AASHTO Journal - Ohio DOT Opens Four New Rest Areas in Two Counties

Governor Mike DeWine (R) recently joined the Ohio Department of Transportation and local officials to celebrate the opening of four new rest areas along I-75 in Butler and Auglaize counties.

[Above photo by Ohio DOT]

Those four new facilities are part of a statewide rest area upgrade plan the governor unveiled in 2023 to refresh and re-imagine 36 rest areas and upgrade 40 others statewide.

Features of the four 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.

“In Ohio … our rest areas are not only a place for travelers to stop and stretch their legs but also provide an opportunity to tell Ohio’s amazing stories,” Gov. DeWine noted in a statement.

“We want travelers to enjoy modern rest areas, learn something about Ohio’s history, beautiful natural resources, and forward-thinking Ohioans, while they think about exploring attractions right down the road,” he said.

The Butler County I-75 southbound rest area highlights nearby attractions such as the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Harriet Beecher Stowe House, Caesar Creek State Park, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, and Findlay Market.

This rest area also features the American Sign Museum in Cincinnati, which promotes sign preservation and restoration by displaying nearly 100 years of signage. There is a new Butler County I-75 northbound facility as well, Ohio DOT noted.

Meanwhile, the Auglaize County I-75 southbound rest area highlights nearby attractions such as the Bicycle Museum of America, Ohio Caverns, The Garst Museum, MVP Dairy Learning Center, Wilson Sporting Goods Football Factory, Indian Lake State Park, and the Airstream Heritage Center.

There are also “special exhibit” items from the Armstrong Air & Space Museum, such as a replica of Neil Armstrong’s A7L spacesuit, which he wore during the historic 1969 Apollo 11 moon landing, as well as a Gemini capsule model and Apollo 11 lunar module. There is also a new Auglaize County I-75 northbound facility .

All four of those new 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, as well as their caregivers. Ohio DOT added that 29 rest areas statewide will have a universal changing station by the end of 2026, increasing accessibility for all travelers.

“These rest areas are a safe place for travelers to take a break, grab a snack, and learn more about our great state,” said Pam Boratyn, director of the Ohio DOT. “By providing cleaner, more accessible facilities with expanded truck parking, updated amenities, and features that highlight local attractions, we’re creating gateways that invite travelers to stop, explore, and support our communities and businesses.”