After the American Revolution ended in 1791, the indigenous Shawnee peoples were the most prominent inhabitants of west-central Ohio. The Hog Creek Reservation was created for this group in 1817 to free up land for the incoming American settlers. This reservation allowed Allen County to be formed in 1820. About a decade later, the Shawnee people were forced to move to Kansas, which allowed the rest of the state’s wilderness to be developed into towns. Lima was founded in 1831 as a result and quickly became the county seat.
The city's first train arrived in 1851, bringing with it economic success and prosperity for the new settlers. After World War II, the population again boomed, increasing the need for schools and hospitals. However, just a few decades later, the Rust Belt decline swept through the area and many industries left Lima.
One of the most distinct local communities was the "Golden Block" on Lima's west side. Unfortunately, it was almost entirely destroyed in the 1960s. Today, you can still visit Allen County Museum, which includes the historic MacDonell House. The museum's campus includes a log house, a Children's Discovery Center and Children's Garden, railroad archives, and a Shay Locomotive display. Stop by to take part in any of the museum's monthly programs or demonstrations. They also hold seasonal events like the Christmas Tree Festival.
The 13,500-acre Grand Lake St. Mary's State Park is 23 miles southwest of Lima. It includes Grand Lake, which is Ohio's largest inland lake in terms of area. However, it is relatively shallow with an average depth between five and seven feet deep. In the early 19th century, Grand Lake was created as a reservoir for the 274-mile Miami and Erie Canal. The state park is open year-round and permits swimming, hunting, fishing, boating, and picnicking. The park has a 216-site campground, nine boat launches, various sports courts, and bike rentals. While you can't swim in the lake itself, you can head over to the modern swimming pool nearby.
Pleasant View Recreation is a popular RV campground located in nearby Van Buren that has an on-site swimming pool and plenty of family-friendly activities. It's located right off Interstate 75 and offers spacious, graveled lots with full hookups. Bring your pets along to take advantage of the well-liked dog walking trail.
Twin Lakes Park in Bluffton was originally known as the Bluffton/Findlay KOA. This RV campground is easily accessed via the highway and provides two beautiful lakes. The 85 RV campsites each come with full hookups and are available for as low as $43 a night. The campground puts on regular family-friendly weekend events for kids of all ages.
Meadowbrook Park in Bascom has stunning lakes and charming, well-maintained grounds. This RV campground is operated by the Seneca County Parks Department and provides some of the area's most affordable camping options. You could easily spend days enjoying the massive pool and the accompanying water slide.
Indian Lake State Park sits in western Ohio near Lima and Findlay. The park's Fox Island Beach and Old Field Beach are open to swimming, boating, and water skiing. You'll find a paved biking area between Old Field Beach and Lakeview Harbor. You're also welcome to hike the popular three-mile Cherokee Trail. There's a fenced-in, off-leash dog park on the west side of the lake. The on-site campground has full hookups, boat ramps, and boat docks.
The 407-acre Lake Loramie State Park is home to the breathtaking 1,655-acre Lake Loramie. Many of the park's campsites are near the water and come with boat tie-ups. From spring through fall the most popular recreational activities include hiking, hunting, fishing, swimming, and sunbathing. Once the temperatures drop, visitors head to the park to ice fish, sled, cross-country ski, and ice skate. Some of the local birds you'll find in the park include northern cardinals, great blue herons, mallards, red-tailed hawks, and cormorants.
Independence Dam State Park sits on the banks of the Maumee State Scenic River. The fertile riverbanks support a variety of colorful wildflowers like spring beauties, violets, and jewelweed. There's a four-lane boat launch on the lake's west side while hand launches are on the east end. Anglers of every skill level can catch crappie, northern pike, catfish, and smallmouth bass. The nearby city of Defiance has plenty of quality restaurants and shopping opportunities.
The Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park celebrates the aircraft accomplishments of Wilbur and Oliver Wright. Learn more about this personal history by visiting the Wright-Dunbar Interpretative Center. You can even stop by their shop to see where they repaired bicycles for a living. The Carillon Historical Park is where the Wright brothers flew their very first practice airplane. You can even tour the Daytona home of Paul Laurence Dunbar, the first African American poet to support himself with his writing.
The Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument near Xenia celebrates the role of the Buffalo Soldiers during the American Civil War. This site was created in 2013 to memorialize Charles Young, who served as a vital military figure until 1903 when he became the first African American National Park Superintendent. He was also the first Military Attaché to Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Take a phone tour of the property while learning about Young and his time as a professor at Wilberforce University.
Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial in Put-In-Bay, Ohio commemorates the decisive Battle of Lake Erie that occurred during the War of 1812. It's the resting place of three British and three American soldiers who died during the conflict. Since the monument was completed in 1915, it's been the home of the tallest Doric column in the world. Feel free to bring your fishing gear to enjoy the tranquil waters of Lake Erie. The nearby Magee Marsh Boardwalk Trail winds along the Magee Marsh Wildlife Area that's known to have thousands of warblers in late April and early May.
Head toward southeastern Ohio to find the expansive Wayne National Forest in the Appalachian foothills. This forest encompasses more than one million acres and is split into three tracts not far from cities like Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati. You can even access a portion of the Ohio River if you venture to the wilderness near Marietta. Explore the more than 400 miles of trails that allow hiking, off-roading, biking, and horseback riding. Local wildlife species in the forest include box turtles, wild turkeys, ruffed grouse, white-tailed deer, and rabbits.
Daniel Boone National Forest spans more than 708,000 acres across 21 counties in Kentucky. Millions of people visit every year to check out the 750 different types of flowering plants and 170 species of moss. Many of the forest's streams, lakes, rivers, and ponds are routinely stocked with game fish. There are more than 600 miles of nature trails that take you over sloping hills and ridges and through narrow valleys. It's open all year long so you can enjoy paddling, kayaking, canoeing, rafting, stargazing, and birdwatching. Holly Bay Campground on the west side of Laurel River Lake has 75 RV campsites with water and electricity.
The 202,814-acre Hoosier National Forest is up in the hills of southern Indiana. The diverse landscape provides the perfect home for animals like hawks, bald eagles, ground squirrels, wild boars, and deer. Many of the streams and lakes are perfect for canoeing and kayaking while the larger lakes make for great rafting and tubing. Hunting and fishing licenses are required for all those over the age of 18. Some of the best views can be found while hiking the 5.7-mile Scarce O' Fat Loop Trail. It winds around Lake Yellowstone and climbs up to the summit of gorgeous High King Hill.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is 158 miles west of Lima between Akron and Cleveland. Every year, Cuyahoga Valley gets more than 2.2 million visitors, making it one of the country's most-visited national parks. The landscape includes rivers, ravines, hills, forests, and wetlands. There are 100 waterfalls including the 65-foot Brandywine Falls. You'll also find more than 125 miles of hiking trails, a scenic railroad, and a 100-mile river. Consider spending your afternoons golfing, horseback riding, picnicking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
Indiana Dunes National Park was the 61st park added to the country's register. Located just an hour outside of downtown Chicago, this park spans 20 square miles of countryside and an additional 15 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. This area is characterized by its charming rivers, rugged dunes, prairies, and forests. Many of the trails meander under leafy canopies created by beech, basswood, maple, and oak trees. Due to the park's proximity to Lake Michigan, the weather can change rapidly and without warning. Summer temperatures often hover around a mild 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
Start a five-hour road trip south into Kentucky to find Mammoth Cave National Park. Known to have the world's longest-known cave system, this national park has 400 identified caves and caverns and countless more still remain undiscovered. You can see stunning flowstone formations or historic 19th-century signatures. If you're interested in taking a tour, be sure to bring a light jacket to combat the lower temperatures. Visitors can also hike, fish, ride horses, and go boating in the surrounding wilderness. The towns of Cave City and Brownsville are both just 20 minutes away from the park's visitor center.
In most areas, the price to rent a motorhome is around $200 a night and the price to rent a towable trailer is around $120 a night.
What does RVshare Protection cover with my Lima, OH RV rental?RVshare's protection plan standard package covers up to $300,000 in comprehensive and collision coverage based on the value of the RV. It also includes free 24/7 roadside assistance and free towing and tire service. For more information on RVshare insurance, click here.
What is included in my Lima, OH RV rental?You should find any amenities that are included with your rental in the listing details. But it never hurts to check in with the owner before you arrive at the RV or have it delivered to ensure you have everything that is needed to have a fun and enjoyable trip!
Can I have my Lima, OH RV rental delivered to a specified location?Many owners on RVshare.com offer delivery, and will even set it up for you at the campsite. Choose the 'Delivery' filter to narrow down your search results to RVs that can be brought to your home or destination. Check the listing details for any information regarding extra fees for delivery, or ask the owner if you are unsure.
