Toggle Menu MENU SEARCH REQUEST INFO VISIT APPLY GIVE WELCOME TO CLEAR SKIES, OPEN SPACES AND FRESH IDEAS VILLAGE OF ADA Ohio Northern University is set in the rural village of Ada. It’s a small town, but we still do plenty of big things. And ONU is at the center of it all. Without the distractions of a big city, we hone in on exploring what excites us, solving what puzzles us and building strong relationships with our community. GETTING HERE Ada is a short road trip away from many prime destinations. Check out the distance from Ada to four big “c” cities: Columbus is 1.5 hours, Cleveland and Cincinnati are 2.5 hours, and Chicago is 4.5 hours. Bluffton, located about 15 minutes away, offers main street shops. Findlay and Lima, both mid-sized cities, are 20 to 30 minutes down the road from Ada and offer expanded opportunities for shopping, culture and dining. SEE FOR YOURSELF The best way to get a feel for the friendly atmosphere of Ada is to come experience it for yourself. The Inn at Ohio Northern University is our beautiful full-service hotel located right on campus. (Use the promo code "ONUBEST" to get a great rate.) When you visit, don’t forget to come hungry. Some of our favorite local restaurants are Padrone’s Pizza, El Campo and Viva Maria. VISIT ONU Viva Maria ARTS AND CULTURE The arts come alive at the Freed Center for the Performing Arts on ONU’s campus. Every year, the Freed Center brings acts to campus and showcases the talents of ONU students with music ensemble concerts and theatre productions. Be sure to catch the ONU Holiday Spectacular. Two art galleries – the Elzay Gallery of Art on Gilbert Street and the Stambaugh Studio Theatre Gallery adjacent to the Freed Center – give local, regional and national artists the chance to showcase their work. ON-CAMPUS DINING Starbucks at Northern offers a range of exceptional products – coffees, teas and sandwiches – to enjoy in our store, at home or on-the-go. An ideal meeting spot, it's always packed with students and professors. If you desire an upscale, but relaxed ambiance, The Inn at Ohio Northern University on campus is perfect for a date night or special evening out. And, you’ll never leave hungry at McIntosh Center Dining Hall, which serves food for every appetite, from made-to-order subs, pizzas and pastas, to freshly-tossed salads, to Mongolian-style stir fries. In addition, the WOW Cafe features award-winning burgers and wings, and Northern Lights Cafe (in Heterick Memorial Library) and Polar Expresso (in McIntosh Center) serve Starbucks-brand coffee and smoothies. OFF-CAMPUS DINING Perhaps during an all-night study session, you need a Big Mac or Dorito Locos Taco. We’ve got you covered with McDonald’s, Taco Bell and Subway right near campus. Ada also has three pizza shops – Padrone’s Pizza, East of Chicago Pizza,= and 3 Brothers Pizza. Craving Italian cuisine? Mexican? Chinese? Viva Maria, El Campo, China King, Jalapeno's Mexican Grille and New China cater to your whims just minutes from campus. Tavern 101 features some of your grill favorites, including its burgers and breakfast specials. The Cask Room serves craft beverages and the Regal Beagle is popular with students. No Limit Nutrition is a one-stop shop for nutritious shakes and herbal teas. ACCOMMODATIONS For out-of-town guests, The Inn at Ohio Northern features an elegant design, comfortable accommodations, a pub and a dining room. Located on the ONU campus, only steps away from the vibrant campus life, The Inn is the preferred hotel for business, leisure, faculty, sports, alumni and family guests. EVENTS AND FESTIVALS Ada embraces every season with fun for all ages. In September, the Harvest and Herb Festival draws people from throughout the region for a parade, homemade food, handcrafted items, fresh herbs and produce, music, and activities. During the holidays, Ada is bedecked with lights and decorations. Live music events at Depot Park are often paired with chicken barbeques or ice cream socials. The summer months feature the Farmers & Merchants Picnic, the Made in Ada Wilson Football Festival and the Lima Symphony Orchestra celebrates the Fourth of July with a free “Patriotic Pops” concert on ONU's campus. RECREATION If you like to bike, jog or walk, check out the infamous Green Monster, an emerald paved trail – 2.5 miles – that offers spectacular views of nature, the changing seasons, and American western art on the Remington Walk. You’ll also find a great disc golf course on campus. For entertainment, the Ada Theatre runs the latest blockbuster films with ticket and popcorn prices that won’t break your piggybank. Bowling enthusiasts can knock down pins at Norada Lanes. The War Memorial Park features a swimming pool, playground equipment, picnic shelters, ball fields and more. You’ll find several golf courses – Colonial Golfers Club, Hidden Creek Golf and Bluffton Golf Club – in the area. YMCA Camp Wilson in Bellefontaine offers a variety of equestrian activities and camps. SHOPPING If you like to shop, the family-owned Reichert’s store features both women’s and men’s clothing. There also are boutique shops like the Gallery of the Arts, Mercantile on Main, Ruthie's Boarding Room and Pallet Girls. Whatever Cards & Games is a hobby-based games retailer. The ONU Bookstore offers all your favorite Polar Bear gear. The Inn’s Gift Shop is the perfect choice when you need to buy something special and unique. Several financial and banking options are available in the community as well – Liberty National Bank, Quest Federal Credit Union and U.S. Bank. WILSON FOOTBALL IS ADA'S CLAIM TO FAME Every football used in every Super Bowl has been made here. Production is all done by hand. Every football is cut, sewn, steamed and laced by a local worker. The Made in Ada Wilson Football Festival in late summer celebrates Ada’s remarkable contribution to the sport of football. Event goers can watch footballs being made during the "Wilson Experience" and participate throughout the day in events for football fans of all ages and interests. SERVICE CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS The village of Ada offers a number of service-oriented groups such as Ada Kiwanis Club, Ada Rotary Club and Ada Lions Club. HARDIN COUNTY AND SURROUNDING REGION Once part of the Great Black Swamp and then American Indian territory, Hardin County was organized in 1833 and named after John Hardin, a Revolutionary War officer. Kenton is the county’s largest town and the county seat. With rich farmland and abundant timber, the county’s main industry is agriculture. But the county also boasts many successful small and large businesses powered by a hardworking and resilient workforce. The county also is home to an Old Order Amish community. These private and plain people travel by horse and buggy and do not have electricity or telephones in their homes. Visitors can traverse scenic roadways past Amish farms and stop to purchase fresh produce, honey, baskets, quilts, soaps and more. Arts and Culture Dining Economics Local Amish Community Events and Festivals Recreation Factsheets for the Village of Ada, Hardin County and the Surrounding Region Village of Ada Hardin County and Surrounding Region Learn more about life as a Polar Bear: 525 South Main Street Ada, OH 45810 419-772-2000 MB: Footer: Middle 1 Libraries Bookstore Freed Center Hire a Polar Bear ONU HealthWise Pharmacy MB: Footer: Middle 2 Directory Employment Registrar The Inn Calendar Footer Menu EVENTS NEWS MISSION & VISION CONTACT PRIVACY POLICY CONSUMER INFORMATION USDA STATEMENT