Black Swamp Bird Observatory
13551 SR 2 W
Oak Harbor OH 43449
419.898.4070
bsbobird.org

Located in the heart of the Lake Erie Marsh Region, the Black Swamp Bird Observatory was founded in August 1992. An independent non-profit organization dedicated to wildlife research, conservation and educational programs for the public. Walking trails, restrooms and visitors center available.

Castalia Quarry MetroPark
8404 SR 101 (just off SR 269)
Castalia OH 44824
419.625.7783
eriemetroparks.org

152-acre dry quarry and nearby property has a panoramic view of Sandusky Bay and Lake Erie Islands. Mountain bike trails (special permit required) and hiking. Observation deck with ramp, picnic tables and grills. Restrooms available May-Oct.

Castalia State Fishing Hatchery Castalia State Fishing Hatchery
7018 Homegardner Rd.
Castalia OH 44824
419.684.7499
ohiodnr.com

As part of the Castalia Blue Hole system of underground springs, the area provides a unique birding experience. With the available supply of fish, herons and egrets are common. Portable restrooms Apr-Oct. Picnic tables, shelter(s), grills, walking trails and visitors center on-site.

Coupling MetroPark
11618 SR 13 (Mudbrook Rd.)
Milan OH 44846
419.625.7783
eriemetroparks.org

Developed around a historic railroad theme, the Reserve provides small, non-motorized boat access to the Huron River, bank fishing sites, a wooded nature trail, picnic tables, shelters, grills, restrooms, a sledding slope and a grassy volleyball court. Canoes, the historic depot and overnight accommodations in the train cars are available for groups with advance reservation.

DuPont Marsh State Nature Preserve
1805 River Rd.
Huron OH 44839
419.625.7783
eriemetroparks.org

One of the best remaining riverine marshes in Ohio and is an excellent site for viewing wildlife. Periodically interpretive programs are scheduled and are open to the public. There is a short trail system through the woods and down to the marsh. No drinking water and only seasonal restroom facilities are available. The preserve entrance and parking lot are located near the base of the Erie County water tower.

East Sandusky Bay MetroPark East Sandusky Bay MetroPark
3819 Cleveland Rd. (US 6)
Sandusky OH 44870
419.625.7783
eriemetroparks.org

East Sandusky Bay MetroPark is the umbrella name of a group of neighboring parks, Joseph Steinen Wildlife Area, Community Foundation Preseve at Eagle Point, Putman Marsh Preserve and Wyandot Wetland Meadows Preserve. They give visitors an opportunity to appreciate and enjoy the natural beauty of Lake Erie and particularly East Sandusky Bay. Picnic tables, walking trail(s), restrooms and hunting available.

East Sandusky Bay Water Trail East Sandusky Bay Water Trail
River Ave. (off Cedar Point Dr.)
Sandusky OH 44870
419.627.5879
419.627.5884
cityofsandusky.com

15 mile water trail, bring your own canoe or kayak, day sailors or rowboats and enjoy nature. Picnic tables, walking trail(s), small boat launch and hunting available.

Edison Woods MetroPark Edison Woods MetroPark
10186 Ceylon Rd. (South of SR 2)
Berlin Heights OH 44014
419.625.7783
eriemetroparks.org

This 1300 acre densely wooded parkland with 550 acres of wetland habitat, 300 acres of restored native grassland and ½ mile boardwalk. Excellent bird watching and seasonal wildflower displays. Seven miles of woodland trails and six miles of meadow pathways maintained for walking, horseback riding and cross country skiing. Picnic tables, shelter(s) and seasonal restrooms. Call for details regarding grills.

Erie Sand Barrens State Nature Preserve
Scheid Rd. (off Taylor Rd. in Oxford Twp.)
Sandusky  OH 44870
ohiodnr.com

This 32-acre preserve features a sand beach ridge plant community with many rare prairie plants. Hike the half mile trail and view prairie milkweed, Virginia meadow beauty and twisted yellow eyed grass. Preserve open from dawn to dusk.

