Governor DeWine Opens New Miami County Rest Areas

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine joined leaders from the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), the Ohio Department of Development, and the local community to celebrate the opening of two Miami County I-75 rest areas.

“Our rest areas not only provide a break for travelers, but they also help to tell the story of Ohio, the Heart of it All,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine.

“We want people to learn about Ohio’s amazing history, innovative people, and natural beauty – and then go explore for themselves!”

The Governor cut the ribbon on the new Miami County I-75 northbound rest area, which highlights nearby attractions such as downtown Piqua, the Armstrong Air & Space Museum, Wilson Football Factory, the Great Miami Riverway, and the Airstream Heritage Center.  There are also old Huffy bicycles on display from the Bicycle Museum of America in New Bremen.

The Miami County I-75 southbound rest area is also a new building, which includes many local attractions.  In the coming weeks, artifacts from the Garst Museum will be installed and on display, which represent local Darke County residents such as Lowell Thomas and the Lohmann brothers.  There will also be a tribute to sharpshooter Annie Oakley, who grew up in Darke County.

“Rest areas are often the first stop for travelers in Ohio,” said Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik.

“Here, visitors can get a glimpse of what’s waiting just up the road—like the charm of downtown Piqua, the scenic Great Miami Riverway, and the beauty of Fountain Park. We hope this inspires people to explore Miami County and beyond.”

These rest areas 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.

“By providing cleaner, more accessible facilities with expanded truck parking, updated amenities, and features that highlight local attractions, we’re creating safe gateways that invite travelers to stop, explore, and support our communities and businesses,” said ODOT Director Pam Boratyn.

Across the state, Governor DeWine is enhancing the safety, experience, and accessibility for travelers in Ohio, while sharing Ohio’s natural history, historic past, and popular attractions at re-imagined rest areas.

New facilities include 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.

Governor DeWine’s rest area plan includes 36 new rest areas and upgrades to more than 40 others by the end of 2026.

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