Balloon Fest

Grimes Field
1636 North Main Street, Urbana

Hot-air balloons fill the skies of Champaign County every July as pilots travel from all over the state of Ohio to compete in this event. The balloons launch and fly across Champaign County, landing where the wind takes them!

This hot air competition takes place at Grimes Field in Urbana. Entertainment, face painting, food vendors, and more are followed by a crowd pleasing event, the balloon glow. What is the balloon glow? After dusk, the balloons while tethered to the ground, use their burners to light up like giant light bulbs.

Visit and see some of the most spectacular sights you have ever seen!

Barn Quilt Tour

Driving Tour

(937) 653-5764

www.champaigncountybarns.com

Quilts on barns? What an unusual idea! Designed to highlight the agricultural heritage of Champaign County as well as the important folk art of quilting, the Barn Quilt Tour features large patchwork quilt blocks hung on the side of barns and other farm buildings.

Although you can take the driving tour any time of year, each September you can participate in our live, open tours of multiple historic barns. View the 60 barn quilts on this unique driving tour of Champaign County. Visit the website, www.champaigncountybarns.com or call the Chamber of Commerce office at (937) 653-5764 for more information.

Bauer Stoves & Fireplaces Chamber Member

Don Bauer

3548 St. Rt. 54, Urbana

937-484-3456

www.bauerstovesandfireplaces.com/

Carl Potter Mound

The land where Mechanicsburg stands today was occupied in prehistoric times by the Mound Builders and later by the Shawnee.

Carmazzi's Deli & Candy Store

Monument Square, Urbana

937.653.7443

If you don’t know where to buy it, try Carmazzis! Carmazzi’s is a one of a kind grocery, gift, candy, toy, deli, soda shop frequented by kids who come in to buy their favorite candies and by adults who come in to buy candy they liked as kids!

Run by the five generations of family members, Carmazzi’s has been in the same building on the southwest corner of Monument Square since 1893 – stop by, you’ll always be greeted by a friendly smile!

Cedarville University

Cedarville

Distance: 26 miles

Champaign County Historical Society Chamber Member

Dick Virts

809 East Lawn Avenue, Urbana

937-653-6721

www.champaigncountyhistoricalmuseum.org/

Tuesday 10 to 4 and the first Sunday of the month.

Incorporated under the laws of the State of Ohio, the Champaign County Historical Museum is located at 809 East Lawn Avenue, Urbana, Ohio. The purpose of the Society is to promote education on the history of Champaign County and administer the collection, preservation; and display artifacts, documents and other historical resources from all of Champaign County.

Champaign County Library Chamber Member

Zara Liskowiak

1060 Scioto St., Urbana

937-653-3811

www.champaign.lib.oh.us/

Clark State Community College Chamber Member

Dr. Karen E. Rafinski

570 E. Leffel Ln., Springfield

937-328-6001

www.clarkstate.edu/

Distance: 14 miles

Edison State Community College

Piqua

Distance: 25 miles

Farmer's Market

Downtown Urbana (behind the city Building on South Main Street)

Every Saturday, April - October

Downtown Mechanicsburg - Farm & Artisan Market   

140 South Main St., Mechanicsburg

Every Tuesday, May - October

Freedom Grove

www.freedomgrove.com

Freedom Grove is neatly nestled between St. Route 55 and U.S. Rt. 68 on the south side of Urbana. Freedom Grove is a countywide collaboration to honor past and future heroes.

The Freedom Grove Bell Tower houses the 2003 Champaign County Bicentennial Bell, with engraved bricks placed in the area around the bell tower. There is a monument representing each war that the United States has been and is currently involved in. The monuments have been dedicated by local people, businesses, veteran organizations and clubs.

Freedom Grove is a beautiful, quiet space, with a half mile of walking paths and benches. It is a space where everyone can celebrate the Freedoms of America. To be shared with family and friends where we can remember those who gave their lives, for today, and future generations so that they may continue to enjoy our FREEDOMS!

Freshwater Farms of Ohio Chamber Member

Dr. Dave Smith

2624 North US Highway 68

937.652.3701

www.fwfarms.com

Open year round пїЅ Mon-Sat пїЅ 10am-6pm
Closed Sundays and major holidays

A selection of locally made jams and jellies, maple syrup, pottery and gifts. The Online Farm Catalog has a growing selection of items to order Online.

