This summer enjoy a staycation

Other highlights include the Sculpture Garden outside and the architecturally renowned Glass Pavilion, located across Monroe Street.

Exhibitions include “Play Time” through Sept. 6; “From the Collection: Three Hundred Years of French Landscape Painting” July 17-Oct. 11 and “Degas and the Dance–A Focus Exhibition” Oct. 15-Jan. 10, 2016. Visit the website for descriptions and more info.
2445 Monroe St., Toledo
419-255-8000 or 800-644-6862, www.toledomuseum.org

Toledo Zoo
The Toledo Zoo is recognized as one of the world’s most complete zoos, and one of the region’s top family destinations. It boasts over 6,000 mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians, birds and invertebrates representing over 750 species, and innovative exhibits also get you up close to many of your favorites.

Each year, nearly one million people visit the zoo to experience the wonders of the natural world, stroll the scenic grounds and explore the historic WPA-era buildings. Zoo highlights include the Arctic Encounter, the Africa! exhibit, Nature’s Neighborhood children’s area, the Tembo Trail and the newly renovated Aquarium, which offers a unique opportunity to explore the mysteries of the deep.

Since it opened in March, visitors have been flooding into the zoo to see the newly renovated Aquarium, which houses 3,000+ aquatic animals in 178,000 gallons of water – nearly four times the volume as the previous Aquarium. The two and half year renovation preserved the exterior of the Works Progress Administration (WPA)-era structure, yet inside, visitors will find an exciting new Aquarium experience that includes sleek sharks to glittering tropical fish.
Touch a stingray with your own hands; stand beside a sea turtle as it glides by; interact with a diver inside 90,000-gallon “The Reef “exhibit.
2 Hippo Way, Toledo
419-385-4040, www.toledozoo.org

Imagination Station
Imagination Station – Toledo’s hands-on science museum – promises to immerse visitors of every age in a multi-sensory experience that’s as fun as it is educational.

Defy gravity as you ride the High Wire Cycle 20 feet above the atrium; or visit the Learning Worlds designed to focus on a specific science genre – Energy Factory, Mind Zone, Water Works, Little Kidspace, and more. A number of special exhibits and events are planned throughout the year including “Guitar – The Instrument That Rocked The World,” an exhibit that explores the science and history behind the instrument that revolutionized music.

Through Aug. 9, explore how engineers think up new things, test them and rebuild them to bring us the products we use every day at “Engineer it!”

Oct. 17 through Jan. 10, 2016, discover the madness behind the method at “Myth Busters: The Explosive Exhibition.” Based on the real-life operations room of the MythBusters’ iconic set, the exhibition is filled with gadgets, props, video and blueprints used by the hosts to explore myths on the show.
One Discovery Way, Toledo
419-244-2674, www.imaginationstationtoledo.org

Toledo Botanical Garden
Toledo Botanical Garden – which once consisted of 20 acres donated by George P. Crosby to the City of Toledo – now encompasses more than 60 acres of tranquility which serve as a living museum for plants. The Garden is currently a public/private partnership between Metroparks and the non-profit Toledo Botanical Garden Board, Inc. in collaboration with the City of Toledo.

Notable gardens include shade, perennial, English border, aquatic, herb, rose, dahlia and grass, among others.

Special events include the Crosby Festival of the Arts (June 26-28), summertime jazz concerts, and Heralding the Holidays (Dec. 4-6), a seasonal celebration showcasing the numerous resident artistic guilds.
5403 Elmer Dr. Toledo
419-536-5566, www.toledogarden.org

National Museum of the Great Lakes
Located at the base of the Veterans Glass City Skyway Bridge, the 18,500 square foot National Museum of the Great Lakes features artifacts, interactive exhibits and displays that highlight the cultural history and research of the Great Lakes.

Experience “The Great Lakes: A Powerful Force” theatre experience and a simulated submersible dive of the Edmund Fitzgerald shipwreck; Locate the Queen of the Lakes in Lake Ontario; stoke a steam boiler and much more.

Toledo’s own role in the history of the Great Lakes is highlighted throughout the museum via a “Toledo Trail” icon, which may be found on nearly 25 artifacts and stories

The Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship serves as an extension of the museum experience May through October.

The museum hosts a number of special events and exhibits throughout the year including Kids Fest! July 4, and to commemorate the 40th anniversary of sinking of SS Edmund Fitzgerald, a series of Fitzgerald-related programs offered June and November designed to educate visitors and to remember the souls of those lost to the frigid waters of Lake Superior. Visit the website for complete details.

