Notice from Metroparks Toledo:

Metroparks Toledo has taken several prudent steps to keep parks open while encouraging safe practices, such as closing restrooms, rental facilities, playgrounds and campgrounds and some parking lots. These measures are in line with decisions by Ohio’s Department of Natural Resources and other park operators across the nation. For the latest updates, go to Metroparks Toledo.

Wherever you find yourself while visiting Toledo or Lucas County, you are just minutes away from a Metropark. More recently opened parks include Wiregrass Lake and Westwinds with an expanding network of new parks currently under development.

There are over 180 trail miles within the park system for you and your family to explore and we encourage you to come out and discover these breathtaking natural areas. Enjoy learning more about the second set of Metroparks Toledo in our two-part series, in alphabetical order:

Providence Metropark

Providence Metropark features The Towpath Trail, which is part of the Buckeye Trail (marked with blue blazes), that follows the remains of the Miami and Erie Canal where mules towed flat-bottom boats along the waterway. The Providence Dam, just upriver from the Isaac Ludwig Mill, was originally constructed to keep the canal filled with water.

Pro Tip: When you’re finished exploring the park, check out the historic village of Grand Rapids and grab some carry-out lunch to go. 

 

Secor Metropark

A bit off the beaten path, Secor Metropark is located in the Oak Openings Region, and has the area’s largest concentration of native dogwood and a restored tallgrass prairie – perfect for a spring walk.

Pro Tip: Check out Wolfinger Cemetery, a burial site of Richfield Township's first settlers inside the park's boundaries.

Side Cut

Enjoy fishing, sightseeing and communing with nature at Side Cut. Today, Side Cut is a refuge for fishermen as walleye swim upriver to spawn. The "spring run" is the largest of its kind on the Great Lakes.

Pro Tip: The best place to hook-up with a walleye during the spawn is in rocky rapids, along the face of a dam, stone reefs, gravel bars and rubble piles. Park rangers will be on hand to remind anglers to keep a safe distance from one another.

Swan Creek Preserve

Swan Creek Preserve is an oasis in an urban area featuring plenty of hiking trails and also serves as a popular feeding and resting ground for migratory birds.

Pro Tip: Hike across the Swan Creek Connector Trail that connects both sides of the park by a swinging footbridge. A striking 90-degree bend in the river is visible from an overlook.

Toledo Botanical Garden

Toledo Botanical Garden features more than 8,500 trees, shrubs and flowers in beautiful shade, herb, perennial and vegetable display gardens. Discover bridges and ponds lined with ducks and other waterfowl. Birders will discover plenty of migrating birds, including warblers, that make this retreat their temporary home.

Pro Tip: Bring along your little ones to explore the Secret Forest playground, a multi-level children’s discovery area. 

Westwinds

Westwinds bears the distinction as Toledo’s only public archery range and 3D archery course. Archery novices and experts alike can bring your own equipment during normal operating hours. *Please note areas may be closed off to ensure social distancing and safe practices related to COVID-19.*

Pro Tip: Drone owners rejoice! Unmanned aircraft, including drones and remote control models may be flown at Westwinds, with a permit.

Wildwood Preserve

Considered one of the most popular Metroparks – due to its central location and abundance of attractions – Wildwood Preserve is the perfect outdoor retreat. Surrounded by natural habitat sits the stately Manor House along with miles of wooded walking trails.

Pro Tip: Wildwood is the perfect starting point to hop on the University/ Parks Trail, an all-purpose 6.3 mile trail that stretches from University of Toledo to King Road in Sylvania.

Wiregrass

Enjoy a day of water activity on Wiregrass Lake. Explore the restored natural areas including the rare wet prairie, or fish from shore or the dock.

Pro Tip: Naturalists will marvel at the variety of dragonflies found on the property—a collection of these beautiful insects that is unmatched anywhere else in Ohio.

 

Each of the 16 Metroparks carries its own distinctive features, attractions and habitats due to its location near the Maumee River and Lake Erie. Natural regions like the Great Black Swamp, Oak Openings, the Maumee River, Ottawa River and Swan Creek all play a role in the uniqueness of each park. So “Get Outside Yourself” and enjoy nature!

All Metroparks are open daily 7 a.m. to dark year round and are free of charge. Download the All Parks Map [Click here]. Located right off I-75 and I-80/I-90, Toledo is just a one hour south of Detroit and two hours west of Cleveland.

If you haven't already, don't forget to check out Metroparks Toledo: A Natural Destination Pt. 1 to learn about even more amazing Toledo area metroparks!