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NATURAL AREAS
Castalia Quarry Reserve SR 101 (south of SR 269), Castalia 419.625.7783 www.eriemetroparks.com This abandoned limestone quarry, surrounded by forests and fields, is great for hiking and mountain biking (permit required) with scenic views year-round.
Castalia State Fish Hatchery 7018 Homegardner Rd. (off Heywood Rd., just off SR 269), Castalia 419.684.7499 www.ohiodnr.com The hatchery raises steelhead and rainbow trout and offers self-guided tours of 90-acres of serene grounds including outdoor raceways, a half-mile section of Cold Creek and a “blue hole” aquifer. The area also provides excellent bird watching opportunities. Year-round, Mon-Fri 8am-3pm.
Community Foundation Preserve at Eagle Point 3819 Cleveland Rd. (US 6), Sandusky 419.625.7783 www.eriemetroparks.com This freshwater marshland along Ohio’s northern coastline, offers visitors an excellent site for viewing American bald eagles and other wildlife. During the sensitive eagle-nesting season, Jan-Jul, human activity is limited and some areas may be restricted.
Crane Creek State Park 13531 W. SR 2, Oak Harbor 419.836.7758 With its sandy beach and picnic areas, this beach area shares parking with the Magee Marsh Wildlife Area Boardwalk Trail.
DuPont Marsh State Nature Preserve River Rd. (south of US 6), Huron 419.625.7783 www.eriemetroparks.com Take a leisurely hike near the Huron River while observing birds, butterflies and other wildlife. In winter, enjoy cross-country skiing along the designated trails.
East Harbor State Park 1169 N. Buck Rd. (off SR 269), Marblehead 419.734.4424 or 866.664.6727 Seven miles of sandy beaches, picnic shelters, hiking trails, fishing access, boardwalk trail, full-service marina and the largest campground in the Ohio State Parks system.
East Sandusky Bay Water Trail River Ave. (off Cedar Point Dr.), Sandusky 419.625.3864 www.ci.sandusky.oh.us A new 15-mile water trail around the East Sandusky Bay that provides people using small, hand-powered watercraft such as kayaks and canoes, the opportunity to enjoy scenic views, natural resources, cultural history and recreational opportunities from a unique viewpoint.
Edison Woods Preserve SR 61 (south of SR 2), Berlin Heights 419.625.7783 www.eriemetroparks.com Approximately twenty miles of trails are open year-round for hiking, cross-country skiing, bird watching, photography and horseback riding (with your own horse).
Erie Sand Barrens State Nature Preserve Scheid Rd. (off Taylor Rd., in Oxford Twp.), Sandusky 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 Kelleys Island The magnificent grooves of Kelleys Island are the largest in the world, and were caused as Pleistocene Glaciers moved south carving out the relatively soft island limestone. Embedded and very visible throughout the limestone is a marvelous fossil record of marine invertebrate animals, which lived on the floor of the Devonian Sea millions of years ago. Perimeter viewing of the grooves is available.
Hoffman Forest Reserve Huff Rd. (between Arlington & Chapin rds.), Berlin Heights 419.625.7783 www.eriemetroparks.com Home to many species of birds, wildlife, plants and trees, the grassy trails of this 40-acre reserve is open for hikers and joggers to enjoy its many natural features.
James H. McBride Arboretum behind BGSU Firelands College, Huron 419.625.7783 www.eriemetroparks.com Enjoy walking the paved pathways or take the woodland trail along the banks of Sawmill Creek. Butterfly and hummingbird garden, a peace and tranquility garden and deck overlooking the lake.
Kelleys Island State Park Kelleys Island 419.797.4530, 419.746.2546 or 866.OHIOPARK (644-6727) 100-foot swimming beach, picnic shelter, launch ramps, fishing access areas, family campground, showers, flush toilets, a dump station and six miles of trails.
Kuehnle Wildlife Area Middle Bass Island 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 13531 W. SR 2, Oak Harbor 419.898.0960 www.friendsofmageemarsh.org One of the best wildlife-viewing areas in North America, Magee Marsh has boardwalk trails, the Sportsman’s Migratory Bird Center and an observation tower.
Middle Bass Island State Park Middle Bass Island 419.797.4530 www.ohiostateparks.org This is a new park to the Ohio State Park system and is still under development. Primitive camping and limited hiking trails available.
