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WAPAKONETA, OHIO

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Wapakoneta has been a place to visit and discover since

the Shawnee established their settlement along the

banks of the Auglaize River in the

1780s. They built their Council House

not far from the river, named by the

French for its clay-filled waters.

Many great American Indian

leaders came to Wapakoneta to

council, including Tecumseh,

Little Turtle, Blue Jacket, and the

Shawnee’s elder chief, Black

Hoof.

The Society of Friends, also known as Quakers,

established a mission at Wapakoneta, living and working

with the Shawnee. By 1814 they had erected a saw and

grist mill on the banks of the Auglaize, and constructed a

school. In 1832 the federal government removed the

Shawnee from Ohio and sent them to Kansas. What had

been their reservation was now open for white

settlement. Wapakoneta was officially platted in 1833. It

was little more than a swampy, sleepy hamlet during its

first decade and a half. However, on February 14, 1848,

the Ohio Legislature voted to create the new Auglaize

County from portions of Allen and Mercer

Counties, and Wapakoneta became the

county seat. With the completion of

the Dayton & Michigan Railroad in

1858, Wapakoneta’s success was

assured.

Today Wapakoneta is a

prosperous community of nearly

10,000 located at the

intersection of Interstate 75 and

US 33, a major crossroads in

American travel and commerce.

Then and now, Wapakoneta is an

outstanding place to live and visit.

BLACK HOOF

(noun) outstanding

city in Ohio, great

place to visit.

What does it mean? How do you pronounce it? We hear those questions every day. The name first appeared on

maps after the Shawnee Indian Nation founded the community in the 1780s. Early local historians attributed the

name to one person, possibly a leader of the tribe. Recent information from Shawnee scholars and native

speakers of the language indicates that it means “white garment” or “white cloth”, likely reflecting the

community’s status as a neutral (and therefore peaceful) location after the Treaty of Greeneville (1795). The

earliest maps spell its name as Waughpaughkonnetta, which has evolved to Wapakoneta.

(search “How to Say Wapakoneta” on YouTube, and learn how to pronounce it)

WA-PA-KO-NE-TA

IN WAPAKONETA YOU CAN VISIT OUR ARMSTRONG AIR & SPACE MUSEUM, TAKE A

HISTORIC WALKING TOUR, OR ENJOY A MOVIE IN OUR 1904 THEATER. YOU CAN

SHOP IN OUR HISTORICAL DOWNTOWN, VISIT OUR FARMERS' MARKET ON

SATURDAY, OR TAKE IN THE LATEST EXHIBIT AT RIVERSIDE ART CENTER.

WE LOVE TO CELEBRATE WITH BIG PARADES, OUTSTANDING ENTERTAINMENT, AND

PLENTY OF GREAT FOOD. WHETHER IT IS OUR SUMMER MOON FESTIVAL, AUGLAIZE

COUNTY FAIR, BUCKEYE FARM ANTIQUE SHOW, OR GIANT HALLOWEEN PARADE, WE

INVITE YOU TO JOIN IN THE FUN.

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anniversary of the lunar landing, the museum itself is designed to resemble a futuristic moon base. It is most beautiful when viewed at dusk and night when the dome glows white.

The museum contains many one-of-a-kind artifacts, including the Gemini VIII spacecraft, Neil Armstrong’s Gemini and Apollo spacesuits, and a lunar sample — the NASA term for a moon rock. The museum is also home to two full-size aircraft, including the very airplane in which Neil Armstrong learned to fly.

The museum is designed for the experiential learner. There are seven interactive exhibits, ten audio/visual elements, and three simulators. Visitors can practice landing the lunar module and space

shuttle or docking the

On July 20, 1969, the world paused for a brief, shining moment. Apollo 11 had reached the moon. Wapakoneta’s native son, Neil Armstrong, stepped out of the Eagle and set foot on the soft dust of the lunar surface and said the words we still quote today:

“That’s one small step for (a) man, one giant leap for mankind.”

As the local astronaut was saying these words, Ohio officials were already planning a museum to honor Armstrong’s achievements, as well as all Ohioans who have attempted to

defy gravity. Armstrong’s exploits and other achievements in Ohio’s history of flight can be experienced at the Ohio Historical Society’s

Armstrong Air & Space Museum in Wapakoneta. The museum takes visitors on a journey through aerospace history.

Opened on July 20, 1972, just the third

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Gemini capsule, just as Neil Armstrong did in 1966. The 56-foot dome in the center of the museum houses the Astro Theater, a unique venue that allows guests to gaze at

the night sky or watch one of the informative movies. There is no additional charge for the simulators or the film.

