Each month, we feature on our a different Ohio city as part of our #GOPCThread Series, #OHCommunitySpotlight. This month, we visit Norwalk, the County Seat of Huron County in the heart of Ohio’s Firelands Region.

Let’s check out #NorwalkOH, population 17K, and the focus of this month’s #OHCommunitySpotlight. Founded in 1817 & located 10 mi. S of Lake Erie , 50 mi E of Toledo & 50 mi W of Cleveland. A charming little town lined with historic building & houses.

Rich with history, from its roots in Connecticut, to the railroad and trucking industries, Norwalk has grown into a community its residents are proud to be a part of.

Recorded on a magnetic wire recorder in 1960, KYW radio in Cleveland promoted cities located in northern Ohio.  Submitted by local Ken Conway, Norwalk was featured in one segment, highlighting civic leaders & the community. 

Norwalk is a community that takes pride in its “urban forest,” and is known as the “Maple City.” The streets are lined with maple trees, some of which were originally planted in 1803.

One of the most famous people from Norwalk is Paul Brown, who led @OhioStateFB to its 1st national championship in 1942; won 3 NFL championships w/ the @Browns (pre-Super Bowl era) & founding owner & first coach of the @Bengals. He became a member of the @ProFootballHOF in 1967

Other famous natives of Norwalk include Ban Johnson, first president of @MLB’s American League (and member of the @baseballhall) Fred Baker, founder of the @Scripps_Ocean and the @sandiegozoo and Stephen M. Young, frm. Ohio Senator and Congressman

Norfolk Economic Development Corp. was created in 2022. NEDC is a public-private partnership that fosters a strong economic environment & supports local businesses, promoting stability in the marketplace, while nurturing growth in the community.

Community involvement is unprecedented. For over 25 yrs, the Wilde & Bleile Families host their annual Thanksgiving dinner at no cost to the community. 5 yrs ago, 100 Women Making A Difference was founded, to support charitable giving throughout the area.   

Benedict Avenue is an example of current redevelopment in Norwalk. Studies are done to ensure that the proper avenues are followed and aligned with the community.

How about checking into one of the quaint B&B’s for a restful stay while exploring this little town? Check out  Graham’s Crossing or the Georgian Manor Inn both located in the heart of downtown.

Take a walk back in time at the Firelands Historical Society and Museum.  Learn about the people and culture from generations ago that called Norwalk home.  The history of the Society is just as interesting as past generations.

Or get some fresh air and exercise in one of Norfolk’s parks. There are numerous parks to choose from with amenities to satisfy everyone.

There are a number of local restaurants and cafes in beautiful buildings

Norwalk is also known for its Summit Motorsports Park. Opening in 1962 by Bill Bader, it is still operated by the family  

For a quiet afternoon, stop in at the Norwalk Library. Many community events are hosted there each year in this historical beauty.

Norwalk has lots to offer and is well worth a day trip or overnight visit!

We will be back next year with more from our #OHCommunitySpotlight series. In the meantime, be sure to check-out the archive of all the communities we have highlighted since 2020!

Cover photo by DB858156 via Wikicommons