Visit New Paris Preble Ohio and the surrounding area to see the top sights. New Paris, Ohio: Discover the Amish Country!The "Amish Country" in New Paris offers an unforgettable experience. Here the amicans live without electrical devices and traditional way of life. Experience the day with a horse-travel tour or enjoy an old-style dinner.On the way there we recommend a visit to the "Indian Caverns", underground show caves with fascination for boys and girls.New Paris offers a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere that lets you relax. A valuable holiday destination for families and lovers of nature!
To be honest, when I hear the word “New Paris Sights”, I immediately think of the inconspicuous but charming story of this little spot in the heart of Jefferson Township, Preble County, Ohio – not about the Eiffel Tower, but a village founded in 1817 by a few brave pioneers who believed to bring a little French flair to the Wild West. The first houses were close to each other because the weather here in the summer can be mercilessly hot and bitterly cold in winter, and that forced the neighbors to help each other – a bit like in a large family, only without the constant drama. I usually drive over the state route 49, because the land roads here look a bit like a set of films from the 50s, and that is practical if you want to stop spontaneously at one of the local diners to sneak a coffee. I don't quite understand the hype about the supposedly “historical” building, but the old town hall, which still beats the heart of the community, has a certain retro charm for me, which is just really great. And while most visitors are probably just looking for the next Instagram spot, I find it much more satisfying to just stroll through the quiet streets, feel the headstone pavement and realize that life is pulsating more slowly here – a real secret tip for all those who have enough of crowded tourist centers. So the next time you drive over Ohio, don't forget to make a detour to New Paris; the city has more to offer than one would suspect at first glance, and that is exactly what I love about “New Paris sights”.
I have to admit that my favorite place in New Paris is not some hip rooftop bar, but the inconspicuous but damn charming New Paris Public Library. The 1915 building looks like a small museum for book lovers, and the best: The scent of old paper is almost permanently in the air, as if someone had allowed the time here to run a bit slower. Parking is usually a Klacks – a few free places right in front of the entrance, as long as you are not there with the whole village on Saturday night, then it becomes a real patience game.
A short walk down the main road leads you to New Paris Historical Society Museumhoused in the old school from the 1920s. I don't understand the hype about big city museums, but here you feel like you're immersed in the history of the region without being suffocated by crowds. I found an old diary there that belonged to a peasant from the 1880s – a real find that made the picture of New Paris even more alive.
If you are looking for a place to represent your feet while watching the local life, then the New Paris Community Park That's right. The park has a baseball field, a small playground and a barbecue area where the neighbors turn their sausages on Sundays. I had a spontaneous picnic there in the summer with some locals; the conversation quickly turned around the weather and the best fishing spots at the nearby Great Miami River – no joke, that was almost a mini adventure.
Another jewel I mention is the St John the Baptist Catholic Church. The Gothic facade is not exactly what you expect in Ohio, but the interior with the colorful glass windows is really impressive. I took part in a Sunday Mass, just to see how the church comes together after worship and distributes homemade pancakes – this is the true New Paris experience when you ask me.
Right next to the church stands the United Methodist Church, another historical building that is often overlooked. The church is super friendly, and I sang there at a choir tasting evening – that was a bit weird, but the voices of the villagers really surprised me. If you happen to be there on a Wednesday, there's always a small cup of coffee where you can learn more about local legends.
A short detour over the old iron bridge, which is simple as Old New Paris Bridge is always worth it. The bridge spreads over the Great Miami River and offers a great view of the water, especially in autumn when the foliage shines in all colors. I once discovered an old photo of my grandfather that he made on the river banker – that immediately reminded me of my childhood when I caught fish with my father.
And then there are New Paris Farmers Marketfrom May to October every Saturday morning. Here you get fresh strawberries, homemade jam and the best honey in the region – no joke, the honey is so good that I sprinkle it on my cereal almost every day. Parking is a bit tricky here, because the road is quickly full, but a few places behind the town hall are always free when you come early enough.
