Looking to take a little day trip to a new town, but you live in Ohio? Don't worry, a little town called Wapakoneta has everything you need for a unique and fun day trip from great coffee to outdoor exploring, to shopping, and one of the best space museums!
10 places you NEED to visit in Wapakoneta, Ohio
1. Armstrong Air & Space Museum
On July 20, 1969, the world watched with anticipation as Apollo 11 astronaut Neil Armstrong exited the lunar module and took humanity's first historical step on the Moon. This monumental "giant leap" is undoubtedly one of the most significant and unifying achievements in human history. Today, one major site for preserving this story and America's rich heritage in space exploration is the Armstrong Air & Space Museum, located in Armstrong's hometown of Wapakoneta, Ohio.
500 Apollo Dr, Wapakoneta, OH 45895
https://www.armstrongmuseum.org/
2. Coffé Amor Roastery & Cafe
We may be a bit biased on this one, but for good reason! Our cafe is located at 7 N Water St, just minutes down the road from the Armstrong museum, and just a minute from downtown. At Coffé Amor, we roast our coffee in the same building that our cafe is in! This means your coffee is as fresh as it gets! With a variety of espresso & coffee drinks on the menu, we've got something for everyone, and you can even find freshly roasted beans on the shelf if you want take a delicious souvenir back home with you, or order online to have fresh coffee shipped right to you!
7 N Water St, Wapakoneta, OH, 45895
3. Temple of Tolerance | Rock Garden
Jim Bowsher’s master work is undoubtedly The Temple of Tolerance. Developed as a refuge for young people battered by dysfunctional family dynamics or other destructive relationships, Jim spent nearly two decades moving and precisely placing innumerable rocks, many massive, along with other ornamental features, to construct the Temple grounds. The meandering pathways surrounding the central Temple reveal countless surprises, including a cottage built in the shape of a barrel, the door from a jail cell that once held members of the Dillinger gang, and peaceful alcoves for rest and meditation.
Jim has called The Temple “The physical manifestation of a philosophical concept—more a state of mind than a place.” The Temple’s role in the surrounding community embodies Jim’s guiding belief that all people are born with a natural capacity for goodness. A testament to this belief are the many adults who credit the Temple, and Jim’s friendship, with guiding them through difficult childhood and teenage years.
203 S Wood St, Wapakoneta, OH 45895
https://jimbowsher.com/the-temple-of-tolerance/
4. J. Marie's Wood-Fired Kitchen & Drinks
Opened in 2015, J. Marie's is a chef inspired wood-fired restaurant, with hand-made cocktails & beverages, local crafts beer and world-class wine selection. Located in the heart of downtown Wapakoneta! Here you can find wood-fired pizzas, their famous spinach dip, sandwiches, and more!
7 W Auglaize St, Wapakoneta, OH, 45895
https://www.facebook.com/woodfiredwapak/
5. The Side Rail
The Side Rail is built on a passion for bringing people together through great food, warm hospitality, and a welcoming atmosphere. We take pride in being a part of this community and strive to create memorable experiences for every guest, all with a true hometown atmosphere!
17 E Auglaize St, Wapakoneta, OH 45895
6. Modern Plantsman
The cutest plant shop in downtown Wapak, with plants from tiny to taller than you! They also have a selection of pots so you can also pick out pots to go with your new plants!
117 W Auglaize St, Wapakoneta, OH 45895
https://modern-plantsman.square.site/
7. Frost Impressions Clothing Boutique
Trendy women’s apparel & accessory boutique in the historical downtown Wapakoneta, Ohio! Located right next to Modern Plantsman, you can satisfy all your shopping needs! Tops, pants, shoes, a custom DIY hat bar, Frost is the place to shop for your next head-to-toe outfit!
115 West Auglaize Street, Wapakoneta, OH, 45895
8. Auglaize Antique Mall
Large antique store with a wide variety of antiques, collectibles, and vintage goods you won't find anywhere else!
116 W Auglaize St, Wapakoneta, OH 45895
http://auglaizeantiquemall.antiquetrail.com/
9. Max's Dairy Bar
Max’s Dairy has been a tradition in the Wapakoneta community since the early 1950s. The Dairy Bar was originally established on the corner of Bellefontaine and Benton Streets by Max Schlatter. The tradition of Max’s has continued for generation serving up its original soft serve recipe for more than 70 years.
901 Bellefontaine St, Wapakoneta, OH 45895
10. Wapa Theatre
This historical theatre has been around since 1904 and used to be home to many plays and performances! Today, the theatre operates as a movie theater with a single screen, open 6 days a week, and still holds all the unique character of the theatre from years ago. If you've got time, pop in and watch a movie!
15 Willipie St, Wapakoneta, OH 45895
See you soon in Wapakoneta!