Hours are Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday noon-5 p.m. Closed Mondays and major holidays.
1701 Front St., Toledo
www.inlandseas.org

Toledo Firefighters Museum
The Toledo Firefighters Museum brings to life over 150 years of firefighting history and tells the tale of the heroes of the Toledo Fire Division.

Located in the “Old Number 18 Fire House,” the display includes many large pieces of vintage firefighting equipment, including an 1837 Neptune – Toledo’s first fire pumper. Lovingly restored by Toledo firefighters, the hand-pulled, hand-operated Neptune required a 20-man crew and could deliver about 300 gallons of water per minute.

In addition, visitors will see fire gongs, antique fire toys, vintage uniforms and more.
918 Sylvania Ave., Toledo
419-478-3473 (FIRE), www.toledofiremuseum.com

Hollywood Casino Toledo
Penn National Gaming extends the red carpet to Hollywood Casino Toledo, located just off I-75 on the banks of the Maumee River.

The casino, which opened in May, offers 2,000 slot machine and table game positions, a sports bar, restaurants and an entertainment lounge.
777 Hollywood Blvd., Toledo
www.hollywoodcasinotoledo.com

Tony Packo’s Café
Tony Packo’s is world-famous not only for its Hungarian-style hot dogs, but also for the buns which have been signed by movie stars, other celebrities and U .S. Presidents. Packo’s was also frequently mentioned by Toledo’s Jamie Farr on the TV series M*A*S*H*.

In addition to the flagship eatery, Packo’s has a location across from Fifth Third Field, home of the Toledo Mud Hens.
1902 Front St., Toledo
800-366-4218, www.tonypackos.com

The Butterfly House
See hundreds of live butterflies from North America, Central America and Asia in a beautiful indoor garden setting. Open May 1 through Sept. 30 and weekends in October.
11455 Obee Rd., Whitehouse
419-877-2733, www.butterfly-house.com

Canal Experience
Drift back in time at the Canal Experience and discover what life was like along the Miami and Erie Canal in 1876.

Visitors can experience what canal life was like aboard The Volunteer, a 60-foot boat replica of the time period. A two-mule team pulls the boat, while the crew handles the ropes and opens and closes the massive gates of the restored lock. See characters in period attire throughout the park.

Other highlights include a visit to Isaac Ludwig Mill, The General Store, Scenic Providence Dam and Lock #44, one of the last functioning 19th century limestone locks. Shelter rental and boat charters are also available.
Providence Metropark, Old US 24 at SR 578, Grand Rapids
419-407-9741, www.MetroparksToledo.com

Brandville School
Built in 1882, the Historic Brandville School has been refurbished and now houses the Oregon-Jerusalem Historical Society. Local history memorabilia and military artifacts from every major conflict in which the United States has been involved dating back to 1812 to the present are featured. In 1994, Brandville School was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Also on the campus is a restored one-room portable school, also listed on the National Register of Historic Places, complete with desks, blackboard, pot-belly stove and other items used in the late 19th century.

A carriage house contains a replica of a local general store; the second floor has vignettes of a doctor’s office, barber shop, ophthalmologist office and a living area with a bedroom and a parlor.

Open 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursdays (excluding holidays) March–December. Call to arrange tours for groups of four or more. No charge; donations accepted.
1133 Grasser St., Oregon
419-693-7052, www.ojhs.org

Harbor View Historical Society & Museum
The Harbor View Historical Society and Museum is one of the newest museums Oregon, and is still under construction.

Located in the former Harbor View Missionary Baptist Church, the complex offers a glimpse of the War of 1812, the Battle of Lake Erie with the conclusion of the War in 1815. The exhibit includes two cannons that are replicas of the firepower used at the Battle of Lake Erie and are from the 2003 Movie, “Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World” starring Russell Crowe. Other displays under construction include the Old Naval Armory at Bay View, and the 1894 remnants from the Bayshore/Wynn one-room school house currently under restoration.

