Ohio's Lake Erie Shores & Islands : Natural Areas

WHAT TO DO > ACTIVITIES >NATURAL AREAS

Black Swamp Bird Observatory 13551 W. SR 2, Oak Harbor 419.898.4070 bsbobird.org Non-profit organization that teams research with education to promote bird conservation. Experience up-close encounters with songbirds, view bald eagles from the handicap- accessible walking trail and participate in educational programs. Visitor Center with area birding maps and a gift shop. Presentations by request.
Castalia Quarry Reserve SR 101 (off SR 269), Castalia 419.625.7783 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 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 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.
DuPont Marsh State Nature Preserve 1805 River Rd. (south of US 6), Huron 419.625.7783 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 eastharborstatepark.org Over two miles of sandy beach, 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 419.627.5879 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 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 ohiodnr.com/dnap This 32-acre preserve features a 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 Division St., Kelleys Island 419.797.4530 ohsweb.ohiohistory.org/places/nw08 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 5313 Huff Rd. (between Arlington and Chapin Rds.) Berlin Heights 419.625.7783 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 One University Dr. (behind BGSU Firelands College), Huron 419.625.7783 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 Division St., Kelleys Island 419.746.2546, 866.OHIOPARK (644.6727) or 419.734.4424 ohiostateparks.org 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 13229 SR 2 W, Oak Harbor 419.898.0960 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. Also visit Black Swamp Bird Observatory (bsbo.org) located on the premises. Middle Bass Island State Park Middle Bass Island 419.285.0311, 866.OHIOPARK (644.6727) or 419.734.4424 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 and North Shore Alvar State Nature Preserves Division St., Kelleys Island ohiodnr.com/dnap 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 oldwomancreek.org Visit the indoor nature center or hike the trails to learn more about this special 572-acre 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.
Osborn Park 3910 Perkins Ave. & 3109 Hull Rd., Huron 419.625.7783 eriemetroparks.com This 172-acre park houses the main offices for Erie MetroParks. It features walking trails through woods and meadows, picnic shelters, a crushed stone walking pathway, a playground, open grassy spaces, soccer and baseball fields, interpretive panels, gardens, a dog park, a meeting room and recycling facilities. Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge 14000 SR 2 W, Oak Harbor 419.898.0014 fws.gov/midwest/Ottawa Visitor Center and nearly 5,000 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 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 wildohio.com A 2,272-acre public hunting, fishing and wildlife-viewing area, that has a handicap accessible fishing pier.
Schedel Arboretum and Gardens 19255 W. Portage River South Rd., Elmore 419.862.3182 schedel-gardens.org Schedel Arboretum and Gardens is a hidden treasure with unparalleled beauty and tranquility. Enjoy a unique Japanese garden, kitchen garden with more than 80 varieties of ornamental peppers, bonsai exhibit, water gardens, perennial gardens, sculpture and painting exhibits, flower gardens featuring 20,000 annuals, as well as unusual trees and shrubs. May–Oct.
Schoepfle Garden and Arboretum 11106 Market St. (off SR 113), Birmingham 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 ohiodnr.com/dnap A 465-acre 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 419.285.2112, 866.OHIOPARK (644.6727) or 419.734.4424 ohiostateparks.org A lakeside campground that offers a public picnic shelter, launch ramp, fishing pier, stone beach and children’s play area.
The Coupling Reserve 11618 SR 13 (one mile north of US 250), Milan 419.625.7783 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 ohiodnr.com/wildlife A 645-acre public hunting, fishing and wildlife area on the southern shore of Sandusky Bay.