Whether your interest is in American history, aviation, space exploration, or state history, the Armstrong Air & Space Museum offers something for you.

Learn more about visiting the Armstrong Air & Space Museum at armstrongmuseum.org

Neil Armstrong

Timeline

1930 Neil Armstrong was born on his family’s farm near Wapakoneta

1946 Armstrong began taking flying lessons at Port Koneta Air Field, near Wapakoneta

1949 Armstrong was called to active duty as a Navy pilot, serving until 1952

1951/52 Armstrong flew 78 combat missions during the Korean War

1955 Armstrong completed a degree in Aeronautical Engineering at Purdue University

1962 Armstrong entered the NASA astronaut program

1966 Armstrong commanded the Gemini VIII mission

1969 Armstrong commanded the Apollo 11 lunar landing becoming the first man to step on the moon on July 20

1971 Armstrong became a professor of aeronautical engineering at the University of Cincinnati

1986 Armstrong served as vice-chairman of the Rogers Commission, investigating the Challenger disaster 2012 Mr. Armstrong passed away on August 25 due to complications following heart bypass surgery.

2014 Space Camp

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Riverside Art Center 3 W. Auglaize Street 419.738.2352 www.riversideartcenter.org

Riverside Art Center is home to local artists of all media, from traditional oil colors to eccentric pottery pieces. In addition to its ongoing gallery exhibits, the center provides a wide spectrum of art classes and youth

camps in art and drama. It hosts exhibits and special events throughout the year. Call or go online for a schedule of classes and events. Gallery hours: Wed-Fri. Noon-4PM, Sat. 10am-1PM

WAPA Theatre 15-19 Willipie Street 419.738.3718

Built in 1904, the WAPA Theatre is a gem in downtown Wapakoneta. The WAPA shows first-run films daily at affordable prices. The theatre recently upgraded to state-of-the-art projection and audio equipment—providing a top quality viewing experience. The remarkable neon marquee dates from the 1930s. It is spectacular at night.

To see what’s showing, visit wapatheatre.com

Temple of Tolerance 203 S. Wood Street

Wapakoneta native Jim Bowsher has created a unique backyard. During the past 15 years he has designed a Stonehenge-like assemblage of massive glacial boulders, architectural

artifacts, and quirky decorative elements. His Temple of Tolerance stands twenty feet high, is topped with an altar, and is surrounded by a complex of smaller temples and memorials. Visiting The Temple is truly a memorable experience.

Neil Armstrong Family Home 601 W. Benton Street

Stephen and Viola Armstrong moved their family to this house in 1944 and Neil attended Blume High School, from which he graduated in 1947. This is a private residence and not open to the public. Please view from the sidewalk only.

ASTRO LANES 113 Apollo Drive 419.738.7306

Astro Lanes provides an out-of-this-world

bowling experience. It’s the favorite spot with local bowlers of all ages. Plus, The Loft restaurant serves some of the best food in town. Astro Lanes recently hosted a Professional Bowling Association (PBA) Central Region Tournament. Professional bowlers from throughout the Midwest came to Wapakoneta.

“The Painted Lady” 106 Willipie Street

Doris and Ken Weber have a love affair with their 1868 home in the heart of historic downtown Wapakoneta. They decorate the exterior

and lawn for every holiday and season. It has become a showpiece and a landmark in town. It is across from the fire station and the courthouse.

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Historic Greenlawn Cemetery 1200 Block West Auglaize Street

If you enjoy the serenity and beauty of a historic cemetery, Greenlawn, established in 1886, should be your destination. The most elaborate grave may belong to Charles Herbst. We don’t want to give away the details, but a temporary rail spur was constructed to the cemetery to deliver the 160 tons of granite for his monument. It’s worth seeing and you’ll have no problem finding it. Open daylight hours only.

Wapakoneta Museum 206 West Main Street 419.738.9328

The Auglaize County Historical Society’s Wapakoneta Museum is housed in the former First Presbyterian Church. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985 it now houses a collection of local history and artifacts displaying Wapakoneta’s unique history. Stop by Sunday, Monday and Tuesday from 1-4pm for a tour. Please call for our extended hours in April & May 2015.

Ft. Amanda Memorial Park 22900 State Route 198 Cridersville 844.306.3360

More than just a historic site of the former fort from the War of 1812, the 11 acre park includes beautiful riverscapes and nature trails to enjoy after visiting the monument . Park is open Daylight hours. Please call the Johnny Appleseed Parks District for information about special events.

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Wapakoneta Parks Not only a great place to live and work, but

Wapakoneta is also a great place to play.

