Toledo, Ohio offers visitors an indulgent mix of iconic historical sites, dazzling artwork, and thriving outdoor recreation opportunities accessible to all. From the multi-hued National Museum of the Great Lakes to Gabe Gault’s towering mural overlooking the Maumee River, Toledo has continued to capture the imagination of travelers from across the globe. Explore the Libbey Factory Outlet, discover Jeep’s half-century manufacturing legacy, and take a walk along the soon-to-be-completed Glass City Riverwalk – all testament to the city’s vibrant culture and riches.

Toledo, Ohio is a place of unexpected beauty and power. Its lively waterway and powerful sense of place have been cemented in the record books with the country’s largest mural. Boasting an impressive 617-foot-long Great Lakes freighter that was first launched in 1911, the National Museum of the Great Lakes has painstakingly restored its cargo hold, engine room, and captain’s lounge to evoke a bygone era of freshwater transport. From the top deck, one can admire the breathtaking view of Toledo’s skyline with awe and admiration.

The Libbey Glass Factory Outlet and the nearby Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge offer visitors a variety of attractions to explore, while the Jeep plant has been an integral part of Toledo’s manufacturing heritage for decades. With its unique history and vibrant culture, Toledo is truly a city worth visiting.

Last year, the city welcomed nationally lauded artist Gabe Gault’s awe-inspiring transformation of a ribbon of riverside grain elevators into the largest mural in the country – a stunning composition of sunflowers and Native American women. Visitors can book a boat tour to get an up-close look at this remarkable work of art. The city has also put docks back in the Maumee River near Promenade Park and added the expansive Metroparks system, which recently turned an urban landfill into a 28-acre green space and dog park known as Middlegrounds. Toledo’s Glass City Riverwalk will soon connect pedestrians on both sides of the river via two spectacular bridges. With its endless attractions and captivating beauty, it’s no wonder Toledo is rapidly becoming one of the most sought-after destinations in the region.

The National Great Lakes Museum is a place of learning for many and a reminder of the past for others. On this day, one visitor was proudly aiding their young child in understanding a sign detailing a long-lost coal unloading practice. Despite only being able to stay for two nights, the parent felt content in helping their child understand Toledo’s history and was eager to plan an extended visit for the near future.

Explore the Warehouse District in Toledo

The Warehouse District in Toledo is bustling with activity, offering visitors a plethora of activities to enjoy. Take a tour of the galleries and sample local cuisine at the restaurants. Watch the Toledo Mud Hens play Minor League baseball at Fifth Third Field or explore centuries of history at the National Museum of the Great Lakes. The More boats, you say? tour boat provides occasional Monday cruises to view the stunning Glass City River mural. Art lovers should not miss out on the incredible glass collection and hot shop demos at the Toledo Museum of Art’s Glass Pavilion. Celebrate the many offerings of this vibrant city proudly!

Take a trip to the Toledo Zoo and Aquarium to see the new exhibit, housing brown bears rescued from Kodiak Island and Yellowstone National Park. Then, head out to Oak Openings Preserve and catch a glimpse of the Great Black Swamp ecosystem, where indigo buntings and Karner blue butterflies can be spotted.

Breakfast at Fowl and Fodder

For 40 years, locals and visitors alike have flocked to the iconic Tony Packo’s in Toledo, Ohio – a Hungarian-American institution made famous by pop culture and known for its display of celebrity-signed hot dog buns. For a delicious breakfast experience, there’s no better place than Fowl and Fodder, where locals can enjoy chicken and waffles all day long. When evening arrives, head over to Maumee Bay Brewing Company for a lemon shandy at its historic Oliver House location, then enjoy dinner with Chef Moussa Salloukh’s delectable Lebanese dishes at Souk Mediterranean Kitchen and Bar in the Warehouse District.

For a truly special evening, check out the Renaissance Hotel’s Brim House and The Heights. Natural light pours into Brim House, where Chef Michael Rigot’s Czech, Polish, and Southern roots guide the seasonal menu. Upstairs, The Heights is renowned for its craft cocktails, pizza (the roasted mushroom is a must-try!), and breathtaking 360-degree views.

Unbeatable Location

The Renaissance Toledo Downtown Hotel offers guests an unparalleled experience with its unbeatable location along the western bank of the Maumee River and Promenade Park. Guests can take a stroll to many nearby attractions, or stay in to marvel at the vintage Jeep and beautiful blown glass exhibit in the lobby. The hotel also features rooms that overlook the river, as well as a rooftop bar and restaurant, and a top-notch fitness center with stunning floor-to-ceiling windows.

Toledo, Ohio is quickly becoming an incomparable Midwest destination for lovers of art, outdoor recreation, and historical heritage. With its impressive feats in the record books, dazzling parks, boat tours, glassworks, majestic grain elevations, and stunning skyline, Toledo has something to offer everyone looking to experience the powers of nature sprinkled with modern convenience. From dawn until dusk, anyone can experience the beauty and power of this majestic American city and even venture moments away from it into a wildlife refuge or take a sightseeing journey down Caledonia Road. Either way, the magic of experiencing Toledo has been cemented in the memories of thousands who have found their place amongst the Great Lake boats and steel giants.