Sauder Village attraction Toledo Ohio

Sauder Village

Perhaps there is no better destination in the Greater Toledo area for those with a history jones than Sauder Village, a collection of historic structures in western Fulton County. Come take a tour...

 

But it’s not the buildings that make history come alive at this attraction; rather, it’s the knowledgeable staff, who explain and demonstrate the significance of each building and show what little slices of life were like around the turn of the last century.

Sauder Village is, frankly, the most honest historical collection in our area. History there is not boringly preserved in a jar, locked away never to be seen; but neither is it pandering to the silliness or gags that some historical institutions have introduced to boost ticket sales. It’s not quite a journey back in time, but neither is Sauder Village quite of our time. It is, in some respects, a place where time just doesn’t apply.

The institution was founded by Erie Sauder, who was also the entrepreneur behind Sauder Furniture, the nation’s largest manufacturer of ready-to-assemble furniture ? in fact, chances are probably decent that many will read this on a computer sitting on a Sauder desk. It was a way for Sauder to preserve some of the historic structures of
the area, such as his first workshop, an old Lutheran church, a train station, and a working farm.

Over the years, the village has grown exponentially. Now, beautiful, larger buildings house some of the most popular crafts, such as blacksmithing, pottery, and glassblowing. A lodge and conference center abuts the village and the popular Barn Restaurant. A hands-on children’s area is new this year.

DON’T MISS

  • The craftsmen and women of Sauder Village. The blacksmith, glassblower, and potter could keep you enthralled for hours.
  • And if you have kids, you won’t ? the Wabash Cannonball train ride. It’s a treasured memory for all who have ridden it.
  • The tour of the farmhouse. It’s one of the best pictures of life some 100 years ago.
  • A walk through the museum building. It’s air conditioned, and is sort of like sorting through your grandpa’s garage. There are treasures all over!