Ohio’s largest indoor fish hatchery, Freshwater Farms of Ohio is a vertically integrated hatchery, grow-out, processing, marketing, and retail operation. Farm-raised rainbow trout, largemouth bass, yellow perch, bluegill, channel catfish and more can be purchased for pond stocking. Visit the sturgeon petting zoo, feed the trout and take a tour of the fish farm.

Our Farm Market features fresh and smoked trout, caviar and gourmet foods. We offer

Graham Local Schools Chamber Member

Norm Glismann

370 E. Main St., St. Paris

937-663-4123

www.graham.k12.oh.us

Grimes Field Municipal Airport & Cafe

1636 N Main Street, Urbana

937-652-2010

www.grimesfield.com/index.php

Grimes Field is the legacy of Warren Grimes, Urbana’s premier entrepreneur and "The Father of the Aircraft Lighting Industry". The airport has evolved from a tax supported area to a self supporting operation. Services range from self service fuel (100LL and Jet A), The Airport Cafe which is open every day but Monday, a Care Flight hub, The Flying Lab Museum, and the working War Bird Museum known as the Champaign Aviation Museum.

The cafe is a place where the service is every bit as good as the food. You can look out the window and watch the airplanes land and take off as you dine.

Guild Galleries Interiors & Gifts Chamber Member

Phil & Sara Kerns

118 North Main Street, Urbana

937-653-6126

www.guildgalleries.com

*New Member for 2009*
 

Hemisphere Coffee Roasters, LLC Chamber Member

Paul & Grace Kurtz

22 South Main Street, Mechanicsburg

937-834-3230

www.hemispherecoffeeroasters.com

Hobart Institute of Welding Technology

Troy

Distance: 25 miles

Indian Springs Golf Course

11111 State Route 161
Mechanicsburg, OH 43044

800.752.7846

Architect: Jack Kidwell

Indian Springs is one of Mid Ohio's best golf courses. Conveniently located between Springfield and Columbus, it is just a driver and a putt away from your house. When you arrive at Indian Springs, you will be dazzled by this Jack Kidwell design. We offer you a scenic view of Mid Ohio wild life ranging from our wetlands to the beautiful Sycamore trees. You will encounter many challenges on the course, from the bunkers guarding your approach to our very own island green. The 27 holes contain bent grass greens, tees and fairways. After you consider our four star rating by Golf Digest, we are sure you will not be disappointed.

John Anderson Ward Farmstead

John Ward, the son of Urbana’s founder, William Ward, inherited a tract of land from his father. In his will, William Ward stipulated that a house be built on the land made from 26,500 bricks to be used by a local mason. The original house had 4 rooms. John Anderson and his wife Eleanor raised 7 children in the home. Two of those children became nationally recognized artists. In 1840 presidential candidate General William Henry Harrison brought his campaign to Champaign County. During his stay a feast was held on the Ward Farmstead where twelve, 300 foot tables were spread out across the lawn to seat thousands of people who came from across the countryside to see Harrison and hear him speak.

Lakeland Golf Course Chamber Member

Architect: Barry Serafin
1772 Kiser Lake Road
St. Paris, OH 43072

937.663.4707

www.lakelandgolfclub.com

2008 celebrates the 44th Season for Lakeland Golf Course. Lakeland was redesigned in 2002 to an 18-Hole Championship Course, by current owners Ron & Ana Burns, with the insight and expertise of known course designer Barry Serafin.

Lakeland offers a five-tee complex to maximize the enjoyment for all who play the course. Generous fairways are deceptively arrayed with strategically positioned bunkers and natural water hazards. The New Course continues to grow and mature, and challenges golfers of all levels.

Mad River Farm Market Chamber Member

Mark & Michelle Hess

7538 N US Highway 68
West Liberty, OH 43357

937-465-2030

Mechanicsburg Exempted Village Schools Chamber Member

Dr. Bobby L. Moore

60 High St., Mechanicsburg

937-834-2453

www.mechanicsburg.k12.oh.us

Mechanicsburg Public Library

60 S. Main St., Mechanicsburg, 43044 •

(937) 834-2004

Mercy Memorial Hospital Chamber Member

Jeanne Bowman

904 Scioto St., Urbana

937-653-5231

Miami Jacobs College

Troy

Distance: 24 miles

Michael Farms, Inc. Chamber Member

Todd Michael

5089 Urbana Moorefield Road, Urbana

937-484-3573

www.michaelfarms.com

Family traditions combined with the newest farming technologies enable us to supply the regions top retail stores and restaurants with the finest snap beans, potatoes, sweet corn and cabbage. Michael Farms is committed to customer service as well as producing a quality product. 

