To the south of Van Wert is Ohio’s Lake Country—Lake St. Mary’s; Lake Fort Loramie; Indian Lake; and Kiser Lake. Thousands of tourists and locals flock to these lakes each summer to bask in the sun, camp, boat and fish.
In other directions, counties and cities have their famous landmarks such as the Land of Crossed Tipped Churches, caves and many other claims to fame.
For Van Wert and Van Wert County having one of the most culturally-oriented communities in Ohio, intertwined with some of the greatest history in the region is their claim to fame.
Larry Lee, director of the Van Wert Convention & Visitor’s Bureau, said the current vision for Van Wert is for the community to become a center of the visual, performing, and written arts, offering visitors quality experiences in outstanding settings at a cost which makes them available to any interested patron, he said.
Lee said for visual arts, the Wassenberg Art Center is one of the best places in Ohio. Lee said the center has been favorably compared with upscale galleries in New York and other large cities.
The center presents an average of eight different and unique free exhibits each year.
The performing arts are featured at the Van Wert Civic Theatre, in operation since 1959.
Lee said The Van Wert Civic Theatre is a mainstay in the cultural life of the Van Wert community.
“It is recognized as one of the premiere community theatres in the state of Ohio,” Lee said.
The theatre, which is known to bring in national acts, has five shows per season, offering a balanced variety of comedy, drama and music in a170-seat playhouse.
“They also sponsor a series of free summer concerts in a wonderful outdoor setting in our downtown Fountain Park,” Lee said.
This year's opening concert features Al Stewart and is drawing fans from not only throughout Ohio but neighboring states, as well.
Lee said without a doubt, the jewel in Van Wert’s artistic crown is the Niswonger Performing Arts Center of Northwest Ohio, which just observed its grand opening in March, 2007.
The $9.6 million Center contains room for 1,200 visitors and a 200 seat Lecture Hall
Lee said the new facility will allow the Van Wert community to expand a thriving arts culture.
Along with these performing arts centers, the Brumback Library is also unique attraction, being the first county library in the United States.
The library was built in 1899 and was recently selected by Ohio Magazine as one of the 50 places to visit in Ohio.
To learn more about Van Wert and Van Wert County, visit www.visitvanwert.org. The site has a list of calendar events for each of the mentioned attractions as well as links to other attractions in the area.
While you’re in town, make sure and visit the Garden of the Senses.
The Master Gardeners of Van Wert created a garden in downtown Van Wert, located in an empty lot between two businesses that had been used as a parking lot.
The Garden of the Senses contains trees, flowers, herbs, and shrubs with raised beds and brick walkways curving around the flowers and trees with benches to stop and rest and enjoy the peacefulness of the garden. A pergola was built on the spot, which in the summer is adorned with hanging baskets and during the Christmas season houses a stately decorated Christmas tree.
The Garden of the Senses can be viewed on Main Street just east of Balyeat’s Coffee Shop.
What to See in Van Wert
Wassenberg Art Center
The Wassenberg Art Center, located at 643 S. Washington Street was founded by prosperous peony farmer, Charles Wassenberg, who died in 1954 and left a trust fund to establish an art center “where art could flourish in Van Wert as the peonies have flourished in my garden.” Today, the art center, which has been favorably compared with upscale galleries in New York and other large cities, presents an average of eight different and unique free exhibits each year. It is also home to the Van Wert County Art Club and the Wassenberg Camera Club. They also offer classes and workshops for people of all ages. For a schedule of exhibits and classes contact them at (419) 238-6837 or visit the Festival of Events at this web site.
Van Wert Civic Theater
Organized in 1959, the Van Wert Civic Theater is a mainstay in the cultural life of the Van Wert community. The award-winning Van Wert Civic Theatre is recognized as one of the premiere community theatres in the state of Ohio. As a member of the Ohio Community Theatre Association, VWCT has become a consistent winner of awards for both acting and technical performances in state-wide competition. The all volunteer theatre group produces five shows per season, offering a balanced variety of comedy, drama and music, in their own 170-seat playhouse, and also sponsors a summer youth theatre program.
Additional information can be obtained by calling 419-238-9689.  Niswonger Performing Arts Center of Northwest Ohio
The Niswonger Performing Arts Center of Northwest Ohio, will open in the spring of 2007. The Center will provide the community a place for its cultural legacy. The 1,200 seat Auditorium, 200 seat Lecture Hall and spacious Grand Lobby will offer many amenities that will be available for community and school use. This facility will allow the Van Wert community to expand a thriving arts culture.
The Performing Arts Center is located at 10700 St. Rt. 118 South. For more information contact them at 419-238-NPAC (6722) or visit their web site at www.npacvw.org. For a listing of scheduled performances you can also visit the Festival of Events on this web site. Community Concert Series
Each year, the Community Concert Association brings Carnegie Hall quality music to Van Wert. For over 50 years, the residents of Van Wert and the surrounding area have been treated to four or five excellent performances from September to May. Attendance at the concert series is by membership only and, with the opening of the Niswonger Performing Arts Center of Northwest Ohio, membership in the association will be open to increasing numbers of interested music-lovers. For more information, contact the Van Wert County Foundation office at 419-238-1743 or visit their website at www.vanwert.com/foundation.
Off StageProductions
Off Stage Productions, "Where theatre comes to life", presents two to three dinner theater shows each season. The meal is a buffet dinner, while the shows are usually comedies with adult themes. Performances fill up quickly, and reservations are required. For more information call 419-238-9394.
Fountain Park Summer Music Series
Fountain Park, located on the west side of downtown Van Wert, provides a beautiful setting for outside summer concerts. Surrounded by trees, park benches, and a fountain, the park’s amphitheater offers a wonderful outdoor concert setting.
All concerts in the Fountain Park Music Series are free to the public, sponsored by The Van Wert County Foundation. Most concerts offer a menu of summer cuisine, served by local churches and charity organizations. Picnic tables are available, but you are invited to bring a lawn chair or blanket and relax to some beautiful music and enjoy good food with friends, under the stars. For more information, you may call The Van Wert County Foundation at 419-238-1743 or visit their website at www.vanwert.com/foundation. Sanctuary Music Series
The Sanctuary Music Series is dedicated to bringing the gift of music to the church community and general public. It has been said that “Music is a grand and glorious gift of God”. With Van Wert’s rich heritage of churches and religion, a music series in some of its grandest cathedral and sanctuary settings seems most appropriate.
These concerts are presented approximately three times a year on Sunday afternoons. Cultural music which edifies our Creator is highlighted in this series. The concerts are free and open to the public, offered as a gift to the community from The Van Wert County Foundation. For more information contact The Van Wert County Foundation at 419-238-1743.
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