Discover Putnam County

Plum Creek Nature Area lies between Froggy Park and Four Seasons Park. A raised boardwalk winds through the area, connects the two parks, and offers lovely views. In Putnam County, specific natural attractions like these sit alongside local history and recurring events.

Parks and Activities

The parks offer a range of activities. Four Seasons Park in Kalida has a running track; Cascade Park offers trails for outdoor recreation. It also has opportunities for fishing, birdwatching, and hunting. Hunting regulations vary by season. Ottawa Memorial Park has a disc golf course at 171 North Drive. This makes it easy to distinguish between a running track, trails, nature observation, fishing, and disc golf as different interests when planning your trip.

Gilboa Quarry adds underwater attractions to the mix. These include sunken vehicles and aircraft, swim-throughs, and diving platforms. These features offer a different focus for activities than the parks' trails and facilities. Those interested in underwater worlds will find a distinctive aspect of their outing plans here, alongside the options on land.

Local History and Collections

The collections at the Mazie Hauck Frey Local History Center are available for research into local genealogy and historical topics. This makes the Center a point of interest for travelers interested not only in specific places, but also in family history and the area's past.

The history of Sts. Peter & Paul Church begins with the property: The land for the church was first acquired in March 1861. However, because of the Civil War, the church was not built and completed until 1872. The two dates therefore mark different steps, from acquiring the land to completing the church. Another historic date takes us to Kalida: the Putnam County Pioneer Association was founded there on September 6, 1873.

The history of a former church building is also connected to its later use as a museum. The Kalida Lions Club purchased the former Kalida Methodist Church building at 201 E. Main Street in 1970 with funds raised at an event. The club then sold the building to the Pioneer Association for $10 to use as a museum. These steps offer a concrete glimpse into the stewardship of an older building and its intended use as a museum.

Festivals and Seasonal Music

The Putnam County Fair renews a tradition of service and community spirit each year. It honors the area's heritage, puts young people in the spotlight, and fosters community. Pioneer Days in Kalida has grown into a four-day festival and continues to celebrate Putnam County and its residents. The two events offer different opportunities to explore the area's community and historical character.

Music is also part of the seasonal offerings: The Rex hosts live music on Thursdays from June through August. If you want to plan your trip around Pioneer Days or an evening of music at the Rex, check the latest dates and event calendar in advance. Dates and programming for Pioneer Days may change; checking the current calendar is especially helpful for the Rex.

This gives you a clear set of options for planning your trip: park activities, local history, and events. First decide which of these themes will shape your stay; you can then plan your visit days around it without combining the different places and occasions into a single itinerary.

Discover more destinations: Gilboa, Champaign County, Noble County, Lawrence, Washington, Allen, Wayne, Fayette County.

Go to the main travel overview: Ohio.