Between Cincinnati And Toledo Is An Ohio City With Unexpected Delights For Fans Of Space Travel

Ohio is one place sprinkled with walkable, underrated cities that exude a unique charm. Among them is a city about an hour and a half by car from both Cincinnati and Toledo — and it's a dream come true for fans of space travel. It's called Wapakoneta, and there's a special reason why its community has long been geeking out over space. The quaint little city is the hometown of Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon, and it even built the Armstrong Air & Space Museum in his honor. Don't expect it to be like the world's largest immersive space-themed attraction at the International Space Station. But for anyone fascinated by the history of space exploration, it's a real treat. The museum houses Armstrong's Gemini and Apollo spacesuits, along with an Apollo 11 moon rock. There's also an F5D Skylancer plane that Armstrong once piloted.

As of this writing, standard adult tickets are $13. Just a heads up, food and drinks aren't allowed inside, and there aren't dining establishments on the premises, though there are several restaurants in the vicinity. Among them, Al Woody's Diner and J. Marie's are known to serve some delectable food. You can go restaurant hopping in the area once you've had a taste of space on Earth. But the astronomical delights don't stop there. Wapakoneta has a lot more to offer for space lovers, making it a perfect stopover, especially if you're traveling with kids.

The Armstrong Air & Space Museum also features an Astro Theater, where a 30-minute documentary on the Apollo 11 mission is screened. The place is lined with simulators of a space shuttle and lunar landing, making it a hit with both kids and grown-up space geeks. While exciting, the museum isn't the only place where you can experience space-themed fun in Wapakoneta. The tiny city hosts an annual Summer Moon Festival that's packed with everything a good summer fest should have, with vibrant food stalls, live performances, and high-energy events. Perhaps the most interesting one of all is the Run to the Moon, a 5K and 10K run that takes place on the grounds of the Armstrong Air & Space Museum. There's also a pickleball tournament, carnival games, and beer tapping with a fun Beer Stein Holding Contest, where the participant who is able to hold a full stein of beer for the longest time wins. 

If you happen to be a shopaholic, or even if you aren't, the annual Moon Market will lure you to its grounds where you'll find over 60 vendors showcasing handicrafts with intricate designs and pieces of home decor finds. If you haven't already guessed, summer is the best time to visit Wapakoneta, especially July, as that is generally when these events take place.

Staying in Wapakoneta won't break the bank, with plenty of options for budget accommodations. If you decide to spend more than a day here, plan a visit to the boyhood home of Neil Armstrong, which he moved to in 1944. Known as Eagles Landing, the two-story house at 601 West Benton Street is a quiet reminder of where one giant leap truly began. Standing outside the former residence of the first person to set foot on the moon, you might find yourself struck by both the simplicity and the scale of human achievement. The site is just a short drive from the museum, so even if your time is limited, it's worth a visit. While now a private property, a marker on the front lawn notes its significance.

Beyond these historic sites, set aside some time for the Riverside Art Center, housed in Wapakoneta's charming downtown. Inside, you're likely to come across striking artworks inspired by the cosmos, as well as other works of art. Entry is free, but keep in mind that the gallery has limited hours throughout the week.

Whatever you choose to explore, a trip to this charming city will not only give you plenty of space-themed fun to geek out over, but will leave you marveling at the vastness of the universe — a day or two should be enough to explore Wapakoneta's main sites. So, if you happen to be around Cincinnati exploring Ohio's oldest and most historic public market, or you're headed toward "The International City" between Toledo and Cleveland, you can plan a short detour. If you're wondering about the best air route, Dayton International Airport is the closest hub to Wapakoneta.