Things to Do in Tiffin, Ohio

Tiffin was once a glass and porcelain manufacturing center, and this volunteer-run museum on South Washington Street honors more than a century of the town’s glassmaking. The shop sells vintage Tiffin glass along with pieces from makers like U.S. Glass, Duncan & Miller and Mosser.

★ Good to know It opens Wednesday through Saturday, with tours by appointment, and Hawkes Crystal is also on South Washington Street.

The Ritz opened on December 20, 1928, as a vaudeville and movie house. A nonprofit bought it in the early 1980s and restored it in 1998. Look for the terra cotta mask of Melpomene, the Greek muse of tragedy, on the facade, then the mosaic lobby floor and black onyx walls inside. It sits at 30 S. Washington St., in the middle of downtown.

★ Good to know Concerts, plays and classic films run through the year; check the Ritz calendar before you plan an evening.

The museum fills the 1853 Italianate home of Rezin Shawhan, remembered as Tiffin’s first millionaire. The drawing room keeps its original furnishings, and the parlor has its original wallpaper and marble fireplace. Other rooms show glassware, kitchen tools and military uniforms and weapons.

★ Good to know All tours are guided, so arrive at least an hour before closing; it’s open Wednesday through Saturday.

This nonprofit museum at 217 S. Washington St. uses artifacts, dioramas, mannequins and hands-on displays to tell the story of the Civil War. A 20-minute film, “Ohio’s Role in the Civil War,” plays in its theater.

★ Good to know The film is free to watch, and it’s a good first stop before the exhibits.

Tiffin has two private universities. Heidelberg was founded in 1850 and Tiffin University in 1888. Heidelberg’s campus on East Market Street also has an outdoor labyrinth that’s listed as a stop for visitors.

★ Good to know Check each school’s calendar for public events, games and performances.

This city park at 491 Coe St. has a disc golf course, and the Tiffin City Pool is on Coe Street too.

★ Good to know The pool is seasonal, so check the city’s schedule before you pack swimsuits.

Local growers and makers set up on South Washington Street in downtown Tiffin every Saturday morning in season. Expect produce, grass-fed beef, honey, maple products, baked goods and plant starts.

★ Good to know The season usually runs mid-May to mid-October, and a few dates move location, so check the schedule first.

This environmental education center on St. Francis Avenue promotes an appreciation of nature and sustainable living. It offers indoor and outdoor programs for children, teens and adults, and the Little Portion Green shares the grounds.

★ Good to know Programs are scheduled, so call or check its website before you drop in.