The Museum is open at no cost to the public Wednesdays 5-9 p.m. and Saturdays 1-5 p.m. Donations appreciated.
2083 Autokee Street, Oregon
419-691-1517, HVHS.inc@gmail.com

Sundance Kid Drive-In
The drive-in, located across from Pearson Park in Oregon, features two first-run films on two screens April through October. The 50’s-style drive-in offers all the nostalgia with the best in state-of-the-art Digital Camera projection and FM stereo sound. Enjoy popcorn, nachos, burgers and more from the concession stand. In addition, the Butch Cassidy Canteen, an outside concession wagon, serves up carnival favorites.
4500 Navarre, Oregon
419-691-9668, www.greateasterntheatres.com

Fort Meigs State Memorial Park
Fort Meigs, a War of 1812 battlefield in Perrysburg, features a reconstructed fort and museum. Under the command of future President William Henry Harrison, Fort Meigs helped defend the Northwest Territory against attacks by the British and the Native Americans during the War of 1812.

A replica of America’s largest walled fort, Fort Meigs offers several re-enactments featuring soldiers in period costumes throughout the year, such as Independence Day 1813 (July 4-5); Life in Early Ohio (Aug. 22-23); Garrison Ghost Walks (Oct. 16-17, 23-24); World at War: Miniature War Gaming Day (Nov. 7); and Holiday Open House (Dec. 13.

The fort is open April through October. Museum is open year-round. Hours are Wednesday to Saturday 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday noon-5 p.m. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
29100 W. River Rd., Perrysburg
800-283-8916, www.fortmeigs.org

Historic Genoa
The Town Hall looms over the village of Genoa, its bell tower visible for blocks. Originally built as the Genoa Opera Hall, it was constructed in 1883 and housed its first performance in 1886. The building immediately became the hub of activity in the village and council meetings are still held there.

Built in the Gothic revival style, the structure features eight ornamental chimneys, and a hand-carved sandstone mask of Dionysius, the Greek God of theater, which rests over the main entrance. The Town Hall, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, houses the mayor’s office and the village council chambers on the first floor. The second floor is used by Genoa’s Civic Theater.

Genoa Privy, built to serve as Genoa’s first school, is believed to be the only brick outhouse on the National Register of Historic Places.
Downtown Genoa
www.genoaohio.org

Elmore Depot
The Elmore Historical Society purchased 1860s Elmore Depot in 1981, along with 2.5 acres of land. The society undertook an extensive renovation, and the building now houses memorabilia from Elmore’s past.

In 1983, society members dismantled, relocated and rebuilt the 1940s Heckman log house, adding an elaborate flagstone fireplace and porch, and furnishing it with artifacts from its era.
Ory (Depot) Park, Elmore
419-260-1282, www.elmorehs.tripod.com

Schedel Arboretum
The Schedel Arboretum was home to Joseph and Marie Schedel for more than 50 years before opening to the public in 1991.

The arboretum has more than 17 scenic acres that border along the Portage River the Ohio Turnpike, just outside of Elmore. Visitors can enjoy gardens featuring nearly 20,000 annuals, roses, perennials, irises and peonies, including a Japanese garden complete with Torii, waterfall, pools, lanterns, bridges and a pagoda. A number of special exhibits and events are planned throughout the year, including exhibits in the Trellis Gallery, which has become a showcase for local artists. Group tours of the grounds and mansion are available by appointment.

A wide variety of special events and programs are offered throughout the year including Schedello!, a fine arts music festival set for Aug. 15 and 16. The free Juried Fine Arts Show will include approximately 100 fine artists from diverse disciplines lining Grand Lawn, plus, for a small donation, explore the arboretum and gardens and enjoy live music including Martha Reeves and the Vandellas (Sat.) and Alexander Zonjic with special guests Jeff Lorber and Thorneta Davis (Sun.).

Visit www.schedel-gardens.org/events/ for a complete listing of events.

Regular hours May-October, Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday 12-4 p.m. Closed Mondays.
19255 W. Portage River South Rd., Elmore
419-862-3182, www.schedel-gardens.org

Woodville Historical Museum
Woodville Historical Museum, operated by the Woodville Historical Society, features materials and artifacts documenting the rich history of the small village located on the banks of the Portage River about 20 miles east of Toledo.

Museum visitors can learn about the 1900s oil boom, Indians in the Woodville area, lime plants, early schools, the Lake Shore Electric rail system that once traveled between Toledo and Cleveland and more.

