Northwest, OH Road Trips

Due to glacial movements, the land here is incredibly flat, and low lying - It is easy to see for miles, and it isn't uncommon to hear some locals call inclines as short as several feet hills. Northwest Ohio was one of the last areas of Ohio settled by Europeans, due to the vast Great Black Swamp that dominated the land after the glaciers receded. The swamp was slowly cut down and drained over time, and was re-purposed as fertile farmland. To this day, the majority of the land in this area is used to grow corn, soy and other crops. Bits of the swamp still exist in some parks, and it's common to see businesses, public art, and sports team mascots named after or inspired by the swamp. In the 1880s oil and natural gas was discovered in this area, leading to a few boom towns becoming proper small cities. Though none grew into a metropolis, they often have grand public buildings and Victorian painted ladies that were paid for with a glut of oil money. Though the oil dried up due to wasteful practices the initially cheap gas attracted industry to the area, particularly companies in the glass and energy sectors. A few of these companies stuck around to this day - a few towns are known for their glassware, and early wind farms were established in this area.

Ashland Ashland County Historical Society, 420 Center St.. Findlay Hancock Historical Museum Mazza Museum is the only teaching gallery specializing illustration/art in chidren's books. Black Heritage Library and Multicultural Center Norwalk: The Firelands Museum, 4 Case Ave.. Tiffin: Seneca County Museum, 28 Clay Street.. Tiffin Glass Museum & Shoppe, 25-27 S. Washington St..

National Tractor Pulling Championships, in Bowling Green. Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk. Sauder Historic Village, west of Wauseon, shows how families lived over 100 years ago. Marvel at craftsmen blending skill and creativity in glass, metals, fabric, wood and clay. Enjoy homemade goodies and the warmth of genuine, old-fashioned hospitality.

Northwest Ohio is not known for any particular dish. However, as a breadbasket region, the food here is very fresh. Farmer stands are a chance to try very fresh corn on the cob, apple cider, and other agricultural produce.

Beer is king here, though spirits, cider, and wine are also widely available.

Along I-75 and Turnpike exits, there are plenty of hotels to choose from, from family hotels to the lower end of luxury. Outside these areas lodging options are typically limited to campgrounds, farmhouse bed and breakfasts, motels, and smaller hotels.

The nearest airport with regularly scheduled flights is the Toledo Express Airport (TOL IATA) in Toledo. Most travelers will fly in at a major airport in a neighboring region such as the Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE IATA) or the Detroit Metro Airport (DTW IATA) For travelers who are pilots, there are a number of minor General aviation airports in the area, most of which offer paved runways, fueling, and hangar services. I75 is a major interstate that goes through this region from north to south. I80/I90 goes east to west as the Ohio Turnpike, a toll road. The turnpike is well maintained, and has large plaza rest areas with convenience stores, restaurants, and restrooms. Tolls are based on distance traveled, so don't lose the ticket provided on entry. Two lane paved country roads are the primary links between cities in this area. Amtrak has a stop in Bryan, Ohio, and a larger station in Toledo.

The majority of area travel is done by car. Parking is usually free. In the few downtown areas that use meters it is relatively cheap. Electric cars may have difficulty finding dedicated charging stations outside cities on I-75. The geography of Northwest Ohio is noticeably flatter than the rest of the state. This makes cycling a breeze provided there is no significant headwind, and changing gears is rarely needed.

Due to the flat terrain winds can be strong, and areas near rivers can flood easily. The Lake Effect from Lake Erie can also make winter weather stronger in the counties near the lake. Be aware of the weather.