City of Van Wert, Ohio

Van Wert (On the Highway since 1913) Pop: 11,000.  County seat.

Van Wert was founded in 1834 by Capt. James Riley and named after Revolutionary War hero Isaac Van Wert. The town was settled by the Welsh, German and Irish. It grew as a railroad town and gained the Lincoln Highway at its inception.

Van Wert boasts the first county library in the US, and also a splendid County Courthouse. The town also has two original Lincoln Highway posts downtown; one at the Garden of Senses, and the second at Fountain Park across from the library.

 

 

  • Central Fire Museum.  Third Friday of every month from 1-3 p.m. or by appointment.  800 South Washington St. (419) 238-1010

  • The Van Wert County Museum.  602 North Washington Street (419) 238-5297.  Sunday 2-4:30 p.m. March through November.

  • The Wassenberg Art Center. 1-5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Admission is free. 643 South Washington St. (419) 238-6837

  • There are two old Lincoln Highway ceramic plaques that can be seen on the bridge at the western edge of town where the old highway was abandoned.

  • The Brumback Library, the first county library established in the United States.  215 West Main St.  (419) 238-2168

 

  • Three antique shops.

  • Hipsley's Country Store

  • The Lincoln Candle Shop on the Highway.

     

  • There are two campgrounds in the area.

     

  • Three motels in the area.

     

  • Balyeat's (Established 1922) is one of the finest places in Ohio for home cooked meals and pies.  133 East Main Street (419) 238-1580. Closed Mondays

Lincoln Highway Marker in Fountain Park, Van Wert, Ohio.  In the park is the  "Garden of the Senses" because it stimulates all the senses with the chosen plantings.

Balyeat

 

 

 

 

Balyeat's , serving highway traveler's since 1922.

 

 

 

The Brumback Library.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Van Wert County Museum.

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