Open March through December, Wednesdays and Fridays 2 – 4 p.m. Additional hours: June through August, Wednesdays 6 – 8 p.m. and by appointment.
107 E. Main St., Woodville
419-849-2349

Pemberville highlights
Pemberville’s historic Pember-Furry House and One-Room School takes visitors back in time to the 19th century. Believed to be the community’s oldest existing building, the Furry House was built by village founder James Pember, and eventually was home to long-time residents Jacob H. Furry and his daughter, Minnie.

Featuring unique architectural details and authentic period furnishings, the house sits adjacent to the One Room School, where Pemberville’s youth learned “readin’ and writin’” at the turn of the century. Admission is free; these highlights are open by appointment from spring through fall.
324 E. Front St., Pemberville
419-287-3274

While in town, check out the restored railroad depot (circa 1881) at 215 Hickory St., with railroad and Pemberville memorabilia on display. Open May through October by appointment (419-287-4114) and during community events.

Wood County Historical Center & Museum
Discover the story of Wood County’s rich history at The Wood County Historical Center and Museum. More than 30 rooms cover historical elements from the native people of Northwest Ohio, the Black Swamp, Oil and Gas Boom, various clothing and decorating styles, and trends in medicine, politics and government.

The center also offers a range of special programs and events throughout the year, including a Halloween Folklore & Funfest (Oct. 17) and Old Home Holiday Tours (Dec. 5-18).

Exhibits include “1930s Arts & Crafts-era Decorating Styles,” “I Love the `80s – a Cultural Comparison of the 1880s and the 1980s,” “Wood County Infirmary History,” “Native Indians of Northwest Ohio” and more.
Open Tuesday-Friday 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 1-4 p.m. through Oct. 31. Closed Mondays and holidays, and in November and January. Special extended holiday hours are available Dec. 6-19.
13660 County Home Rd., Bowling Green
419-352-0967, www.woodcountyhistory.org

North Coast Veterans Museum
The Northcoast Veterans Museum opened in 2004 as a tribute to those who have served in the uniformed service of the United States, especially those who have lost their lives in combat or training.

The dramatic and colorful military displays include weapons, uniforms, pictures, memorabilia, military accessories, tents and first aid from the Civil War to present.
Williams Park, 411 North Main St., Gibsonburg
419-332-5912

Hayes Presidential Center
Original White House gates lead the way to the nation’s first presidential center and museum, – a tribute to 19th U.S. President Rutherford B. Hayes.

The facility is built on 25 acres of the President’s beloved “Spiegel Grove” estate and includes his 31-room Victorian mansion, museum, library and burial site. The exhibit galleries house nearly 1,800 artifacts on permanent display, including exhibits devoted to President Hayes’s military service, his political roles and details of his personal life.

Through Jan. 4, 2016, the center will feature “Dressed for Life: First Ladies’ & Red Dress Collection” featuring more than a half-dozen red dresses worn by First Ladies including Lucy Hayes, Pat Nixon, Betty Ford, Rosalyn Carter and Laura Bush, along with celebrity dresses from New York City’s annual “Red Dress Collection.”

Other highlights include Second Saturdays R 4 Kids educational series, outdoor Verandah Concerts in the summer, a two-day Civil War Re-enactment (Oct. 3-4), the Hayes Train Special model train display (Nov. 27-Jan. 2, 2016), Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides in Spiegel Grove (Dec. 26-27 and Dec. 29-31) and more.
Corner of Hayes and Buckland Avenues, Fremont
800-998-PRES (7737). www.rbhayes.org

Green spaces
Metroparks of the Toledo Area
Metroparks of the Toledo Area preserves many of Lucas County’s most unique natural areas, from the Oak Openings to the Lake Erie coastal zone.

• Pearson Metropark, located at 761 Lallendorf Rd., Oregon, is one of the last remaining stands of the Great Black Swamp, a notorious forest that once blanketed much of Northwest Ohio. The thick woods and location close to Lake Erie make Pearson a favorite stopover for a wide variety of migrating birds. Open 7 a.m. until dark every day; extended hours for winter recreation.

Located in Pearson North, the Johlin Cabin offers a glimpse into homesteading in the 1860s in the Great Black Swamp.

Metroparks of the Toledo Area
419-407-9700, www.metroparkstoledo.com

• Maumee Bay State Park at Cedar Point and North Curtice roads along the Oregon-Jerusalem Township border offers a two-mile elevated boardwalk plus an observation tower amidst swamplands, marsh, scenic meadows and woods that are teeming with wildlife and birds. The park features lakeshore and inland beaches, a marina and an Arthur Hills-designed golf course and more. The Maumee Bay State Park Lodge and Conference Center offer lodge room and cottage accommodations designed with comfort and convenience in mind.
419-836-1466,
www.maumeebaystateparklodge.org.

