St. Marys

St Marys is located along the St Marys Section of the Buckeye Trail in the Miami & Erie Canal Chapter area. St Marys became the 16th Trail Town October 16, 2021.

St. Marys, Ohio is located in West Central Ohio and can be reached by major highways U.S. 33/29 and State Route 66 and a mere 12 miles from I-75.  Located on the East bank of Grand Lake St. Marys which was once the largest man made body of water in the U.S.  This 13, 500-acre reservoir was created to provide water for the Miami and Erie Canal once a thriving form of transportation from Cincinnati to Toledo.

The Buckeye Trail follows the former Miami and Erie Canal through the city.  Heading North through St. Marys the path goes along the edge of K.C. Geiger park where there are ball diamonds, miniature and Frisbee golf, a playground, tennis and pickle ball courts, etc.

Passing under the railroad trestle and crossing South street the trail veers off the towpath to go past the Armory and behind the St. Marys Community Public Library into Memorial park where a replica canal boat and mule can be seen.  At the Spring Street underpass, the trail rejoins the towpath/canal.  Heading north, it goes under High Street into Mill Park where one of the oldest water mills still stands. Also in Mill Park is a shelter house and a splash pad and in the future an all-abilities park. If you would like to take a look at Spring Street you will find a city that is being revitalized with shops and businesses.   

Plan Your Visit

Downtown restaurants located downtown include: Friendly Tavern, Hometown burgers and subs, Guarnieri Pizzeria, C&C Loft and Lounge. GR8 Vines Winery. Wishing Well Clinic & Spa is located just a short distance from the trail.  Coming soon to downtown St. Marys a candy store, a men’s clothing store and in the fall there will be a Coffee Shop.  Downtown gas stations include Marathon on South Street and Circle K.  Already in down town are: Effie’s Boutique, Island Dress Shop, Simple Things Crafting, and Arts Place: Auglaize/Mercer Center.  A short distance from downtown is the Auglaize County Historical Society Daniel F. Mooney Museum.

Within the general vicinity: City of St. Marys Public Aquatic Center/Pool, K.C. Geiger park with its ball diamonds, miniature and Frisbee golf, a playground, tennis and pickle ball courts, etc. Numerous parks throughout the city. Kroger and Pantry Pride grocery stores.  Kohl’s department store. Big Lots coming soon.  Other restaurants: JT’s Brew and Grill, Beer Barrel Pizza & Grill, Buffalo Wild Wings, May Lay’s Frozen Yogurt, China Wok, Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken, Subway, McDonalds, Arby’s, and Taco Bell.

St. Marys is a 15-minute drive from Wapakoneta and the Neil Armstrong Air & Space Museum is located.

Additional Resources

Public restrooms are available at the shelter house in Mill Park and in K.C. Geiger park. Additional restrooms are located at the St. Marys Community Public Library and the City building during business hours.  Drinking fountains are located in K.C. Geiger park and at the St. Marys Community Public Library.

Accommodations

Lodging

There are a variety of chain hotels around Route 33.

There are numerous AirBnB and VRBO accommodations in St Marys.

Camping

Grand Lake State Park is a short 3 miles from downtown. There is tent camping (shelter) north of Mill Park per notification with the St.  Marys Police Department, 419-934-2325.

Parking

Parking in the Chestnut St. Parking lot, K.C. Geiger Park, and Mill Park.