A small western Nebraska town along the Union Pacific Railroad, with agricultural roots dating to 1867 and the historic Fort Sidney military post.
Sidney, Ohio, lies 36 miles north of Dayton, surrounded by flat farmland shaped by the Great Miami River. Walk through Tawawa Park’s 180 acres of trails and picnic spots, watch a movie at the Auto-Vue Drive-In when it’s open seasonally, or see a play at the restored Historic Sidney Theatre. Downtown mixes 19th-century buildings like Louis Sullivan’s National Historic Landmark bank with events such as chocolate-themed walks and weekly farmers’ markets. Fourteen neighborhood parks, a water park with slides, and state lakes nearby give you plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors. The town where Nobel Prize winner Paul Lauterbur grew up keeps things simple with factory tours, summer fairs featuring tractor pulls, and a relaxed pace of life.
Parks and Trails
Sidney’s city planners made sure every home sits within a half-mile of green space, a goal set in the 1950s. Tawawa Park covers 180 acres with trails through woods and open fields, plus picnic shelters and a small lake. Cool off at Sidney Water Park, which has two slides and a pool open daily from June to August. Cyclists can ride the flat Canal Feeder path starting south of downtown, passing Graceland Cemetery’s shaded lanes. For bigger water adventures, drive 30 minutes to Lake Loramie or Grand Lake St. Marys, where people fish for bass and rent pontoon boats.
Historic Buildings and Museums
The 1881 Shelby County Courthouse, with its clock tower and mansard roof, anchors downtown. Next to it stands the Monumental Building, a Gothic Revival structure dedicated to Civil War soldiers. Don’t miss the People’s Federal Savings and Loan building on Ohio Avenue—Louis Sullivan’s 1918 design includes curved terra-cotta ornaments and green accents. At the Ross Historical Center, you can see military uniforms, farming tools, and photos from Sidney’s past. The Historic Sidney Theatre, updated with digital projectors and surround sound, screens indie films and hosts local bands.
Festivals and Local Events
In April, motorcycle riders gather for the Blessing of the Wheels ride, ending with a car show downtown. May brings the Un5K & Decathlon, where runners tackle obstacles like tire jumps and balance beams. July means the Shelby County Fair—expect demolition derbies, live country music, and 4-H kids showing their prize pigs. From May to September, the Auto-Vue Drive-In projects movies on its original 1953 screen. Check the city’s weekly newsletter for smaller happenings, like pottery classes at Gateway Arts Council or holiday craft markets.
Getting Around and Where to Stay
Reach Sidney via I-75, about 45 minutes north of Dayton’s airport. Rent a car at the airport or call Sidney Taxi for rides around town. The Holiday Inn Express near downtown has an indoor pool, while Motel 6 on Michigan Street offers basic rooms at lower rates. Eat pancakes and burgers at Spot Restaurant or try Cazadores’ $8 lunch burritos. For emergencies, Wilson Health hospital sits on Michigan Street, and Amos Library provides free computer access. Most parks and museums don’t charge entry, but bring cash for fairground rides or theater tickets.
Day Trips Within 90 Minutes
Drive 45 minutes south to Dayton’s National Museum of the U.S. Air Force or Carillon Park’s 1800s-style village. Columbus, 100 miles east, lets you tour the Ohio Statehouse or walk the Scioto Mile’s riverside paths. Closer options include browsing Piqua’s antique shops or swimming at Lake Loramie’s sandy beach. Tour Honda’s Anna Engine Plant to watch V6 engines being assembled, or see forklifts built at Crown Equipment in New Bremen. Time your visit for Sidney’s April motorcycle rally or catch a punk musical at the theatre in May.
