The Auglaize River is found in the eastern part of Paulding County. In 1794, General "Mad" Anthony Wayne's forces followed the Auglaize River through Paulding County en route to Fallen Timbers during the Indian Wars of Northwest Ohio. Fort Brown was built along its banks, near Oakwood during the War of 1812. The first white families in Paulding County settled along the banks of the river. The river is now a popular recreation area for boaters and fishermen.

Black Swamp Nature Center
~Intersection of Fairground Drive and Reservoir Road, Paulding

The Black Swamp Nature Center is just outside the Paulding city limits, next to the fairgrounds. It is an ideal place to get in touch with nature. The 51 acres of woodlands, wetlands and meadows provide a wonderful area for fishing, hiking, family picnics or bird watching. A boat launch offers access to Flat Rock Creek and the nature trails offer scenic hikes and a view of the old dam on the Flat Rock Creek. For information on the shelter house call the Paulding Soil & Water Conservation office at 399-4771.

Buckeye Trail

Ohio's official state trail, the Buckeye Trail links the four corner of Ohio in a 1200-mile stretch of hiking trail that crosses the entire state. The Buckeye Trail follows much of the Miami and Erie Canal through Paulding County, traveling past such sites as Fort Brown, Lock 21 and old stone aqueducts left over from the canal era. Guidelines for walking the trail...take only pictures, leave only footprints.

Freedom Playstation - LaFountain Park, 419-399-4011

This community built 11,000 sq. ft. playground is sure to keep your children busy and having fun for hours! Construction was completed in October 2001. The playground features a Tot Lot for children 2-5; play school bus, canal boat, phone system, swings, slides, tree house and more! Shelter house and public restrooms. To book the shelter house for your family get-together or private party, contact the Village office.

John Paulding Historical Museum - Fairgrounds Road, Paulding, 419-399-8218

The museum complex has three buildings. The main building is used to display various collections and household items in room settings. A "Village Green" is set in the 1920's era with a school room, lawyer's office, doctor's office, barber shop and millinery shop. Barn #1 houses a blacksmith shop, antique farming tools and various antique appliances. Barn #2 holds large farm machinery and a 1940s Ford fire truck.
The museum is open to the public from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Tuesdays or by appointment.

Maumee River

Public river access can be found at Riverside Park in Antwerp
and Rochester Park, east of Cecil. Designated as a State
Scenic and Recreational River in 1974, this historic river has a rich natural heritage. The river served as a means of transportation in prehistoric times. Later, the Indians, traders, explorers and land-surveying parties used the accessible waterway to reach their destinations. Today, the Maumee River attracts anglers, bird watchers, canoeists and others for recreation.

Paulding County Carnegie Library - 205 South Main Street
Paulding, 419-399-2032

Opened in 1916 with a grant of $40,000.00 from the Andrew Carnegie Foundation. The library is the first Carnegie library in the United States built to serve an entire county. This building was constructed of fireproof and slow burning materials, French gray pressed brick and Indiana Bedford stone with a green tile roof. The Paulding County Carnegie Library is the recipient of one of 13 Gates Training Labs in the State of Ohio. It is the only Gates Training Lab in Northwest Ohio.

Paulding County Courthouse - Town Square, Paulding

Situated in the middle of town square, the Courthouse was constructed in 1886 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. This landmark has remained a source of pride and a symbol of our County since its completion.

Most of the buildings around the square were built after 1886 and before 1912. A $1.3 million downtown revitalization project was completed in 1998 which included brick pavers inlaid into the sidewalk, historic replica lighting and the renovation of 22 buildings on the square.

The Courthouse also underwent extensive façade improvements along with floodlighting of the building which provides a stunning setting after dark and can be seen for miles around.

Paulding County Fairgrounds - Fairground Drive, Paulding

A visit to the Grandstand brings back memories of prior county fairs. The first annual fair was held in 1872. The Grandstand is one of Paulding County's oldest landmarks. The fairgrounds host many activities including the Flat Rock Fall Festival, Family Life Day and Paulding County Civil War days. The annual 4-H fair is held the second week of July each year.

Paulding Water Park - Located off of Baldwin Ave. at LaFountain Park
Seasonal schedule, 419-399-9593

The Paulding Water Park was completed in June, 2001. The zero entry swimming pool is heated and has several water features including the umbrella shower, lemon drop squirts and tumbling buckets. The huge water slide will provide thrills during the 18 second ride. Baby pool, shade umbrellas and lounge chairs are provided for an enjoyable day at the Paulding Water Park. And don't forget - right next door is the Freedom Playstation!