Wyandot County is filled with historic sights, museums and monuments commemorating the area's colorful past. One of the state's largest collections of Native American artifacts can be found at the Wyandot County Historical Society Museum, in Upper Sandusky. Located in an 1853 mansion, the 11-room museum also includes period furniture and furnishings, an early American kitchen, Victorian clothing and a children's room with antique toys. Area war veterans are honored in the War Room. The historical society presents local history in a one-room restored school house nestled on the museum grounds.

     Another historical site is the McCutchen Overland Inn, an 1829 stagecoach stop 10 miles north of Upper Sandusky on the old Harrison Trail. Also of historic note is the Wyandot County Courthouse. Recently restored, it is considered among the most beautiful of Ohio's 88 county courthouses.

     The Wyandotte Mission Church, also in Upper Sandusky, traces its roots to the 1820s, and is the site of the Methodist's first North American mission. Designated a national shrine by the United Methodist Church, the restored structure has displays of historic drawings, photographs and documents. Sunday church services are held in the summer.

    A visit to the area's two covered bridges offers a sense of what travel was like during the late 1880s. Swartz Covered Bridge, built in 1880, and Parker Covered Bridge, built in 1872, each span the Sandusky River. Both have been fully restored, and continue to carry traffic.

     Another Sandusky River landmark is Indian Mill State Memorial and Milling Museum. Built in 1861 by the U.S. Government for the Wyandotte Tribe, it is the nation's first museum of milling.

     Throughout the area are monuments commemorating famous local individuals and events. Among them is the Crawford Monument. Originally erected in 1877 to honor Indian fighter Col. William Crawford, a new monument was set in 1994 in Ritchey Cemetery, file miles south of Carey. The Wyandotte's great leader Tarhe is honored by the Tarhe Monument, located about four and a half miles northeast of Upper Sandusky. The respected warrior was a signatory of the Treaty of Greenville, and played a crucial role in establishing peace between the tribes and white settlers.

     The Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation in Carey is visited by Catholics and people of faith from throughout the world. The stately brick Shrine and its grounds are also used for special retreats.

     The Star Theatre in Upper Sandusky is a center of cultural activity. Also making valuable contributions is the area's cultural offerings are many performing arts groups. 

      The Star Players annually stage three plays at the theater, special events are held throughout the year and family movies are shown on weekends.

     The area's cultural calendar includes special events throughout the year. Among them are the Wyandot County Fair and the Ohio Hand Corn Husking Contest, both held at the fairgrounds in Upper Sandusky.  Another event is Gatherings, an annual July art festival held at Harrison Smith Park in Upper Sandusky.

     The Heritage Family Festival is held in Upper Sandusky the second weekend in July. The event includes a carnival, entertainment, canoe race, bike tour, 5-K running race, cheerleading competition, mini- tractor pull for kids, 3-on-3 basketball tournament, and arts and crafts. The annual Upper Sandusky Autumn Cruise, in September, is a classic and custom car show that raises funds for Wyandot County Community groups.

     All calendars should be marked for December as another great time to be in Upper Sandusky. Twinkling lights and holiday displays transform the Harrison Smith Park into a winter wonderland during Upper's Winter Fantasy of Lights.

     With its rich history, cultural venues and many special events, there's always a reason to be in the Upper Sandusky area!