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Oil gushed from a Lima well in 1885, and for a few years the fields around this northwest Ohio town were among the most productive in the world. The county seat of Allen County, about halfway between Dayton and Toledo along I-75, later became known for the Lima Locomotive Works, which built powerful steam locomotives and the famous Shay geared engines used by logging railroads.
Today the downtown keeps an ornate stone courthouse, the historic Ohio Theatre and Memorial Hall, and the Veterans Memorial Civic Center hosts the Lima Symphony Orchestra and touring shows. The Allen County Museum and the Victorian MacDonell House tell the area's story, and a giant steam locomotive built in Lima stands on display in Lincoln Park.
Outdoors, Ottawa Metro Park has a lake with a beach and paths, while Faurot Park recalls the oil boom with a marker at the site of the city's first well. Lima makes a convenient stop on I-75, and the small towns and farm country of northwest Ohio surround it.
A large museum run by the Allen County Historical Society, with exhibits on Native American artifacts, pioneer life, the oil boom, the Lima Locomotive Works and a model railroad. Exhibits change through the year, so there is often something new. Allow an hour or two; it shares grounds with the MacDonell House.
An elegant Victorian mansion built in the late 1800s for a local family, now a house museum next to the Allen County Museum. Rooms are furnished with period pieces, fine woodwork and decorative arts. Tours show how Lima's wealthy lived during the oil boom. Check the limited open days.
In Lincoln Park, a giant Nickel Plate Road Berkshire steam locomotive built by the Lima Locomotive Works is displayed under a shelter. Built in 1949, it was the last steam locomotive Lima built for the railroad, and it honors the city's famous locomotive industry. Visitors can see it up close at any time.
An ornate courthouse from the 1880s at the center of downtown Lima, built of stone with a tall central clock tower, carved details and a grand interior with marble and stained glass. It is still a working courthouse. View the exterior any time, and step inside on weekdays to see the rotunda.
A historic downtown theater on North Main Street with a classic marquee and ornate interior, built in the era of vaudeville and silent films. It still hosts concerts, plays, film screenings and community events. Check the schedule for shows, as it is the best way to see the restored auditorium.
A large hall in downtown Lima built in the early 1900s as a memorial to local veterans, with a columned front and a big auditorium inside. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. See its facade on a downtown walk past the courthouse and the Ohio Theatre.
Downtown Lima's main performing arts venue and convention center, home to the Lima Symphony Orchestra and host to touring Broadway shows, concerts, comedians and community events. Its large hall seats over a thousand people. Check the schedule ahead of a visit and park in the nearby lots.
A nonprofit gallery and art center in downtown Lima that shows changing exhibitions of regional and national artists, along with workshops and classes for adults and children. Admission to the galleries is usually free. Visit during an exhibition opening to meet local artists.
A Johnny Appleseed Metro Park District park on a reservoir on the north side of Lima, with a sandy swimming beach in summer, fishing, a paved loop path around the lake, picnic shelters and playgrounds. It is a popular place for walks at sunset. Entry is free, and the loop is good for jogging.
A large city park on Lima's southwest side with ball fields, playgrounds, shelters and picnic areas. It holds a replica of the Faurot oil well, which struck oil in 1885 and started Lima's oil boom, along with the Simmons Field baseball stadium. Read the historic marker by the derrick.
A tree-lined stretch of West Market Street with grand houses built by Lima's leading families during the oil and railroad boom. The district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and shows a range of architectural styles. Walk or drive it slowly; the homes are private, so view from the sidewalk.
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Log in to add photosPhoto: Nyttend, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: WeaponizingArchitecture, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: WeaponizingArchitecture, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Nyttend, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: WeaponizingArchitecture, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
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Photo: Nyttend, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
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Photo: Tysto, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Stepshep, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Nyttend, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Nyttend, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Nyttend, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Nyttend, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Nyttend, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Nyttend, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Nyttend, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
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Photo: Nyttend, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Nyttend, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Nyttend, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
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Photo: Nyttend, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Nyttend, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Nyttend, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
