Wapakoneta, the county seat of Auglaize County, Ohio, has several murals in and around town.
Neil Armstrong, the first man on the moon, was born on a farm near Wapakoneta (aka Wapak) and the town celebrates Armstrong and his accomplishments.
About three miles east of Wapakoneta, on the north side of US 33 and visible when traveling west, is a giant mural of the moon and Armstrong in a space suit.
Armstrong mural by John Cerney, 3 miles east of Wapakoneta, Ohio. (2025 photo by Karen)
The mural is a tribute to the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, celebrated in 2019. The mural was created by California artist John Cerney in 2020 and is Ohio’s first Cerney mural. Cerney has created artwork in 28 states and Canada.
There is a space and moon theme all throughout the town. On the east end of town, near I-75, is the Armstrong Air & Space Museum, a great place to visit, if you haven’t already.
On the north side of Auglaize Street, near Lengerich Garden and the Downtown Parkway, is a gathering and walkway area that includes a seated statue of Neil Armstrong and a space mural.
Neil Armstrong mural, Wapakoneta. (2025 photo by Karen)
Armstrong statue & mural, Wapakoneta. (2025 photo by Karen)
Just down and across the street, there is a veterans’ memorial that also boasts a giant space helmet that literally reflects the historic downtown area.
Veterans’ Memorial, Wapakoneta. (2025 photo by Karen)
Veterans’ Memorial, Wapakoneta. (2025 photo by Karen)
All around town they have cleverly disguised traffic utility boxes with moon and space-related paintings.
Painted traffic utility box, Wapakoneta. (2025 photo by Karen)
Painted traffic utility box, Wapakoneta. (2025 photo by Karen)
Painted traffic utility box, Wapakoneta. (2025 photo by Karen)
A mural that looks like an early 20th century postcard of downtown Wapak is mounted on the corner of Auglaize and Park Streets. It was installed by the Auglaize County Historical Society in 2024, the beginning of the Picture Yourself in Auglaize County project, funded by the Wapakoneta Area Community Foundation and individual doners.
Mural, Wapakoneta, Ohio. (2025 photo by Karen)
Another mural, Beauty of Diversity, on the corner of Auglaize and Willipie Streets, celebrates the arts along “Artist Avenue.”
“Beauty of Diversity,” Wapakoneta. (2025 photo by Karen)
Eight pieces of artwork are showcased below the mural. Note that the windows also have artwork.
Artist Avenue, Wapakoneta. (2025 photo by Karen)
Artist Avenue, Wapakoneta. (2025 photo by Karen)
In addition, the Wapakoneta Post Office has a mural inside the lobby. The mural, Wapakoneta and American History, was painted by Joseph Limarzi during the New Deal-era. The mural features Native Americans, men felling trees, and farmers feeding livestock.
“Wapakoneta and American History,” Wapakoneta Post Office. (2025 photo by Karen)
Mural signed Joseph Limarzi, Wapakoneta Post Office. (2025 photo by Karen)
The Wapakoneta Post Office was built with WPA labor and the mural was funded through commissions under the Federal Treasury Department’s section of Painting and Sculpture, to showcase the best possible art in post offices constructed between 1934 and 1943.
Yet another local town with historic, beautiful murals.
2 comments
Karen, you have highlighted a great collection of paintings in Wapakoneta, many featuring the importance of Neil Armstrong and aviation. Thanks for your good work.
Author
Thank you so much. Wapak’s historic downtown area is impressive and they have done so much to highlight their history and the arts. It has been fun visiting towns and learning their history and interests. Great to hear from you and thanks for writing!