Glacial Grooves Glacial Grooves
Division St.
Kelleys Island OH 43438
419.797.4530
ohsweb.ohiohistory.org/places/nw08

The largest accessible glacial grooves in the world, these scars in the limestone bedrock were carved 18,000 years ago by the ice sheet that covered part of North America. Open year-round during daylight hours.

Hoffman Forest MetroPark
5313 Huff Rd. (between Arlington and Chapin rds.)
Berlin Heights OH 44814
419.625.7783
eriemetroparks.org

This 40-acre property features a large open meadow, mature forest, and two tributaries of Old Woman Creek. Nature trails and picnic tables available. Bicycles not permitted.

Huron River Greenway MetroPark Huron River Greenway MetroPark
1805 River Rd.
Huron OH 44839
419.625.7783
eriemetroparks.org

Picnic tables, walking trail(s) and restrooms available.

James H. McBride Arboretum
1 University Dr. (behind BGSU Firelands College)
Huron  OH 44839
419.625.7783
eriemetroparks.org

Fifty-acre arboretum especially nice for weddings or nature walks, surrounded with trees, flowers, a pond, and a bridge. There is a visitor's center and restrooms but no picnic tables or grills. Walking, hiking, photography and botanizing opportunities available. Birding checklist available.

Kelleys Island State Park Beach Kelleys Island State Park Beach
920 Division St.
Kelleys Island OH 43438
419.734.4424
419.797.4530
ohiostateparks.org

Swimming beach, picnic tables, shelter(s), play area, walking trails, restroom, waterfront, fishing, small boat launch and hunting available.

Kuehnle Wildlife Area
Middle Bass Island
Middle Bass Island OH 43446
614.265.6300
614.265.6300

This 20-acre pond and adjacent area harbors an array of plant and animal life, including songbirds, wading birds, fish, turtles, salamanders and the rare Lake Erie water snake.

Magee Marsh Wildlife Area
13229 SR 2 W
Oak Harbor OH 43449
419.898.0960
friendsofmageemarsh.org

With more than 2,000 acres of prime habitats, Magee Marsh is an American birding "hot spot". The spring migration of warblers is spectacular; ducks, trumpeter swans, bald eagles, shorebirds and raptors are also common. Visitor center, fishing, drinking fountains, restrooms, handicap accessible, 6 miles of boardwalk. Call for details regarding hunting.

Middle Bass Island State Park
1719 Fox Rd.
Middle Bass Island OH 43446
419.734.4424
419.797.4530
ohiostateparks.org

This is a new park to the Ohio State Park system and is still under development. Primitive camping, picnic tables, grills, play area, restrooms, fishing and small boat launch available.

North Pond & North Shore Alvar State Nature Preserves
Division St. (in Kelleys Island State Park)
Kelleys Island OH 43438
ohiodnr.com/dnap

The North Pond contains a variety of rare and endangered plants and animals. Consisting of approximately 20 acres of pristine wetlands with the estuary leading into Lake Erie at the North Bay, the pond is also home to a diverse bird population and migration area. North Pond represents one of the best/last natural marshes in Ohio’s western Lake Erie basin. The North Shore Alvar is the only undisturbed alvar community in Ohio. An alvar is bare rock such as limestone bedrock with unique plant life growing on and between the rock surfaces. The scouring motion of the waves and ice off Lake Erie maintains the alvar.

Old Woman Creek National Estuarine Research Reserve and State Nature Preserve
2514 Cleveland Rd. E
Huron OH 44839
419.433.4601
oldwomancreek.org

A National Estuarine Research Reserve and State Nature Preserve. This 571-acre reserve is one of Ohio's best remaining examples of natural estuary. The estuary serves as a field laboratory where scientists can study this naturally functioning system where land and water joins. Large parking area, paved trail, restrooms, drinking fountain, restrooms, checklist and observation area. Whenever the entrance gates are open, public is welcome. Call for details regarding picnic tables and hunting.