Wapakoneta is home to several parks,

sports facilities and playgrounds throughout

the city. You can shoot hoops or run the

trail at Veteran’s Memorial Park or find a

moment with nature at the Ferald L. Ritchie

Rotary Nature Center. Remember your

helmet if going to the skatepark and your

bathing suit for a trip to Wapakoneta

Waterpark. If you’re more of a spectator

than an athlete, catch a game at Harmon

Field where the local Wapakoneta Redskins

compete.

Harmon Field

Hamilton Road

www.wapak.org/

athletics

Wapakoneta’s Harmon

Field is a frequent site

for state playoff games. Located at the middle school and

near the Auglaize River, it is also convenient to downtown

Wapakoneta. It features Field Turf and seating for close to

7,000 spectators. Don’t want to leave your room? Catch

local high school football at www.gamefaceohio.com or on

local cable channel 702.

Harmon Park Harrison Street

Next to the Wapakoneta Middle School along the banks of

the Auglaize River. It features The Rotary Club Gazebo next

to a wooded picnic area, tennis courts, baseball

fields, Wapakoneta Skate Park and the

Wapakoneta Waterpark.

Breakfast Optimist Park Water Street

A project of the Wapakoneta Breakfast

Optimist Club, this former school yard is

now a soccer field for the Wapakoneta

Soccer Club teams. New playground

equipment makes it a great place for

Veteran’s Memorial Park

S Wagner Avenue

Provides picnic shelters, a 1-mile

walking track with physical

challenges, baseball fields,

basketball courts, soccer fields

and a playground.

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Park

Amenities

Ten

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So

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Baseb

all

Basketb

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Sh

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use

Gazeb

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Restro

om

Walkin

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Trail

Playg

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nd

Skatep

ark

Belcher E Harrison Street

Harmon W Harrison Street

Veteran’s Memorial S Wagner Avenue

Breakfast Optimist S Water Street

WHERE TO PLAY

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Wapakoneta Waterpark 106 Hamilton Road 419.738.6412 Wapakoneta.net/waterpark

The Waterpark is the showiest addition to the City’s

recreation system. Two pools and water slides were

constructed around the original WPA buildings. The

Waterpark also includes a sand yard, cabana, and plenty of

seating. It is open daily Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Wapakoneta Family YMCA 1100 Defiance Street 419.739.9622 www.wapakymca.org

Wapakoneta has one of the

most active YMCAs in the na-

tion. With swimming, basket-

ball, running track, whirlpool, and plenty of classes and

programs, there is always plenty to do at the Y. For a

good workout, visit our new $1 million fitness center.

Ferald L. Ritchie Rotary Nature Center Behind Wapakoneta High School on Redskin Trail

A peaceful walk with nature to the pond is a great way to

recharge. Paths and

picnic tables installed

by the local Rotary

Club allow for quiet

relaxation just steps

from the school. For

student security

please stop by the

school office if visiting

during school hours.

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The Auglaize County Courthouse is a must-see attraction in historic downtown Wapakoneta. Constructed in 1894, the courthouse retains much of its original architectural detail, including stained glass skylights, decorative tilework,

and even lighting fixtures, furniture, and telephone booth. The building has recently undergone an $8.5 million restoration.

To commemorate the building’s centennial in 1994, the Auglaize County Historical Society restored the Statue of Justice, which formerly stood atop the tower, but now graces the building’s lobby.

Funding for the project was raised via the Copper Pennies for the Copper Lady campaign with more than 3,400 school children in seventeen schools throughout the county

participating. In total, 3.3 million pennies ($33,000) were collected for the statue’s restoration by

LepoWorks of Allentown, Ohio.

The statue was not returned to the top of the tower.

Instead, she was placed on a large

walnut pedestal in the lobby.

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Detail of the Civil War mural in the Municipal courtroom

It is easy to say a community has an

outstanding quality of life. It is exciting

when someone else validates your opinion.

Ohio Magazine, the state’s premier quality

of life publication, selected Wapakoneta as

one of Ohio’s Best Hometowns in 2011.

The magazine’s staff researches communities

across the state and determines the best

places based on business environment,

education, health and safety, culture and

heritage, and community spirit. They look

for Ohio’s great places to live, work, raise a

family, and open a new business. We are

proud they determined Wapakoneta was one

of the Best Hometowns.

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A visit to historic downtown Wapakoneta is an architectural treat. In 1988, a historic district containing 65

properties was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It contains 19th and early 20th century buildings, which now house a wide variety of restaurants, shops, and offices. It is the

vibrant heart of the city and an attraction to visitors from throughout the world. Last year visitors from more than 80 countries toured our local

Armstrong Air & Space Museum. Many of them came downtown to discover the places Neil Armstrong knew when he

was growing up in Wapakoneta in the 1940s.

