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Local Love & Wanderlust | Cleveland-Based Travel & Lifestyle Blog

Local Love & Wanderlust | Cleveland-Based Travel & Lifestyle Blog

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Visiting Toledo’s Metroparks – A Cleveland Day Trip

Destinations, Outdoors

Visiting Toledo’s Metroparks is only a 2-hour drive from Downtown Cleveland, Ohio making it a perfect destination for a Cleveland Day Trip. While Cleveland has many of its own Metropark systems, we found Toledo’s to be a unique experience. This set of Metroparks ended up on my radar after seeing some amazing photographs of “The Spot”, a dense forest of trees whose extremely tall trunks make for some extraordinary photographs. There is a string of Metroparks in the Toledo area and we only had time to visit four of them and fit in what seemed like the most fun aspect of each park. Their website gives you some great information so you can determine which parks are for you. 

Adding a “Day Trips from Cleveland” series has been on my to-do list for the blog since it started. With the current state of the world and social distancing still being in effect, vacations just have to wait until it’s safer. In the meantime, day trips are a perfect substitute and easy ways to still stay safe and distant while enjoying yourself. 

Fun Fact: The Nature Conservatory dubbed Oak Openings Preserve as one of “America’s Last Great Places” due to its globally rare ecosystem. 

Oak Openings Preserve Metroparks

“The Spot”

Oak Openings Preserve is about 5,000 acres of forest, wetland, and sand dunes with a huge bird population, 50 miles of trails, and the stunning and unique patch of pine and spruce trees known as “The Spot”, a favorite location for amazing photographs. When you first enter “The Spot” you will notice a trail dividing the unique section of trees from the more common trees within the park. You can tell that “The Spot” is going to be something special already and as you walk through the trees you’ll soon be surrounded by 360 degrees of incredible views. Look up, the treetops are where you’re going to find the branches and it’s almost as if they don’t touch giving you a crazy view that makes you feel very small.

These pines, spruce, and fir trees are not local to Oak Openings, they were planted between the 1930s-1970s in an attempt to stop erosion and produce timber. Unfortunately due to old age, environmental stressors, and having been planted too closely many of these beautiful trees are reaching the end of their life. This means many patches of these trees need to be removed for safety. These non-native evergreens are suppressing environments that would provide crucial wildlife habitats. All such a bummer when you see how incredible the trees look.

Wild Lupine

FYI: This region is known for having well over 100 state-listed rare plants, the greatest number in Ohio! Some rarities include Prickly pear cactus, Wild Lupine, Spatulate-Leaved Sundew, Gaywings, and several species of orchids. Visiting Toledo’s Metroparks will take you to a very bio-diverse park system.

Bark of a tree in Oak Openings Preserve part of Toledo, Ohio Metropark
Wood branch tipi in Oak Openings Preserve part of Toledo, Ohio Metropark

Learn more about the globally rare Oak Openings Preserve

The Spot, Oak Openings Preserve

Oak Openings “The Spot”, Swanton, OH 43558
Use your map apps to find “The Spot” within Oak Openings Preserve. 
Some street parking is available

Mallard lake

After visiting “The Spot” we decided to check out nearby Mallard Lake. It was Memorial Day weekend so the park was pretty packed in several areas but we still felt safe to walk around as there was plenty of space.  We took a stroll around the Mallard Lake Loop trail and walked over the small bridges. There was plenty to see and do at this lovely little stop. Picnic tables, an event center, and plenty of green space, hiking trails, and beautiful scenery to make a great visit.

Mallard Lake, Oak Openings Preserve

Mallard Lake, Whitehouse, OH 43571
Ample parking available
Picnic areas available

Sand Dunes

So, we didn’t end up in the sand dunes that look like you were on the beach as we used our map app to find the sand dunes and it took us to the ones near the intersection of Reed Road and Wilkins Road. Where you really want to go is closer to “The Spot” and can be accessed off of Girdham Road where the red Sand Dunes Trail is. The area we ended up in had some sandiness to it, but it definitely didn’t give you the sand dune feeling.

Sand Dunes, Oak Openings Preserve

Sand Dunes, Whitehouse, OH 43571

Street parking available

What To Do Nearby While Visiting Toledo’s Metroparks

While visiting Toledo’s Metroparks, we practiced social distancing and did not stop at many places outside of the park. Here is a list of some places that looked like they’d be great to visit that are near this Metropark. 

Eat & Drink:
Chitter Chatter Ice Cream 8144 Airport Hwy, Holland, OH 43528
We got slushies at this little ice cream spot
Rudy’s Hot Dog 7170 Orchard Centre Dr, Holland, OH 43528

Shop & Visit:
Maumee Antique Mall 1552 S Reynolds Rd, Maumee, OH 43537
Great Finds in Maumee 1414 S Reynolds Rd, Maumee, OH 43537
Copper Moon Studio 8007 Airport Hwy, Holland, OH 4352

Swan Creek Preserve Metroparks

From the parking lot, you can take the Red Trail which leads you to a fun little attraction called the Swan Creek Swinging Bridge. This was a really fun spot where the bridge was more bouncy than swingy. Lots of beautiful trees and bird songs and the relaxing sound of rushing water as you cross Swan Creek. A fun little stop and worth the stop when visiting Toledo’s Metroparks.