• The Wood County Park District oversees several park facilities in the county, including Cedar Creeks Preserve, a 42-acre tract located east of Walbridge where Woodville Road (SR 51) crosses Walbridge Road. The park is an excellent example of the former Black Swamp that once covered a large portion of Northwest Ohio and includes hiking trails, a footbridge, picnic tables, restrooms and an information kiosk.
419-353-1897, woodcountyparkdistrict.org

• The Sandusky County Park District operates 10 facilities, including the 93-acre Wolf Creek Park, 160-acre Blue Huron Reserve, the Mull Covered Bridge, the 310-acre Creek Ben Farm and others. White Star Park, located south of Gibsonburg on SR 300, has a quarry up to 40 feet deep that is used by scuba divers throughout the region as well as for non-power boating and fishing; a beach and a campground located across from the park’s main entrance.
419-334-4495, 1-888-200-5577, www.lovemyparks.com

• East Harbor State Park, 1169 N. Buck Rd off SR 269 in Marblehead, on the shores of Lake Erie. The park has unlimited opportunities for outdoor recreation, including boating, fishing, swimming, picnicking and camping. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy the abundance of waterfowl, shorebirds and other species of wildlife found in the park’s scenic wetlands.
419-734-4424, 1-866-664-6727, www.eastharborstatepark.org

• Marblehead Lighthouse State Park, 110 Lighthouse Dr., Marblehead One of Lake Erie’s best known and most-photographed landmarks, the lighthouse is one of Ohio’s newest state parks. The grounds surrounding the lighthouse offer excellent views of Lake Erie, Sandusky Bay, Kelleys Island and South Bass Island. Tours are offered on summer weekdays after Memorial Day until the Friday before Labor Day and on the second Saturday of the month June through October.
A museum, located in the Keeper’s House and operated by the Marblehead Lighthouse Historical Society, is open whenever the tower is open.
419-734-4424 ext. 2, dnr.state.oh.us/parks

Religious sites
Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto
Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Genoa, features a grotto constructed of “tufa,” fossilized vegetation found in the “blue hole” at Castilia, Ohio, and a ground-level statue of a praying Saint Bernadette Souberious looking admiringly at Our Lady. The grounds also include a small altar, an adjoining bell tower of tufa, arches and outdoor Stations of the Cross in hand-carved Italian bronze. The Grotto Gift Shop will be open after Masses Sat. 5:30 p.m. and Sunday 11:30 a.m. Religious and non-religious gifts are available. See the stained glass window from the “Old White Church” on display.
204 S. Main St., Genoa, 419-855-8501

 

Our Lady of Toledo Shrine
Our Lady of Toledo Shrine is a place of prayer, quiet reflection and healing. All faiths are welcome. The garden and well are open during daylight hours.
655 S. Coy Rd., Oregon
419-697-7742

 

Holy Rosary Cathedral
Holy Rosary Cathedral, the primary church of Roman Catholic Diocese of Toledo, is Spanish Plateresque in design – the only one of its kind in North America. Thousands have been inspired by the graceful beauty of its piers and arches, by the richly decorated nave ceiling with scenes from the Old Testament, the half-domed apse embellished by frescoes in the Keim process, and by one of its most striking gems, the Rose Window, which sparkles and radiates in the changing light of the eastern sun.
2535 Collingwood Blvd., Toledo
419-244-9575, rosarycathedral.org

 

Sorrowful Mother Shrine
The Sorrowful Mother Shrine features 120 acres of wooded splendor, plus 40 points of interest including grottos, Sorrowful Mother Chapel, Pieta Outdoor Chapel, plus the Stations of the Cross. Founded in 1850, the original shrine is the oldest place of pilgrimage dedicated to Mary in the Midwest.
Cafeteria and gift shop available.
4106 SR 269, Bellevue
419-483-3435, www.sorrowfulmothershrine.org


