Findlay, Ohio: Ghost Town

Stopped by on a Monday, but it was closed. The roads are narrow. There's a parking lot before you get there -- and you should stop there because it's awkward to turn around if you go past it. There appears to be plenty to look at, but there's no clue when it's open.

This was open when my family and I stopped in. By "open" I mean that the landscaping was taken care of and that there were some porta-potties available. I saw no one else during the visit, but the very last house seems to be occupied by the owner, so be respectful. Though most the buildings were locked, it was still cool.

The Ghost Town just south of Findlay will open for several events during 2016. The new owner has done many repairs to the numerous buildings. The town is looking better by the day. There will be an Arts and Crafts Show on the 3rd weekend of April, and an Antique Show and Flea Market Bonanza on the 4th weekend of April (vendor slots available - 419-270-2667).

I'm sorry to say that Ghost Town is closed. We took a chance and stopped on our way up to Michigan. The back roads to get there are fun...they go through corn fields and there are some nice old houses to get a look at. But, unfortunately, Ghost Town is really a ghost town. There is an opening in the fence you can walk through, but the grass and weeds are overgrown and the buildings are padlocked shut.

We were pleased to find Ghost Town still open to the public, and still maintained by Mr. Galitza, who took over after his father passed away. He went out of his way to get the attractions ready for us -- we were the first visitors that day, and probably this year (He was a little delayed because of so much rain.).

It was similar to how I remembered it from my last visit in 1973, but with an added sitting area in the middle of the "town." There was music playing as well to help set the tone as we walked around : "Bonanza", and the themes from every Clint Eastwood Western... My children had a great time exploring the old country store, the jail, and Boot Hill. There is even a covered bridge that Mr. Galitza and his father built themselves. Lots of cool antiques, and great mannequins in some displays.