allen county museum

I attended the Christmas Tree Festival held at the Museum in December. Area clubs and organizations decorated individual trees with unique themes located throughout the museum. Museum has a Children's Discovery Center inside and a Children's Garden on the grounds. There is a a one room schoolhouse, a John Dillinger display and a great deal of locomotive memorabilia. There is even a Shay Locomotive train car inside the museum. I would highly recommend that while you are there, ask the museum docent for a tour next door of the 1893 Victorian MacDonell House with amazing architecture and woodwork.

If you are interested in Lima history, they have it all. Great spot, extremely helpful staff. The train ride in the fall was just a ton of fun. We will look for it again next year.

My most recent visits to the Allen County Museum have been for Art and music events that my kids have participated in. For them, it was a terrific opportunity to have their work on display at a museum. While they were setting up, I looked around a bit and discovered that in 1913 Lima was flooded, with depths in some places between 8 and 12 feet of water. Scary!On earlier trips, we learned a lot about Lima's history and imagined the heyday in which our 1921 home was built. As transplants to the region, we didn't know anything about Lima Locomotive Works or Standard Oil. But it's all there, along with a covered wagon (and outside, the cabin the first settlers built) and numerous exhibits that range from informative to pretty weird. It's been awhile since my kids visited the play space, so I don't remember exactly what is there, but I do remember that they enjoyed trying out being pioneers. Even the kids that were "too old" were so absorbed in "helping" the younger ones that it was hard to leave and go home. I do remember the old fashioned general store, in which the kids could see what it was like behind the counter and try turning the coffee grinder. It seemed to work well on visits when we looked at some of the historical exhibits that older members of our group wanted to see until the young ones got antsy, and then made a visit to the play area.In addition to the main museum and log house, the 1890's MacDonell House sits next-door. The fully restored rooms give a look at life in Lima during the Victorian era, complete with stuffed tigers and bears. I also understand that there is an historical library, but I don't know much about it. The museum campus sits next to the Lima Public Library and the Children's Garden (pretty cool itself, an easy place for a packed lunch), so it's really easy to combine trips, whether you are there for the kids or historical research. It's also close to a number of downtown restaurants and shops. There is no fee for the main museum, but a donation ($5) is suggested. The MacDonell House has a $3 entry fee for visitors over the age of 8.

Haven't been here in years and decided to visit last week with my kids. They loved it, I was not aware of the play area. We probably spent at least an hour in here pretending to cook over the campfire and planting in the garden. There's not much to do in lima, but if your looking for something to do on a rainy day why not spend it here.

had no idea that there were so many industries in Lima that were important to the nation at one time. the museum has a great representation of Allen County's history

Loved it all! Beautiful trees. The museum was better than I remembered from 45 years ago. Excellent representation of Allen County history.

Love the Allen County Museum, there is so much to see, they have a great children's area.The people who work there are very friendly and very informative. Christmas tree festivallast week of November/first week of December, wonderful event. Surprising collections of all sorts of things.

What a great way to learn about the early county activities! The Moses McClure exhibit chronicle his birth and life through the early development of Allen County, OH. Be sure to visit and allow 2-3 hours to see most of the exhibits. This is the most comprehensive collection of all facets of the life in Allen County - the Oil industry - the railroad era - and the effect of the early industry in Lima. At Christmas time, the McDonald Home is decorated in period décor. Also included are the Children's Museum, and the Christmas Tree Festival starting after Thanksgiving and area businesses and clubs decorate each tree. Children of the area love to come see the decorated trees and the Talking Tree.

That's right, they have a Shay Geared Locomotive inside the museum! I was watching when they put the engine inside the museum. That was an interesting afternoon. Also, the train engine was built right here in Lima, Ohio! I remember going to the museum as a child so when they built the new addition, it changed the whole design for the better. Many of the older exhibits are still on display and the newer section has much more. They have a section with small children in mind that let's children have a hands on experience. If the annex building is open, give them a look. There are displays of factories that my grandfather worked at when he was still around. It was nice to see what he may have did while employed. Make a day of visiting the Allen County Museum. Go in the summer when the garden is in full bloom, it's very nice!

This is an excellent museum. I highly recommend a visit. Spend at least 2 hours. The McDonald House (adjacent) is also a very good tour.

The museum is well-organized and a great way to spend your morning or afternoon. Plan at least 2-3 hours to be able to enjoy the displays on all 3 levels. The Shay locomotive is a nice tribute to Lima's history with the Lima Locomotive Works. There is an interesting display of foreign bodies that have been inhaled or ingested and removed from patients. There is an iron lung that was used for polio victims. No matter what your interests, I think you can find something that appeals to you. Next door to the museum is the Children's Garden which is a wonderfully-designed area. I especailly enjoy the museum at Christmastime each year because it is filled with decorated Christmas trees provided by various local organizations. It is more crowded at that time, but worth the visit each year. A quieter, less crowded time is also nice. Each time I am there, I see something that I didn't see before.

This is a great small museum with some really wow exhibits. They combine local and regional events along with some really outstanding nationally known events and personalities. This museum is really worth a stop the next time you are in Lima.

I have been to other museums and nothing holds up like Allen County. I am amazed when I run into people that have never been there.

This Museum is very large it will take at least 3 hours to go through. there are 3 floors of things to see. there is a hands on area for children, lots of history items, model railroad tracts. plus for $3.00 you get to tour the MacDonnell house which is beautiful.

Visited this museum some time ago on my many trips to Lima. Even my little grandaughter was able to follow about the history of the local and surrounding areas.Staff were very informative and children well catered for.