Our local Downtown Wapakoneta Partnership works successfully to enhance and promote the viability of the historic downtown—and it is working. The streets are

filled with interesting antique and specialty shops and great places to eat. There are many sales events, Farmers Markets, art exhibits, concerts, and festivals held downtown. It has become a regional attraction.

An aerial view of historic

downtown Wapakoneta near the

banks of the Auglaize River

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of them came downtown to discover the

Get the most from your visit

by stopping at the

Chamber of Commerce

at 30 E. Auglaize Street

for a copy of our

downtown Walk about

Wapakoneta guide. It

provides a brief

explanation and history of

many of the historic

downtown buildings. You

will discover our county

courthouse (1894), fire

station (1885), theater

(1904), beautiful 19th

century churches, and an

array of commercial and

residential properties.

The guide also has

suggestions for other

places worth seeing in

Wapakoneta.

We want you to get the

most from your

visit. We know you will

enjoy discovering

Wapakoneta.

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A

Shopping should be an adventure. If you are a serious shopper or

just want to have fun, Wapakoneta has plenty of places for you to

discover. In our historic downtown there are antique shops, thrift

stores, florists, bridal shops, and much more. When you get

home we want you to say, “Look what I found in Wapakoneta!”

You will be amazed by how much there is to discover in our

stores.

For the serious buyer or casual weekend “antiquer” Auglaize

Antique Mall is three floors of must-haves for every kind of

collector. If you like your antiques with some shabby-chic, check

out Casa Chic or Fernhill Farms. For retro clothing stop by Relics and Gild the Lily

for outfits that span the decades. And for those who prefer a bit of DIY, Thrifty Treasures and Winding Road

Antiques offer paints and classes to bring new life to your faded classics.

If you passion is train sets or RC cars, stop by Dad’s Toy Shop

for all your hobby needs. You’ll find health foods and essential

oils at Macky’s Health Foods, Adrienne’s Herbs, and the Herb

Ladies. And for deals that can’t be beat—visit Mercy Unlimited

and Finders Keeper thrift

stores with amazing

selections of quality items.

For a special treat, visit

Simplee Sweet, our local

bakery that bakes fresh

every morning or the

homemade fudge shop at Cloud Nine Café.

Like spokes of a wheel, our primary streets take visitors from downtown to other shopping destinations. Going

south on Blackhoof Street you’ll discover Village Green Garden Center one of the region’s premier landscape

firms with a wide array of plants and garden accessories for you home. Defiance Street takes you north to the

Grandview Plaza where you will find Western Ohio True Value Hardware, a classic full-service, has-everything

kind of store that is known throughout the region. The plaza is also the home of the Grand Plaza Meeting and

Banquet Center. Bellefontaine Street connects downtown with our Interstate 75 interchange where you’ll find our

“Big Box” stores, an array of restaurants, local hotels, and the Armstrong

Air & Space Museum. Don’t miss the museum’s gift shop with thousands of

fun, space-related items. Museum

admission is not required to visit the gift

shop

Visit our local shops online at

wapakshops.com

SHOPPING DESTINATION

You’ll want to shop ‘til you drop!

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1. Al’s Woody’s Diner

2. Auglaize Antique Mall

3. Best Western of Wapakoneta

4. Block Insurance Agency

5. Casa Chic

6. CJ’s Pizza

7. Dad’s Toy Shop

Downtown Wapakoneta Partnership

(Inside Chamber of Commerce)

8. El Azteca

9. Finkelmeier Insurance Agency

10. G.A. Wintzer & Sons

11. Grand Lake Health Systems

12. Happy Daz

13. Home Savings Bank

14. Homestretch Sportswear

15. McCullough Heating & Air

Conditioning

16. McDonalds

17. Minster Bank

18. Oen Kitchen & Bath Showroom

19. Park Street Music & Mercantile

20. Relics

21. Riverside Art Center

22. Steinke’s Mowers and Repairs

23. Telephone Service Company

24. Thrifty Treasures

25. Veterans of Foreign Services

26. Village Green Floral & Garden

Center

27. Wapa Theatre

28. Wapakoneta KOA

29. Wapakoneta Rotary Club

Wapakoneta Area Antique & Specialty Shops

2. Auglaize Antique Mall 5. Casa Chic 30. Cloud Nine Cafe 7. Dad’s Toy Shop 31. Everyday Furniture & More 32. Gild the Lily

33. Marley’s Downtown 20. Relics 21. Riverside Art Center 24. Thrifty Treasures 26. Village Green Floral & Garden

Center

Wapakoneta 1

Armstrong Air & Space

Museum

2-3

What to See, What to Do 4-5

Where to Play 6-7

Auglaize County Courthouse 8-9

Downtown Wapakoneta 10-11

Shopping Wapakoneta 12-13

Map 14-15

Where to Eat 16-17

Historic Neighborhood 18-19

Regional Attractions 20-21

Calendar of Events 22-26

We Recommend 27

Table of Contents

Everybody loves a great meal, and Wapakoneta has plenty of choices. We have all the fast food favorites. Or you may want to sit, relax, and soak up the local color at one of our unique coffee houses, historic bars, trendy diners, or full-service restaurants. Wapakoneta is home to some of the region’s most popular spots — filled with great food and good fun.