North Lewisburg County Library

161 Winder St., North Lewisburg •

(937) 747-3043

Ohio Caverns Chamber Member

Eric Evans

2210 St. Rt. 245 E., West Liberty

937-465-4017

www.ohiocaverns.com

Open throughout the year пїЅ Tours Daily
April 1 - October 31 пїЅ 9am-5pm
November 1 - March 31 пїЅ 9am-4pm
Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day
Historic Tours offered for groups of 10 or more with advanced reservations.

Concealed beneath the rolling farmland and wooded countryside of Champaign County, Ohio, the caverns were formed thousands of years ago when an underground river cut through ancient limestone and created vast rooms and passageways that later filled with countless crystal stalactites, stalagmites and other amazing formations.

Ohio Caverns is the largest and most beautiful of all Ohio Caves. Its exquisite crystal-white stalactite and stalagmite formations are nowhere to be found in greater profusion of artistic settings. The diversity of formations and unexcelled coloring are all the more interesting because the formations are still in the process of development so be sure to bring your camera to keep these memories.

Ohio Hi-Point South Campus

Urbana

Distance: 0 miles

Ohio Hi-Point Vocational School

Bellefontaine

Distance: 17 miles

Payne Theological Seminary

Wilberforce

Distance: 29 miles

Shadybowl Speedway

9872 Flowing Well Road, Degraff

(937) 585-9456

www.shadybowl.com

Come to the world’s fastest three-tenths mile paved oval track! Located in DeGraff at 9872 Flowing Well Road, drivers from across the United States compete in American Modified Series races, racing late models, street stocks, and more.

Springfield Regional School of Nursing

Springfield

Distance: 14 miles

St. Paris Public Library

127 E. Main St., St. Paris

(937) 663-4349

The Ohio State University

Columbus

Distance: 39 miles

Triad Local Schools Chamber Member

Craig M. Meredith

7920 Brush Lake Road, North Lewisburg

937-826-4961

www.triad.k12.oh.us

School Report Card - Effective

Upper Valley Joint Vocational School

Piqua

Distance: 25 miles

Urbana Country Club Chamber Member

Architects: P.F. & P.B. Dye
4761 E. US Hwy 36
Urbana, OH 43078

937.653.3136
Pro Shop: 937.653.4116

www.urbanacc.net

Pat Delaney - Golf Pro
Originally constructed around a six hole layout, P.F. "Pink" Dye (father of Pete) turned farmland into the Urbana Country Club in 1922 and was the first golf course in the country to have bent grass greens. The club has played host to Gene Sarazan, Tommy Armour, Walter Hagen, Sam Snead and Jack Nicklaus. In 1991 P.B. Dye designed the new 9. Complimenting each other, these two nine hole courses provide a unique golfing experience.  Less than one hour scenic drive from Columbus or Dayton, the Urbana Country Club offers dining and banquet facilities.

Urbana University Chamber Member

Christina Bruun-Horrigan

579 College Way, Urbana

937-484-1305

www.urbana.edu

Urgent Care

848 Scioto St B, Urbana

(937) 653-5211

Walkabout Farm’s Model Horses

11450 State Route 56, Mechanicsburg

(937) 828-1352

www.walkaboutfarm.com

Office Hours 10am-5pm

Walkabout Farm’s Model Horses was founded in 1997 by Gary and Valentine Starcher. Today, Walkabout Farm is one of the largest privately owned Breyer Retailers in the United States and one of the few retailers that carry the complete line of Breyer horses, animals and accessories.

West Liberty Library

117 N. Detroit St., West Liberty

(937) 465-3656

Wilberforce University

Wilerforce

Distance: 29 miles

Wittenberg University

Springfield

Distance: 14 miles

Wright State University

Dayton

Distance: 29 miles

Airport Cafe Chamber Member

Douglas Hall

1636 N Main St. Urbana

937-652-2010

www.grimesfield.com

Tuesday thru Saturday, 6:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Kiser Lake State Park

Box 55
Rosewood, Ohio 43070

937.362.3822

The quiet and relaxing atmosphere of Kiser Lake State Park makes it a favorite Ohio getaway. The rolling wooded hills and diverse wetlands add to the beauty of this scenic lake known for its clean, clear water.
Activities:
Camping, Boating, Fishing, Hunting, Trails, Picnicing, Swimming, and Horse Trails. Call for more information.

