Defiance, in northwestern Ohio, has about 16,000 people. Near the Maumee, Tiffin and Auglaize rivers, Defiance has plenty of outdoors activities, as well as activities for kids and diverse dining for a town its size. Whether you're interested in a fine dining experience, a hike or an overnight at a bed and breakfast, you'll find something in Defiance.
Outdoor Activities
- Because of its scenic location, Defiance offers many outdoors options for active people. You can visit Pontiac Park, the likely birthplace of Ottawa Native American Chief Pontiac. At the confluence of two local rivers, Pontiac Park is a scenic setting for a picnic at the park's gazebo or overlooking its Zonta Fountain. You could also visit the Reservoir, which offers a disc golf course, boat ramps, fishing and a sledding hill for winter. The Defiance area also has four 9- and 18-hole golf courses, as well as a putt-putt course.
Cultural Activities
- The Defiance area also has a number of options to explore its culture and history. The Huber Opera House and Civic Center, in nearby Hicksville, was built as a hotel in 1895, but later gained a reputation as a "test" theater before shows would move on to Chicago or New York. Today, the opera house is home to a local theater troupe and a variety of community events. If you're interested in local Ohio history, you can visit the Tuttle Museum, which displays collections of regional natural and cultural artifacts, or the Riverside Chapel, built in 1890, which has graves of War of 1812 veterans.
Kids' Activities
- Kids and families can enjoy a number of activities in Defiance. Established in 1966, Auglaize Village re-creates local 19th-century history with restored and reconstructed buildings, museums and costumed "villagers" enacting pioneer activities for special events. You can also make a trip to Putt Putt Golf & Games, which offers 18 holes of putt putt, go-carts and batting cages. Another option: bowling at C & H Bowling Lanes or Defiance Recreation Center.
Lodging
- Defiance has locally owned lodging possibilities, along with national chains. The Elliot Rose Guesthouse, near downtown Defiance, is a bed and breakfast with luxury bedding and homemade scones for breakfast. If you prefer to camp, Shepherd’s Pasture, about 6 miles outside Defiance, has 157 campsites, as well as access to canoeing, swimming and fishing. National chains with branches in Defiance include Comfort Inn, Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn Express and Super 8 Motel.