If you are thinking about a great steak or seafood in a casual, but elegant supper club setting, then Marley’s Downtown is the spot.

If great coffee is your goal, Cloud Nine Café is your destination. They also serve amazing gourmet sandwiches, salads, pastries, and freshly-made fudge.

CJ’s Pizza in Grandview Plaza is locally owned with a reputation for excellent pizza, subs, and wings.

For the region’s best and most authentic Mexican cuisine, you will want to visit El Azteca. In addition to quick and great food, they make the best margaritas in town.

Al’s Woody’s Diner is known for its specialty sandwiches like the Black & Blue Burger. Ask them about the Big Woody challenge.

The Loft, at Astro Lanes, serves great pizza, sandwiches, and broasted chicken. The Astro Burger is one of their specialties.

The Lucky Steer has been an I-75 landmark since the 1960s. Patrons come from all over to enjoy their fried fish and chicken. Plus, they make their own potato chips, fresh daily. The Steer is also a favorite breakfast spot.

La Grande, a downtown destination since 1967, makes great pizza, subs, and outstanding salads.

A 1950s themed diner with quick service, Happy Daz is the newest dining option in

town featuring breaded tenderloins and delicious milkshakes.

These are just a few examples of the many restaurant options throughout Wapakoneta. We invite you to visit them all.

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As Wapakoneta prospered in the late 19th and

early 20th century, many families built beautiful

homes just west of the downtown business

district. West Auglaize

Street became home to

some of the city’s most

architecturally

significant homes. They

represent many popular

American house styles

of the era, including

Queen Anne, Eastlake, stick style, Gothic

Revival, and Beaux Arts.

We invite you to take a pleasant stroll along

West Auglaize Street and its surrounding

neighborhoods to experience the truly

remarkable residential architecture. Please

enjoy these well maintained buildings from

the sidewalk, as they are all private

residences.

304 W. Auglaize — Spanish Revival

305 W. Auglaize — Eastlake Stick Style

307 W. Auglaize — Queen Anne

311 W. Auglaize — Sears & Roebuck

(catalog house)

316 W. Auglaize — Cape Cod

405 W. Auglaize — Eastlake Stick Style

407 W. Auglaize — Gothic Revival

411 W. Auglaize — Beaux Arts

503 W. Auglaize — Beaux Arts

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Although there is plenty to see and do in Wapakoneta, why not spend a couple of days or a weekend and see the region. Make one of our local hotels your base camp, and venture out to discover these and other attractions in west central Ohio.

Bicycle Museum of America 7 W. Monroe St. New Bremen 419.629.9249

Enjoy a ride down memory lane as you view more than 300 bicycles at the world’s largest private bicycle museum.

www.bicyclemuseum.com

Miami & Erie Canal 22 S. Water St. New Bremen 419.629.0313

Visit the Lockkeepers House in New Bre-men or check out the replica canal boat in Memorial Park in St. Marys.

www.meccainc.org

Fort Recovery State Museum 1 Fortsite St. Fort Recovery 800.283.8920 Experience military life in the 1790s at the museum and reconstructed fort.

www.fortrecoverymuseum.org

Land of the Cross Tipped Churches Auglaize & Mercer Counties 419.394.1642

Enjoy tours of these incredible German Catholic churches and learn the history of the early settlers who built them.

www.grandlake.net/lctc

Airstream 419 W. Pike St. Jackson Center 937.596.6111

Tour the manufacturing facility to see these iconic travel trailers being built. Tours are Monday - Friday at 2:00 p.m.

www.airstream.com

Grand Lake St. Marys and Indian Lake

Wapakoneta is located between two excellent recreational lakes and state parks. Both allow you to enjoy boating, water sports, camping, hiking, bird watching, and picnicking.

www.dnr.state.oh.us/parks

Ohio Caverns 2210 E. SR 245 West Liberty 937.465.4017

Ohio’s largest and most beautiful cave system also has some of America’s most exquisite crystal formations.

