Delphos, Ohio
- Trail Town dedication
- Sep 17, 2022
- Section
- Delphos
- Chapter
- Miami and Erie Canal Chapter
- County
- Allen, Van Wert
- Page last updated
- Nov 18, 2025
About Delphos, Ohio
Delphos is in northwest Ohio on U.S. Route 30, about 15 miles west of Lima and 20 miles east of the Indiana state line. The Miami and Erie Canal runs through the heart of downtown Delphos, with many examples of the locks involved in the navigation of the canal. On the trail at the north end of Delphos is the 175+-year-old stone Lock 24 of the Miami and Erie Canal.
History and Geography
Established in 1842 in the Great Black Swamp on the route of the Miami and Erie Canal, Delphos is steeped in history. Delphos is at the crossroads of the Lincoln Highway Historic Byway and the Miami and Erie Canal Historic Byway. The city gleams with architectural gems, ranging from a Civil War-era house and Victorian-era mansions to an 1881 Romanesque Revival church, an 1888 Richardsonian Romanesque city building, and a 1933 Art Deco post office.
Why You Should Visit
Delphos is rich in history about life on the Ohio frontier and the developments that were brought forward with the installation of the Miami and Erie Canal and the railroads. The city is home to the Delphos Canal Museum, home to the Marguerite, the only authentic canal boat remaining in Ohio, and the Museum of Postal History, one of only three museums in the United States dedicated to the postal service. A 1912 Carnegie library stands just a few blocks west of the Buckeye Trail.
Outdoor recreation opportunities
- Hiking: The Buckeye Trail runs concurrently with the Miami and Erie Towpath, with flat surfaces that make it perfect for beginning hikers and families to hike the trail.
- Biking: The flat terrain in the Delphos area is perfect for fun, long bike rides. Many parts of the Miami and Erie Towpath are suitable for biking.
Places to visit
- Museum of Postal History: Museum dedicated to the postal service.
- Van-Del Drive In Theater: An authentic and historic drive-in movie theater situated between Van Wert and Delphos, Ohio, off state Route 30. It boasts two screens and parking for 400 vehicles.
- Veterans Memorial Park: Located at the intersection of the Lincoln Highway and Miami and Erie Canal, the nearly 20-foot monument features a 1909 life-size bronze statue of a Civil War soldier standing at parade rest. The monument is one of only two in Ohio that commemorates both the men and women of the Civil War.
- The Creamery →
- Delphos Dairy Hut →
- The Mill →
- Topp Chalet →
- Haehn’s Simply Brewed →
- Pat’s Donuts & Kreme →
Events
- Canal Days Festival: Held on the third weekend in September.
- Outdoor Concerts: Held on the second and fourth Sundays, June through August, in the Hanser Pavilion at Stadium Park.
- Fourth of July Celebration by the Kiwanis
Lodging
- Bed & breakfasts: You’ll find quaint accommodations located near the downtown area.
- Vacation rentals: There are numerous independent lodging options available on platforms like Vrbo and Airbnb.
- Hotels: Chain hotel located at Route 30
Community and tourism links
- City of Delphos →
- Delphos Area Chamber of Commerce →
- The Trailblazer magazine article Spring 2002, Page 16
Trail Town news
Amenities
Amenities
- Public camping area: Trail users are welcome to camp in any of the city parks: Waterworks, Stadium, Leisure, Suever, or Garfield.
- Access to restrooms: Restrooms are available at Waterworks Park, Stadium Park, and Leisure Park from April to November, available 24/7.
- Shower availability: Stadium Park, in season.
- Grocery store: A grocery store is located about 10 blocks from the trail; convenience store and gas station are located on the trail.
- Post office: 127 N. Main Street, Delphos, Ohio 45833-9998
- Outdoor store: None available; local hardware store located along trail may have supplies available.
- Bike pump and/or repair kit: None available; local hardware store located along trail may have supplies available.
- Food options: Both chain and local restaurants are located along the trail through the town.
