Back on March 1, 2022, the Ohio Commission formed the U.S. semiquincentennial, otherwise known as America 250-Ohio. Through the state’s Revised Code under Section 149.308, the commission was created with the intention to prepare Ohio and Ohioans for the nation’s 250th anniversary on July 4, 2026.
This multi-year celebration honors all 88 counties across Ohio, recognizing the state’s outstanding and far-reaching contributions to the United States. For instance, Ohioans are artists, actors, creators, innovators and so much more. They have shaped the country yesterday and will continue to shape the country today and tomorrow too.
America 250-Ohio has launched more than 10 programs to show their participation, including the Ohio Creativity Trail. Mapping out 113 sites throughout Ohio, the Ohio Creativity Trail takes visitors directly to locations connected to a creative native and their work.
The trail is organized into six artistic themes: Literature, Music, Visual Arts, Glass & Pottery, Folk & Traditional Arts, and Carousel Art.
Literature: (Referred to as “On the Page”) Features 15 stops dedicated to poets, authors, picture book artists, graphic novelists and cartoonists.
Music: Includes 11 stops highlighting singers, songwriters, instrument makers and musicians.
Visual Arts: Spans 33 locations and features painters, sculptors, photographers and illustrators.
Glass & Pottery: Showcases 22 spots focused on glass artists, glassblowers and ceramic artists.
Folk & Traditional Arts: Includes 12 locations featuring designers, master artisans and creators of functional art.
Carousel Art: Offers 20 stops dedicated to carvers, band organs and operational carousels.
The Ohio Creativity Trail features drivable destinations in popular cities such as Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati and Dayton – but it also shines right here at home in Toledo. The trail includes six unique stops across four different creative categories.
In the “On the Page” category, the Toledo Lucas County Public Library’s Nancy Drew Collection, located at 325 Michigan Street, highlights the legacy of the popular mystery series. The “Music” category is represented by the Sacred Steel Music & History Museum at 2108 Collingwood Boulevard, which documents a unique tradition of gospel and steel guitar.
When it comes to visual arts, they are well represented in Toledo. The Toledo Museum of Art Glass Pavilion at 2444 Monroe Street and the main museum building across the street at 2445 Monroe Street both appear on the trail. The Glass City River Wall at 1306 Miami Street, one of the largest mural installations in the country, is also included in this category.
Rounding out the Toledo locations is the Toledo Zoo’s African Carousel at 2 Hippo Way, featured in the trail’s “Carousel Arts” section.
As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026, the Ohio Creativity Trail offers not just Toledoans, but all Ohioans a chance to see the city through a new lens – one that highlights its cultural contributions alongside those of the state’s largest metros. These sites are not just tourist stops; they are living reminders of the creativity and innovation rooted in northwest Ohio.
Locals and visitors alike can use the trail as a guide to explore the stories behind Toledo’s artistic landmarks, many of which have long been part of the city’s identity. With more programs and events to come from America 250-Ohio, these moments leading up to the semiquincentennial offer an opportunity to reflect on where Ohio has been – and where it’s going.
