Napoleon Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do, see, and eat in Napoleon, located in Northwest Ohio. Plan your trip with our comprehensive tour guide.


Introduction to Napoleon

Napoleon is a charming small town located in Northwest Ohio. Although lesser-known than other cities in Ohio, Napoleon has plenty to offer in terms of attractions, outdoor adventures, and culinary experiences. In this guide, we will go over the best places to visit in Napoleon, as well as give you tips on where to eat, where to stay, and what to do in this hidden gem of a town.

List of Places to Visit in Napoleon

Napoleon is packed full of cultural and natural attractions. Here are some must-visit locations:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Henry County Historical Society Museum: This museum collects, preserves, and presents the history of Henry County and the region. Visitors can see exhibits on the area’s prehistoric past, early settlement, agriculture, and more.

  • Camp Palmer: Camp Palmer is a popular place for school group activities in Northwest Ohio. The camp provides overnight lodging and extensive facilities for a variety of outdoor activities, including archery, rock climbing, hiking, and more.

  • Butterfly House at Oak Openings: This natural wonder is situated in a modern facility within the beautiful Oak Openings Nature Preserve. Visitors can view a wide variety of butterflies from around the world as they flutter around this enclosed habitat.

Natural Attractions of Napoleon: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Oak Openings Preserve: This nature reserve is the largest oak savanna ecosystem east of the Mississippi. It offers a wide variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, and kayaking. The preserve is also home to some rare species of plants and birds.

  • Napoleon Community Pool: This public pool is a great getaway from the summer heat and a perfect place for families to enjoy an afternoon together. It’s reasonably priced and has lifeguards on duty during the open hours.

  • Wabash Cannonball Trail: The Wabash Cannonball Trail is a 63-mile recreational trail in Northwest Ohio that extends between Maumee and Elmore. The trail offers scenic views, wildlife sightings, and plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Napoleon

Napoleon has a variety of trails that cater to hikers, cyclists, and riders. Here are some of the most popular ones:

  • Oak Openings Metro Park Trail: This trail covers about 8 miles and offers scenic views of the forest, open savanna, and prairies. The area is popular for birdwatching and also features a fishing lake.

  • Wabash Cannonball Trail: As mentioned earlier, the trail is a perfect place for hiking, biking or horseback riding extending about 63 miles connecting multiple tourist attractions.

Best Things to Do in Napoleon: Activities and Tours

In addition to the above-mentioned facilities, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy in Napoleon:

  • Playgrounds and Parks: Napoleon has several parks and playgrounds that the kids will enjoy. The parks span over acres, and some of them have sports facilities like basketball courts and tennis courts.

  • Napoleon Civic Center Ice Rink: This indoor ice rink is a great place to go in the winter months for a fun family outing or skating with friends. It has skate rental service available as well.

  • Horseback Riding: Riverbend Riding Stable is a fun and safe horseback riding facility located just outside Napoleon. The stable offers guided trail rides and Western riding lessons to individuals of all ages.

Week-Long Itinerary for Napoleon

A week in Napoleon allows you to take it easy and explore the surrounding areas. Here is an example itinerary you can follow:

Day 1 Morning Afternoon
    Visit Henry County Historical Society Museum
    Lunch at Downtown Restaurant & Tavern
    Stroll around Founders Square
Day 2 Morning Afternoon
    Explore the Oak Openings Preserve
    Lunch in the park by Bernard Park
    Relax in the community pool
Day 3 Morning Afternoon
    Visit Butterfly House & Oak Openings Metro Park Trail
    Lunch by the river at Riverview Cafe
    Visit Camp Palmer
Day 4 Morning Afternoon
    Visit the Toledo Zoo
    Lunch at Mancy’s Steakhouse Toledo
    Visit Toledo Botanical Garden
Day 5 Morning Afternoon
    Wabash Cannonball Trail
    Lunch at Pine Ridge Country Club
    Golfing at Pine Ridge Golf Course
Day 6 Morning Afternoon
    Take a day trip to Cedar Point Amusement park
    Lunch in Sandusky
    Return to Napoleon for dinner at Chinese Restaurant
Day 7 Morning Afternoon
    Relax at Riverbend Riding Stable
    Lunch at Country Charm Cafe
    Enjoy the Homer City Festival or return home

Food and Drink Scene of Napoleon

In addition to its tourist attractions, Napoleon has a fantastic array of food and drink options. Below are the local dishes and drinks that you must try:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Pizza: Napoleon has some of the best pizza places around, with the favorite being Little Caesars Pizza, Marco’s Pizza, and Donato’s Pizza.