www.ohiocaverns.com

Allen County Museum 620 W. Market St. Lima 419.222.9426

This is one of the finest county muse-ums in Ohio. In addition to the main museum, there’s a children’s discovery center, Victorian mansion, & log house.

www.allencountymuseum.org

Maria Stein Shrine of the Holy Relics 2291 St. Johns Rd. Maria Stein 419.925.4532 Collection of over 1,000 relics displayed in an 1892 chapel.

www.mariasteinshrine.org

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4 Easter Egg Roll @ Armstrong Air & Space Museum, 500 Apollo Drive. Hunt and roll eggs across the museum’s campus. www.armstrongmusuem.org

8-June 5 Jerry Knoch & John Rausch Exhibit @ Riverside Art Center 3 West Auglaize Street. Please join us for the opening reception April 17th. www.riversidearts.org

24 Vinos de Espana @ Riverside Art Center 3 West Auglaize Street. Advance tickets are encouraged to

guarantee your spot www.riversidearts.org

2 Derby Day Wine Tasting @ Marley’s Downtown, 15 Perry Street. Find your favorite wine and food pairing while watching the 141st running of the Kentucky Derby. All proceeds benefit the Downtown Wapakoneta Partnership. www.downtownwapakoneta.com

8-June 5 Danny Knepper Exhibit @ Riverside Art Center 3 West Auglaize Street. Please join us for the opening reception on May 8th. www.riversidearts.org

15-16 Tug Fest @ Fairgrounds Infield, 1001 Fairview Drive.

Wapakoneta’s Tug Fest is an annual event, attracting truck-lovers from all over the region. www.tug-fest.com

22 Party In The Parkway – A free concert in the parkway at the center

of downtown - Auglaize Street @ Willipie Street, 6:30 – 9:30 PM. Featuring local group, Dave Liles Band. www.wapakoneta.com

22-24 Buckeye Farm Antiques Show @ Auglaize Co. Fairgrounds, 1001 Fairview Drive. Discover acres of vintage tractors and steam engines from around the country — plus crafts, antiques, and plenty of entertainment. www.buckeyefarmantiques.com

5-6 Community Garage Sales Scour the town for deals during Wapakoneta’s community garage sales. www.wapakoneta.com

6 Wapakoneta Farmer’s Market Grand Opening @ Belcher Park, behind downtown along the riverfront. 8:30am – Noon. Every

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Party in the Parkway is a series of free

concerts, held on Friday evenings in

the heart of downtown Wapakoneta.

The concerts are sponsored by the

Chamber of Commerce and various

local service organizations. Heritage

Parkway connects Auglaize Street

with the riverfront.

Concert goers enjoy the talent of

local bands, as well as the company

of their friends and neighbors.

Proceeds from beverage sales at the

concerts benefit the service organi-

zations. The concerts are always

great fun. Check the calendar of

events for the upcoming dates.

Saturday morning June through October, you will find an array of produce flowers, crafts, and home made goodies.

8-12 Space Camp @ Armstrong Air & Space Museum, 500 Apollo Drive; All Day. Children from grades 2-4 will fly in a real airplane and train like actual NASA Astronauts. www.armstrongmuseum.org

12 Party in the Parkway A free concert in the parkway at the center of Downtown Auglaize Street. From 6:30-9:30pm. Featuring the band Another Round.

26 Party in the Parkway A free concert in the parkway at the center of Downtown Auglaize Street. From 6:30-9:30pm. Featuring the band Rebel Souls.

26-August 15 Member Exhibit @ Riverside Art Center 3 West Auglaize Street. Our local members show some of the best of their local talent. www.riversidearts.org

3-4 St Joseph 4th of July Festival @ Auglaize County Fairgrounds, 1001 Fairview Drive. An All American Celebration with food, rides, games, and great fireworks.

4 Firecracker 5k Run/Walk @ Auglaize County Fairgrounds, 1001 Fairview Drive. Be a part of a patriotic run/walk around Wapakoneta.

15-20 Summer Moon Festival @ Downtown Wapakoneta and Armstrong Air & Space Museum,

500 Apollo Drive. For a full listing of activities and events visit www.summermoonfestival.com and www.armstrongmuseum.org

17 Summer Moon Festival Car Show Organized by the Aug-Mer Shriners Club. All proceeds benefit The Shriners Cincinnati Burn Hospital for Research & Development. www.augmershrineclub.com/carshow.htm

18 Run to the Moon 5k/10k @ Armstrong Air & Space Museum, 500 Apollo Drive. Registration starts at 7am. 10K begins at 8am, 5K begins at 8:15am, 1 mile fun-run at 9:30am. All events start and end at the museum. Tour the museum and enjoy your free Moon Pie after the race! www.speedy-feet.com

18 Summer Moon Bike Tour @ Wapakoneta YMCA, 1100 Defiance Street. Ride begins from 7am-8am. You can choose to ride well-mapped routes of 12 miles, 25 miles, 40 miles, or 62 miles. www.wapakymca.org

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Wapakoneta proudly celebrates its heritage each

year during the Summer Moon Festival. The 5-day

event is scheduled to coincide with the first walk

on the Moon by Wapakoneta native, Neil

Armstrong. Festival events are held downtown

and at the Armstrong Air & Space Museum.

