Crawford County Courthouse

The second Crawford County Courthouse, shown here, was built in 1854 by O.S. Kinney of Cleveland. In 1893 a rear wing was added in 1893 and in 1895 a new bell was purchased. The county continued to need more space, however, and a new courthouse was built in 1908.

Scroggs House

Bucyrus has weathered many changes since its founding father, Samuel Norton, arrived from Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania in 1817. Then it was a vast, unpopulated area of hardwood forest. Today, it has 13,000 residents and is known as the Bratwurst capital of the world and home to the last hand-hammered copper kettle company in America. Bucyrus has seen its sons and fathers proudly serve in several wars. Its streets have changed from dirt to brick to blacktop. It has witnessed the development, height and extinction of steam engine transportation.

Local Events along the Lincoln Highway

The Bucyrus Tourism and Visitors’ Bureau is proud to announce that copies their one-of-a kind cookbook, “Cooking Along the Lincoln Highway in Ohio,” are currently available for pick-up and purchase at the tourism office, 301 South Sandusky Avenue in Bucyrus.  The cookbook outlines the important role the Lincoln Highway played in spurring the development of roadside restaurants and features information, photographs and recipes from many of these establishments that existed along and around the Lincoln Highway between Crestline and Upper Sandusky. The historical section of the cookbook begins with the area’s first tavern and spans the decades to many popular present-day eateries. It also contains several pages of other Lincoln Highway facts and photographs, including a map of the new Route 30 that is being constructed in Ohio.  The recipe section of the cookbook has been compiled from area residents gracious enough to share their delicious specialties, some which have lived along or near the Lincoln Highway. Many favorite family recipes fill the pages of the book, offering a great way to pass down tried and true dishes to many other individuals and generations.  The tourism office will have extended hours on Monday, December 1 and Thursday, December 4 for the Candlelight shopping. Cost of the cookbook is $15. Stop in today or as soon as possible to get your copy while they last.

Visit the Bucyrus Tourism and Visitors’ Bureau at http://www.bucyrus.org

Galion in Crawford County 

Galion was founded in 1831 at the crossroads of the Portland Road and an east-west army road. The town began as a farm-to-market town but boomed with the railroads and was chosen for the Lincoln Highway because of good existing roads. From 1913 through 1923 the LH ran through Main St., but lost out when the Association chose the northern straighter route through Leesville. (Then-Senator Warren Harding stumped against the re-routing of 70 miles through Galion, Marion and Lima; and this part later was designated as the Harding Highway.)

The Central Hotel on Public Square is now being renovated. Stroll the "Uptowne" to see its recently restored Italianate buildings and unique specialty shops.  Restaurants include a restored soda fountain, cappucino cafe and a supper club which was originally a LH garage.

Notable were buggy and farm machinery and road related manufacturing (remember those yellow GALION graders?) and the invention of the dial tone occurred in Galion.

Advanced Fiber Technology – tour a nationally recognized industry that converts wastepaper into insulation and industrial grade fibers using dry state fiberization technologies.

Baja Marine Boat Manufacturing - tour one of the top speed boat manufacturing facilities in the nation.

Bratworks, Ltd. - view the making of bratwurst and schedule a "hands on" experience as well.

Bucyrus Historical Society - ($1.00 admission)

Carle's Bratwurst, Inc. - tour the facility, view the making of Carle's famous brats and enjoy a video on their history.

Carl’s Gas Station – is the place to enjoy the historic Sinclair gas station, vintage cars and memories from the 1950s.

Cooper's Mill - tour the facility, view the making of old fashioned, tasty jelly and apple butter and shop in their country store.

Crossroad's Mural and Liberty Remembers Mural - view the breathtaking murals from Eric Grohe, representing the lifeline of Bucyrus and all its military veterans.

Historic Lincoln Highway - the nation’s first trans-continental road travels through our town. We also have one of the largest stone monuments in Ohio that commemorates this historic road.

Picking Copper Kettle Manufacturer - view the only hand hammered copper kettle company still in operation in America. ($1.00 per person).

Pfeifer Dairy Farms - learn about and experience a modern dairy farm that milks 320 cows, twice a day. If calves are around, make a new friend.

The Speak Easy - the underground location where famous Mob Boss Al Capone and his cronies were known to hangout while in town.

St. Paul's Lutheran Church Mural - see another of Eric Grohe's fine works of art in one of the city's oldest churches.

Toledo & Ohio Central Train Station - one of a few community landmarks that have withstood the test of time. Built in 1892, in High Victorian Gothic style, the train station is now undergoing restoration and will become a welcoming & activity center, as well as an interactive industrial museum.

Recreation Opportunities:

Aumiller Park – our “family” park, complete with covered pavilions, a horseshoe pit, pool, skateboard area, ball diamonds and a new wooden playscape for kids. Our carillon tower also stands here and it is where some of our summer music events take place.

Bucyrus Country Club - beautiful 18-hole public golf course. Their clubhouse features the Bogie Grille and banquet facilities.

Elk Ridge Game Farm, Inc. - finest upland game hunting anywhere around.

Lowe-Volk Park & Nature Center - home of a 38-acre natural park and the county’s new learning pavilion. The Nature Center features a "window on wildlife" with views into the meadow and forest. Interpretive exhibits include reptiles, birds, amphibians, trees, prairies and more. History displays focus on Colonel Crawford & Native American cultures.

Sears Woods - great for nature walking & exploring.

Sunset Springs Recreational & Campground - seasonal rentals and pull-in lots, swimming, fishing, spring through fall.

Unger Farm & Park - Ohio State University experimental farm. 43 acre natural area and historic area for hiking, bird watching, and nature study.