Hit the Old National Road for an immersive Wayne County history lesson
Running directly through Wayne County from the Ohio state line to Dublin, Indiana, the Old National Road offers a unique 25-mile stretch of shops, restaurants and historically significant sites to discover. And with America celebrating its 250th birthday in 2026, there’s no better time to set a course to explore this storied thoroughfare.
Now known as U.S. 40, the National Road took shape in the 1800s as adventurous settlers made their way west in horse-drawn carriages. (The path’s certainly much easier to navigate now than it was back then!) Block off a couple days, or even an entire weekend, if you want to follow in their footsteps and experience it for yourself.
With maps, National Road information packets, souvenirs and lots of helpful advice, the Old National Road State Welcome Center near the I-70/U.S. 40 interchange on the east side of Richmond makes a logical point to start your journey. Just a few miles west, stop for a photo of the Madonna of the Trail statue that marks the entrance into Glen Miller Park, admiring the grand 19th century Italianate, Queen Anne and Colonial Revival homes that line the city’s earliest “Millionaire’s Row.”
Pit stop at the Wayne County Historical Museum to spend some time making your way through thoughtfully curated collections that include a Conestoga wagon, pioneer settlement and a primitive log cabin. Continuing through downtown Richmond will take you by the imposing Richardsonian Romanesque-style Wayne County Courthouse and on past the handsome Earlham College campus and cemetery.
The small town of Centerville has a story all on its own to tell. Step back in time as you explore this well-preserved 19th-century “pike town”, a community that was thriving even before the National Road took shape. Today, its historic main street invites you to slow down and look closer. Stroll along Main Street where original brick rowhouses tell stories of everyday life long ago, and look for the five surviving covered archways – rare passages once echoing with the sound of horse-drawn carriages making their way to hidden rear stables.
Charming rowhouses greet visitors in Cambridge City, along with additional antique shopping opportunities, vibrant murals and gorgeous Airbnb accommodations right in the heart of town. The impressive Huddleston Farmhouse anchors the western edge of Wayne County as the Old National Road passes into Henry County.
As you make your way through Wayne County, keep your eyes peeled for several historical markers and four larger National Road interpretive panels placed along the route. Each panel highlights fascinating facts, stories, and moments from the National Road’s rich past – bringing to life the people, places, and events that helped shape America in the 1800s, the local community and this iconic corridor. Together, they offer a deeper appreciation for the road’s significance and its lasting impact on the region.
Fortunately, U.S. 40 offers a diverse selection of friendly local eateries to consider — Gulzar’s Indian Cuisine, the Red Front Pizza and Grill, Lulu’s Tacos, Parlor Doughnuts, Five Arch Brewing Co., No. 9 Grill, Legato’s Coffee House, Lumpy’s Café and the Lakeview Restaurant to name just a few tasty options.
While along your trip, be sure to stop and appreciate the numerous attractions that line the National Road including: Uranus Fudge Factory, Glen Miller Park, The Reid Center, Wayne County Courthouse, Gennett Walk of Fame, Whitewater Gorge, Joseph Moore Museum, Museum of Overbeck Pottery, over 100 murals and many other must-see sites!
To learn more about the many attractions of the Old National Road, go to visitrichmond.org. And look for the 2026 Richmond/Wayne County Visitor Guide publication on racks early spring with great local trip ideas, itineraries, activities, events and attractions.
