Lima is a city that has plenty for visitors to do. Whether you are simply passing through for a few hours or are staying in the local area, Lima has something for everyone. Parks, bars & restaurants are just some of the things to do in Lima Ohio!
About Lima Ohio
Lima is the county seat of Allen County in Northwest Ohio. The Joint Systems Manufacturing Center (Lima Army Tank Plant) is the sole manufacturer of the M1 Abrams tank.
Lima was named after Peru’s capital city Lima. The Ottawa River flows through the city, and Lima has a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons.
Fun Fact: Edna de Lima was an international operatic singer from Lima Ohio. Her real name was Edna Burton, and after marriage, Edna Van Dyke. The precise dates of both her birth and death are unknown, but she was born around 1875 and died in either 1959 or 1960.
Cindy’s Insider Ohio Tips!
In the opinion of my kids, a visit to Lima is not complete until we have visited Alter Ego Comics, they always find something of interest here! Personally, I love strolling around Schoonover Park, it’s so peaceful and quiet and is the perfect end to a busy day in Lima!
McLean Teddy Bear Park
Teddy Bear Park is a 134-acre park with three ponds and 3.5 miles of hiking trails. Activities and facilities available here include fishing (no license required), a large picnic area, two reservable shelters, a sand volleyball court, play equipment, and more.
The park is named as such because Mr. McLean would provide children in the surrounding hospitals with a teddy bear each, to help comfort them during their stay.
Lauer Historical Farm
Lauer Farm has a history dating back to the mid-1830s. Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District acquired the farm in 2006. There has been extensive work carried out to make this a historical working farm. On a visit to the farm, you can learn about past agricultural techniques, and how they are still used today.
This location is also offered as an event venue. Reservable facilities include the Historic Home, Bank Barn, Celebration Garden Venue, and the Wedding Pergola.
Video of Lauer Historical Farm
The following video starts with the work that was carried out. The finished park is shown in the second half of the video.
Hidden Creek Golf Club
Hidden Creek Golf Club has an 18-hold golf course available for guests and members. There is also a driving range and practice areas.
Nine18 is a snack and beverage bar selling freshly made sandwiches, weekly specials, and appetizers. Beer, wine, soft drinks, and mixed drinks are available.
Outdoor Pavilion and Charcoal Grill has a large charcoal grill as well as a full-service kitchen. The dinners here are served buffet-style.
Alter Ego Comics
Alter Ego Comics caters to people who like comic books, TV series, and Movies from the past and present. There are posters, games action figures, and various toys for sale. The shop has a huge collection of comics and items from some of the biggest studios such as WB and DC Comics.
There is also a large selection of Dreamworks and Marvel items here. If you want to look for a specific comic or a toy from bygone days, the staff will help.
Video Tour of Alter Ego Comics
Artspace Lima
Artspace-Lima is the perfect place to visit if you love art. There are many art galleries and some of the exhibits here are from some of the biggest names in the art world.
There is also some art from ‘up and coming’ artists as well. On selected dates, there are shows, music events, and film shows.
Faurot Park
Faurot Park is 89 acres of green space in the city of Lima that offers many activities for all ages.
- Seven ball diamonds
- Ponds
- Fishing
- Skate Park
- Splash Park
- Two playgrounds
- Baseball/Softball
- Three sand volleyball courts
- Walking trails (paved and unpaved)
- Cross-country running course
- Picnic areas
- Shelter houses
- Restrooms
Allen County Historical Society & Museum
The Allen County Historical Society & Museum is one of the most visited attractions in Lima Ohio. Allen County Historical Society & Museum is a fantastic place to visit if you would like to know more about the area. MacDonell House is an old Victorian House and it has been cared for and kept in its original style since those days.
A lot of time and effort has been put into this house and there are some very interesting artifacts on show as well. The house itself can take a whole day to look around and admire. This is a very busy attraction so check opening times in advance of your visit.
(Allen County Museum) Maybe the best local museum in the state, the Dillinger exhibit alone makes it worth a visit. But there’s so much more. The locomotive artifacts, the dioramas, the geology section, and all the manufacturing history make this top notch. The things people swallowed exhibit is beyond cool, and if you’ve been to George Washington’s home, Mount Vernon, you have to see the dollhouse version.
Scott B. (Yelp)
Lincoln Park Railway Exhibit
At the Lincoln Park Railway Exhibit, there are steam engines, carriages cabooses, and other artifacts on show. Some of the steam carriages are still in use today. Guests are welcome to picnic in the area and it is a great attraction to visit in the summer months.
- Address: 199 S Shawnee St, Lima, Ohio 45804
- Phone: 419-221-5195 | Website
Schoonover Park
This is one of the quietest attractions in Lima Ohio. There is a large lake here that contains various freshwater fish. Some of the fish in this lake are not native to Ohio, but still call this lake their home. There is also a swimming pool available.
This park is open all year round, so you can enjoy the park after one of Ohio’s legendary snowstorms, or admire the various plants and trees in the spring and fall as well. In the summer months, when the trees are in bloom you can sit and enjoy a picnic.
Ottawa Metro Park
Ottawa Metro Park is a 287-acre park with fishing and boating available on the 89-acre Lima Lake reservoir, and swimming at the 450-foot-long Ottawa Metro Park Beach. There is an 18-hole Frisbee golf course, a sand volleyball court, and an outdoor amphitheater. Three reservable shelters with electricity are available.
Ottawa Metro Park Campground is a perfect place to stay in Lima. There are 30 sites available in this area. An online map of Ottawa Metro Park is available.
Video of Ottawa Metro Park
Beer Barrel Pizza and Grill
The Beer Barrel Pizza and Grill has been around for over half a century and is a must-visit place if you are in the area. Some of the food available here is really fantastic and great value for money. Of course, the pizzas here are fantastic and due to this great food, visitors have been coming back over and over again.
Let’s Visit Lima Ohio!
Have you been to Lima Ohio? We would love to hear about your experience! Did you visit any of the parks? Maybe have a pint or two in the bar? Let us know in the comments!
Love exploring Ohio, but want to check out something outside of our great state? Our recommendation today is to check out Sawtooth Mountains in Idaho! You will be amazed at the things to do in Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains!
If you enjoy exploring Metro Parks, then here is our list of some of the best ones that Ohio has to offer!
For more adventures in Ohio, check out these suggestions:
- Things To Do In Athens Ohio
- Things To Do In Sandusky Ohio
- Things To Do In Marietta Ohio
- Things To Do In Dayton Ohio
- Things To Do In Put in Bay (Complete Tour Guide)
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