The 9 Best Things to Do in Wapakoneta, United States

November 8, 2017 Giuseppe Pratt

Wapakoneta, pronounced Waw-paw-ko-net-a (as in about; locally [ˌwɒpəkəˈnɛɾə]) is a city in and the county seat of Auglaize County, Ohio, United States. The population was 9,867 at the 2010 census. It is the principal city of and is included in the Wapakoneta, Ohio Micropolitan S A, which is included in the Lima-Van Wert-Wapakoneta, Ohio CSA. The community is served by the Wapakoneta City School District.
Restaurants in Wapakoneta

1. Armstrong Air & Space Museum

500 Apollo Dr, Wapakoneta, OH 45895-9780 +1 419-738-8811
Excellent
47%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 217 reviews

Armstrong Air & Space Museum

The year was 1969 and the mood was as high as the man on the moon. Neil A. Armstrong had done what no man had done before him. From his hometown of Wapakoneta, across the United States, and around the world, people wanted to honor his feat.The Apollo 11 crew had completed the greatest journey in human history putting men on the moon and setting the course for the future of the nation's space program.The impact of that journey is still felt in Wapakoneta today. Businesses and streets in the community reflect the pride the city has in its native son, the first person to walk on the moon.On July 20, 1969, Ohio governor James Rhodes proposed a museum as a monument to the achievements of not only Armstrong but "all Ohioans who have attempted to defy gravity," as well as to the history of the space program itself.After the state of Ohio pledged $500,000 for the museum, Governor Rhodes challenged the local community to match, dollar for dollar, the funds to build the facility. "Neil Armstrong is the man of the century and we want to perpetuate his achievements here in Ohio," Rhodes said.Wapakoneta residents met that challenge head on. Businesses and individuals alike donated to the cause. Even school children saved their pennies and nickels in order to take part in this once-in-a-lifetime project.When the governor returned to Wapakoneta, he was presented with a check for $528,313.55. Citizens of Wapakoneta had raised over half of the total cost.Plans for the museum were unveiled during the groundbreaking ceremony in 1970. The design was unique. Earth was mounded around the steel-reinforced concrete building, giving the building the semblance of being underground. Designed to accommodate the Astro Theater for multimedia film and sound presentations, the central sphere dominates the entire complex. The fifty-six feet wide dome enhances the futuristic moon-base design.On July 20, 1972, three years to the day after Neil Armstrong's walk on the moon, the Armstrong Air and Space Museum opened to much fanfare. Armstrong himself was present to help open the facility, and Tricia Nixon Cox, standing in for the President, presented moon rocks brought back to Earth from the Apollo 11 mission.As space exploration has evolved, so have the exhibits at the Armstrong Air & Space Museum. But the focus has remained the same: to stand not only as a repository of Ohio's aeronautical history and a monument to Ohio's contribution to aviation and space exploration, but also as a tribute to Ohioan Neil Armstrong, whose "one small step for a man" was indeed a "giant leap for mankind."

Reviewed By Matthew C - New Boston, Michigan, United States

If you were not alive and aware to live through every moment of the man in space programs this museum is a must see. This was still a good stop, and I did live through it all and even knew people that were involved.
If you are traveling with younguns, there is a lot to see, touch and climb. There is also a lot to read. Do try to stay for the movie, it is good.

My normal rating of miles of diversion won’t work here, because it is right at the highway exit. That makes even less excuse for why we went past it so many times.

If you were not alive and aware to live through every moment of the man in space programs this museum is a must see. This was still a good stop, and I did live through it all and even knew people that were involved.
If you are traveling with younguns, there is a lot to see, touch and climb. There is also a lot to read. Do try to stay for the movie, it is good.

My normal rating of miles of diversion won’t work here, because it is right at the highway exit. That makes even less excuse for why we went past it so many times.

2. Temple of Tolerance

203 S Wood St, Wapakoneta, OH 45895-1723 +1 419-738-4474
Excellent
74%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 37 reviews

Temple of Tolerance

Reviewed By lunchlandqueen - Westerville, Ohio

This is the most interesting use of someone's backyard I have ever seen! We met the owner, Jim , on our way in. He was enthusiastic and welcoming! The guy loves ROCKS! Rocks are everywhere and it is actually very interesting walking the property and envisioning how he has got these rocks in his back yard over the 18 year time span. It's like a secret garden! Lots of paths, vines, gates. Keep walking back farther and the whole place opens up. Climb to the top. I don't quite get it but I'm glad I saw it. Really quirky!