The Summer Moon Festival features:

Top live entertainment Thursday, Friday, Saturday,

and Sunday evenings

Miss Summer Moon Festival Scholarship Pageant

Bed Races and Wiener Dog Racing

Car Show and Community Street Sale

5K/10K Run to the Moon and YMCA Bike Ride

Great rides, food, and games for the family

The festival grounds, for 2015, are located in

historic downtown Wapakoneta. The Armstrong

Air & Space Museum is located adjacent to I-75 at

the Wapakoneta Exit 111.

www.summermoonfestival.com

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18 Community Street Sale @ Auglaize Street Downtown Wapakoneta, 9am-3pm. A variety of vendors and sales at our local downtown shops. www.wapakshops.com

31 Party in the Parkway A free concert in the parkway at the center of Downtown Auglaize Street. From 6:30-9:30pm. Featuring the band The Staples.

2-8 Auglaize County Fair @ Fairgrounds, 1001 Fairview Drive. Rides, crafts, livestock, activities, tons of entertainment, and great food! www.aulgaizecountyfair.org

10-14 Space Camp @ Armstrong Air & Space Museum, 500 Apollo Drive; All Day. Children from grades 5-8 will fly in a real airplane and train like actual NASA Astronauts. www.armstrongmuseum.org

28- September 26 Fall Art Show @ Riverside Art Center, 3 West Auglaize Street. Enjoy viewing a variety of artwork created by our own community members. www.Riversideartcenter.org

12 K&R Lawnmower Demolition Derby @ Auglaize Co. Fairgrounds, 1001 Fairview Drive. Gates open at 1pm, derby starts at 5pm. Food and beverages available. Benefits local charities.

26 14th Annual Wapak Wing Fest @ American Legion Post #330, 1108 Benton Street. Sample original sauces and dozens of flavors at Northwest Ohio’s original wing competition.

1-31 Orange Light Districts in downtown Wapakoneta during the month of October. Come and see the festive Halloween Lights and decorations all over town.

2-October 31 Isaac Smith Exhibit @ Riverside Art Center 3 West Auglaize Street. Please join us for the opening reception October 2nd. www.riversidearts.org

11 Tri-County Coin Show @ Auglaize Co. Fairgrounds, Expo Building, 1001 Fairview Drive, 9am-4pm. Free admission. Dealer of coin and currency from Michigan and Ohio will be exhibiting.

12 Day of Discovery @ Armstrong Air & Space Museum 500 Apollo Drive. Celebrate explorers and discoveries from Christopher Columbus to Neil Armstrong. www.armstrongmuseum.org

17 Noon Optimist Craft Show @ Wapakoneta High School 1 Redskin Trail. Dozens of vendors with autumn themed

crafts.

22-31 WapaWeen Wapakoneta’s Halloween celebration featuring unique events every day through Halloween

night.

For 163 years, folks have been coming to the Auglaize County Fair. It is a family event with livestock shows, arts and crafts, baking and produce competitions, a midway filled with rides, and plenty of great fair food. Throughout the week, the fair provides fun for all. In the Kid’s Tent, there are puppet shows, jugglers, and a ventriloquist. The Gospel Tent showcases the region’s best gospel singers. In the Entertainment Tent, there’s polka, country, and rock & roll. It’s all free with your admission.

MAJOR EVENTS AT THE GRANDSTAND:

8/2 High School Band Show 8/3 Cheerleading Competition 8/4 & 5 Harness Racing 8/6 Demolition Derby 8/7 Pig & Calf Scramble 8/8 Southern Extreme Bull Riding

For all the details visit:

www.auglaizecountyfair.org

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22 Halloween Parade on Auglaize Street from the county Fairgrounds to Downtown, 6:30pm start time. Watch out for goblins as we celebrate the Halloween Season. It’s always one of the region’s largest parades with over 120 exhibitors.

