Wapakoneta, Ohio is a one-tank day trip or a roadside stop as you drive north or south along I-75. You’ll find the Armstrong Air & Space Museum with related sites, a quaint downtown for shopping and eating, and even a place to stay if you want to make the  Wapakoneta area an overnight stop on a larger trip. Let’s go!

Wapakoneta, Ohio is a one-tank day trip or a roadside stop as you drive north or south along I-75. You’ll find the Armstrong Air & Space Museum with related sites, a quaint downtown for shopping and eating, and even a place to stay if you want to make the  Wapakoneta area an overnight stop on a larger trip. Let’s go!

1

Armstrong Air & Space Museum

Armstrong Air & Space Museum
500 Apollo Dr.
Wapakoneta, OH 45895

The Armstrong Air & Space Museum provides opportunities for lifelong learning about the heritage of aviation and the exploration of space, with an emphasis on the contributions of Neil Armstrong and other Ohioans. I like the space food exhibit and theater. Definitely one of the best gift shops around for fun space-related merchandise. You could spend an hour or a half-day here. There is a picnic area on the grounds with vending machines for a quick stop or large group.

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2

Armstrong's Boyhood Home - Eagle's Landing

601 W Benton St,
Wapakoneta, OH 45895

This private residence has a historical marker in the front tree lawn. Plenty of street parking. Last time I was there, the current owner stepped outside for a quick conversation sharing stories of Neil Armstrong's boyhood years and what it is like living in a home of a famous astronaut. This stop will take just a few minutes.

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3

Quaint Downtown for Good Eats and Sweet Treats

Side Rail Restaurant
17 E Auglaize St.
Wapakoneta, OH 45895

Stop in at the Side Rail for Layered Pulled Pork Nachos or Coconut Shrimp Tacos. This establishment is at the start of four blocks of quaint downtown eateries and shops. Walk the historic district before deciding your top pick for a quick or seated lunch. On the other end of Auglaize St., Joey & Dash's is perfect for a smoothie that could count as a meal.

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4

First on the Moon Mural

17595 US-33
Wapakoneta, OH 45895

Head outside Wapakoneta on a country road to find this oversized photo opportunity. Drive time is roughly 15 minutes. Pull off on the side of the road or use the available gravel drive nearby for a quick pic.

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5

Airstream Heritage Center and Factory Tour

Airstream, Inc. HQ - Travel Trailer Plant
1001 W Pike St.
Jackson Center, OH 45334

Use their website to sign up for a tour on the factory floor as travel trailers are assembled at this plant just a few minutes off I-75. Enjoy the Heritage Center documenting the company's history and it's connection to the Apollo 11 mission. There is a nice corporate gift shop and a Starbucks inside the facility.

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6

Tailspin Brewery Company

626 S 2nd St.
Coldwater, OH 45828

Grab dinner first then head to Tailspin in their renovated dairy barn. This veteran-owned and operated brewery features aviation-themed brews.

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7

Cedar Cabins at Ohio's largest inland lake

Grand Lake St. Marys
01735 Feeder Rd.
St Marys, OH 45885

Stay overnight in a cabin made for six people. The park offers 52 miles of shoreline for boating and fishing, as well as a family campground, swimming pool, and picnic areas.

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