Travelers from all over the world appreciate Delpho’s sights because of their unique mix of small-town charms and historical peculiarity, and I must admit that the first time I crossed the old railway bridge over the Augla River, I thought: “Here someone really has a hand for Nostalgia.” The city was founded in 1850, named after the Greek Delphos – a bit high for a piece Ohio, but that fits the ambitious founders who built the first post office and the first school, while Washington Township was created in the same year as the administrative area in Van Wert County. I feel that people here are still a bit proud that their little spots land once was an important hub for livestock trade – a heritage that is still seen in the old barns and the slightly weathered wooden signs.
When you arrive by car, take the US-30 that leads you directly to the heart of the city; a short trip to I‐75 will take you back to the rural labyrinth of Van Wert County in a few minutes. I personally enjoy strolling along the road after a short stop at the petrol station and watching the silent fields that shape the image of Delphos. And yes, if you ask where you get your lunch – the local diners serve what they call “home cooking”, and that’s exactly what you need after a day of history and land air. In short, Delpho's sights are not only points on a map, but small memories that the true adventure often lies where the road ends and the conversation with the locals begins.
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The first place I could not miss was that Lake Loramie State Park. Who drives here quickly realizes that the water is more than just a mirror for the surrounding fields – it is a magnet for anglers, campers and all who want to catch a bit of nature without sacrificing a whole weekend. I set up a tent there, that was not the most luxurious, but the noise of the lake has made up any crooked mattress. Parking is almost always a Klacks, unless you arrive on Friday night, then there is a small battlefield at the entrance.
A short detour to Van Wert brought me to Van Wert County Historical Museum. The building looks more like an old town hall from the outside, but artefacts are piled inside, giving you the feeling that you would have moved the time machine from “Back to the Future”. I saw an old tractor display there that reminded me of the summer of my childhood when my grandpa worked in the field. The entrance is free, and the staff is so friendly that they almost give you the feeling that you are part of the exhibition.
Just a few blocks on this Van Wert County Courthouse, an impressive brick building from the late 19th century. I gave myself there because I thought that was a typical place for dusty court negotiations – instead it was an architectural jewel with a dome that you can see from the highway. Parking is a bit more tricky here because the town hall is a popular photo stop for Instagrammers who want to post their “historical vibes”.
If you're looking for something that promises more hustle and bustle in the summer, that's Van Wert County Fairgrounds the address. The annual County Fair is a mix of rags, cattle shows and a lot of local cuisine that you can hardly find. I have eaten a piece of apple cake that was better than any gourmet patis series, and the giant wheel gave me a look over the fields that were almost poetic. Parking problems exist only when you try to arrive on Friday night – then the terrain is full of bee swarms.
A little further west, just above the border to Indiana, lies the Miami County Historical Museum in Peru. I was there because I thought it was a small, inconspicuous place, but the exhibition about the exploration of the West and the local railway history has completely surprised me. The museum is small, but every exhibit is carefully selected, and the staff knows every anecdote – a real treasure for history lovers.
The Wabash River slings right past Delphos and offers more than just a pretty sight. I rented a kayak there and spent a few hours paddling while the sun was falling over the fields. The water is quiet enough for beginners, but there are also places where the flow offers a little more challenge. Access is free, and parking on the small boat dock is usually easy as long as you do not arrive at the weekend when the local anglers occupy the shore.
For those who prefer to travel on two wheels, Wabash Heritage Trail A must. The cycle path follows the river and leads through picturesque landscapes, small villages and past historic markings. I drove the route on a cool autumn morning, and the air was so fresh that I almost felt I was in a outdoor equipment commercial. The trail is well developed and parking at the entry points is usually sufficient.
A short detour to Van Wert County Airport (K81) may not sound exciting for most travellers, but for me watching small aircraft is a small adrenalinkick. The airfield is just a few miles north of Van Wert, and parking is virtually right at the edge of the terminal. If you're lucky, you can see some landings and start-ups that look almost like a mini-airshow.
If you are looking for a mix of history, nature and a bit of local nature, you will find more than enough reasons to turn on the engine around Delphos. From the quiet waters of Lake Loramie to the dusty halls of the Van Wert County Historical Museum to the lively routes of the Wabash Heritage Trail – this environment has everything that desires the heart of a curious traveller. And yes, if you count all this together, you get a pretty good picture of what Delphos Attractions really.
This guide invites you to stroll with me through the small but self-willing Delphos, as if we sneak into the city after a long working day to inhale a bit of local flair.
I start with the Delphos Opera House, the only real opera house within 50 miles, which still carries its original velvet curtains – a bit like a forgotten movie star that suddenly reappears. The facade is a magnificent example of Victorian architecture, and the interior still smells like old wood and dust, which is the charm for me. If you get a ticket, be warned: The seats are narrow, but this is part of the experience, and parking is usually a Klack, unless you arrive on Friday night after the concert, then the field behind the building becomes a battlefield.
A short walk down the main road leads you to St John the Baptist Catholic Church. I don't always understand the hype about churches, but here you have the feeling that every tin can you throw into the altar creates a small echo in history. The stained glass windows are not only beautiful, they tell stories that you only know from history books. I once tried to hear the organ play while a tractor passes – that was an acoustic masterpiece.
If you're looking for a place where you can rest your feet while learning a little about the history of the city, that's what you want. Delphos Historical Museum That's right. The museum is housed in a former Carnegie-Bücherei building, which is itself a piece of history. The exhibition is small but fine – an old phone, an original postal carriage model and a bunch of photos showing how the city once lived from the Auglaize River. I've discovered an old photo of me there that I've never done, and that made me sneak.
A little fresh air? Let's go Delphos Riverfront Park. The river swells gently through the city, and the paths are perfect for a short run or a picnic if you are not being followed by a bear (no, that was a dog). The park has a small boat dock where you can rent a rowing boat in the summer – this is not what you find in the guides, but it is real. And yes, parking is a bit tricky here because the terrain has limited pitches; a bit of patience and a good feeling for free gaps help.
Another must is that Delphos City Hall with its iconic clock tower. The first time I saw the clock when I had run, and the hands suddenly showed up at 13:00 – a little joke in the city that made me laugh. The tower is not only an orientation point, it is also a popular photo background for Instagram users who believe they have discovered something special. The courtyard is open and you can stay there for a few minutes while you hear the quiet sum of the city.
For those who long for a cozy place to read or work, the Delphos Public Library a real secret tip. The library is an old Carnegie building that has been lovingly restored. I found an old town plan there that shows how the streets were earlier – a small treasure for urban planning nerds. The Wi-Fi is free, and the staff is friendly as long as you do not ask for the latest bestsellers, because the range is more classic.
And because I can't count everything in a breath, I still have to Delphos Water Tower mention the red landmark that can be seen from almost everywhere. It's not exactly a place to stay, but when you drive through the city at night, it creates a warm, slightly flickering light that looks almost romantic – at least for me that I like to bring a little nostalgia into modernity.
Finally, a short note to the Delphos Attractions: Most of them are in the heart of the city, so the car is not absolutely necessary if you are ready to run a few blocks. A bicycle is also practical, because the roads are not just wide here, but that makes exploring more interesting. And if you're in Ohio the next time, don't forget to stop in Delphos – it's not exactly Paris, but it has its own, slightly cynical charm that I personally don't want to miss.
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