Toledo, located at the western end of Lake Erie and straddling the banks of the Maumee River, is a hidden gem that should not be overlooked by visitors to Ohio or the Great Lakes region. Despite being hit hard by the Great Depression and deindustrialization, Toledo has since developed into a vibrant city with thriving arts and culture scenes to explore, along with picturesque parks, interesting historic tourist attractions, excellent art museums and science centers, a great jazz scene, and iconic spots such as Tony Packo’s Cafe. Its strategic setting has also enabled the city to boast attractive architecture and majestic mansions in its lovely historic neighborhoods. All in all, Toledo has a lot to offer.

Visiting Fort Meigs

Fort Meigs, situated fifteen minutes’ drive southwest of the city, offers an insightful look into the War of 1812 and its reverberations through the Great Lakes Region. Constructed in 1813 to repel British forces, it is now recognized as the largest reconstructed wooden-walled fort in the United States. With an array of earthwork defenses, artillery batteries, artifacts, and exhibits, visitors will gain a comprehensive understanding of this historic battle and the events that led to the American victory.

Explore America’s Waterways at Providence Metropark

Experience the heritage and history of America’s waterways at Providence Metropark. Just a 15-minute drive along the river, visitors can step aboard an old canal boat and navigate various locks and visit a historic mill and heritage center. These once essential routes for people and goods plowed between Toledo and Cincinnati, connecting Lake Erie to the Ohio River. Tourists now flock here to stroll along the Towpath Trail, explore the 1866 Isaac Ludwig Mill and learn more about the region’s past.

Visiting Tony Packo’s Cafe

Tony Packo’s Cafe has been a popular destination in Toledo since the 1930s. Founded by Tony Packo himself, the cafe is renowned for its Hungarian-American cuisine, including its famous hot dogs, Sweet Hot Pickles, and spicy chilis with pierogies, stuffed cabbage, and strudel. It gained national attention when it was mentioned on M.A.S.H., and celebrities and politicians, such as Burt Reynolds and Barack Obama, have added their autographs to the signed hot dog buns that decorate the walls. A visit to Tony Packo’s Cafe is an absolute must for any trip to Toledo!

Explore Different Ecosystems

Covering 4,000 acres and located just 30 minutes southwest of downtown Toledo, Oak Openings Preserve is the largest and most beautiful of the Toledo Metroparks. This incredible space offers visitors a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, biking, horseback riding, and more. Here, visitors can explore different ecosystems such as oak savannas, wetlands, forests, prairies, and dunes, all of which make for a spectacular sight.

Explore the World of Animals at the Toledo Zoo

The Toledo Zoo has been widely acclaimed as one of the best zoos in the United States, and with good reason. Since its founding in 1900, it has grown to encompass more than 10,000 individual animals from all over the world, each housed in spacious enclosures and aquariums. From Primate Forest to Penguin Beach and from African to Asian exhibits, there is something for everyone to explore. Families can enjoy the sights of elephants, giraffes, and tigers, while those seeking interactive experiences can take part in the countless fun activities and events offered. Located just ten minutes’ drive southwest of the city center, the Toledo Zoo is an unforgettable destination.

Live Demonstrations and Aerial Adventure Courses

The Toledo Zoo offers exciting live demonstrations and aerial adventure courses that are sure to thrill guests of all ages. The zoo is home to a variety of animals, including lions, tigers, bears, monkeys, and more, who can be seen during the live demonstrations. Guests can also take part in the aerial adventure courses, which feature rope bridges, zip lines, and other obstacles that are sure to get the adrenaline pumping. With so much to see and do, the Toledo Zoo is sure to have something for everyone.

Impeccably Manicured Gardens

Toledo Botanical Garden is a stunning outdoor space that was founded in 1964. It boasts an impressive array of plants, trees, and shrubs, along with carefully manicured flower beds, herb gardens, and rose sections. In addition to this, the garden also features art installations and sculptures, as well as hosts temporary exhibitions, talks, and community events. The Toledo Botanical Garden is sure to provide visitors with an enjoyable experience every time.

Explore the Toledo Museum of Art

The Toledo Museum of Art is a must-see attraction in town, and it’s only a few minutes drive from downtown. Established in 1901, it’s housed in an impressive Greek Revival-style building and contains over 30,000 objects. The museum features a stunning collection of artworks, including ancient Egyptian artifacts, decorative arts, paintings, glassworks, and sculptures from renowned artists like Rembrandt, Rubens, and Picasso. Visitors can explore the galleries, Medieval Cloister, and modern Glass Pavilion, or take in a show at the beautiful Peristyle concert hall. Additionally, there are talks, temporary exhibitions, and cultural events held regularly in the sculpture garden.

Uncovering Centuries of History and Culture

The National Museum of the Great Lakes is an awe-inspiring destination that should not be overlooked, located just across the river from downtown and next to the Front Street Marina. Since its opening in 2014, it has proudly presented a magnificent collection of artifacts, photos, displays, and more, uncovering centuries of history and culture associated with the region. With intriguing and interactive exhibits, such as the SS Col. James M. Schoonmaker, visitors can explore the industrial era, Underground Railroad, fur traders, rum runners, and shipping captains. It is a must-see when visiting this area.

Toledo is a diverse city that features numerous attractions for any type of traveler. Art and history aficionados will find plenty to explore at the various art museums, historic sites, and landmarks such as Fort Meigs, while nature lovers will appreciate Providence Metropark, which revives the old access routes connecting Lake Erie and the Ohio River. Taken together, Toledo has something for everyone – and shouldn’t be overlooked by anyone seeking to experience all that the Great Lakes region has to offer.