3. Auglaize Antique Mall

116 W Auglaize St, Wapakoneta, OH 45895-1534 +1 419-738-8004
Excellent
56%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 18 reviews

Auglaize Antique Mall

Welcome to Auglaize Antique Mall! We offer in excess of 200 booths and showcases in over 25,000 sq. feet of store space. Antique Furnature, Pottery, Vintage Jewelry, Fenton Glass, Pattern Glass, Black Mem., Books, Clothes, just about all antiques of any kind. Located in Historical Wapakoneta, Ohio!

Reviewed By RICART75 - Peru, Indiana

As noted, this is a large facility with several floors to cover. A nice variety of antique/vintage items from which to choose.
Also, it is located in an interesting and historical area, with numerous shops and restaurants close by.
One could easily spend a pleasant afternoon/day exploring the area.

4. Wapakoneta WaterPark

Wapakoneta, OH +1 419-738-6412
Excellent
82%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 11 reviews

Wapakoneta WaterPark

Reviewed By Chris L - Wapakoneta, Ohio

Water falls/wade pool the real little ones, and the older kids loved the two slides. Like the adult swim times.

5. Relics

114 W Auglaize St, Wapakoneta, OH 45895-1534 +1 419-649-7588
Excellent
50%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4 reviews

Relics

an eclectic blend of antique & vintage items. Large selection of vintage clothing.one of a kind repurposed and upcycled items displayed uniquely! Something for everyone!

Reviewed By RICART75 - Peru, Indiana

An interesting collection of mid/late 20th century items.
The only dispiriting part is realizing that the items you wore and lived with are now in a store called "Relics".
The store is in a great area, with a nice variety of interesting shops and restaurants close by.
A pleasant way to spend an afternoon or day.

6. Alpha Cafe

7 E Auglaize St, Wapakoneta, OH 45895-1503 +1 419-738-2013
Excellent
25%
Good
75%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4 reviews

Alpha Cafe

The History of the Alpha and its owner are steeped in rich tradition, stories, and personal narratives. The back bar was built in 1893 by Brunswick Balke Collender Company, Cincinnati, Ohio. The Alpha’s back bar is 24 foot long and is made of hand carved white oak. The wall on the opposite side of the bar is lined with a matching 8-foot tall wainscoting with arched mirrors and the same intricate carvings. At the end of the bar sits a column supporting a leaded glass partition. The back section of the Alpha is the café area. A short café style counter with stationary round swivel stools sits in front of the grill and serving counter. In the back room there are pool tables. Going out the back door, there is a patio.

Reviewed By trillian d - Florida

The Alpha is a Wapakoneta fixture, it's been around forever and it's not so much about drinking as it is the local ambiance. The bar itself is a work of art crafted many years ago and worth thousands of dollars. The food is homemade and they are the only place I know that has turtle soup made from real turtles. Their special Christmas drink are Tom and Jerry's. It is just a cool place.

7. The Ohio Bar

17 E Auglaize St, Wapakoneta, OH 45895-1503 +1 419-738-6593
Excellent
50%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2 reviews

The Ohio Bar

Reviewed By Bernardo F - New York City, New York

A nice locals kind of bar. It's definitely on the older side, but they've kept it up fairly well. Clean and the service was decent and friendly. Prices and drinks were good.

8. Heritage Trails Park District

30 E Auglaize St, 1 mile north of US Rt 33 east side of CR 66a, Wapakoneta, OH 45895-1505 +1 781-816-7275
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 1 reviews

Heritage Trails Park District

Reviewed By dusseldorperding - Columbus, Ohio

Lots of natural history and rich bontanical teasure. You can hike the mile plus long trails that take you near paw paw trees. Very tranquil and great for birding!

9. Rovals Antiques

401 E Auglaize St, Wapakoneta, OH 45895-1607 +1 937-465-7297
Excellent
0%
Good
100%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 2 reviews

Rovals Antiques

Reviewed By Bernardo F - New York City, New York

A nice antique place. Lots of decent finds. And the prices were reasonable. Clean with street parking. The staff was nice.

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