April 2026

April - Ohio Moves: Transportation

Aviation | Grimes Field

Look to the skies and you’ll find one of Champaign County’s most dynamic transportation stories at Grimes Field. This local airport is more than a place for takeoffs and landings—it’s a living tribute to Ohio’s leadership in aviation history.

What sets Grimes Field apart is the opportunity to experience aviation up close. Visitors can explore multiple museums right on-site, each offering a unique perspective on flight:

The Mid-America Flight Museum showcases an impressive collection of vintage aircraft, giving visitors a glimpse into the evolution of aviation design and engineering.
The Grimes Flying Lab Museum highlights the legacy of Warren G. Grimes, a pioneer in aircraft lighting whose innovations helped make modern aviation safer.
At the Champaign Aviation Museum, history is being rebuilt before your eyes through the restoration of a WWII B-17 bomber—a hands-on project that connects generations through craftsmanship and storytelling.

Together, these experiences make Grimes Field a destination where the past, present, and future of aviation come together. It’s a place where curiosity takes flight and where Ohio’s innovative spirit continues to soar.

Railroad | Pennsylvania Railroad Depot & Lincoln’s Journey

In downtown Urbana, the story of transportation unfolds along the rails—where history is both preserved and reimagined. The Pennsylvania Railroad Depot once served as a vital hub, linking Champaign County to cities, commerce, and opportunity across Ohio and beyond.

Today, the depot has found new life as a local coffee shop, welcoming visitors in a space where travelers once waited for the next train. It’s a perfect example of how our community honors its past while embracing the present.

Just outside, a historical marker tells a deeper story—one that reaches far beyond Champaign County. In April 1865, President Abraham Lincoln’s funeral train passed through Urbana. As it traveled west, communities gathered along the tracks in shared mourning. Here in Urbana, residents stood in quiet tribute, part of a moment that united the nation.

From everyday travel to extraordinary history, these rails carried more than passengers—they carried stories that still resonate today.

Pony Wagon | St. Paris

In the village of St. Paris, transportation history takes on a uniquely charming and distinctly local form. Known as “Pony Wagon Town,” St. Paris earned its nickname through the success of the Walborn & Riker Company, a nationally recognized manufacturer of pony carts and pleasure vehicles.

These small-scale wagons brought joy and recreation to families across the country, showcasing craftsmanship, quality, and a spirit of innovation that reflects Ohio’s broader story.

Today, that legacy lives on through community pride, the Pony Wagon Historical Museum, and beloved traditions like Pony Wagon Days. It’s a reminder that transportation isn’t always about scale or speed—sometimes, it’s about creativity, connection, and the simple pleasure of the ride.

Simon Kenton Trail | Champaign County

For a modern take on movement, the Simon Kenton Trail offers a scenic and accessible way to experience Champaign County—where transportation meets recreation and connection.

Stretching through Champaign County and linking to neighboring Logan County, this paved multi-use trail follows a former railroad corridor, giving new life to a historic route once used for travel and commerce. Today, that same path invites visitors to slow down, take in the surroundings, and experience the landscape in a whole new way.

The trail winds through open farmland, wooded areas, and quiet stretches of countryside, offering a peaceful escape for cyclists, walkers, and runners alike. Along the way, you’ll find small-town charm, scenic views, and a sense of connection that reflects the heart of Champaign County.

More than just a recreational path, the Simon Kenton Trail is part of a growing vision to connect communities across the region. It provides a safe, welcoming space for outdoor activity while continuing the long tradition of movement that has defined this area for generations.

Whether you’re looking for a leisurely ride, a family outing, or a new way to explore, the Simon Kenton Trail is a reminder that sometimes the best journeys aren’t about the destination—they’re about the experience along the way.