Celina

Celina is a city in West Central Ohio, serving as the county seat of Mercer County. Nestled along the shores of Grand Lake St. Marys, Ohio's largest inland lake, Celina offers a blend of outdoor recreation, arts, entertainment, and modern amenities, making it a welcoming destination for travelers.

Understand

Founded in 1834, Celina has evolved from an agricultural hub to a vibrant lakeside community. The city's history is deeply connected to Grand Lake St. Marys, originally constructed as a feeder lake for the Miami and Erie Canal. Today, Celina embraces its lakeside appeal with waterfront developments, parks, arts, and a bustling downtown area that caters to both residents and visitors.

Get in

By car

Celina is easily accessible by several major highways:

• U.S. Route 127 runs north-south through Celina, connecting it to northern and southern Ohio.
• Ohio State Route 29 connects Celina to Interstate 75 (20 miles east), providing easy access to Dayton (75 miles southeast) and Toledo (95 miles north).
• U.S. Route 33 lies northeast of Celina, offering a direct route to Columbus (approximately a 2-hour drive). Fort Wayne, Indiana, is 55 miles northwest via U.S. Route 33, making Celina accessible from Indiana.

By air

In addition to nearby regional airports, travelers can access Celina via several major airports:

• Dayton International Airport (DAY), about 60 miles southeast of Celina, offers numerous domestic flights.
• Fort Wayne International Airport (FWA), approximately 55 miles northwest, is another convenient option.
• John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), approximately 100 miles east of Celina, provides a wide range of domestic flights (about a 2-hour drive).
• Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), about 110 miles south of Celina, offers numerous domestic and international flights (approximately a 2-hour drive).
• Indianapolis International Airport (IND), roughly 120 miles southwest of Celina, offers extensive flight options (about a 2-hour drive).
• Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW), approximately 150 miles northeast of Celina, is a major hub for domestic and international flights (about a 2.5 to 3-hour drive).

All these airports provide rental car services for easy access to Celina.

Get around

By car

Driving is the most convenient way to explore Celina. The city's layout is straightforward, and most attractions are within a short drive. Ample parking is available downtown, at parks, and near major attractions.

By boat

Numerous area businesses have boat docks along Grand Lake St. Marys. The City of Celina also offers courtesy docks for visitors. Exploring by boat provides a unique perspective of the lake and easy access to lakeside attractions.

By shuttle

• Blue Goose Transit operates a weekend shuttle service connecting key locations such as downtown Celina, Boardwalk Village, and recreational spots along Grand Lake St. Marys.

On foot or by bicycle

Celina's downtown area and lakefront parks are pedestrian-friendly. Walking or cycling along the West Bank Walkway offers scenic views of the lake and easy access to local shops and restaurants.

See

Arts

Lake Area Arts Group (LAAG). Promotes visual arts in the Grand Lake area to inspire all people to create, nurture, and appreciate the arts. Works of local artists are on permanent display at the Celina City Building and the Zahn-Marion Township Library in Chickasaw. 

Celina Area Photo Club. Photographers of all skill levels are encouraged to join and share their passion, knowledge, and techniques. The club features members with a broad spectrum of experience and training. 

Landmarks

Rotary Lighthouse, Lake Shore Dr & US-127. A 40-foot working lighthouse built in 1986 by the Celina Rotary Club. It features a wrought iron observation deck for panoramic lake views and is an iconic landmark in Celina. 

1 Grand Lake St. Marys East Bank Lighthouse, East Bank Park. A charming lighthouse located in East Bank Park. It offers scenic views of the lake and symbolizes the area's maritime history. 

Mercer County Courthouse, 101 N Main St. An architectural gem with Ionic columns, bronze doors, and marble staircases. The interior boasts a beautiful stained-glass dome. 

Nelson the Giant Bigfoot, Mercer County Fairgrounds, 1001 W Market St. A whimsical 30-foot-tall Bigfoot statue that's become a local icon. Great for photo opportunities, especially during the Mercer County Fair. 

Do

Parks

1 Grand Lake St. Marys State Park. Ohio's largest inland lake offers boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, and birdwatching. Rent boats, kayaks, or paddleboards. The park features campgrounds and hosts various events throughout the year. 

Eastview Park, Grand Lake Rd. A 51-acre park with baseball/softball diamonds, football fields, batting cages, shelter houses, restrooms, an 11-acre pond with a beach area, playground equipment, walking path, pickleball courts, and upcoming Ninja Course. 

Westview Park, Fairground Rd. Another 51-acre park boasting baseball/softball diamonds, soccer fields, playground equipment, skate park, shelter house with restrooms, a 2-acre pond, nature preserve, walking path, and batting cages. 

Lakeshore Park, Main St & Lake Shore Dr. A 5-acre park offering 3/4 mile of shoreline, courtesy docks, boat ramp, shelter houses, restrooms, and picnic areas with beautiful lake views. 

Mercelina Park, Lake Shore Dr & Elmgrove Ave. Features a basketball court, splash pad, playground equipment, zip lines, rental docks, boat ramp, restrooms, shelter houses, and the Harley Jones Amphitheatre for concerts and events. 

Pullman Bay Park, Lake Shore Dr. A 2-acre park offering a shelter house, restrooms, and playground equipment. Ideal for family picnics and gatherings. 

Events and Entertainment

Celina Lake Festival. An annual festival in July celebrating Grand Lake St. Marys with activities like a spectacular fireworks display over the lake, boat poker run, and the International Amphicar Convention. 

Concerts in the Park, Bryson Park District. The Celina Summer Concert Series brings live music on Sundays at the Red Tent in the Bryson Park District. Enjoy local bands and performers in a scenic outdoor setting. 

