Top Five Best Places to Visit on a Trip Between Canton, Ohio and Lima, Ohio
If you're planning a trip between Canton and Lima, Ohio, there are plenty of interesting stops along the way. Here are the top five best places to visit to help break up your journey and make it a trip to remember.
Galion, OH: The Halfway Point
Galion is located almost exactly halfway between Canton and Lima, making it a perfect stop to stretch your legs. Once the center of Ohio's railroad industry, Galion is now a charming small town with its own unique attractions.
One of the must-see places in Galion is the Pickle Run Cemetery, home to some of the oldest graves in the area and a popular spot for ghost hunters. If that's not your thing, check out Brownella Cottage, a beautifully preserved historic house that once belonged to a local industrialist.
Stop 1: The McKinley Presidential Library & Museum
Named after Ohio's own President William McKinley, the McKinley Presidential Library & Museum is an excellent choice for history buffs and families alike. Located in Canton, the museum's exhibits cover McKinley's life and legacy, as well as the history of the United States during his presidency.
Visitors can also explore the planetarium and science center, which showcase interactive exhibits on space and astronomy. Make sure to check the museum's calendar of events before you go - they host frequent lectures, workshops, and special exhibitions.
Stop 2: The Canton Classic Car Museum
Just a few minutes' drive from the McKinley Presidential Library & Museum, the Canton Classic Car Museum is another great destination for automotive enthusiasts. The museum's collection includes more than 50 classic and vintage cars, including a rare 1937 Stinson-built Cord convertible.
In addition to the cars themselves, the museum also features a display on the history of the automobile industry in northeast Ohio. You can also check out the vintage toys and artifacts, or grab a bite to eat at the museum's nostalgic Mopar Cafe.
Stop 3: The Neil Armstrong Air and Space Museum
Named after Canton native and first man on the moon Neil Armstrong, the Neil Armstrong Air and Space Museum is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in aviation history. The museum's exhibits span the history of flight, from the Wright Brothers to the Space Shuttle.
Visitors can get up close to some of the most iconic NASA artifacts, including a Gemini capsule and a lunar module. Don't miss the museum's collection of Armstrong memorabilia, from his boyhood photos to the Presidential Medal of Freedom he received after the Apollo 11 mission.
Stop 4: The Allen County Museum
Located in Lima, the Allen County Museum is a great place to learn about the history of northwest Ohio. The museum's exhibits cover everything from the early Native American tribes who lived in the area to the industrial boom of the late 1800s.
One of the highlights of the museum is the fully restored 1893 Victorian mansion, which belonged to one of Lima's most prominent families. Visitors can also explore the museum's complex of historic buildings, including a church, a log cabin, and an old schoolhouse.
Stop 5: The Armstrong Air & Space Museum
If you can't get enough of Neil Armstrong, head to Wapakoneta - his birthplace and the site of the Armstrong Air & Space Museum. In addition to the museum's impressive collection of NASA artifacts, including a Gemini capsule and Armstrong's original space suit, visitors can check out an interactive exhibit on the science of space flight.
One of the most unique features of the museum is the Astro-theater, a domed planetarium with a state-of-the-art projection system. After your visit, make sure to check out the rest of Wapakoneta - it's a charming small town with plenty of restaurants and shops to explore.
Throughout your trip, keep an eye out for other interesting attractions along the way - Ohio is full of hidden gems, and you never know what you might stumble across. Happy travels!