Wayne County
Wayne County is in Northeast Ohio. It is predominantly a rural area within the southwestern portion of the region. Wayne County covers over 550 square miles and is the 13th largest county in Ohio. As of 2000 census, the population was 111,564.
Cities
- Apple Creek- Commercialized Amish center and home to Troyers Home Pantry, an Amish bakery.
- Burbank- Located off Interstate 71 and home to an Outlet Mall and a rodeo complex.
- Dalton- Small village that runs along the historic Old Lincoln Highway.
- Doylestown- Located in the Northeastern portion of the county which gives it close proximity to the major metro locations in surrounding counties (Akron, Canton, and Cleveland) but still tucked away in a small town, country setting. Also known for its Christmas tree farm.
- Fredericksburg- Small town in the heart of Amish country.
- Kidron- A center of Amish and tourist activity. Home of Lehman's Hardware, selling nonelectrical appliances, and traditional nonelectrical tools. Also Thursdays are the livestock auctions. Thursday and Saturday mornings is a flea market.
- Marshallville- Residential town known for its meat packing operation and fresh meat.
- Mount Eaton- Amish tourist town known for its furniture.
- Orrville- Home headquarters of JM Smucker's and Smith Diary and a historical depot and railroad center. Hometown Of Basketball hall of fame coach Bobby Knight
- Shreve- Amish tourist town where one can buy a teddy bear or eat in an Amish buggy.
- Smithville- Quaint town where you can eat your meals in a restored diary barn or see clothe being manufactured on a 100 year old loom.
- West Salem- Home of Dragway 42, known for drag and bike racing. Also home to a major fireworks outlet.
- Wooster- County seat. Home to the College of Wooster and Ohio State University's Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center and the Agricultural Technical Institute. Commercial (home to Rubbermaid and Cat's Meow)and historical center of Wayne County. The Wayne County Fairgrounds are located here. The fair is held every September.
Other destinations
Amish Country - Not as predominant as its neighbor to the south, Holmes County, Wayne County has Amish sightings through much of its central and southern regions. The southern portion of the county is where a number of Amish communities can be found. Amish themed shops and restaurants dot the landscape throughout Wayne County.
Understand
Wayne County is predominantly rural. The landscape can be stunning with mile after mile of farmland. Though it is mainly open country, Wayne County won't give you that feeling of seclusion like other open areas of the United States or even Ohio. You shouldn't find it hard to find a gas station, or shopping area within 10 to 20 miles of each other. Wayne County towns are popular bedroom communities for many working in the metro areas of Akron, Canton, and Cleveland.
Talk
English is spoken by almost all the residents, English (non-Amish) and Amish, in Wayne County; however the Amish do have their own dialect they speak called Pennsylvania Deutsch.
Like most all other areas within Northeast Ohio, residents in Wayne County may refer to distance in the time spent to reach a location by vehicle. Not 30 miles, but 45 minutes.
Get in
- Route 30/ Lincoln Highway - Runs east to west through the heart of the county.
- Route 585 - Runs north to south from Doylestown, Smithville, to Wooster.
- Route 94 - Runs north to south through Marshallville, Dalton, across Route 30 to Mt. Eaton and Amish Country.
- Route 57 - Runs north to south through Orrville.
- Route 3/Route 250/ Route 83 - Join many locations north, south, east, and west to the Wooster central business district.
Fly
- Akron/ Canton Airport - About 30-40 miles
- Cleveland Hopkins Airport - About 40-50 miles
Bus
- Greyhound - A small station in Wooster and West Salem.
Get around
Driving is the best way to get around. Hiking may be an option in some areas. Not too many public taxi services available throughout the county.
See
Itineraries
- Amish - You'll find them in most areas in the central and southern portion of the county. Also visit the many Amish themed shops and restaurants. Lehman's in Kidron is popular for non electric machinery and appliances and other utilitarian wares that fit in well with the Amish simplistic lifestyle. Please respect the Amish who believe that they should not have their pictures and DO NOT take their picture!
Do
Eat
Amish/Homestyle - Restaurants all over the county.
Ice Cream Drive-ins - Ice cream, shakes, floats, and sometimes food.
Cafes - Coffee, tea, and other assorted beverages.
Bar and Grilles - Mainly in Wooster, alcoholic drinks and grilled foods.
Drink
- Bars are mainly in Wooster
- Wineries at various locations
Stay safe
On the country roads, especially in the central and southern regions, be careful driving at high speeds, especially over ridges. Slow moving Amish buggies and farm machinery frequently share these roads and high speed accidents with them have been disastrous.
Overall Wayne County is safe, but like anywhere else use common sense and take safety precautions.
Go next
- Cleveland (north)
- Lake Erie (north)
- Akron (northeast)
- Canton (east)
- Mansfield (west)
- Columbus (southwest)
Adjacent counties
- Medina County (north)
- Summit County (northeast)
- Stark County (east)
- Holmes County (south)
- Ashland County (west)