  • BBQ: The BBQ from Deet’s Barbecue or Country Charm Cafe is mouthwatering.

  • Buffalo Wings: The wings at Jefferson Street Pub and Restaurant are famed amongst locals.

Local Beverages

  • Beer: There’s a decent selection of local beers available at local breweries like Draught House 25 and Twin Oaks Valley Winery.

  • Wine: Twin Oaks Valley Winery is a must-visit for wine lovers, with a variety of offerings available in their tasting room.

Where to Stay in Napoleon: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Napoleon has several accommodations for visitors, including hotels and lodges:

  • Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites: This hotel is conveniently located near the heart of town and offers spacious and well-equipped guest rooms. It includes a pool, fitness center, free Wi-Fi, and breakfast.

  • Quality Inn: Quality Inn is located at just off of Highway 24, offers exceptional services at reasonable rates. It features an indoor pool, business center, and free parking.

  • Travelodge by Wyndham: The accommodation has 84 rooms and features free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and free parking. Pets allowed upon request.

What to Buy in Napoleon: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

For those searching for souvenirs and local products to purchase in Napoleon, there are many options, including:

  • Antiques: The Riverside Antiques Mall offers a wide selection of antiques and vintage finds.

  • Art: Visit The Tiffin Glass Museum to admire and shop for Ohio-made glasswares.

  • Maple Syrup: Henry County is known for its maple syrup, so why not bring home some unadulterated syrup for your pancakes? Buy some from any local farmer’s market.

Local Culture and Customs of Napoleon

In Napoleon, people are welcoming and kind to the guests. Visitors are requested to respect their beliefs and values. They take pride in their locality’s history and natural beauty. Niger is known for music, dance, and folktales, mostly in African-American regions.

Best Time to Visit Napoleon

The best time to visit Napoleon is during the summer months of June, July, and August, when the weather is pleasant. However, the months of fall offer mild temperatures, beautiful foliage, and low accommodation rates.

Do’s and Don’ts of Napoleon

Do:

  • Respect the cultural customs and beliefs of the local residents.
  • Take advantage of Napoleon’s outdoor activities and natural landscapes.
  • Try the local cuisine and dishes.

Don’t:

  • Litter or harm the natural flora and fauna.
  • Be noisy at night time and disturb your host’s peace and comfort.
  • Disrespect locals’ values, beliefs, and customs.

Safety and Health

Safety in Napoleon

Napoleon is relatively safe, with some local petty theft crime occurring on occasion. Visitors can stay safe by taking normal precautions when out and about, such as locking vehicles, keeping valuables out of sight, and staying in well-lit areas.

Health in Napoleon

There is a community hospital in Napoleon for medical assistance. There are no medical emergencies caused by epidemics or outbreaks.

Getting to Napoleon: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Napoleon

Toledo Express Airport is the nearest airport, located 35 miles north of Napoleon. The next nearest one is Fort Wayne International airport, located 50 miles east of Napoleon.

Bus Stations Near Napoleon

Several bus lines run through Napoleon, such as Greyhound, Arrow Stage Lines, and Fox Bus Lines.

Other Options

If you plan to drive, then the best route would be to take I-80/90 to exit 13 and head south to Route 24.

How to Get Around in Napoleon

While visiting Napoleon, renting a car is the easiest way to navigate the area and get to the various attractions and activities. However, if you don’t want to drive, there are also taxi and Uber services available in the area for your convenience.

Where to Go Next from Napoleon: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

While in Napoleon, you can plan some excursions to nearby places:

  • Toledo Zoo: Located just a short drive from Napoleon, the Toledo Zoo is a must-visit for animal lovers.

  • Cedar Point Amusement Park: Cedar Point amusement park is situated about 80 miles from Napoleon, offering a fun-filled day of rides, games, and entertainment.

Conclusion

Napoleon is a hidden gem of a town in Northwest Ohio, with plenty of tourist attractions, outdoor activities, and culinary experiences to offer the visitors. With this comprehensive guide, you can plan your trip to Napoleon with ease and enjoy your stay to the fullest.