New rest area on US 23 planned in Wyandot County

During the unveiling of a new "re-imagined" welcome center in Preble County this week, Gov. Mike DeWine announced 33 new rest areas are to be built in Ohio. One of them is in Wyandot County. The Wyandot area, to be built by 2025, is to have buildings on both sides of US 23, north of Upper Sandusky. The rest area would be built to follow the new format, which highlights regional tourism information and destinations and Ohio native landscaping. The state news release said dozens of other Ohio rest areas not slated for new buildings will be getting similar upgrades. All locations will eventually be updated to be similar to the Preble County Welcome Center on I-70 eastbound. The Preble County center, just inside Ohio's western border, is part of the governor's vision to improve the traveler experience for the thousands of visitors who stop at Ohio rest areas every day. "Our rest stops give travelers, truck drivers, and families a safe place to rest, which can increase focus and safety when they get back on the road," DeWine said in the release. "While they're stretching their legs, we want to share Ohio's amazing story, and tell them about our innovative Ohioans, beautiful natural resources, and exciting attractions. We want them to know Ohio is full of great opportunity." While the new building in Preble County opened in 2019, the release said the site has been re-imagined with upgrades, which include native Ohio plants and landscaping, dog trails, Ohio music, rocking chairs and a Storybook Trail outside. "The Storybook Trail allows kids and their families to read an Imagination Library book while burning off some energy at the rest area," said Fran DeWine in the release. "And I hope this Storybook Trail will motivate people to explore nearly two dozen other Storybook Trails in Ohio parks and enroll Ohio children under age 5 for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library of Ohio to get free books." Inside, visitors can learn about Ohio's history as the "Birthplace of Aviation" and see places of interest to help plan their visit. Enhancements were a collaboration between the Ohio Department of Transportation and the Ohio Department of Development. Information on the walls highlights aviation and space work, history, research and exploration. The display focuses on the Wright Brothers' journey to flight, Wright Brothers National Museum, Carillon Historical Park, National Museum of the United States Air Force, Armstrong Air and Space Museum, Ohio NASA astronauts, NASA Glenn Research Center and Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Guests can scan QR codes on the walls for more information about other nearby attractions such as the historic Paul Laurence Dunbar House, local and state parks, public universities and other historical sites. A 10-foot map of Ohio highlights popular attractions.