Visit Scott Van Wert Ohio and the surrounding area to see the top sights. Discover Scott, Ohio: Experience the old railway city and its industrial culture. Walk in the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal or visit the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. Enjoy regional specialities such as Cincinnati Chili in the historic Skyline Chili.
Honestly, when I first heard about Scott, I thought that was just another slept spot in the Middle West, but the story of this little place in Union Township, Van Wert County, surprised me a bit. Founded at the end of 19. Through the nearby railroad route, Scott quickly grew into a trading venue for the surrounding farmers – a bit like a mini-chicago, only without the whole crowd.
I don't quite understand the hype around the old warehouses, but the quiet brick buildings along Main Street have a peculiar charm that almost makes you believe you would walk in a movie from the 1930s. When you get out of Dayton by car, simply follow the US‐30 to the Van Wert exit and then a few kilometers north – no GPS sense, which is almost like a small road trip back to time.
A short detour to the local cemetery is not a joke: The tombstones tell stories of families who have been here for generations, and this gives the place a depth that you rarely find in the usual guides. And yes, if you ask yourself what else you can see – the answer is: “Scott sights” are not only the historic buildings, but also the people who are still proud to defend their homeland while testing the latest fast food restaurant.
I have to admit right at the beginning that my favorite place in Scott is not some hip rooftop bar, but the inconspicuous Scott Community Park. There, between the old oaks and the squeaking playground, I stole the best ice cream in the region on a hot July afternoon – no joke, the ice cream from the ice car on the corner is actually better than what you find in the big cities. Parking is usually easy, except on Saturday night, there will be a real problem because then the annual barbecue and music festival starts and everyone tries to get a place next to the big grill.
A short walk further (approximately five minutes if you don't think about the next photo) leads you to Scott United Methodist Church. I don't quite understand the hype about church visits, but the gothic window bench and the crackling organ give the place a charm you miss in most modern community centers. Last year I saw a little concert there – the singer was a teenager from Marion, and her song echoed through the high ceilings as if the whole village was lurking.
If you ask where you can turn off your car while you explore the area, see this Scott Volunteer Fire Department on. Yes, it sounds like a place where you extinguish fire, not a tourist attraction, but the red brick house is a local meeting place. I once drank a coffee with the fire brigade chief while explaining why the annual “Firefighter’s BBQ” is the highlight of the summer – and why the grilled goods taste better and better there than what you can prepare at home.
A bit further north, almost on the edge of the place, lies the Scott Cemetery. No romantic cemetery romanticism, rather a quiet place where the history of the village is written in weathered gravestones. I found an old veteran there, whose name I can no longer express, but the inscription “Here rests a man who had more courage than the land gave him” has made me thinkful. It's a place you don't have to visit, but if you happen to come by, take a moment to enjoy the silence.
Another highlight that I cannot overlook is that Scott Elementary School – yes, this is actually a place I like to visit because the children there always tell the best stories. Last spring, I accidentally saw a little play at the parents' evening, which was performed by the fourth-leafers. The energy was contagious, and I was wondering why I didn't go to such classrooms more often to recharge a bit of childish discomfort.
For those looking for a real piece of local culture, there are Scott Farmers Market (not to be confused with the big markets in Marion). There are fresh apples, homemade jams and occasionally some handmade ceramics. I met an old man there who told me that he was here every Saturday since 1972 – his vegetables are not only good, but also a piece of history that you can taste. And yes, the word “Scott Sights” sounds almost too formal here, but that’s exactly what I mean when I speak of the small but fine things that make up this place.
Finally, a short hint: If you're looking for a place to just sit and watch the drive, go to the little one Scott Diner on the main road. The coffee is strong, the staff knows you by the name (after the third visit), and the sign over the door that announces “Home of the Best Pancakes” is more promise than marketing gag. I have had more conversations there than in any other café in the area, and this is the true sign for me that a place is alive.
One might think that a place like Scott, Union Township, has barely more to offer than a few field roads and the occasional tractor noise, but the environment has a few surprising beads in the sleeve that I like to present with an eye-catcher. Right north, just a short cat jump from the main road, this is Van Wert County Historical Museum. I have learned more about local agriculture than I would ever find in a textbook – and this is an exhibition piece that is supposed to be an original tractor from the 1920s, but rather looks like an art project. Parking is usually a Klacks, except when the museum has special exhibitions and suddenly everyone shows up from the county.
A few miles further, this imposing Van Wert County Courthouse. The building is a real example of the splendour of past times, with a dome that is almost as high as my optimism after a long working day. I once observed a court appointment there – no joke, that was almost like a live theatre piece, only with more suit and less popcorn. The interiors are freely accessible, so if you want to impress yourself from the architecture, you can simply spit in; the only obstacle is the occasional murmuring of visitors who complain about the long waiting times.
If you're in the area in the summer, you'll have to Van Wert County Fairgrounds do not miss. The annual county fair is a mix of rags, cattle shows and a portion of nostalgia, which brings even the most sceptical visitor to the snoop. I remember a year when I watched a chicken “Küken-Rennen” from pure boredom – that was definitely the highlight I never expected. Parking situation? On Friday afternoon, the grounds are full, but if you arrive early enough, you will find a place between the food stands and the carousels.
A short detour to the south leads you to Lake Loramie State Park. Yeah, that's a bit further away, but the ride is worth it if you're looking for a little nature off the fields. The lake is ideal for fishing, boating or just for rumbling on the shore, while you're smiling to the quiet water plunder. I once made a picnic that was almost completely sabotaged by a curious duck pair – a small price for the peaceful atmosphere. The park offers free parking, but on hot summer days it can be full, so better be there early.
For those who prefer to enjoy culture inside, this is Van Value Public Library an underestimated jewel. The library has not only an extensive archive about the region, but also regular readings and small exhibitions. I took part in a reading where a local author spoke about the “Lost Stories of Van Wert” – that was a real eye opener considering how little one knows about the small cities. Parking is right in front of the building, and the staff is always friendly as long as you don't talk loudly about your favorite cars.
Another, slightly overlooked goal is that Van Wert Community Center. Concerts, dance evenings and even a few amateur theatre performances take place regularly. I was once at a local jazz evening where the musicians had more talent than the entire line-up of County Fairs. The center has a small parking lot, which is usually free, unless there is a big community event – then you have to satisfy yourself with the usual crowd.
Whether you're a history fan, nature lover or just someone looking for a bit of a change from everyday life – Scott's environment has more to offer than you would suspect at first glance. From museums to historical dishes to relaxed lakes – there is enough material to satisfy your desire to travel. And if you pack it all together, you get a pretty good picture of what the Scott Attractions really.
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