New Bremen is a historic canal town with industry, schools and parks
Originally settled by German immigrants in 1833, New Bremen has grown from a stop along the Miami-Erie Canal to a thriving industrial and agricultural hub with respected schools, tidy streetscapes and ample green space. “You get on that stretch of State Route 66 with New Bremen, Minster and Fort Loramie, and there’s a constant theme of work ethic, quality, community and education,” says Todd Weigandt, broker and owner of Weigandt Real Estate with 40 years of experience. “The standards are high and held high for a reason. That’s why these communities are very successful.”
While many buyers move to the area to be near family, employment at Crown Equipment Manufacturing is another major draw. The forklift manufacturer employs thousands of workers from around the region and has shaped the trajectory of the village of roughly 3,000 people. “Some people call it ‘Crown Town’ because Crown is a very, very big part of New Bremen,” Weigandt says. “They reinvest a lot of their funds into New Bremen.”
Nearly $18 million invested in new school facilities
Residents take pride in New Bremen Local Schools, which receives an A from Niche. In 2020, the district unveiled a $17.5 million building project that included a new K-6 elementary school connected to the existing high school. The Dianne Komminsk Center for Innovative Thinking connects the schools and offers a flexible STEAM space used by students of all ages. High schoolers can earn college credit through Advanced Placement classes and College Credit Plus courses accredited through Edison State Community College. Students can also earn industry certificates and college credit through Tri Star Career Compact in Celina.
New Bremen parks blend art, nature and family recreation
Komminsk Legacy Park is in the heart of downtown New Bremen and honors one of the village's most prominent and philanthropic families. The interactive art park features musical instruments that children can play, a splash pad and a walking path along the canal. Bremenfest Park, named after the namesake event, features the village swimming pool, pickleball courts, ball fields and the ADA-certified Sunshine Playground. Crown Pavilion is the epicenter of activity and hosts events like Pumpkinfest, the Firemen’s Picnic and the Southwestern Auglaize County Summer Concert Series. Just outside of town, the Kuenning-Dicke Natural Area spans 71 acres with nearly 3 miles of trails and a 3-acre lake for catch-and-release fishing. Lake Loramie and Lake Loramie State Park are less than 15 minutes away.
Single-family homes and new development spurred by Crown
Sidewalks and single-family homes line the quiet streets of New Bremen. The housing stock features existing homes built in the 1900s and new construction in subdivisions. New Bremen’s median price for a single-family home is about $270,000, higher than Minster’s median price of $200,000. The community is somewhat landlocked due to the surrounding farm fields, but lots are still available in developing housing additions. “New Bremen has some development going on, and almost all of that is through Crown because they’re a big landowner in town, so they’ve offered to build subdivisions and create housing as well,” Weigandt says.
Restaurants in town and groceries nearby
New Bremen has a smattering of local restaurants, ranging from the cozy New Bremen Coffee Co. and unfussy eateries like Bolly’s to fine dining at 17 West. Amsterdam Shopping Center has The Pie Shell, a go-to for Thanksgiving pies and sweet treats, and Casa Lupita, which serves up classic Mexican fare. The Goods, a specialty market and wine store, opened in 2024. Officials plan to add a full-service deli and grab-and-go meals. Topsy Turvy Toys takes pride in offering enriching, educational and entertaining toys, something the specialty store has done for nearly 20 years. Dollar General has essentials, but residents drive to Minster or St. Marys for a proper grocery run.
Dayton, Columbus and Cincinnati are all within two hours
State Routes 66 and 274 intersect in the heart of town and connect to the nearby towns of Minster, Fort Loramie and St. Marys, all within 10 miles of town. The employment hubs of Sidney and Versailles are roughly 20 miles away. Drivers can get to Dayton in less than an hour and to Columbus and Cincinnati in less than two hours. Traffic can get congested in the mornings and evenings as Crown commuters head to and from town. The town also has a fair amount of semi-trailer activity thanks to the thriving manufacturing and agricultural industries.
Local events bring neighbors together
Bremenfest has been an annual tradition for roughly 50 years, featuring live music, kids activities, friendly sports competitions, and plenty of food and drinks. Other events include the autumnal Pumpkinfest, which showcases regional artists and vendors, and the Firemen’s Picnic, a major fundraiser for the local fire department and the longest-running picnic in Auglaize County.
Written By
Leslie Klosterman
