In Northwest Ohio, a small county has big dreams

In Northwest Ohio, a small county has big dreams.

The towns of Defiance, Sherwood, Hicksville, and Ney make their home in Defiance County. All unique in their own way, these four towns make Northwest Ohio a destination not easily forgotten.

Nestled on the confluence of the Maumee and Auglaize Rivers, the town of Defiance, Ohio offers a quiet getaway packed with history. As the strategic location for Fort Defiance by “Mad” Anthony Wayne during the Northwest Indian War from 1785-1795, our quaint community has grown into a destination for anyone wanting to slow down and smell the lilacs.

Sherwood, Ohio was named after General Isaac N. Sherwood, an officer in the Union army during the Civil War. This small town continues to grow and adapt to the world while maintaining its charm and commitment to its community.

Making its debut in Adventures of Huckleberry Finn in 1885 and Hometown to Daeida Hartell Wilcox Beveridge, cofounder of Hollywood, California, Hicksville, Ohio continues to be a shining star in Defiance County.

With 16 parks, including the Independence Dam State Park, the whole of Defiance County is a nature lover’s dream. Add to that the many historic sites like the Auglaize Village (Defiance), The Andrew L. Tuttle Memorial Museum (Defiance), and the Defiance Public Library (on the site of the old fort grounds), and you’ll find yourself transported to a simpler time.

Defiance County is no stranger to incredible events throughout the year. Whether you need lip-smacking ribs (Rib Fest, September 26th), want to watch the magnificence of hot air balloons (Defiance County Hot Air Balloon Festival, August 1st), or are looking for that perfect way to get out of the house this fall (Fiesta Defiance/Arabella Street Festival, September 12th) we have an event waiting for you.

If home-town, locally owned restaurants that will make your taste buds explode is what you’re looking for, destinations like Iron Horse Brews (Sherwood), The Compound, which houses Sweetwater Chophouse, Fired Stone Tavern, and The Crick (Defiance), Samrat American Indian Restaurant (Ney), or Fat Pig BBQ Grill (Hicksville) should be first on your list!

Less than an hour away from bigger cities like Toledo, Ohio, and Fort Wayne, Indiana, Defiance County offers a safe haven where the people aren’t rushed and the coffee is served hot (or iced) at Cabin Fever Coffee (Defiance), Juniper Coffee (Sherwood), or Amanda Lee’s (Hicksville).

Defiance County is more than a place where people live. It is a monument to history, to farmers, entrepreneurs, and folks who have a simple dream of community living. We celebrate together, grieve together, and keep small-town America alive. It’s our nature to support our friends, neighbors, and any weary stranger that might make their way through our little piece of Northwest Ohio.