Kiser Lake Wetlands Nature Preserve, located within the park, consists of two separate areas on the south side of the lake. These areas are remnants of a 300-acre fen known as Mosquito Lake Bog, which was created by the last glacier invading Ohio.

Big Shaggy Buffalo Ranch

6569 State Route 55
Urbana

937-788-2333

www.bigshaggybuffaloranch.com

Fri,Sat, Sun 10A-6P

Birch Bark Canoe

1455 River Road
Urbana, OH 43078

937-652-2663

www.birchbarkcanoelivery.com

Hours during season: 9am-3pm weekdays • 9am-4pm weekends
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED

Canoe through the unspoiled, cool and clear waters of the Mad River in Champaign County. The Mad River is an excellent river for you to discover the great outdoors by canoe. The water is clear enough to see the river bottom your entire trip. It has a light current, based on recent weather, to carry you along, but is not so strong that you can’t paddle against it if you want to try your paddling skills. Short shallow rapids along the way provide a pleasurable change of pace. Many families and groups have found the Mad River to be a great way to discover the wonderful enjoyment of canoeing in Ohio!

Cedar Bog Nature Preserve

980 Woodburn Road
Urbana, OH 43078

937-484-3744

www.cedarbog.org

Bog - Wed-Sun 9am-4pm
Building - Wed-Sun 10am-4pm
$4.00/adult $3.00/student

Cedar Bog Nature Preserve is the largest and best example of a boreal and prairie fen complex in Ohio. It has many rare plants and animals as well as excellent orchid, prairie and woodland wildflower displays. 

An almost mile long boardwalk guides the visitor through this preserve of Ohio’s recent to Ice Age past. Mastodons probably fed here and all of the Indian cultures of Ohio lived around here.

Cedar Bog is located in Champaign County four miles south of Urbana, west off of U.S. Route 68 on Woodburn Road.

Davey Woods Nature Preserve

Lonesome Road
St. Paris, OH 43072

937-663-4197

http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/location/davey_woods/tabid/886/Default.aspx

Open 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset

Ohio, offers pleasant summer hiking (no mosquitoes), nice fall colors and a beautiful winter landscape.

Located in Champaign County 7 miles west of Urbana on U.S. Highway 36, proceed 1 mile north on Neal Rd, then 1/2 mile west on Smith Rd, and northwest on Lonesome Rd to the preserve entrance. Site features small parking lot and 1-1/2 mile two-loop trail system.

It is one of the best woodlots remaining in this part of Ohio. Named in honor of the Davey Tree Expert Company which, through The Nature Conservancy, provided half the funding to acquire this site in 1989. The terrain, hilly for this part of

Abide by ODNR Preserve Rules at all times

Historic Downtown Shopping

Mechanicsburg
St. Paris
Urbana

Johnny Appleseed Museum

579 College Way
Urbana, OH 43078

937-484-1368

www.urbana.edu/appleseed.htm

Tue-Fri 10am-2pm - Sat 12noon-4pm

Located on the campus of Urbana University, the Johnny Appleseed Museum contains the largest known collection of memorabilia, written material and artifacts about the early Ohio pioneer. The popular folk hero traveled all over Ohio, planting apple seeds and developing a fine business selling his apple trees. The Johnny Appleseed Society provides programs for school and church groups, senior citizens and bus tour groups.

Piatt Castles

Margaret Piatt

10051 Twp Rd 47
West Liberty, OH 43357

P.O. Box 497, West Liberty

937-465-2821

www.piattcastles.org

Simon Kenton Bike Path

www.simonkentonpathfinders.org

Founded by the Simon Kenton Pathfinders in 1997, the 14 mile Simon Kenton Trail connects Urbana and Champaign County with Ohio’s developing network of multi-use trails, offering visitors and local residents a safe place to bike, walk, run and skate. The trail, which is wheelchair accessible, follows the abandoned Erie- Lackawanna rail line. It begins at the Champaign Family YMCA, loops around Melvin Miller Park, and passes through town, by the recently restored Urbana Station Depot, Urbana University, the Johnny Appleseed Museum and near the industrial park. The trail continues south to Woodburn Road, near Cedar Bog, Ohio’s first nature preserve. In Springfield it connects with the Little Miami Scenic Trail, which goes through Yellow Springs and ends in the Cincinnati area.