Opened in 2005, the Nature Center at the preserve offers various educational opportunities including a Lookout on Nature Area (LOONA), perfect for bird watching. While at the preserve, visit the Nature Playscape, the pollinator and sensory gardens.
“Wintergarden/St. John’s Nature Preserve provides miles of hiking/walking trails with many loop options that meander through acres and acres of forests and prairie meadows. Full time naturalists on staff host a variety of programs year round. These programs are designed to educate the public about the plants and animals that live in our area. Cultural and historical programs are also offered to help visitors understand the human impact on our resources while often encouraging a hands-on approach to learning. The staff Naturalists also act as restoration managers on the site by eliminating non-native plants and encouraging the growth of plant species that were historically part of our local ecosystem.”
“Toledo Botanical Garden is a botanical garden located in the city of Toledo, Ohio. It is affiliated with the Metroparks of the Toledo Area. Originally consisting of 20acre donated by George P. Crosby to the City of Toledo, Toledo Botanical Garden now encompasses more than 50acre. Notable events include the Crosby Festival of the Arts, held in late June; and Heralding the Holidays, a seasonal celebration showcasing the numerous resident artistic guilds.”
:The African Safari Wildlife Park is a drive through wildlife park in Port Clinton, Ohio. Visitors can drive through the 100-acre preserve and watch and feed the animals from their car.”
“Cedar Point is a 364-acre amusement park located on a Lake Erie peninsula in Sandusky, Ohio. Opened in 1870, it is considered the second-oldest operating amusement park in the United States. Known as “America’s Roller Coast”, Cedar Point is home to 70 rides, including 17 world-class roller coasters (fourth most in the world), the Cedar Point Shores Waterpark and many shows.”
Sawyer Quarry Nature Preserve is a wonderful park property that was donated by the Sawyer family. The site is an old limestone quarry with stairs going down into the quarry. There are artifacts, varying elevations and geological features to explore.
“Maumee Bay State Park is a 1,336-acre public recreation area located on the shores of Lake Erie, five miles east of Toledo. Maumee Bay State Park’s landscape is a unique environment created by the convergence of the land and Lake Erie. A resort lodge, cabins, and golf course are nestled among scenic meadows, wet woods, and lush marshes. More than 300 bird species have been observed here. Families will enjoy the campground, inland lake, nature center, accessible boardwalk trail, and the Storybook Trail.”
“The Georgian Colonial home is open for free tours and hosts a variety of cultural and historical events, including popular monthly Teas hosted by the Manor House Volunteers. With more than 30,000 total square feet, the Manor House is a one of a kind property used in part today as the headquarters for the Metroparks district. The house, or specific rooms, can also be rented for weddings, meetings and other private functions.”
Explore Woodlands Park for its all-inclusive Fort Imagination and Stroll the 14-piece sculpture exhibition, now in its third year!
Free, Public Art Exhibition is on display from August 2023 through August 2024 and docent tours can be booked by CLICKING HERE or tour the pieces on your own – by car or by foot.
White Star Beach/Quarry is located within White Star Park, including a campground, a scuba diving location, barn and cabins and a constructed wetland. Becoming even more popular in the summer of 2022 due to multiple posts on a Facebook group, ‘Ohio Road Trips’ because of it’s crystal clear waters, White Star Beach is a nice drive from Perrysburg and is open Noon-8pm in the summer. *hours may change
The National Museum of the Great Lakes tells the awe-inspiring stories of our Great Lakes through breathtaking photography, over 300 incredible artifacts, a number of powerful audiovisual displays and 40 hands-on interactive exhibits including the 617-foot iron ore freighter Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship and the historic Museum Tug Ohio.
Founded by Virginia Secor Stranahan, The 577 Foundation is dedicated to preserving the historic property at 577 E. Front St. in Perrysburg, OH. Open to all, 577 builds a creative, caring community through curiosity and lifelong learning. Open to all, 577 builds a creative, caring community through curiosity and lifelong learning. This enduring passion extends to all facets of 577— from ecological balance and environmental sustainability, to broadening minds, stimulating imagination, and expanding horizons. Carrying on the legacy of our founder Virginia Secor Stranahan, 577 nurtures innovation, evolution, and growth while respecting established, time-honored practices and techniques. Most importantly, 577 is about spreading joy and having fun!
Since its founding in 1901, the Toledo Museum of Art has earned a global reputation for the quality of its collections, innovative and extensive education programs and architecturally significant campus. The Museum seeks to become the model art museum in the country, with over 30,000 pieces it is leading the way in genuinely and creatively engaging its communities and fostering a sense of belonging for all its audiences.
The 1,000-foot long Ribbon is a paved, loop trail that is refrigerated in winter to provide 25,000-square-feet of ice skating surface with rolling hills and soft curves. It includes a 5,000-square-foot ice skating rink called the Pond that is suitable for beginning skaters and events. Fourteen miles of tubing under the pavement supplies refrigerant to the surface, while a Zamboni ice resurfacing machine will maintain a smooth skating surface. Ice skating is available throughout the cold weather season with the inaugural skating season. Admissions and skate rental will be available at the Market Hall building located near The Ribbon. Advanced reservations are required.
In warm weather, The Ribbon will be a multi-purpose trail that will be free to use for walking, roller skating and scooters.
Chain of indoor trampoline parks featuring freestyle bouncing, dodgeball, kids hours, fitness programs & more.
“Castaway Bay brings the Caribbean to Sandusky, Ohio. This indoor water park spans 38,000 square feet and features a 6,000 square foot arcade. Not only that, but it also has restaurants, retail shops, a fitness center, activity center, party rooms and much more. A water coaster stands 35 feet tall, is 520 feet long and uses water jets to propel riders uphill! And that’s just one of many water slides. The fun house has a gigantic water-filled bucket that dumps more than 1,000 gallons of water on top of everyone. Here, you’ll have a soaking good time.”