Napoleon, Ohio

Photo of Buckeye Trail Town Napoleon, Ohio. Photo by Sophie Llenos.
Trail Town dedication
May 16, 2019
Section
Defiance
Chapter
Miami and Erie Canal Chapter
County
Henry
Page last updated
Nov 10, 2025

About Napoleon, Ohio

Napoleon is a city in Henry County, located in northwest Ohio on the Maumee River, about 44 miles southwest of Toledo. Napoleon was named after French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte in 1832 and settled largely by German immigrants who worked on the Miami and Erie Canal. Surrounded by fertile farmland, it remains an important agricultural hub in the region.

History and Geography

The area around Napoleon was once part of the Great Black Swamp—25 miles wide and 100 miles long—characterized by dense forests and muddy wetlands that hindered early settlement. Beginning in the 1850s, widespread drainage transformed the swamp into productive farmland. As the forests were cleared and drainage technology advanced, the community grew with the development of the canal and railroad lines.

Why You Should Visit

Napoleon, Ohio, offers a mix of small-town charm and attractions, making it a worthwhile visit. Highlights include the giant Campbell’s Soup can, the rich architecture of the downtown area, and outdoor spaces like East Riverdowns Park and Glenwood Park on the banks of the Maumee River.

Outdoor recreation opportunities

  • Hiking: Great hiking on the Buckeye Trail which follows the Maumee River through Napoleon.
  • Biking: The flat land of northwest Ohio makes for great, fast biking.
  • Kayaking/Canoeing: Public boat dock at Oberhaus Park, Ritter Park.
  • Fishing: Napoleon is located on the Maumee River, which can be a paradise for the local angler.

Events

Lodging

  • Vacation rentals: Several listings are available on Airbnb for lodging in Napoleon.
  • Hotels: There are two chain hotels in Napoleon.

Community and tourism links

Places to visit

  • County Courthouse & Henry County Sheriff’s Residence and Jail: Both were placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973, recognizing their historical and architectural significance.
  • Ritter Park: One of many of Napoleon’s parks situated along the Maumee River. Once a state park built in the 1930s, Ritter Park is now a passive park with a historical stone shelter house and a walking path along the river. The city’s boat launch facility is part of Ritter Park and is a popular spot for boating enthusiasts during the summer months.
  • Meyerholtz Park: Open shelterhouse, picnic tables, open grass area, path for walking/jogging and also parking area.
  • East Riverdowns Park: Facilities include picnic tables, restrooms, parking, drinking fountains, two softball fields, an arboretum and tree nursery, horseshoes, large playground, open shelter, and a volleyball court.
  • Oakwood Park: Facilities include baseball/softball diamonds, batting cages, a basketball court, a football field, sand volleyball court, two open-air shelter houses, a fishing lake, wooded hiking trails, year-round restroom facilities, and a one-mile walking path around the perimeter of the park. This scenic path is handicapped-accessible and is perfect for those who love to walk or jog to stay in shape. A nine-hole disc golf course is also new to the park.
  • Leaders Family Farm: Two miles outside of Napoleon, it’s a great place to go for a day of kid’s activities with a horrifying twist at night for adults. They have a giant corn maze which is cut differently every year, pumpkin cannons, hayrides, zombie paintball, mini golf, gold mining, and a petting zoo. Leaders Farm is open seasonally in the fall.
  • Historic Complex at the Henry County Fairgrounds: This site contains several historic buildings and structures, including the Nathaniel Hartman Log Home circa 1860 – 1866, the 1897 Emmanuel Lutheran One Room Schoolhouse & Museum, the Agricultural Building, Smokehouse, and the circa1910 Historic Gazebo.
  • Dr. John Bloomfield Home & Carriage House Museum: The home was built in 1894 and has been restored, and now serves as the main museum for the Henry County Historical Society.
  • ProTeam: This world-famous collection of classic Corvettes can only be found at ProTeam Corvette Sales in Napoleon, Ohio. The entire stock of Corvettes are stored year-round in a climate-controlled indoor showrooms.
Photo of Buckeye Trail Town Napoleon, Ohio. Photo by Jill Moorhead.

Trail Town news

Photo of Buckeye Trail Town Napoleon, Ohio. Photo by Jill Moorhead

Amenities

  • Public camping areas: A primitive Rotary Riverside Preserve campsite is available, between Defiance Points 13 and 14, 1.7 miles east of Route 6 overpass, on property owned by the Black Swamp Conservancy; call the director at 419.833.1025 at least 48 hours prior. Henry County Park District Shelter is a log-sided, three-sided hiking shelter facing the Maumee River, located close to Defiance Point 14, near the village of Liberty Center in Henry County just east of state Route 109 and adjacent to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources North Turkeyfoot Wilderness Area; GPS coordinates: 41.41097,-84.00750. Camping is available at Mary Jane Thurston State Park west of Grand Rapids; fee is required.
  • Access to restrooms: East Riverdowns Park, Ritter Park, Meyerholtz Park, and Vorwerk Park.
    Shower availability: Showers are available at Mary Jane Thurston State Park.
  • Grocery store: Available in downtown area, 12-minute walk; Circle K Convenience Store is closer to trail.
  • Post office: 206 W. Washington Street, Napoleon, OH 43545
  • Outdoor store: Hardware store in downtown area may offer supplies; Walmart is located two miles north of downtown area.
  • Bike pump and/or repair kit: Bike pump repair station is available on OH-424, at the Canal Falls River Access. GPS coordinates: 41.33221615277935, -84.18189800017258
  • Food options: Fast food, convenience stores, gas stations, and restaurants can be found in the downtown area.

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