Also known as a Semiquincentennial, Bisesquicentennial, the Sestercentennial or the Quarter Millennial, on July 4, 2026, the United States of America will turn 250 years old!
Shores & Islands Ohio, and the US will be holding celebrations leading up to July 4, 2026. This landing page has been created so you can stay up-to-date on all the festivities our region has to offer as we come together to celebrate our country’s collective shared history!
Discover 250 years of American history along the Lake Erie shoreline. Explore lighthouses, landmarks, and local legacies across Erie County on a self-guided tour you can enjoy at your own pace. Each stop shares a chapter of America’s story, highlighting the people, places, and innovations that helped shape the nation and the community spirit that still defines the region today.
History Mystery Ottawa County America 250 Tour
Get ready to explore Ottawa County through stunning natural landscapes, unique landmarks, and rich cultural history. This self-guided trail features 31 sites from Curtice to Marblehead, plus stops on Put-in-Bay and Middle Bass. Use a printed map and legend or participate online with Bandwango. Complete the trail and answer at least 15 trivia questions to earn a commemorative Ottawa County-America 250 “History Mystery Trail” patch. Free!
Discover the treasures of the past, one selfie at a time.
Explore fascinating places across Shores & Islands Ohio where history happened. Solve the clues, visit each site, and snap a selfie to show you were there. Share your photos with #snapthepast so others can follow along. Complete 12 locations to be eligible for a prize, then stop by one of the Welcome Centers to claim it.
Embark on a journey along U.S. Route 250, a historic corridor weaving through Ohio's rich tapestry of towns and landmarks. From Sandusky's lakeside charm to Milan's tribute to Thomas Edison, Norwalk's "Maple City" allure, Ashland's academic heritage, and Wooster's vibrant downtown, this route offers a scenic passage through pivotal moments in American history. As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, exploring U.S. Route 250 provides a unique lens into Ohio's integral role in the American story
Join the Ottawa County Historical Society and the DAR-Norwalk Sally De Forest Chapter on Saturday, May 17th, for the dedication of a new marker honoring American Revolution patriots. The ceremony will take place from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Wolcott Family Cemetery, located a quarter-mile north of the Wolcott Keeper's House at 9999 E. Bayshore Road. This event pays tribute to the enduring legacy of early pioneers who contributed to America's independence.
Ottawa County has a number of dedicated historical markers for you to visit. We have 27 places on the National Register of Historic Places (2 of which are also National Historic Landmarks), 21 State of Ohio Historical markers, and 14 markers placed by local organizations. Here you’ll find brief information on each of the markers with its location and a photo, if available. We hope you enjoy learning about these treasured places.
Erie County has over 70 historical markers. These markers are scattered throughout Erie County—along roads and streets, in front of buildings, in parks and parking lots, along trails—but the majority are located in Sandusky and Huron and Huron Township. Each marker highlights something significant in the story of Erie County—a special event, a unique structure, the birthplace of a notable person. The list is long and varied. Taken together, they represent much of the significant history of the county.
We know you always meant to visit these historic communities – and here is your chance. Each Walking Tour provides photos and histories of the wonderfully old buildings and homes and the people who lived or worked in them. Explore the rich history in our communities!
Many small steps led to that first giant leap for mankind, and many of these steps occurred in Ohio.
Before Wapakoneta native Neil Armstrong walked on the moon, the Wright brothers invented the first controlled airplane in their small Dayton bike shop. William Grimes illuminated night flights through the invention of aviation lighting just a few miles from the Wrights' test field. A pair of scientists in a top-secret laboratory in Miamisburg created spacecraft power systems that made exploration of deep space possible. These are just a few examples of how Ohioans propelled aviation and space exploration. Today, Ohio remains at the epicenter of aviation and aerospace research, innovation and manufacturing.
Follow in the footsteps (or flight paths) of pioneer aviators, innovators and explorers who helped the world take flight. Explore more than 30 museums and historic sites to learn more about Ohio’s contribution to aviation and aerospace.
Ohio’s waterways — Lake Erie, the Ohio River, and the remarkable historic canal systems—did more than move boats; they moved a nation.
Lake Erie opened the Midwest to the world, while the Ohio River carried dreams and goods south and west. Canals like the Ohio & Erie turned wilderness into a bustling corridor of commerce and connection. These lifelines fueled industry and growth, building the backbone of America. Today, they still shape our lives, providing clean drinking water; powering economies through shipping, recreation, and fisheries; and anchoring quaint canal towns and vibrant waterfront cities. For thousands of years, they’ve sustained life, sparked innovation, and defined Ohio’s story … one ripple at a time.
This “drive your own adventure” experience connects you to the stories and places where you can explore the state’s maritime stories and places.
Ohioans have been at the center of American creativity for generations — and they continue to add richness to the American canvas. Discover Ohio’s vibrant creativity on the Ohio Creativity Trail, featuring over 100 inspiring sites across the state. Explore sites that encompass one (or more) of six artistic genres or enjoy a “mixed media” journey within a single region.
From historic influences to modern artistry, this “drive your own adventure” experience will connect you with the stories, spaces, and energy of Ohio’s creative community. Be inspired to explore art and unlock your own creativity along the way!
The Ohio Innovation Trail celebrates the people, places, and ideas that helped Ohio turn practical problem-solving into discoveries with lasting impact. Created as part of America 250-Ohio, the trail connects visitors with stories of invention, industry, science, and everyday ingenuity, from safer transportation and medical breakthroughs to manufacturing advances and household innovations. Travelers can explore the trail by interest or location, using the interactive map to discover how Ohio innovators helped shape life in the state, across the country, and around the world.
The Ohio Transportation Trail highlights the people, places, and systems that helped make Ohio a crossroads for American movement. Created as part of America 250-Ohio, the trail connects visitors with transportation stories across aviation, roads, railroads, waterways, and places where multiple modes meet. From the Wright brothers and Lake Erie shipping routes to historic highways, rail networks, canals, and freight hubs, the trail offers a “drive your own adventure” look at how Ohio helped move people, products, and ideas forward.
Thought Milan was only famous as the home of Thomas Edison? Shores & Islands Ohio Travel counselor Glenda shares this guest post to educate us on another side of Milan and a unique tie to her hometown! Hi…
Learn More — Milan, Milan Township, and the Moravians
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