nearby activities & downtown Toledo attractions

Maumee Bay Lodge is located a short 20-minute drive from downtown Toledo, Ohio. Nicknamed the “Water Recreation Capital of the Midwest,” the city offers many one-of-a-kind tourist attractions, creative fare, diverse shopping options and much more. Also not to be missed are nearby northwest Ohio attractions such as Port Clinton, Put-In-Bay and Cedar Point.

Taylor Recreation
Taylor Recreation is located in Maumee Bay State Park on the shores of Lake Erie. Rentals include: jet skis, fishing skiff, Hobie Cat sailboats, pontoon boats, ocean kayaks and canoes. Banana boat rides and a giant waterslide are also available. Each watercraft rental includes life vests, fuel, comprehensive instruction and lots of fun. For more information visit: http://www.taylorrec.com/.

Cedar Point
With a history dating back to 1870, Cedar Point, located just 45 minutes away in Sandusky, OH, is the second oldest amusement park in North America and features some of the tallest and fastest scream machines around. This thrill-seekers’ paradise also boasts a waterpark, four resort hotels, an RV campground (including cottages and cabins), two marinas, an entertainment complex and much more. Cedar Point was named the “Best Amusement Park in the World” in 2005 for a record eighth consecutive year in an international survey conducted by the readers of Amusement Today. To learn more, visit: http://www.cedarpoint.com/index.cfm.

The Toledo Zoo
The Toledo Zoo is known as the world’s most complete zoo, and is just the right size for an afternoon visit or an all-day affair. State-of-the-art exhibits together with historical architecture provide our animals with the best possible environment and offer our visitors an exciting experience. The Toledo Zoo is home to over 4,000 animals representing 600 different species, making it an educational and fun place to visit any time of the year. Our website contains information on everything from exhibits and history to schedules for our educational classes. For more information visit: http://www.toledozoo.org/.

The Toledo Museum of Art
See one of America’s finest art collections in a building of exceptional beauty. Stop in for an hour or the day, discover treasures from ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, a medieval cloister, and the splendors of a room from a French chateau. Paintings, glass, sculpture, furniture, silver, tapestries and graphic arts await you in elegant galleries. Marvel at the works of such masters as El Greco, Rubens, Rembrandt, Gainsborough, Turner, van Gogh, Degas, Monet, Matisse, Picasso, Remington, Hopper, and Nevelson. Free adminssion. To learn more visit: http://www.toledomuseum.org/.

Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shop
These two mega-sportsperson super stores are dedicated to wildlife conservation. Each store offers a large selection of outdoor equipment, gear and apparel. The displays in each store are worth the visit alone. Cabela’s is located in Dundee, MI, about 45 minutes northwest of Maumee Bay Lodge. Bass Pro Shop is located about 30 minutes southwest of the lodge. For more information visit: http://www.cabelas.com/ or “http://www.basspro.com/.

Put-In-Bay, Port Clinton and Marblehead
Put-In-Bay invites you to discover an island in Ohio. The deep blue waters surrounding this small resort island in Lake Erie’s western basin are a recreational paradise, whether you plan to enjoy a day of fishing or a night on the town, relax for a weekend or bask in our sun for the season. On shore you can also visit the historic and tourist towns of Port Clinton and Marblehead. The Marblehead Lighthouse State Park is an attraction you will not want to miss. For more information about these areas, just 45 minutes east of Maumee Bay, you can visit: http://www.shoresandislands.com/ .

The Lake Erie Circle Tour
The Lake Erie Circle Tour is a self-driving tour that spans the entire lake from east to west, including Greater Toledo, Ottawa County, Erie County, Lorain County, Greater Cleveland, Lake County and Ashtabula County. In Ohio, this 200-mile route travels the federal and state highways that hug the shore along the coast of Lake Erie. Follow the green and white square Lake Erie Circle Tour signs posted throughout the route. Learn more by visiting: http://www.great-lakes.net/tourism/circletour/erie/.

Imagination Station
Imagination Station (formally known as COSI) is a hands-on science center located on the riverfront in downtown Toledo. It has welcomed over three million visitors since opening in 1997. The science center is filled with over 250 amazing interactive exhibits. (Closed on Mondays.) For more information visit: http://www.imaginationstationtoledo.org/.

Hollywood Casino
One of Ohio’s first casinos opened in 2012. This state-of-the-art facility is located on the shores of the Maumee River just 20 minutes southwest of the lodge. For more information visit: http://www.hollywoodcasinotoledo.com/ .

Magee Marsh, Metzger Marsh and Ottawa NWF Wildlife Area
This 2,000-acre marsh is well known for being a birding hot spot. Several trails and observation towers offer visitors excellent opportunities for spectacular bird watching. The Sportsmen’s Migratory Bird Center houses an extensive habitat display area. These wonderful sanctuaries are located just a few miles east of Maumee Bay State Park. Call 419-898-0960 or e-mail mary.warren@dnr.state.oh.us.

Pearson Metropark
Located 5 minutes from Maumee Bay Lodge, Pearson Metropark is one of the two most-visited Toledo Metroparks. Pearson offers a wide variety of activities as well as an excellent example of a swamp forest – one of the last remaining stands of the Great Black Swamp. Pearson has a large playground, ball fields, tennis courts, pedal boats and a fishing pond. The Window on Wildlife viewing area at the Packer-Hammersmith Center is well worth seeing. For more information call 419-691-3997 or visit http://www.metroparkstoledo.com/metroparks/.

Fort Meigs State Memorial
Explore an 1813 living-history presentation. This reconstruction tells the story of Fort Meigs during the War of 1812. Fort Meigs is located just 35 minutes southwest of Maumee Bay State Park. For more information visit: http://www.fortmeigs.org/.

Butterfly House
See hundreds of butterflies from around the world in a beautiful indoor garden setting. Open March 15–September 30. Located west of Toledo (about 45 minutes). For more information visit: http://www.butterfly-house.com/.

African Safari Wildlife Park
The Midwest’s only drive-through safari located 40 minutes east of Maumee Bay near Port Clinton. Guests can enjoy free animal rides, animal shows and pig races, a gift shop, cafe and picnic area. For more information visit: http://www.africansafariwildlifepark.com/.

The Henry Ford Museum & Greenfield Village
This great historical attraction is located just 1 hour north of Maumee Bay Lodge and includes the Henry Ford Museum, Greenfield Village, Benson Ford Research Center, an IMAX Theatre and the Ford Rouge Factory. For more information visit: http://www.thehenryford.org/.

Sauder Village
Sauder Village is located about 1 hour 15 minutes west of Maumee Bay Lodge. Connect with your past at Ohio’s largest living-history village. Experience costumed guides, craftsmen, hands-on activities, events and more. A restaurant, inn, conference facilities, campground, bakery and shopping are also on-site. For more information visit: http://www.saudervillage.org/.