North Pond & North Shore Alvar State Nature Preserves Kelleys Island Located within the 660-acre Kelleys Island State Park, North Pond is a 30 acre marsh that opens to Lake Erie and features many rare plants including wapato, inland sea rocket and seaside spurge. Birding is excellent during the spring and fall migration along the preserve trails. North Shore Alvar showcases an alvar plant community on barren limestone and dolomite rock. This community is rare in Ohio and can only be found on the Lake Erie Islands and Marblehead Peninsula.
Old Woman Creek National Estuarine Research Reserve and State Nature Preserve 2514 Cleveland Rd. E (US 6), Huron 419.433.4601 www.oldwomancreek.org Visit the indoor nature center or hike the trails to learn more about this special preserve where the inland waters meet and mix with Lake Erie to form a third type of water, chemically different than both, yet attractive to a variety of flora and fauna.
Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge 14000 W. SR 2, Oak Harbor 419.898.0014 www.fws.gov/midwest/Ottawa Visitor Center and nearly 5000 acres with hiking trails and scheduled auto tours to view wildlife.
Putnam Marsh Nature Preserve and Joseph Steinen Wildlife Area Cleveland Rd. (US 6 at Perkins Ave.), Sandusky 419.625.7783 www.eriemetroparks.com This 155 acre natural area protects an extraordinary freshwater marsh rich in critical wildlife food and cover. Take a leisurely walk and discover an amazing number of unique flora and fauna and most likely see American bald eagles and a large variety of other birds.
Resthaven Wildlife Area SR 269, Castalia A 2,272-acre public hunting, fishing and wildlife-viewing area, that has a handicap accessible fishing pier.
Schedel Arboretum & Gardens 19255 W. Portage River South Rd., Elmore 419.862.3182 www.schedel-gardens.org Schedel Arboretum & Gardens is a hidden treasure with unparalleled beauty & tranquility. Enjoy a unique Japanese garden, kitchen garden with more than 80 varieties of ornamental peppers, bonsai exhibit, water gardens, perennial gardens, sculpture & painting exhibits, flower gardens featuring 20,000 annuals, as well as unusual trees & shrubs. May–Oct.
Schoepfle Garden & Arboretum 11106 Market St. (off SR 113), Birmingham www.loraincountymetroparks.com Best known for its topiary, roses, conifers and rhododendrons, this 70-acre garden has a riverside walking trail and visitor center.
Sheldon Marsh State Nature Preserve 2715 Cleveland Rd. W. (US 6), Huron Coastal marsh surrounded by swamp forests and a barrier beach. Sheldon Marsh has been designated as an Important Bird Area by the Audubon Society. Birding is best during the spring migration with almost 300 bird species recorded on the preserve. Three miles of hiking trails, including the mile long barrier beach. Preserve open dawn to dusk.
South Bass Island State Park Put-in-Bay 419.797.4530 or 419.285.2112 A lakeside campground that offers a public picnic shelter, launch ramp, fishing pier, stone beach and children’s play area.
The Coupling Reserve SR 13 (one mile north of US 250), Milan 419.625.7783 www.eriemetroparks.com 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, grills, a sledding slope, cross-country skiing, and a grassy volleyball court. Canoes, the historic depot and overnight accommodations in the train cars are available for groups with advance reservation.
Willow Point Wildlife Area Wahl Rd., Sandusky 419.684.7483 www.ohiodnr.com/wildlife A 645-acre public hunting, fishing and wildlife area on the southern shore of Sandusky Bay.
Cedar Point Beach at Cedar Point, Sandusky 419.627.2350 www.cedarpoint.com Soak City or Cedar Point admission required unless a guest of one of the Cedar Point Resorts or a season pass holder. Beach, lounge chairs, umbrellas, volleyball nets, concession stand, restrooms, showers and parking fee.
East Harbor State Park Beach 1169 N. Buck Rd. (off SR 269), Marblehead 419.734.4424 www.eastharborstatepark.org Seven miles of sandy beaches, picnic shelters, toilets, state park campground, concession stand, bath house and trails.
Kelleys Island State Park Beach N. Division St., Kelleys Island 419.746.2546 www.ohiodnr.com/parks Beach, hiking trails, fishing, toilets, camping and launch ramp.