Sauder Village

Connect with the past at Ohio’s largest living-history village located at 22611 SR 2 in Archbold. Enjoy guided tours, period craftsmen, hands-on activities like arts and crafts and several annual events including Old-Fashioned 4th of July celebration, Fiddle Contest and Summer on the Farm (July 11), Annual Doll & Teddy Bear Show & Sale (Aug. 1-2), Annual Apple Butter Making Week (Sept. 23-26), Fall on the Farm & Scout Day (Oct. 10), Annual Woodcarvers’ Show & Sale (Oct. 24-25) and Holiday Lantern Tours late November into early December. Other amenities include a restaurant, inn, campground, bakery and on-site shopping.
800-590-9755, www.saudervillage.org

 

Historic Lyme Village
Explore the past as you tour the 16 buildings in this 19th-century village. Tours include an 1880s Victorian mansion, an 1836 farm home, log homes, barns, a one-room school, a general store and more. The village is also home to the Schug Hardware Museum and the National Postmark Collectors Museum and Research Center.

A number of special events are held throughout the year including Pioneer Days (Sept. 12-13); Storybook Halloween (Oct. 10) and Christmas of Yesteryear (TBA).

Guided tours are offered June through August, Tuesday–Saturday 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Sunday 12–4 p.m. and Sundays in September from noon - 4 p.m.
5001 SR 4 (south of SR 113), Bellevue
419-483-4949, lymevillage.com

Merry-Go-Round Museum
Located in the former U.S. Post Office, the Merry-Go-Round Museum celebrates the history of carousels, the carvers who made the intricate horses and other animals, and enthusiasts who enjoy them.

The stone structure, which has a half-rotunda at the front and is listed with the National Register of Historic Places, features a restored 1939 Allen Herschell carousel that offers rides to visitors.

From Memorial Day through Labor Day, hours are Monday- Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday noon- 5 p.m. Off-season hours are Wednesday through Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday noon-5 p.m.
301 Jackson St., Sandusky
419-626-6111, www.merrygoroundmuseum.org

African Safari Park
Come for a day of fun, education and entertainment at African Safari, home of more than 400 of the world’s most beautiful and exotic animals. For one price, enjoy both drive-thru and walk-thru safaris, plus camel rides, entertaining and educational animal shows, pig races and more. A gift shop, picnic facilities, a snack bar and café and grill are also available.

Open through Dec. 6 (subject to change). Open daily rain or shine.
267 S. Lightner Rd., Port Clinton
800-521-2660, www.africansafariwildlifepark.com

Cedar Point
Lauded as “The Roller Coaster Capital of the World,” Cedar Point boasts 17 coasters, including Millennium Force, voted the number-one steel coaster on the planet. New for 2015 is Rougarou, a floorless-design coaster that promises to deliver new thrills as it takes riders on an epic journey at speeds reaching 60 mph, with their feet dangling just inches above the track and the murky waters below.

All told, the park’s 150 rides and attractions, including three kids’ areas and lively entertainment and musical shows, make it a destination for thrill-seekers and families alike.

Convenient accommodations are available just steps away from the park, including the newly-renovated Hotel Breakers. Other options include waterfront cottages, an all-suites hotel and an indoor waterpark.

Open daily May 9 through Labor Day and enjoy spooky fun at HalloWeekends Sept. 13 through Nov. 1.
1 Cedar Pont Dr. (off US 6), Sandusky
41-627-2350, www.cedarpoint.com

Cedar Point’s Castaway Bay
Guests at Cedar Point’s Castaway Bay will feel like they have just landed on an island paradise. The indoor waterpark resort features wet and wild fun for the whole family, including a wave pool, water coaster, slides, kiddie water play areas and children’s activities.

The resort also offers a state-of-the-art arcade, restaurants and retail shops. In-season, overnight guests enjoy early entry and ticket discounts for Cedar Point.
2001 Cleveland Rd. (US 6), Sandusky
419-627-2500, www.castawaybay.com

Soak City
Located adjacent to Cedar Point, the 18-acre waterpark features a wave pool, raft rides, tube slides, inner tube rivers, and more. Choo-Choo Lagoon and Tadpole Town offer big fun for little ones. For adults, there’s Bubbles Swim-Up Bar a special area with a hot tub. Soak City guests can also enjoy the sandy Cedar Point Beach on Lake Erie. Open through Labor Day.
1 Cedar Point Dr., (off US 6) Sandusky
419-627-2350, www.cedarpoint.com.


