots. Many of the streets are also named after the Indians who first inhabited the area.
Joe Ross/Flickr
This world renown museum is worth its own day trip. The Armstrong Air & Space Museum is located at 500 Apollo Dr., Wapakoneta, OH 45895.
GigemAggie/Trip Advisor
The central monument of the temple complex is dedicated to tolerance, and Bowsher continues to add to his unique creation to this day. You’ll find it at 203 S Wood St., Wapakoneta, OH 45895.
Kathy P/Trip Advisor
You’ll find it at 7 W Auglaize St., Wapakoneta, OH 45895.
sha2839/Trip Advisor
To see a full menu, click here.
Bernardo F/Trip Advisor
Auglaize Antique Mall is located at 116 W Auglaize St., Wapakoneta, OH 45895.
For more great small towns in Ohio, check out our previous article: You’ll Never Run Out Of Things To Do In This Small Ohio Town.
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