Osborn MetroPark Osborn MetroPark
3910 Perkins Ave.
Huron OH 44839
419.625.7783
eriemetroparks.org

163 acre property offering hiking, cross-country skiing, snow shoeing, playground, lectures, two ball fields, picnic tables, shelter(s), grills, walking trail, fourteen soccer fields, wooded nature trails, small pond, drinking fountain, visitors center and restrooms. A tennis court and volleyball net are available first-come, first-serve. Large parking area, handicap accessible, paved and nature trails and birding checklist are available. Meeting rooms available.

Ottawa National Wildlife Area
14000 SR 2
Oak Harbor OH 43449
419.898.0014
fws.gov/midwest/Ottawa

The 8,316-acre refuge includes nine miles of hiking trails that wind through a variety of habitats that include marshes, uplands and forested wetlands. The refuge is regarded as one of the premier bird watching spots in the Midwest. Restrooms, visitors' center, fishing, picnic tables, x-country skiing, hunting, handicap accessible and seven miles of pressed gavel trails available.

Pelton Park
800 Pelton Park Dr.
Sandusky OH 44870
419.625.7783
eriemetroparks.org

Picnic tables, grills and walking trail(s) available.

Resthaven Wildlife Area
SR 269
Castalia  OH 44824
419.547.6007
wildohio.com

2,272-acre public hunting, fishing and wildlife-viewing area, that has a handicap accessible fishing pier. The unique feature here is a large remnant prairie. Many foot trails allow the visitor to explore diverse habitats of this wildlife area, totaling more than 2,000 acres. Indigo buntings, woodcock and ring-necked pheasant favor this area. Small boat launch also available.

Schedel Arboretum & Gardens
19255 W. Portage River S. Rd.
Elmore OH 43416
419.862.3182
schedel-gardens.org

Don't miss the unparalleled beauty and tranquility of this magnificent 17-acre arboretum and gardens. Enjoy an authentic Japanese garden, sculptures by internationally renowned artists, water features, a bonsai collection, a kitchen garden with more than 180 varieties of ornamental hot peppers, perennial gardens, an outstanding collection of rare and unusual trees and shrubs and many colorful beds planted with more than 15,000 annuals. ADA accessible. Open May-Oct, Tues-Sat 10 am-4 pm, Sun 12-4 pm. Closed Mondays.

Scheeff East Point Nature Preserve
Eastern tip of East Point Rd.
Put-in-Bay OH 43456
419.285.2292
www.pibtownship.com

Nine-acre preserve with lakefront on three sides offers opportunities for spotting waterfowl, shorebirds and migratory songbirds.

Schoepfle Arboretum & Garden Schoepfle Arboretum & Garden
11106 Market St.
Birmingham OH 44816
440.965.7237
LorainCountyMetroParks.com

70-Acre arboretum and garden containing 20 acres of topiaries, rose gardens and perennial and annual flowers. Garden paths open year-round 8am-dusk. A 50-acre forest with trails and the Vermilion River adjacent to arboretum. Tram rides available the 2nd and 4th Thurs and Sun of each month, May-Oct. Play area, restrooms and visitors center also available.

Sheldon Marsh State Nature Preserve
2715 Cleveland Rd. W (US 6)
Huron  OH 44839
ohiodnr.com/dnap

This waterfront area, with its contiguous wetlands, comprises some of the last remaining undeveloped stretches of shoreline in the Sandusky Bay region. Known to attract nearly 300 bird species and beautiful wildflowers, spring is one of the best times to visit! Summer finds great blue herons, red tail hawks, woodcocks, great horned owls, wood ducks and numerous songbirds. Walking trails, restrooms, paved trails and birding checklist available.

Willow Point Wildlife Area
Wahl Rd.
Sandusky OH 44870
419.684.7483
dnr.state.oh.us

A 645-acre public hunting, fishing and wildlife area on the southern shore of Sandusky Bay.

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