St. Marys, Ohio

Photo of Buckeye Trail Town St. Marys. Photo by Kim Love-Ottobre.
Trail Town dedication
Oct 26, 2021
Section
St. Marys
Chapter
Miami and Erie Canal Chapter
County
Auglaize
Page last updated
Nov 10, 2025

About St. Marys, Ohio

St. Marys, Ohio, is located in west-central Ohio and can be reached by major highways U.S. Routes 33/29 and state Route 66. The town sits on the east bank of Grand Lake St. Marys, at one time 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.

History and Geography

Strategically important during the frontier era, the St. Marys River was once a vital Native American travel route, linking the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico by short portages. Before the Miami and Erie Canal, it served as the main supply line into western Ohio, carrying provisions for Gen. Anthony Wayne’s army during the Northwest Indian War. In 1794, Wayne built a fort here, driving out trader James Girty, whose post had given the early settlement the name “Girtystown.” The town was renamed St. Marys in 1823.

Why You Should Visit

Once a thriving canal town, St. Marys, Ohio, is worth a visit for its access to Grand Lake St. Marys State Park, a large, man-made lake with a variety of recreational activities. It’s also known for its charming small-town atmosphere, historic sites, and community events.

Events

  • Farmers Market: Held every Saturday June through September.
  • SummerFest: Held the second full weekend in August, SummerFest is a community event for all ages.
  • Walks With Nature: Fall festival held annually in October.

Places to visit

Outdoor recreation opportunities

  • Hiking: The historic canal completed in 1845 still flows through Auglaize County and provides scenic views and recreation for the area. State Route 66 allows visitors opportunities to explore the old canal. Bloody Bridge, Forty Acre Pond, Deep Cut, Six Mile Spillway, and a number of remaining locks are areas of great interest to history buffs.
  • Biking: Many portions of the towpath, which the Buckeye Trail sometimes runs concurrently with, are suitable for wider tube bicycles.
  • Boating/Fishing: Grand Lake St. Marys is open zoned for skiing and has unlimited horsepower for powerboating. A 300-foot “no wake” zone provides for safety and shoreline protection. Five state-operated launch ramps provide access to the lake, as do private ramps at marinas around the lake.
  • Birding: Grand Lake St. Marys lies along one of the country’s major migration routes. Waterbirds using the lake as a resting stop include Canada geese, ducks, grebes, swans, egrets, loons, herons, cormorants, and ospreys.

Lodging

  • Vacation rentals: Numerous Airbnb and Vrbo accommodations are available in St Marys.
  • Hotels: There are a variety of chain hotels around Route 33.

Community and tourism links

Photo of Buckeye Trail Town St. Marys. Photo by Jill Moorhead

Trail Town news

Photo of Buckeye Trail Town St. Marys. Photo by Jill Moorhead

Amenities

  • Public camping area: Tent camping (shelter) is available north of Mill Park per notification with the St. Marys Police Department, 419.934.2325. Grand Marys Lake State Park is a short three miles from downtown.
  • Access to restrooms: Shelter house in Mill Park, KC Geiger Park, and public library.
  • Shower availability: None at this time.
  • Grocery store: Find a Kroger store near the trail, but on other side of the Little Miami River.
  • Post office: 120 N. Chestnut Street, St. Marys, OH 45885
  • Outdoor store: Shoe Sensation may have limited supplies.
  • Bike pump and/or repair kit: Pyscho Cycles LLC →
  • Food options: Friendly Tavern, Hometown Burgers & Subs, Guarnieri Pizza.

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