Mercer County Fair, 1001 W Market St. Held in August, featuring agricultural exhibits, livestock shows, carnival rides, concerts, and delicious fair food. A celebration of the community's agricultural heritage. 

Celina Farmers' Market, Mercer County Fairgrounds, ☏ +1 419-586-2219. From May through September, find quality produce, baked goods, and crafts on Saturday mornings from 9 AM to noon. Supports local farmers and artisans. 

Greater Grand Lake Visitors Region. A resource for travelers to discover attractions, events, and accommodations in the Grand Lake St. Marys area, covering both Mercer and Auglaize Counties. 

Shipyard Sports & Events Center, 6301 US-127, ☏ +1 419-776-2028. Indoor sports facilities, including volleyball and basketball courts. Also features the Upper Deck Sports Bar with golf simulators. 

MVP Dairy & Learning Center, 7124 US Route 33, ☏ +1 567-324-7100. Tour a modern dairy farm and learn about sustainable farming practices. Interactive exhibits suitable for all ages. 

Buy

The 419 Collective, 109 S Main St. A boutique featuring locally made goods, vintage items, and gifts from over 60 vendors. 

Celina Farmers' Market, Mercer County Fairgrounds, 1001 W Market St, ☏ +1 419-586-2219. Open May through September on Saturdays. Offers fresh produce, baked goods, crafts, and more from local vendors. 

Eat

Bella’s Italian Grille, 1081 West Bank Rd, ☏ +1 419-586-9545. Lakeside dining offering Italian cuisine, including pasta, seafood, and wood-fired pizzas. Outdoor seating with lake views. 

Boardwalk Grill, 725 West Bank Rd, ☏ +1 567-510-5308. Located in Boardwalk Village, offering American fare with an island twist. Enjoy burgers, seafood, and cocktails with a lakeside ambiance. 

The Speakeasy Steak & Ale House, 113 E Market St, ☏ +1 567-890-7000. A Prohibition-era themed restaurant serving steaks, seafood, and ales. Unique atmosphere with live music on weekends. 

The James Watson House, 151 E Fayette St, ☏ +1 419-586-6868. An elegant restaurant in a restored 19th-century building. Offers steaks, seafood, sandwiches, and signature dishes like truffle mushroom ravioli. 

CJ’s HighMarks, 1211 Irmscher Blvd, ☏ +1 419-586-5552. Family-friendly restaurant known for steaks, ribs, seafood, and their signature Steak on a Stone experience. 

La Carreta Mexican Grill & Cantina, 308 E Market St, ☏ +1 419-586-4500. Authentic Mexican cuisine offering tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, and a full-service bar. 

Chouraku Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi, 302 S Main St, ☏ +1 567-890-7002. Features hibachi grills, a sushi bar, and traditional Japanese dishes. 

Pullman Bay Restaurant, 117 Lake Shore Dr, ☏ +1 419-586-1664. Offering comfort food and homemade pies. Enjoy a nostalgic diner atmosphere with lake views. 

Lake City Creamery, 5465 State Route 29. Local ice cream shop offering a variety of flavors. 

Celina Wine Store, 716 W Logan St, ☏ +1 419-586-6416. Offers wines, craft beers, and a menu featuring pizzas, subs, and appetizers. 

Asian Buffet & Mongolian Grill, 1919 Havemann Rd, ☏ +1 419-584-0088. Offers Asian dishes, including sushi, stir-fry, and a Mongolian grill. Buffet and menu options. 

Hazelnut Coffee Company, 318 S Ash St, ☏ +1 419-586-3800. A cozy coffee shop offering specialty coffees, teas, pastries, and light lunch options. 

Drink

Brew Nation / Lake Rat Brewing, 110 S Main St, ☏ +1 419-584-1705. A local brewery and coffee shop combo. Offers craft beers brewed on-site, specialty coffees, and live music events. 

Sidecar Martini Bar, 126 W Fayette St, ☏ +1 567-890-7001. An upscale bar offering handcrafted martinis, cocktails, and small plates. 

Sleep

Romer’s Westlake Hotel Villas, 1101 West Bank Rd, ☏ +1 419-584-1444. Fully furnished villas with multiple bedrooms, kitchens, and private balconies overlooking the lake. 

West Bank Inn, 1055 West Bank Rd, ☏ +1 419-584-3625. Lakeside rooms with private patios or balconies. Close to the West Bank Walkway and fishing piers. 

Best Western Celina, 2020 Holiday Dr, ☏ +1 419-586-4919. Modern accommodations with complimentary breakfast, indoor pool, fitness center, and free Wi-Fi. 

America’s Best Value Inn Celina, 1421 State Route 703, ☏ +1 419-586-4656. Affordable lodging with lake views. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, continental breakfast, and pet-friendly rooms. 

Airbnb Rentals. Offers numerous Airbnb options, including lakeside cottages, cabins, and homes. 

Connect

Mercer County District Library, 303 N Main St, ☏ +1 419-586-4442. Provides free Wi-Fi, computer access, and a collection of books and media. Hosts community events. 

Celina Post Office, 226 N Main St, ☏ +1 419-586-6477. Full-service post office for mailing needs. 

Go next

Armstrong Air & Space Museum, 500 Apollo Dr, Wapakoneta, OH 45895, ☏ +1 419-738-8811. Dedicated to astronaut Neil Armstrong. Features space artifacts, interactive exhibits, and a moon rock. Approximately a 30-minute drive east of Celina. 

Fort Recovery State Museum, 1 Fort Site St, Fort Recovery, OH 45846, ☏ +1 419-375-4649. Explore reconstructed fort buildings and learn about significant 1790s battles between U.S. forces and Native Americans. Located about 20 miles southwest of Celina.