Written by: Emily Tennyson for the Toledo Guide and Adapted for VisitToledo.org
Updated: 12/11/2025
Enrichment in all forms thrives in Toledo. Learn, explore and get inspired at these museums, historical experiences and cultural treasures.
Fort Meigs: Ohio’s War of 1812 Battlefield | Relive the War of 1812 on a historic battlefield that is now a reconstructed walled fort. In the visitors center, a carefully curated museum details Fort Meigs’ role in the early 19th-century battle and includes artifacts recovered from the battleground, plus a museum store. Costumed guides lead tours of the fort, which also features war-time reenactments and special period-themed events. fortmeigs.org
Heritage Sylvania | Located in Sylvania’s historic downtown, a complex of original and recreated historic buildings offers insight into 19th-century rail travel, including a 1920s wooden caboose and the original Sylvania Depot Building. The 1850s Lathrop House is the only northwest Ohio stop on the Underground Railroad that is open to visitors. heritagesylvania.org
Holy Toledo History Tours | Narrated by local historian and storyteller Tedd Long, the Holy Toledo History Tours are self-guided, chatty audio tours that pack in historical information and offbeat tales about the city. The tours also include specialized dining and activity suggestions. holytoledohistory.com
Millbury Classic Cars & Trucks Museum | Get ready to be amazed by this incredible, privately owned collection of over 85 classic cars and trucks, vintage neon signs, gas pumps, bikes and much more. Impressive meeting space is also available for rent. Facebook: Millbury Classics
National Museum of the Great Lakes | Toledo’s downtown waterfront creates a stunning backdrop for this interactive national museum that tells the story of one of the world’s greatest resources, the Great Lakes. Breathtaking photography, 300+ artifacts and 40 hands-on interactive displays keep guests enthralled as the stories of the Lakes unfold. A 617-foot iron ore freighter and a century-old tugboat are open for tours seasonally. nmgl.org
ProMedica Museum of Natural History | Located on the grounds of the Toledo Zoo & Aquarium and included with admission, this museum explores Ohio’s creatures and their habitats from the ice age forward — including life-size replicas! Tours include an interactive nature walk inside a two-story greenhouse. Don’t forget the Komodo dragons or the Hall of Venom! toledozoo.org
Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library and Museum | In Fremont, the 19th U.S. President is memorialized in both the nation’s first presidential library and Spiegel Grove, Hayes’ venerable 31-room mansion. After a guided tour, stroll the beautiful estate’s 25 acres of wooded park and visit the burial site of former President and Mrs. Hayes. rbhayes.org
Sauder Village | Ohio’s largest living history destination, the village is a lively depiction of 1800s life in northwest Ohio. Explore historic businesses and craft shops while interacting with costumed artisans as they work in clay, glass, fiber and wood. Stroll down the 1920s Main Street, take a train ride, meet farm animals and more! saudervillage.org
Snook’s Dream Cars | An extensive historic automobile collection, Snook’s even includes a vintage Texaco gas station. Besides retro auto memorabilia, the showrooms feature regularly driven vehicles from the 1930s–1960s, as well as detailed murals of Bowling Green’s charming historic storefronts. snooksdreamcars.com
Toledo Museum of Art | This renowned museum houses one of the most significant collections worldwide, featuring old masters to contemporary works, early modern European art and exceptional exhibitions. Check out the strikingly modern Glass Pavilion collection displaying centuries of glass art as well as glass blowing demonstrations. toledomuseum.org
Wood County Museum | Take a self-guided tour of the historic buildings and learn about Ohio’s poor farm sites, famous residents and a significant true crime event that shaped this Wood County community. Enjoy great events, including Music at the Museum during the summer months. woodcountyhistory.org
Experience History in the Metroparks
Attend a historically themed event or take a free tour of The Manor House at Wildwood Preserve Metropark.
See American fortitude immortalized at Fallen Timbers Battlefield, then cross the bridge to visit the Fallen Timbers Monument, a tribute to the battle.
Experience what life was like for those settling the Great Black Swamp in the 1860s at the Johlin Cabin, built in 1867, at Pearson Metropark.
Climb aboard a 19th-century mule-led canal boat for a scenic ride along the Miami and Erie Canal at Providence Metropark.
