Findlay

Around Findlay

Photo: User:Pepsi2786 · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

Town and around · Ohio · 75k people

Findlay

“Flag City, USA”

Findlay: proudly waving the flag for the Buckeye State.

GoldCrimson

Welcome to Findlay, where the oil heritage meets small-town charm. Whether you're here for the university, the parks, or the friendly folks, you'll find a community that's proud of its Flag City roots. Come explore the courthouse square, grab a treat at Dietsch Brothers, and enjoy the four seasons.

Clubs for Findlay

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The room

One room for everyone around Findlay. It never closes; when it's busy it splits into tables. Once you're in, you stay until you leave.

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Marketplace

Things for sale, free and wanted, and rooms for rent, from people around Findlay. Sign in to sell something.

Things to do

  • Flag City, USA A city-wide designation with flag displays and a monument.
  • University of Findlay campus Home of the Oilers and the Mazza Museum.
  • Mazza Museum International art museum for children's book illustrations.
  • Hancock County Courthouse Historic courthouse in downtown Findlay.
  • Oil derrick monuments Commemorates the region's oil boom history.
  • Riverside Park Large park along the Blanchard River with trails and playgrounds.
  • Outdoors Walk or bike the Blanchard River Trail
  • Outdoors Fish or boat at Findlay Reservoir
  • With kids Visit the Mazza Museum
  • With kids Spend a day at Riverside Park
  • Evenings Marathon Center for the Performing Arts
  • Evenings Local pubs
  • Locals love Ice cream shops (like Dietsch Brothers)
  • Locals love Local parks and trails

Through the year

  • Hancock County Fair August-September County fair with rides, livestock, and food.
  • Flag City Balloon Fest July Hot air balloon festival with launches and activities.
  • Findlay Summer Concert Series Summer Free outdoor concerts at Riverside Park.
  • Mazza Museum Summer Conference July Art and literacy conference for educators and fans.
  • Oilers Homecoming Fall University of Findlay homecoming with sports and alumni events.

Findlay has four distinct seasons: cold, snowy winters; hot, humid summers; and pleasant springs and falls. Best: Late spring and early fall offer the most comfortable temperatures.

Talk like a local

“Flag City”
Nickname for Findlay, referencing its flag displays.
“Oilers”
University of Findlay sports teams.
“The Fort”
Historical nickname for Findlay, from Fort Findlay.
“Hancock”
Shorthand for Hancock County.

Getaways

  • Toledo Visit the Toledo Zoo and art museum.
  • Lima Check out the Allen County Museum.
  • Tiffin Explore the historic downtown and Heidelberg University.
  • Defiance Outdoor recreation along the Maumee River.

Local flavour

Teams

  • University of Findlay Oilers NCAA Division II

Eat and drink

  • Dietsch Brothers ice cream A beloved local chain known for handcrafted ice cream and chocolates
  • Buckeyes Chocolate and peanut butter candy, a Ohio favorite.
  • Sweet corn Fresh from local farms in late summer.
  • Apple cider Pressed at nearby orchards in the fall.

Where people go

  • Flag City, USA Home to the Flag City Museum and numerous flag displays
  • Hancock County Courthouse Historic courthouse in the town square
  • Oil derrick monuments Reminders of the oil boom era that founded the city
  • University of Findlay campus Focal point for education and community events

Heritage and traditions

Findlay is proud of its oil heritage, its status as Flag City, USA, and its friendly, family-oriented community that balances small-town charm with a vibrant university presence.

This time of year in Findlay

  • Fall leaf peeping in the countryside October Drives along rural roads to enjoy the autumn colors.

Say it like a local: “Warsh” — To wash, as in washing dishes

Festivals

  • Flag City Celebration July A July 4th community celebration with fireworks, a parade, and live music at Riverside Park.
  • Findlay Christmas Parade December A downtown holiday parade featuring floats, bands, and a visit from Santa.
  • University of Findlay International Festival Spring A spring event showcasing food, music, and dance from around the world, hosted by the university's international students.

Landmarks with a story

  • Fort Findlay A War of 1812 fort site with a historical marker, commemorating the area's early military history.
  • Hancock County Historical Museum Housed in a former mansion, it preserves local artifacts including oil boom memorabilia and pioneer items.
  • St. Michael's Catholic Church A historic church downtown, known for its stained glass windows and active parish community.

Food traditions

  • Pork tenderloin sandwich A Midwest staple, this breaded and fried pork cutlet is served on a bun with pickles and onions at local diners.
  • Bratwurst and sauerkraut Reflecting German heritage, brats are grilled at church picnics and community events, often topped with local sauerkraut.
  • Apple butter In autumn, families make slow-cooked apple butter at local orchards, a tradition passed down through generations.
  • Creamy potato salad A side dish at summer cookouts and church potlucks, made with a mayonnaise base and hard-boiled eggs.

Music and arts

  • Mazza Museum A renowned collection of original children's book illustrations, drawing visitors from across the country.
  • Findlay Symphony Orchestra A community orchestra performing classical and pops concerts throughout the year.
  • Findlay Community Theatre Local productions of plays and musicals, a staple of the arts scene.

A little history

  • 1880s Oil boom
  • 1974 Flag City, USA designation
  • 1821 Founding of Findlay
  • 1882 University of Findlay founded as Findlay College
  • 1913 Great Flood of 1913

Rivalries

  • Findlay High vs. Liberty-Benton Local high school football rivalry.
  • University of Findlay vs. Tiffin University Conference rivalry in the GMAC.
  • Game day Oilers football games
  • Game day Findlay High School Friday night lights
  • Outdoors Canoe or kayak on the Blanchard River
  • Outdoors Geocaching at Oakwoods Nature Preserve
  • With kids Hancock County Historical Museum
  • With kids Findlay-Hancock County Public Library

People in Findlay speak with a neutral Midwestern accent, often saying 'pop' for soda and 'ope' as a polite interjection. The speech is generally clear and friendly, with a slight tendency to elongate vowels.

Only here

  • Flag City, USA designation—the city is officially known for its patriotic flag displays.
  • Oil derrick monuments—towering replicas of the derricks that fueled the 1880s oil boom.
  • Mazza Museum—one of the world's largest collections of original children's book illustrations.
  • University of Findlay's equestrian program—a nationally recognized center for equine studies and events.
New here? A few tips
  • Embrace the weather: winters are cold and snowy, summers are hot and humid.
  • Pronounce Findlay as 'FIND-lee' (rhymes with 'kindly').
  • Try a pork tenderloin sandwich at a local diner—it's a Midwest classic.
  • Visit Dietsch Brothers for homemade ice cream, a local institution.
  • Explore the Flag City, USA displays and the oil derrick monuments scattered around town.

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Part of Findlay area

Findlay, OH. Areas from the US Census Bureau and Statistics Canada; places from GeoNames. Local flavour was written with a model and may have mistakes. Team names identify teams; no endorsement.

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