Milan, Ohio is a small historical town with a quaint charm. Its unique history makes it an ideal spot to relax for a while without a care in the world. In the 1840s, Milan boomed as the shipping industry took off, and it soon became the world’s 2nd largest grain shipping port. Unfortunately, however, the canal era didn’t last much longer, and in the 1860s the railroads smashed all hopes of industry for little Milan. It essentially froze, and remained the small village that it has always been. Most of Milan’s business exists around its square in the form of antique shops, the Wonder bar, a hair shop, a bank, the Invention restaurant, a pizza house, and a few other various businesses. Milan is most well known for being the birthplace of Thomas Edison, famous inventor of the light bulb, phonograph, and numerous other inventions that have influenced the way we live today.
In fact, most people who visit Milan come as a short side trip to the Edison Birthplace, a small home where they can take a guided tour, but anyone who doesn’t spend more time than that in Milan is cheating themselves of a wonderful, relaxing time. One of Milan’s best attractions has to be the Milan Historical Museum. Located just down the street from the birthplace, it is a 7-building complex with a wide variety of historical artifacts from all over the world, including one of the world’s most extensive glass collections and the private collection of former Gulf Oil Vice President Burt Newton.
Another nice attraction for people coming to Milan in order to appreciate its history is the square. Not much has changed on the square since the canal era ended. The storefronts on small shops are still reminiscent of a quaint little 1800s town. Most of these shops are full of antiques and novelties that could keep an enthusiast entertained for days. One of the shops, Milan Inn-Tiques, doubles as the perfect place to stay for a few days whether looking for a historical trip or a place to relax in the evening after a fast-paced trip to Cedar Point, Kalahari Resorts, Great Wolf Lodge, or any other activities in nearby Sandusky on Lake Erie.
So whether taking a small side trip back in time, planning a vacation to Sandusky, or looking for a good way to spend the day, a visit to Milan is certainly worth anyone’s time.
Source:
“Milan and the Milan Canal” Charles E. Frohman