Elmore’s quiet farming community keeps an active lifestyle
The Village of Elmore is a small rural town along Portage River, where wetland areas blend with farmland. Originally established in the 1850s, the area’s nutrient-rich soil was vital for the agriculture-centric community. The railroad brought growth to Elmore in the 19th century, along with a stake in the manufacturing industry. Today, Elmore’s community stays active with multiple parks and events during the year. While the town itself remains uncommercialized, it is 20 miles equidistant from Port Clinton in the east and Toledo to the northwest. “It’s a quiet, quaint community. It’s well-kept, and everyone is proud to live here,” says Keith Kruse, the Village of Elmore’s city administrator.
Century-old and midcentury single-family homes
Most homes in Elmore are lined along residential streets and have grassy front lawns speckled with mature trees and shrubbery. There are also a handful of properties dotting the surrounding farmland that come with acreage. Traditional two-story homes from the 1870s to 1910s are common in town. Some are farmhouses, while others are more Victorian – these properties have pointed roofs, brick accents and a front porch, and are often estate-style with large lots. American Foursquares and Victorian homes with Dutch influence are other popular styles. Prices range between $120,000 and $360,000, depending on property age and condition. Elmore also has traditional single-story homes and bungalows that are a century old. These properties cost between $90,000 and $170,000.
In addition to its older homes, the town has a selection of midcentury properties. Ranch-style homes, split levels and bi levels from the 1950s to the 1970s are all found in the area. These homes are often on the outskirts of town and priced around $210,000 to $310,000.
Renowned arboretum and additional village parks
Elmore has five parks and green spaces. Walter Ory Park has a playground area with swings, a picnic shelter and a gaga ball pit. Hikers and cyclists can access the North Coast Inland Trail, which travels 28 miles between Elmore and Bellevue. Riverbend Park and Well Park both have multiple soccer and baseball fields. Harry Witty Park has access to Portage River. “We are a part of the Portage River water trail system, so we have two river access points for kayaking, canoeing and rafting,” Kruse says. At the southeastern edge of town, Sugar Creek Golf Course offers a public, 18-hole course.
The Schedel Arboretum and Gardens features over 10,000 plants spread across its multiple themed gardens. Visitors can admire the waterfall and pagodas of the Japanese garden, then weave their way through over 80 different species in the rose garden. There’s also a bonsai collection and an art gallery.
Woodmore public schools
Children living in Elmore can attend schools in the Woodmore Local School District, which enrolls roughly 980 students. According to Kruse, it is a joint school district with Woodville – the name derives from putting the two towns’ names together. Woodmore Elementary earns a B-plus grade from Niche and Woodmore Middle School has a B-minus. At Woodmore High School, which receives a B grade, students can prepare for their careers by participating in organizations such as Future Farmers of America (FFA) and Future Teachers of America (FTA).
Limited commerce in Elmore’s downtown area
Elmore’s downtown area along Rice Street has a handful of small businesses. Alongside the city’s antique and clothing stores, Elmore General Store sells both home goods and food products. Village Inn Grill is a classic American restaurant that specializes in homecooked meals. There’s also DeStazio’s, a pizzeria, and Christy’s Corner Cafe with its coffee and sandwiches. “It’s all local businesses. We don’t have fast-food chains or anything like that,” Kruse says. To the south, along Rice Street, there’s a convenience store and a butcher shop. In the warmer months, the Elmore Farmers Market operates once a month on Tuesday evenings.
For more retail and restaurant options, Woodville is about 5 miles west of the village and Oak Harbor is around 9 miles east. Port Clinton is roughly 20 miles east with national retailers and big box stores.
Exploring Elmore’s railroad history and close community
The Elmore Train Depot Museum is a cultural hotspot for the town – the historic landmark pays homage to Elmore’s railroad past and showcases various artifacts and memorabilia. Tours are allowed through the building during events and open houses. Next door to the museum is the Elmore Historical Society Barn, which often hosts community events put on by the Explore Elmore Committee. The Portage River Festival is one of the more popular events, with food and artisan vendors, plus a car show, held in June.
Navigating in and out of Elmore
Bike lanes and trails help foster a pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly community in Elmore. Commuters can also travel north and south along Ohio state Route 51, which acts as the area’s main thoroughfare. Interstate 90, also known as Ohio Turnpike, is accessible about a mile south of town. Drivers can use the turnpike to reach Toledo, about 27 miles northwest, and Cleveland, roughly 93 miles east. The Erie-Ottawa International Airport is around 25 miles away in Port Clinton.
