Lima Travel Guide

Lima is located in northwestern Ohio along Interstate 75, in Allen County (of which it is the county seat) on the banks of the Ottawa River. Founded in 1831, Lima was named after Lima, Peru, the source of the "quinine bark" used for the treatment of "swamp fever" or malaria in pioneer days.

Lima quickly became a center of industry, producing machinery for the lumber and mining industries. The Shay Locomotive, first built in 1880, played in important part in the development of the lumbering and mining industry in the U.S. during the last two decades of the 19th Century. One of these locomotives (a Nickel Plate 779) is on display at the Allen County Historical Society Museum at 620 West Market Street.

Attractions include the Allen County Museum (one of the state's finest historical museums); the Lima Fire Fighters Memorial Museum; the MacDonell House, a Victorian mansion; The Tilton Farm, a log cabin built in the 1850s and a railway exhibit at Lincoln Park.

Lima also offers scenic hiking, biking and walking trails. A multitude of arts and cultural activities, including "Broadway in Lima" shows, the fantastic Lima Symphony Orchestra and a local performing arts theatre.

Lima is #1 in the state of Ohio with five excellent reservoir fishing locations. In addition, there are eight (yes eight!) 18-hole PGA Professional regulation public golf courses including the fabulous 160 acre "Golf at Sugar Creek" north of Lima.

Visit http://www.allencvb.lima.oh.us for more information.