AMERICA 250
OHIO
Ohio is celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States throughout 2026 with events and experiences across all 88 counties. Discover more below about Ohio and Toledo’s unique role in American history.
America 250 Ohio is the statewide initiative commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026.
It invites communities across Ohio to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and imagine the future through programs, events, and storytelling.
America 250 Ohio highlights Ohio’s role in shaping the nation and encourages local organizations, educators, and residents to participate in meaningful ways, from historical exhibits and cultural celebrations to civic engagement and educational projects.
America 250-Ohio’s “Trails & Tales” features real-life stories of Ohioans and
their contributions that align with the trail’s themes.
Through these stories and on-site experiences, visitors will have a greater appreciation of Ohio’s role in shaping U.S. history; past, present, and future. There will be a total of six driving trails introduced between 2024-2026. These trails explore Ohio’s contributions to Air & Space, Creativity, Ohio’s Waterways, Innovation, Transportation, and Leadership.
FEATURED AMERICA 250 EVENTS
Corn Maze at Wheeler Farms
Navigate fall fun at the Wheeler Farms Corn Maze! Wheeler Farms opens its annual corn maze for the 2026 fall season, welcoming visitors to explore the paths and enjoy an engaging outdoor autumn tradition. Running from September 19th through October 31st, the maze offers weekend operating hours for families, friends, and fall enthusiasts. Operating Hours…
Zombieland
See Zombieland in the KeyBank Discovery Theater at Imagination Station on Friday, October 2, 2026! This special screening is part of Ohio Goes to the Movies, a signature initiative of the America 250-Ohio, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States. The initiative celebrates Ohio’s rich contributions to film and storytelling as part of the…
Save the Date | America250 and TMA125: Ohio’s Homecoming and Picnic at TMA
Mark your calendar for Saturday, July 11, 2026, when the Toledo Museum of Art hosts Ohio’s Homecoming and Picnic on the Glass Pavilion Lawn and in the GlasSalon. Taking place from 11 am to 3 pm, this large-scale public celebration will bring together art, music, food, and community in one of TMA’s most iconic spaces. More details will be shared as planning continues.
Brought to you by the America 250 Ohio Commission, presented by Cenovus Energy, with additional support from The Worthington Companies Foundation and The Marzetti Company.
NORTHWEST OHIO TIME TRAVELERS PASSPORT
Start your journey by downloading a Time Travelers Passport or picking one up at any participating location.
Travel Through Time
Visit at least 8 of our 12 historic sites (or go for the full dozen if you’re a true Time Traveler). Get your passport stamped at each stop as you explore the stories, people, and places that shaped our region over the last 250 years.
Claim Your Treasure
Once your passport is stamped, bring it to the National Museum of the Great Lakes and collect your commemorative Time Travelers coin—proof that you’ve completed the journey and officially conquered time itself.
Celebrate America’s 250th in Sylvania
Founders Ball (November 21 | Tickets Required)
A formal event honoring Sylvania’s history and founding. Details to come.
250 Scavenger Hunt (All Year | Free)
A self-guided monthly challenge to find 250 sites around Sylvania. New images release each month starting in March, with chances to win prizes and a grand prize drawing by year’s end.
History Tours (All Year | Tickets Required)
A 90-minute guided walking tour of downtown Sylvania, exploring 143 years of local history. Tours must be scheduled in advance through Heritage Sylvania.
Time Travelers Passport (July 1–15 | Free)
A regional passport program inviting visitors to explore 12 historic sites across Northwest Ohio and earn a commemorative coin.
Red, White and Brew Red Bird First Friday (July 3 | Free to attend)
An all-day celebration featuring local beer tastings, shopping, and fireworks to kick off Independence Day festivities.
Star Spangled Celebration (July 3 | Tickets Required)
A special ticketed Independence Day event. Details to come.
Fireworks Display (July 3 | Free)
Community fireworks to close out the evening. Details to come.
Reading of the Declaration of Independence (July 4 | Free)
A traditional community reading at the Historic Lathrop House.
1976 Time Capsule Unveiling (July 4 | Free)
The opening of Sylvania’s Bicentennial time capsule, buried in 1976, with opportunities to contribute new items for the 2076 reopening.
Ohio Homecoming Picnic (July 4 | Free)
A family-friendly picnic at Burnham Park with food trucks, games, and community activities.
Ohio Goes to the Movies: Best in Show (September 4 | Free)
An outdoor movie screening during September’s Red Bird First Friday, set in the Sylvania Historical Village.
Fall Festival (October 17–18 | Free)
A seasonal community celebration. More details coming soon.
OHIO GOES TO THE MOVIES
Ohio Goes to the Movies™ (OGTTM) is a statewide celebration of movies showcasing Ohioans: actors, directors, writers, composers, locations, and topics, shown in cities and towns across the state.
Toledo and Lucas County are taking part in Ohio Goes to the Movies with a lineup of film screenings hosted at well-known local venues. Catch classics and crowd favorites at Cinemark Franklin Park Mall, the Valentine Theatre, and Maumee Indoor Theater, along with unique showings at Mayberry Ice Cream, Imagination Station’s KeyBank Discovery Theater, Toledo Lucas County Public Library, and the Sylvania Historical Village. Together, these events highlight how local theaters, cultural spaces, and gathering spots across Lucas County are celebrating Ohio’s connection to the movies.
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Why Toledo Walleye Hockey Should Be on Your Must-Do List This Season
If you’re visiting Toledo this fall or winter, there’s one experience that captures the heart and soul of the city like no other: a Toledo Walleye hockey game at the Huntington Center.
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Cozy Winter Stays in Toledo: Make Your Winter Visit a Getaway
If you’re planning a trip to visit loved ones this winter, why not turn your stay into a getaway of its own? With boutique inns, full-service hotels, and nearby winter adventures, the Toledo Region makes it easy to balance family time with cozy moments and memorable experiences.
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Winter Magic Awaits at Glass City Metropark: Skate, Sled, Dine & Cozy Up at The Ribbon
When winter rolls into the Toledo Region, the riverfront becomes a stage for adventure, laughter, and cozy moments. At the heart of it all is Glass City Metropark and its seasonal star, The Ribbon — a one-of-a-kind ice skating trail that transforms the waterfront into a destination for winter fun.
