Van Wert: Peonies, Art and Outdoor Recreation

Opened in 1901, the Brumback Library is considered the first county library in the United States. The Brumback Library, Wassenberg Art Center, seasonal events and outdoor offerings provide a variety of starting points for planning a trip to Van Wert.

Culture, Art and Peonies

The Wassenberg Art Center offers pottery, painting and weaving classes for all age groups. The gallery lists regular opening hours from Wednesday to Sunday; on Thursdays, it is also open in the evening. Check the gallery’s current hours before you travel if you plan to visit.

The Peony Festival is also part of the town’s event history. After it was first held in 1932, Van Wert became known as the “Peony Capital of the World.” The festival has been held annually ever since, with only a few interruptions. If it is the reason for your trip, check the dates for that year’s festival in advance.

Parks and Outdoor Activities

Franklin Park has two playgrounds, a walking path, basketball and pickleball courts, a skate park and a splash pad. The range of facilities gives you several ways to spend time in the park or add outdoor activities to your daily plans.

Another specific planning reference is the trail at Rotary Athletic Complex: it connects Smiley Park with Richey Road and is an estimated 5.9 miles long. Four bike trails also run through the region at the Van Wert County level.

Hiestand Woods Park includes a nature preserve with shelters, a playground and trails. The Van Wert City Reservoirs offer opportunities for fishing and water activities. For those interested in nature and outdoor recreation, these provide additional trip-planning options alongside the facilities at Franklin Park.

Seasonal Offerings and Practical Information

From June to August, the Children's Garden programs teach children and adults about gardening and nature. The Fountain Park Summer Music Series takes place on Friday evenings from June to August. Both offerings fall within the same period but have different focuses: learning and nature are at the heart of the Children's Garden, while the Summer Music Series features Friday-evening music.

Public swimming is available daily at YMCA Camp Clay; admission includes all water activities in the park. Outdoor operations are seasonal and weather-dependent. Keep these conditions in mind when planning a day of swimming. Lincoln Ridge Farms offers school groups hands-on educational field trips at a working farm.

A three-day bluegrass festival featuring activities and music takes place at the Van Wert County Fairgrounds. Event dates are seasonal and should be checked before you travel. For 2026, tickets for all Van Wert County Fair grandstand events were available by phone, online or in person at the office. Since ticket options may change from one fair year to the next, check the information for the year of your visit.

Van Wert County lies on the southern edge of the Great Black Swamp. Free parking is available close to the Niswonger Performing Arts Center. On event evenings, designated accessible parking spaces are available on the north and south sides. Check the parking arrangements for the specific event.

Discover more destinations: Van Wert, Delphos, Ohio City, Mercer County, Adams County, Lorain, Logan, Wyandot County.

For the overview of destinations: Ohio.