Challenge Park

Challenge Park activity complex, located between Cedar Point and Soak City, offers the RipCord Skycoaster, two high-speed go-kart tracks, miniature golf and Skyscraper, a thrilling ride that spins riders in a circular motion 16 stories above the ground at speeds of 55 mph.
Admission to Cedar Point or Soak City not required. Each attraction has a separate fee.
Open daily through Sept. 7 and weekends through Nov. 1.
1 Cedar Point Dr., (off US 6), Sandusky
419-627-2350, www.cedarpoint.com

Ghostly Manor Thrill Center
A multi-attraction, family entertainment center, featured on The Travel Channel’s “Best Places I’ve Ever Been,” and Forbes’ “Top 10 Haunted Attractions” lists, Ghostly Manor features Ohio’s fastest virtual roller coaster, interactive 3-D black light miniature golf, a skating rink and bounce houses and an indoor play area (for under age 12). In December, visit the Winter Wonderland walk-thru. Open year-round. Call for hours.
3319 Milan Rd. (US 250), Sandusky
419-626-4467, ghostlymanor.com

Great Wolf Lodge
Great Wolf Lodge is an all-suites, full-service, family destination indoor waterpark resort with family-friendly amenities that include rides and slides for kids of all ages, a spacious outdoor pool, arcade MagiQuest Live-action adventure, a performing Great Clock Tower, Scoops Kid Spa and more.
4600 Milan Rd. (US 250), Sandusky
800-641-WOLF (9653), www.greatwolf.com/sandusky

Sawmill Creek Resort
Located minutes from Cedar Point and Lake Erie Islands, Sawmill Creek features 235 lakeside acres, Tom Fazio championship golf course, indoor and outdoor pools, four restaurants and bars, nature preserve trails and more.
400 Sawmill Creek Dr., Huron/Sandusky
419-433-3800, sawmillcreek.com

Kalahari Resort
Kalahari Resort offers year-round fun in its indoor waterpark, plus outdoor water and adventure parks.

The indoor park features a 12,000 square-foot wave pool, the Swahili Swirl bowl raft ride, zip coaster uphill water rollercoaster waterslide, and Lazy River and more.

Kalahari’s outdoor waterpark (open Memorial Day to Labor Day, weather permitting), features activity pools, hot tubs, sand volleyball courts and more. The Safari Outdoor Adventure Park, also open Memorial Day through Labor Day, boasts a thrilling zip line tour, ropes course, climbing walls and more.
7000 Kalahari Dr. (off US 250), Sandusky
877-KALAHARI(525.2427), www.KalahariResorts.com/oh

Monsoon Lagoon Waterpark
Monsoon Lagoon waterpark and family entertainment complex features aquatic adventures including waterslides, a lazy river, and Adventure Island Tree House with 17 levels.

Miniature golf, bumper boats, grand prix cars and a gaming arcade round out a day of family fun. Open through Sept. 7.
Routes 2 & 269 (1530 S. Danbury Rd), Port Clinton
419-732-6671, monsoonlagoonwaterpark.com

Seneca Caverns
Visitors to Seneca Caverns – “The Caviest Cave” – can walk natural stone steps and pathways through “the earth crack” and past the Ole Mist’ry River. Shop Hollowrock Gifts for minerals, nature books and other gifts. Open daily Memorial Day through Labor Day; Saturdays and Sundays in May and September through mid-October or by appointment.
15248 E. Twp. Rd. 178 (off SR 269 S), Bellevue 419-483-6711,
senecacavernsohio.com

Lakeside Chautauqua
For more than 140 years, Lakeside, the Chautauqua on Lake Erie, has welcomed families to the Lake Erie shore to participate in the summer Chautauqua experience dedicated to nurturing mind, body, and spirit. The historic Lakeside community offers spiritual, educational, cultural, and recreational opportunities during the summer programming season. Quaint shopping and unique dining complete the experience.

Lakeside is a year-round destination that provides rest and renewal experiences for groups of all ages and sizes.
236 Walnut Ave., Lakeside
866-952-5374, www.lakesideohio.com

Marblehead Keeper’s House
The oldest surviving home in Ottawa County offers visitors the chance to experience the history of lighthouse keepers. The 1822 home was the residence of the first three keepers of the oldest continually operated lighthouse on the Great Lakes.
9999 E. Bayshore Road, Marblehead
419-798-9339, www.thekeepershouse.org

Johnson’s Island Confederate Officers Prison Cemetery
The historic cemetery is the final resting place of more than 200 of the 9,000 Confederate soldiers once imprisoned here. Open year-round, daily dawn-dusk.
Gaydos Drive, Marblehead
www.johnsonsisland.org

Ferguson Gallery & Studio
Visitors to the gallery of internationally recognized glass artist Cary Ferguson can enjoy glass-blowing and cutting demonstrations. Four showrooms are filled with jewelry, accessories, nautical decor, antiques and works of local artists. ADA accessible. Open Fri. and Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and by appointment.
5890 E. Harbor Rd. (SR 163), Marblehead
419-734-0600, www.fergusongallery.com.

