MERCER COUNTY
County Offices
419-586-3178
www.mercercountyohio.org
Chamber of Commerce
419-586-2219
www.celinamercer.com
Situated just north of the midpoint of the Ohio-Indiana state line, Mercer County attracts newcomers to the rural serenity and natural beauty of an agricultural landscape. The county provides a friendly hometown atmosphere for local residents, but it also enjoys a location in the heart of the spectacular Grand Lake St. Marys Region. The presence of Ohio’s largest inland lake and Mercer County hospitality have made the county a vacation destination that welcomes more than 750,000 visitors each year.
Services
Residents of Mercer County enjoy the pleasures of country living and small-town charm within easy access of first-rate educational and healthcare services. In addition to fine public schools, private education is available in the county seat and leading city of Celina. The county’s well-managed school districts can turn to the Mercer County Educational Services Center for additional resources in categories that include gifted education, parent mentors and staff resources. Juniors and seniors in high school are able to advance their career choices through the Tri Star Career Compact technical district serving both Mercer and Auglaize counties. The highly respected Wright State University in Dayton maintains a beautiful 173-acre, lakefront campus in Celina. Other colleges and universities available within a reasonable commute include Edison Community College in Piqua, Rhodes State College and the University of Northwestern Ohio in Lima, Sinclair Community College and the University of Dayton in Dayton, Ohio Northern University in Ada, and Owens Community College or the University of Findlay in Findlay.
First-rate healthcare services are available locally in two Mercer Health facilities. The Community Medical Center in Celina provides quality care in departments that include Urgent Care, the Disease Management Clinic, Wellness and Occupational Health Services, and laboratory/imaging services. The city of Coldwater is home to Mercer Health, a full-service hospital that provides comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care including a long list of centers of excellence and skilled physicians in every specialty. The Mercer Health Birthing Center is also located in Coldwater, with state-of-the-art labor, delivery, recovery and postpartum rooms in a homelike atmosphere. Should a need for specialized care arise, Joint Township District Memorial Hospital of the Grand Lake Health System in St. Marys is only minutes away. Two regional medical centers are available nearby in Lima: Memorial Health System and St. Rita’s Medical Center, the largest hospital within a 70-mile radius. Lima is also home to the Institute for Orthopedic Surgery. The strategic location of US Highways 127 and 33 ensure quick commutes to regional destinations and links to major interstates.
Lifestyle
Mercer County is a region of delightful contrasts, including a low cost of living and high quality of life. The county has preserved many outstanding architectural jewels from the past blend and yet developed modern amenities for an atmosphere that is both charming and highly livable. The county lies in Ohio’s Historic West, a State Designated Heritage Area covering ten counties and highlighting countless historic, cultural, scenic, and agricultural sites and attractions. Among them are the Neil Armstrong Air and Space Museum in Wapakoneta, the Bicycle Museum of America in New Bremen, the Fort Recovery State Museum, and a scenic byway called the Land of Cross-Tipped Churches. Broadway shows, national headliners, and stellar entertainment are available close to home at regional venues like the Veterans Memorial Civic & Convention Center in Lima or the Niswonger Performing Arts Center of Northwest Ohio in Van Wert.
Recreational opportunities are crowned by the presence of Grand Lake St. Marys, making this region Ohio’s gateway to world-class fishing, boating, swimming, water sports, biking, and camping. Mercer County is also home to nearly 12,000 acres of state parks, forests, nature preserves and wildlife areas for unrivaled outdoor adventure around the four seasons. Paths and trails abound, including the 40-mile Miami-Erie Canal Towpath historic trail along State Route 66. Developed recreational resources are crowned by the Auglaize-Mercer Counties Family YMCA with a facility in Celina and golf courses that include a country club. Residents of Mercer County are able to enjoy the pleasures of country living in family-centered communities where the calendar is always filled with opportunities to gather with friends and neighbors for church, school and organizational events. With its exceptional recreational amenities, modern services, historic preservation, and old-fashioned warmth, Mercer County is an ideal place to call home.
Celina
City Offices
877-591-3113
www.ci.celina.oh.us
Chamber of Commerce
419-586-2219
www.celinamercer.com
The county seat and hub city of Celina enjoys a centralized location along Grand Lake’s west shoreline in the path of the major thoroughfare of US Highway 127. Celina is justly proud of its revitalized Main Street and the architectural grandeur of buildings that serves as public offices as well as the preservation of stately historic homes. Concerts in the Park and unique venues like Arts Place in nearby St. Marys nurture creativity and support an active cultural community. Celina also draws throngs of regional visitors for outstanding events like the three-day Celina Lake Festival and the equally extravagant July Fourth Freedom Days Celebration. The city also hosts the prestigious American Power Boat Racing Association’s Inboard World Championships and the Governor’s Cup Regatta. Little wonder that Celina’s welcome sign reads, “One of the 100 best small towns!”
Mercer County Townships
Quaint villages and small towns dot the countryside of 14 townships, expanding the options for rural living in well-kept older homes or vibrant new construction. Those who are interested in building a custom home will find generous lots surrounded by scenic splendor in every direction. The centralized location of the leading city of Celina and the Village of Coldwater with its full-service hospital ensure that every resident of Mercer County lives only minutes away from expanded amenities.
