Ohio Governor Dedicates Upgraded I-75 Rest Areas in Miami County

New facilities highlight local attractions and improve accessibility for travelers

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Ohio Governor Mike DeWine joined state transportation officials and local leaders to officially dedicate the newly renovated I-75 rest areas in Miami County. The updated facilities feature displays highlighting nearby tourist destinations, universal changing stations for travelers with disabilities, and other amenities aimed at enhancing the experience for all visitors.

Why it matters

The rest area upgrades are part of a statewide initiative by the Ohio Department of Transportation to improve safety, accessibility, and the overall travel experience for people driving through the state. The new Miami County facilities showcase local attractions and serve as a model for the 36 other rest areas being updated across Ohio.

The details

The northbound I-75 rest area in Piqua now features displays and QR codes that allow visitors to learn more about nearby destinations like downtown Piqua, the Armstrong Air & Space Museum, and the Bicycle Museum of America. The southbound rest area will soon include exhibits highlighting local figures like sharpshooter Annie Oakley. Both facilities also include universal changing stations in the family restrooms to better accommodate travelers with disabilities.

  • The new rest areas have been open for a few months, with the official dedication ceremony held on February 17, 2026.
  • Additional rest area upgrades along I-75 in Auglaize and Butler counties are expected to be completed by the summer of 2026.

The players

Mike DeWine

The Governor of Ohio who attended the dedication ceremony and spoke about the importance of the rest area upgrades.

Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT)

The state agency leading the effort to renovate 36 rest areas across Ohio, including the facilities in Miami County.

Ohio Department of Development

A state agency that collaborated with ODOT on the rest area upgrades to highlight local attractions and promote tourism.

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What they’re saying

“The vision is that when someone is traveling, Fran and I have spent time traveling all over Ohio and other states with our kids. When we stop in a rest area we always look to see pictures or something that shows us what we might see down the road.”

— Mike DeWine, Governor of Ohio (dayton247now.com)

“Maybe they don't have time on this trip to go a museum or go someplace, but they put that in their head and think later on they'll have the opportunity to do that. It could also be someone outside Ohio who has no idea what's in western Ohio.”

— Mike DeWine, Governor of Ohio (dayton247now.com)

What’s next

Additional rest area upgrades along I-75 in Auglaize and Butler counties are expected to be completed by the summer of 2026.

The takeaway

The rest area renovations in Miami County showcase Ohio's commitment to enhancing the travel experience for all visitors, with a focus on improving accessibility, highlighting local attractions, and providing a safe, comfortable place for travelers to rest and recharge.