The 1891 Fort Piqua Plaza, on the downtown public square at 116 W. High St., is a stone and brick Richardsonian Romanesque building that was once a hotel. The exterior features more than 100 carvings of faces, animals, plants, dragons and other creatures. Former visitors include Harry Houdini, Teddy Roosevelt and John Philip Sousa. It now houses the Piqua Public Library; phone (937) 773-6753.
Remnants of the Miami and Erie Canal, which reached the area in 1837, are visible from Lock Nine Riverfront Park.
Self-guiding Tours
Self-guiding walking and driving maps and brochures detailing the historic district—including a brochure about Fort Piqua Plaza's art, architecture and historical artifacts—are available from the library.
Shopping
Miami Valley Centre Mall , at I-75 and US 36, features Dunham's Sports and Sears. Downtown Piqua has antique and specialty shops.