The Buckeye State has many charming small towns, such as Bellefontaine, which has America’s oldest concrete street, and Wooster, an underappreciated getaway to Ohio’s Amish region with a picturesque downtown and eclectic attractions.
Milan, Ohio (pronounced “my-len” by the locals) is a small town of nearly 1,350 in northwestern Ohio, located 49 miles southwest of Cleveland. It’s about an hour’s drive from central Cleveland, mostly along I-90 West.
Aside from being a charming small town, Milan is best known for being the birthplace of inventor Thomas Edison, who was born there in 1847.
The city was founded in 1804 and named Petquotting by the Moravian community. Twelve years later, Catholic missionaries from Connecticut arrived in the village and named it after Milan, Italy.
Milan enjoyed prosperity for several years thanks to a deep canal connecting the city to Lake Huron. However, the village gradually declined with the arrival of the railroad and the city’s refusal to allow the Lake Shore and Michigan Railroad to lay tracks on its property.
Today, Milan is a delightful relic of a bygone era worth visiting for a weekend.
The picturesque downtown core surrounds a square with a grassy park in the centre. The historic buildings include low-rise federal-style, Greek Revival, Victorian, Second Empire, and Italian Revival structures that house antique shops, cafes, and restaurants.
In addition to many historical buildings, museums, and restaurants, Milan has a lot of greenery to discover. Though the historic district is easily accessible on foot, you will need a car to visit other attractions beyond downtown.
A stroll in the historic Milan
The moment you walk into Crosby’s Antiques, you will feel a time shift because you are surrounded by precious heirlooms from the past. From furniture to jewelry to glassware and dolls, you’re sure to find something special to take home.
If you’re looking for something unique, visit Big Ship Salvage, which is located just outside of downtown. Since 2002, the family-run business has purchased scraps from shipyards and repurposed original nautical light fixtures and other nautical-themed components.
You can recreate the Titanic using lights, mirrors, rope ladders, and a variety of other authentic maritime decor! Milan Inn-tiques is an antique shop and classic inn all in one. On the first floor, you can find fun collectibles, and on the second floor, you can relax in the cozy two-bedroom apartment with two bathrooms and a kitchen decorated with hand-carved antique furniture.
The Thomas Edison Birthplace Museum is located in a home on the banks of the former Milan Canal. The must-see site commemorates the prolific inventor who introduced the first functional, long-lasting incandescent light bulbs, the phonograph, alkaline storage batteries, and other modern conveniences to American homes and beyond.
The museum displays artifacts and provides glimpses into Edison’s life as the legendary innovator. The museum is closed seasonally and occasionally due to weather, so please contact them before visiting.
The Milan Historical Museum houses a charming collection of historical artifacts. There is a fascinating (and possibly slightly creepy) exhibition of wax, porcelain, papier-mâché, and cloth dolls from the 1700s to the 1900s.
A glass exhibition also includes numerous examples of different glass styles. Make sure to stop by the gift shop, which is a great place to find unique souvenirs.
More fun things to do in Milan
The Kelley Building in the village square, a massive red brick property built by Captain Henry Kelley between 1869 and 1870, is the town’s most iconic structure. The highly Instagrammable Victorian beauty is now home to local businesses.
Invention Restaurant, a Thomas Edison-themed eatery near the village square, serves American classics such as burgers, hot dogs, and sandwiches. It also serves a mean breakfast, with options such as omelets, trash hash, pancakes, and waffles.
For a slightly more elevated experience, head to the Milan Wine Post, which serves excellent wines and craft beer. Pair your beverage with a tasty cheese platter or baked pretzels to satisfy your hunger.
You can also enjoy the great outdoors in Milan. Milan Towpath MetroPark is a remnant of the Milan Canal, which passed by Edison’s home. Completed in 1849, the canal brought great wealth to Milan for the next 15 years, allowing residents to ship their grain as far as New York.
Unfortunately, a flood destroyed the canal in 1868. Now all that remains is a lovely 0.9-mile trail that follows a portion of the original towpath. Look for the old Jenkins Warehouse, a wooden structure used during the canal’s heyday.
During the winter, you can enjoy cross-country skiing or snowshoeing on the trail. Huron River Path MetroPark, located six miles from Milan, is a 114-acre preserve and one of Ohio’s few remaining river marshes. Take a quick drive to the nearby Huron River Path, where you might see some birds and wildlife.
For more historical charm, visit Cleveland to see one of America’s first indoor shopping malls, a stunning crystal palace brimming with vintage elegance.