27 Boo! On the Moon @ Armstrong Air & Space Museum, 500 Apollo Dr. An evening of “spooktacular” fun at the museum. www.armstrongmuseum.org

6-8 Holiday Open House @ Downtown Shops. Start your holiday shopping with great ideas from our antique and specialty shops. Every shop is ready for Christmas. Plus there are carriage rides, holiday music, and more. This is our biggest shopping event of the year. It’s worth the trip. www.wapakshops.com

6-December 25 Holiday Gift Gallery @ Riverside Art Center 3 West Auglaize Street. Do your holiday shopping local by buying one-of-a-kind pieces by local artists. www.riversidearts.org

13-14 Annual Buckeye Farm Antique Swap Meet @ Auglaize Co. Fairgrounds, 1001 Fairview Drive, Saturday 8am-Dark, Sunday 8am-5pm. Parts vendors, flea market, and a consignment auction on Saturday at 9am. www.buckeyefarmantiques.com

18-22 Festival of Trees @ The Gardens at Wapakoneta 505 Walnut Street. The Festival of Trees is a silent auction of decorated trees to raise money for the organization’s hospice care.

27-Jan 31 Holiday Lights Display @ Armstrong Air & Space Museum, 500 Apollo Drive. Enjoy over 50,000 lights and find one-of-a-kind sculptures and displays only at the museum. www.armstrongmuseum.org

!

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The 2015 Discover Wapakoneta Visitors Guide is a project of the

Wapakoneta Area Chamber of Commerce

Downtown Wapakoneta Partnership

Wapakoneta Area Economic Development Council

Armstrong Air & Space Museum

Photo Credits: Wapakoneta Daily News, John Zwez, Stacey Cook, Rachel Barber,

Dan Graf, Josh Hines and Greg Myers

Holiday Light Display @ Armstrong Air & Space Museum, 500 Apollo Dr. Enjoy over 50,000 lights and find one-of-a-kind sculptures and displays only at an air and space museum.

Chamber of Commerce……….………………..… 419-738-2911

Visitors Bureau…………………………..…………….419-394-1294

800-860-4726

Wapakoneta YMCA……..…………………………..419-739-9622

Armstrong Air & Space Museum……………..419-738-8811

Auglaize County Library…………………..….419-738-2921

City of Wapakoneta………………………………..419-738-3011

Wapakoneta High School…………………….419-739-5200

Wapakoneta Middle School…………………419-739-5100

Wapakoneta Elementary School….….419-739-5000

Auglaize County Fairgrounds….……….…419-738-2515

Wapa Theatre………….……………………………..….419-738-3718

Auglaize County Sheriff — 911

Non-Emergency Number…………….419-739-6565

Wapakoneta Police Department — 911

Non-Emergency Number……………..419-738-2222

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WHAT WE RECOMMEND!

Whether you’re here for a day, a weekend, or longer,

there is lots to see and do in Wapakoneta. Here are a

few top attractions.

Armstrong Air & Space Museum No visit to Wapakoneta is complete without touring the

Armstrong Air & Space Museum, designed to honor our

native son Neil Armstrong, commander of the Apollo 11

Mission and first person to step on the Moon. The

museum tells the story of international space

exploration—and it’s fun. See Page 2

Historic Downtown Wapakoneta A stroll through our downtown is an architectural treat

with more than 60 properties comprising a National

Register of Historic Places District. Plus, these buildings

are filled with restaurants, antique and specialty shops,

and our local art gallery. There are lots of special events

and concerts making it a regional destination.

See Pages 10-11

Auglaize County Courthouse Built in 1894 and fully restored in 2012, our county

courthouse is the gem of downtown Wapakoneta. It’s

filled with amazing stained glass, decorative tile work,

brass lighting fixtures, beautiful wall murals, and most of

its original furnishings. Open weekdays 8:00 a.m. to 4:30

p.m. See Page 8-9

Wapa Theatre If time allows, a visit to the 1904 Wapa Theatre is another

delight in Wapakoneta. Although more than a century

old, the Wapa has state-of-the-art image and audio

technology. Its 1930s neon marquee—recently

restored—is spectacular at night. It shows first-run films

every evening with matinees on Saturday and

Sunday. See Page 4

Temple of Tolerance Visiting the Temple is truly a memorable

experience. We call it a rock garden on steroids—huge

boulders, rocks of all sizes, and found items beautifully

piled across several backyards. The central formation

stands twenty feet tall and is topped with an altar. It’s a

bit like a modern Stonehenge with lots to enjoy.

See Page 4

Wapakoneta Waterpark On a warm summer day, the best place in town is the

Waterpark. With two pools and a pair of giant spiral

water slides, it is big fun for kids of all ages. If you are

not interested in getting wet, relax in one of the plentiful,

resort-like cabana chairs and catch some sun. Open

daily Memorial Day through Labor Day. See Page 7

WAPAKONETA—it’s worth the trip!