Lakefront Park & Beach End of Park and Center Sts., Huron 419.433.8487 www.huronparks.org Beach, picnic tables, gazebo, playground, restrooms and fishing.
Main Street Beach Main St. (off SR 6), Vermilion Beach and lighthouse.
Nickel Plate Beach Nickel Plate Dr. (off US 6), Huron 419.433.8487 www.huronparks.org Beach, picnic tables, playground, two sand volleyball courts and fishing pier. There is a nominal parking fee.
Port Clinton City Beach Perry St. (SR 163), Port Clinton This sandy beach has a large shallow area and is across the street from Lakeview Park.
BIRMINGHAM Birmingham School Park SR 113 (west of SR 60) 3.3 acres, picnic tables, ball fields and playground.
ELMORE Memorial Park Rice and Clinton Sts. Riverfront park, river access and benches.
River Bend Park Rice St. Playground, picnic area and grills.
GENOA Veterans Memorial Park 605 Washington St. 419.855.7791 In-line skating, swimming, tennis, trails, picnic area and playground.
HURON Fabens Park Adams Ave. or off US 6 eastbound 419.433.8487 www.huronparks.org Picnic tables, shelter, nine ball fields, playground, restrooms, concession stand, five tennis courts, two batting cages and nature trail.
Huron Municipal Boat Basin 330 N. Main St. (off US 6) 419.433.4848 www.huronparks.org 125 dock marina, restrooms, showers, fishing, picnic tables, shelter, grills and amphitheater with a full summer entertainment schedule.
Lakefront Park & Beach End of Park and Center Sts. 419.433.8487 www.huronparks.org Beach, picnic tables, gazebo, playground, restrooms and fishing.
Nickel Plate Beach Nickel Plate Dr. (off US 6) 419.433.8487 www.huronparks.org Beach, picnic tables, playground, two sand volleyball courts and fishing pier. There is a nominal parking fee.
Osborn Park 3910 Perkins Ave. 419.625.7783 www.eriemetroparks.com Picnic tables, reservable shelters, grills, playground, restrooms, ball fields, soccer fields, tennis courts, hiking trail and cross-country skiing.
KELLEYS ISLAND Kelleys Island State Park Beach N. Division St. 419.746.2546 www.ohiodnr.com/parks Beach, hiking trails, fishing, toilets, camping and launch ramp.
MARBLEHEAD East Harbor State Park Beach 1169 N. Buck Rd. (off SR 269) 419.734.4424 www.eastharborstatepark.org Seven miles of sandy beaches, picnic shelters, toilets, state park campground, concession stand, bath house and trails.
MILAN Edison Park Berlin St. (off Edison Dr.) Picnic tables, shelters, grills, restrooms, playground, tennis courts, ball fields, horseshoe courts and skate park.
PORT CLINTON Catawba Island State Park 4049 E. Moores Dock Rd. 419.797.4530 www.ohiostateparks.org Waterfront, ice fishing access, launch ramps, restrooms, a picnic shelter and fishing pier.
Lakeview Park Perry St. (SR 163) Shady picnic area, grassy play areas, picnic tables, grills, playground, basketball courts, concession stand and restrooms.
Port Clinton City Beach Perry St. (SR 163) This sandy beach has a large shallow area and is across the street from Lakeview Park.
Waterworks Park Perry St. (SR 163) Lakefront park, playground, skateboard park, ball field, fishing pond, multi-purpose trail and sand-volleyball courts.
PUT-IN-BAY DeRivera Park Showers, restrooms, lockers, play area, benches and picnic tables.
Oak Point State Park 419.797.4530 or 419.285.2112 Scenic picnic area, ice skating, fishing access and overnight docking.
SANDUSKY Battery Park Corner of Meigs and Water sts. 419.625.6142 Picnic tables, shelter, grills, playground, tennis courts and fishing.
Cedar Point Beach at Cedar Point 419.627.2350 www.cedarpoint.com Soak City or Cedar Point admission required unless a guest of one of the Cedar Point Resorts or a season pass holder. Beach, lounge chairs, umbrellas, volleyball nets, concession stand, restrooms, showers and parking fee.
Lions Park W. Monroe St. 419.627.5886 Picnic tables, shelters, grills, playground, tennis, skate-park, fishing, basketball, shuffleboard courts and toilets.
Shoreline Park Shoreline Dr. 419.627.5886
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