Governor DeWine Cuts Ribbon to Celebrate Four New Rest Areas in Union and Van Wert Counties

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Ohio Governor Mike DeWine celebrated the opening of four new rest area buildings with ribbon-cuttings today in Union and Van Wert counties.

The Governor’s transformative rest area project is an 8-year effort to enhance the safety, experience, and accessibility for travelers in Ohio, while sharing Ohio’s natural history, historic past, and popular attractions.  New rest area locations feature native Ohio plants, dog trails, rocking chairs, and Storybook Trails, which give kids and families the chance to read a Dolly Parton Imagination Library book along a short trail while stretching their legs. 

“A safe traveler is a well-rested traveler, so our goal is to provide a safe, clean space for visitors,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. “While we have them here, we are sharing Ohio’s great story to hopefully spark curiosity and inspire more exploration in Ohio, the Heart of it All!”

Governor Dewine, First Lady Fran DeWine, and local community leaders officially unveiled the new re-imagined rest area on U.S. 33 westbound in Union County near Marysville this morning, which highlights nearby attractions such as Grand Lake St. Marys State Park, Indian Lake State Park, Logan County History Center, Freshwater Farms of Ohio, Piatt Castle, and the Armstrong Air & Space Museum. There is also a new rest area on U.S. 33 eastbound.

“Whether someone is new to Ohio or simply exploring a different region, these re-imagined rest areas offer a warm welcome and a lasting first impression,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development (ODOD). “From hidden gems to well-known landmarks, we’re helping travelers discover what makes each corner of Ohio unique and inviting them to explore even more.”

LINK: Union County B-roll and Soundbites

This afternoon, the Governor joined local community leaders in Van Wert County to cut the ribbon on the new U.S. 30 eastbound rest area, which welcomes people into Ohio.  It features Ohio’s Presidential Trail, Smiley Park, Niswonger Performing Arts Center, and the Brumback Library, which was the first county library formed in the United States in 1901. There is also a new rest area on U.S. 30 westbound.

“The investment to upgrade the rest areas reflects Ohio’s commitment to traveler safety and tourism,” said ODOT Director Pam Boratyn. “These re-imagined rest areas not only provide essential services but also serve as a gateway to discovering more attractions in Ohio, the Heart of it All.”

LINK: Van Wert County B-roll and Soundbites

All four new rest areas in Union and Van Wert counties feature universal changing stations in the family restroom, offering an adjustable table in a clean, safe, and private space to meet the personal care needs of individuals with disabilities and medical conditions.  They also provide support to caregivers. Twenty-nine rest areas across Ohio will have a universal changing station by the end of 2026, increasing accessibility for all travelers.

Governor DeWine’s rest area plan includes 36 new rest areas and upgrades to more than 40 others by the end of 2026. As rest area visitors are encouraged to explore communities around them, local economies are strengthened. In 2024, Ohio generated a record-setting $57 billion in visitor spending, which supported more than 443,000 jobs. Ohio received 242 million visits, which is 3.5 million more than 2023.