Ohio Route 66 is known as the Miami & Erie Canal Scenic Byway, but it has much more to offer travelers than just canal history and sightseeing.

   The 118-mile rural highway starts in Piqua and travels north to Fayette. It ends less than 3 miles south of the Michigan state line and passes through some of the most charming small towns in Ohio, plus a portion of the Land of Crossed Tipped Churches. In fact, several towns along the route have what are arguably the most spectacular churches with this designation, including St. Michael Church in Fort Loramie and St. Augustine Catholic Church in Minster. Both churches tower above their communities and can be seen from miles away. However, it is the close-up details that really shine.
 

   For much of its southern portion, Route 66 follows the former Miami and Erie Canal, passing through historic and eclectic canal towns, such as Piqua, Fort Loramie, St. Marys and Delphos, as well as by secluded canal locks, historic sites and bridges. This includes Bloody Bridge in St. Marys, where a canal-era murder supposedly took place, and Deep Cut Historical Park in Spencerville, where one of the greatest construction efforts of the canal took place, including hand-digging a 52-foot-deep canal bed.

 
   North of Delphos, the landscape changes from canals to rivers. During this portion of the trip, Route 66 is never far from the Auglaize, St. Marys or Maumee River. (Interestingly, rivers north of Delphos flow in to Lake Erie, while those south of Delphos flow to the Ohio River. This is because this part of Ohio is located on the St. Lawrence Continental Divide).

   Along with plenty to see and do in Defiance, highlights of the northern portion of Route 66 include Sauder Village in Archbold, where visitors can find living history, camping and shopping, and Harrison Lake State Park, an isolated park with plenty of relaxing recreation, and one of several state parks found along Route 66.
 

   Although not as abundant as other back roads in Ohio, Route 66 does feature a number of antique shops and variety stores, most notably, Field of Memories in Archbold and Fort Defiance Antiques, not to mention four antique stores in downtown Piqua. There are also a number of boutiques and specialty stores to be found in almost every town along the route, and there is certainly no shortage of unique places to eat, from fine dining at 17 West in New Bremen, to the 50’s inspired Mom’s Diner in Archbold, and everything else in between. There are also plenty of bake shops that offer ice cream, donuts, fresh-baked pies and pastries.

   This road trip follows Route 66 from start to finish and can be done in one day, or over several days. There are plenty of hotels, lodges and campgrounds to choose from, including a fun resort at Sauder Village, and there are a number of great festivals that take place in the towns along the route. Timing up this road trip with a festival or two can enhance the experience. 
Please drive safely and enjoy!