New Welcome Center opens in Preble County; 33 re-imagined rest areas to come to Ohio by 2026

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, among other officials, appeared at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a remodeled Welcome Center in Preble County Monday afternoon. They also unveiled plans to replace 33 rest area buildings throughout the state.

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DeWine was joined by First Lady Fran DeWine, Ohio Department of Transportation Director Jack Marchbanks, and Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik to open the re-imagined Welcome Center on Interstate 70 eastbound.

The reimagined Welcome Center, near Ohio’s western border, was part of the Governor’s vision to “greatly improve the traveler experience for the thousands of visitors who stop at Ohio rest areas every day,” a spokesperson for the governor’s office said.

“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,” Governor DeWine said. “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!”

The Preble County Welcome Center opened in 2019.

Since then, it has been remodeled with 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,” First Lady DeWine said. “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!”

Visitors can also learn about Ohio’s history as the “Birthplace of Aviation,” where the Wright Brothers invented the first airplane, and see places of interest to help plan their next adventure to the area.

“No matter where you find yourself in Ohio, you can be in a bustling city, a charming small town, or a beautiful outdoor destination with just a quick drive,” Mihalik said. “Ohio’s rest areas offer an opportunity to welcome visitors and showcase all our state has to offer.”

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Governor DeWine also announced plans to build 33 new rest areas throughout the state by the end of 2026, the first of which opened in Ashtabula County on Interstate 90 westbound. All locations will eventually be updated to be similar to the Preble County Welcome Center.

Dozens of other Ohio rest areas, not slated for new buildings, will be getting upgrades, including Ohio native landscaping and regional tourism information.

These rest stops have an important place for travelers to remain safe on the road.

“125 adult drivers reported having fallen asleep while driving in the last 30 days” Marchbanks told News Center 7 Reporter Kayla McDermott.

Unfortunately, these rest areas cannot be used as electric charging hubs due to federal law, Marchbanks continued. “So, we are working with private sector partners to put charging stations within a mile of the interstate.”

Officials hope that this law changes in the future.