Put-in-Bay/South Bass Island
Visitors have been flocking to the village of Put-in-Bay on South Bass Island for nearly 150 years. Hundreds of thousands travel here annually to enjoy family-friendly activities, outdoor recreation and a large variety of special events. Many start their visit with a narrated tram tour. Others choose to explore on their own, renting a golf cart, scooter or bike.

Families will find plenty to keep the kids entertained including a butterfly house, miniature golf, gem mining, cave tours, arcades, a carousel and go-kart racing. History enthusiasts won’t want to miss Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial.
419-285-2832, visitputinbay.com


Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial

Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial commemorates Oliver Hazard Perry’s victory over the British during the War of 1812, and the lasting peace between the U.S., England and Canada since that time. The memorial, a Doric column, rises the 352 feet over Lake Erie. The visitor’s center features displays, a video theater, ranger talks and interpretive programs. Schedule varies, call or see website for details.
93 Delaware Ave., Put-in-Bay
419-285-2184, nps.gov/pevi


Heineman’s Winery

Founded in 1888 by Gustav Heineman, an immigrant from Baden-Baden, Germany, Heineman’s Winery offers tours, a tasting room and wine garden with light snacks. Tours include a visit to Crystal Cave, the world’s largest recorded geode, located directly below the winery. Hours vary.
978 Catawba Ave., Put-in-Bay
419-285-2811, www.heinemanswinery.com


Lake Erie Islands Hist. Museum

Displays include more than 65 ship models; the South Bass Island Lighthouse Fresnel lens; and artifacts from the Battle of Lake Erie, island life and the Ford Tri-Motor and great hotel eras. There is a theatre, research library and bookstore. Hours (subject to change) Mid-May, June and September daily 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; July and August 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and October weekends 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
25 Town Hall Place, Put-in-Bay
419-285-2804, leihs.org

 

Kelleys Island
The largest American freshwater island on Lake Erie, Kelleys Island is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. Most commonly explored by foot, bike, golf cart and/or kayak, the island has 600 acres of Ohio State Park land, 17 miles of coastline, nature and hiking trails, a fossil-filled quarry, wetlands, and wildflowers. Located in the western basin of Lake Erie, the island’s scenery can be discovered by foot, bike, golf cart, or kayak.

Abundant waterfowl can be seen, making this a popular spot for birding enthusiasts, and each year in September, thousands of monarch butterflies.
419-746-2360, www.kelleysislandchamber.com

 

Glacial Grooves
The world’s largest accessible glacial grooves, embedded with fossils that are 300-400 million years old, are located on the north side of Kelleys Island, and can be viewed from a walkway and stairs. Open year-round during daylight hours.
Division Street, Kelleys Island
ohiohistory.org

 

Kelleys Island Ferry Boat
The only daily passenger and automobile transportation to Kelleys Island from Marblehead. During peak season, the ferry departs every half hour and offer late-night service on weekends. A parking fee is collected at the Marblehead dock. Available year-round, weather permitting.
510 W. Main St. (SR 163), Marblehead
419-798-9763, www.kelleysislandferry.com

Jet Express
The Jet Express offers high-speed passenger ferries to downtown Kelleys Island and Put-in-Bay from Port Clinton and Sandusky.

Boats offer comfortable, stylish passenger cabins and open-air sundecks. Late-night service, group discounts and family-friendly children’s rates available. Service available May through October.
3 N. Monroe St., Port Clinton
800-245-1538, www.jet-express.com

 

Miller Ferries
Four passenger/ vehicle ferries operate from Catawba (end of Rt. 53 North) to the islands of Put-in-Bay (South Bass Island) and Middle Bass. Ferries operate spring, summer, fall and weather permitting, to Put-in-Bay only in winter. Limited free parking available.
5174 E. Water St. (SR 53 North), Port Clinton
800-500-2421, www.millerferry.com

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