If you think it's a bit too much now, let me tell you that the New Paris Attractions are actually quite relaxed to explore. You don't need a guide who tells you when you need to be – just start the car, get rid of a bit and let this little village look at you. And if you're close next time, just stop by – I promise you won't be disappointed.
The first stop of my little Odyssey was Preble County Historical Society Museum in Eaton – a place I always underestimate, because it looks more like an inconspicuous brick box from the outside. Inside, however, old maps, yellowed newspapers and a few barns are stacked, giving you the feeling that you would have accidentally entered the archives of a forgotten small town. I discovered an old photo exhibition that shows the year 1900 in all its dusty splendour; that was a real eye opener because I thought it was only Instagram filters in 1900 and not real sweat beads. Parking is usually a Klacks as long as you don't come on Saturday night, then the field behind the museum becomes a battlefield for the last places.
A short detour leads me to Gantz Farm, one of the few places where you can still see real cows that not only pose for the photo. I remember having a picnic with self-baked apple cake there in the summer of 2022, while a curious goat's jack tried to puck my blanket. The farm offers not only fresh eggs, but also a small farm shop where you can buy honey, which tastes sweeter than any marketing campaign. The way there is well signposted, and parking is right next to the main building – a huge advantage when you arrive with a packed picnic basket.
The Little Miami Scenic Trail is what I call “the green vein of the Middle West”. I have repeatedly straightened the route of about three miles, which runs south of New Paris, because it is so well maintained that you almost feel that nature is here in slow motion. Once, with a strong backwind, I had to stick to a small wooden bridge while a passing tractor shrouded loudly over the field paths – a moment that showed me that the land life is not yet fully digitized. The trail is free, and parking at the trailhead is usually sufficient as long as you don't get to the high season.
A little further John H. Miller Memorial Park in Eaton, a small green piece that I like to use for a spontaneous badminton game with native seniors. The park has a small lake in which ducks swim, and a monument reminiscent of the local veterans – a place that radiates tranquility and a little patriotism at the same time. I once experienced a summer festival where a local baker sold his famous pancakes; that was better than any gourmet cuisine because it was spiced with real community. Parking is at the entrance, but it can be done on sunny weekends, so it's better to come early.
A bit further east, almost into the metropolis, this is Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park. I have to admit I was skeptical because I thought it was just another museum for aircraft enthusiasts. But when I visited the original workshops of the Wright brothers, I realized that history consists not only of dust, but of engine tubes and the smell of lubricating oil. The tour was not free, but the money was worth it because I was allowed to touch an original propeller blade there – a real highlight that I will never forget. Parking is available at the visitor center, but it costs a small amount, and on holidays it can become a little chaotic.
Only half an hour further south National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, the world's largest military aviation museum. I spent more hours there than I had actually planned because I lost myself in the endless halls with jets that are bigger than some houses. A particularly memorable moment was when I took a seat in an old B-52 cockpit and had the feeling that I could take off any moment – a little childish fantasy that woke up there again. The museum offers a huge parking lot that is almost never full unless a large aviation event is underway.
To finish my little tour, Carillon Historical Park not missing, a place that presents the history of Dayton and its surroundings in a mixture of open-air museum and interactive exhibitions. I saw the Original-Wright-Flyer replica there and then drank coffee in the café while listening to the sound of the giant carillon – a sound that reminded me that history is not only made of dust, but of sound and movement. The parking lot is spacious, parking is free, and the staff is friendly enough to give you the feeling that you are a welcome guest.
If you explore the surroundings of New Paris, you can quickly discover that the region has more to offer than just fields and country roads – from historical museums to idyllic farms to vast trails and aeronautical temples. These New Paris Attractions show that the heart of Preble County is as vibrant as its larger neighbours, and they offer every traveler a bit of history, nature and the distinctive flair of the Middle West.
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