Swinging bridge in Swan Creek Preserve part of Toledo, Ohio Metropark
Tree bark in Swan Creek Preserve part of Toledo, Ohio Metropark

Looking for another park to visit in Ohio? Check out Cuyahoga Valley National Park and my post on hiking the ledges. 

Tree bark detail in Toledo, Ohio Metropark
Trail in Swan Creek Preserve part of Toledo, Ohio Metropark

Mix in detail shots with your landscape photos. The peeling layers of bark made for a really compelling image to me. It’s really cool to see such detail in nature.

Swan Creek Preserve Metroparks

4659 Airport Hwy, Toledo, OH 43615
Parking lots available

Middle Grounds Metroparks

Viewing deck in Middlegrounds, part of Toledo, Ohio's Metroparks
Anthony Wayne Bridge over Middleground's a Toledo, Ohio Metropark

While visiting downtown Toledo’s Middle Ground Metroparks you’ll find yourself right in the city itself. This isn’t really a huge park like the others but there are some nicely landscaped areas to enjoy along the Maumee River with a sweeping view of the Anthony-Wayne bridge and downtown Toledo.

Middlegrounds Metropark

111 Ottawa St, Toledo, OH 43604
Parking lots available

What To Do Nearby While Visiting Toledo’s Metroparks

While visiting Toledo’s Metroparks, we practiced social distancing and did not stop at many places outside of the park. Here is a list of some places that looked like they’d be great to visit that are near this Metropark. 

Eat & Drink:
Maumee Bay Brew Pub 27 Broadway St, Toledo, OH 43604
This giant brewery houses several venues on its property. A brewpub, Rockwell’s Steakhouse, Mutz Sports Bar, a cafe, The Oliver House private events space, and a brewing hall of fame and museum. A little something for everyone.
Spaghetti Warehouse 42 S Superior St, Toledo, OH 43604
I love this place! We used to have one in Cleveland where you could eat inside a trolly car.
Rustbelt Coffee 119 N Ontario St, Toledo, OH 43604
Looks like a cute trendy spot

Shop & Visit:
Toledo’s Farmers Market (Sat/Sun) 525 Market St, Toledo, OH 43604
Gathered Glassblowing Studio 23 N Huron St, Toledo, OH 43604
Libbey Glass Factory Outlet 205 S Erie St, Toledo, OH 43604

Howard Marsh Metroparks

The evening was creeping in as we made our way to the last Metroparks of our trip. Howard Marsh is a wetland and bird watchers’ paradise. Very close to the shores of Lake Erie, this marsh has some really cool wooden trails and bridges built out so you can walk all over and relax, watch birds, and take some pretty photos.

Howard Marsh Metroparks​​

401-621 S Howard Rd, Curtice, OH 43412

Parking lots available

Visit the Toledo Metroparks website to plan your trip today!

So, there you go! This was a fun trip and exploring a new area made us feel like we were on vacation. There are several other parks we didn’t even have time to explore but we felt these gave us a nice preview of the beautiful Toledo Metroparks system. 

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Toledo Ohio Metroparks: A Cleveland, Ohio Day Trip

Find more content like this under: Destinations, Outdoors, Ohio, Toledo

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Comments

  1. Sara says

    July 1, 2020 at 7:06 am

    Looks like a great spot to visit with a lot to do!

    Reply

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Hi, I'm Jen - a Cleveland-based photographer, designer, and content creator with a love for travel and my hometown. I share curated travel guides, inspiring itineraries, business and restaurant spotlights, hiking-focused outdoor content and all the best things to do in Cleveland showing you why it, too, is a travel-worthy destination.
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🥾🍁 Fall Hike in Cleveland with Epic Views W 🥾🍁 Fall Hike in Cleveland with Epic Views

With the official start of fall this weekend and pops of fall color already popping up, it’s time to talk fall hikes 🍁🥾

Last Fall I checked out the newly opened Eatern Ledge Trail within the Euclid Creek Reservation, part of the @clevemetroparks 

This trail winds you through a fall forest along a flowing creek and takes you to a ledge overview 130 feet above Euclid Creek. 

I found it to be a easy to moderate trail due to the incline. The views were epic, especially when the sun is out creating intense shadows.

Tag a friend or send this to someone you’d love to hike this trail with! 

🥾1-mile out & back

🍁 Mixed terrain, paved parts of trail are accessible 

↗️ easy to moderate

🚘 Nearby parking, picnic area, and play area

📍Euclid Creek Reservation 44143

#findyourpark #euclidcreekreservation #easternledgetrail #clevelandmetroparks #thisiscle #clevelandohio #euclidcreek #clevelandhikers #hikemore #ohiotheheartofitall #optoutside #fallhikes #clevelandblogger
POV: you fly to your destination only to drive aro POV: you fly to your destination only to drive around the entire place for days seeing amazing views, sunsets, and the spectacular view in the last clip 😍

Do you prefer to fly, drive, or a mix of both when you travel?

#newmexicotrue #newmexico #roadtrip #travelblogger #albuquerque #santafe #whitesandsnationalpark #carlsbadcavernsnationalpark #desertroad #exploremore
The Places We Find Along the Way Carrizozo, New M The Places We Find Along the Way

Carrizozo, New Mexico was just a small town we were going to stop in to grab lunch in between getting from White Sands National Park to Albuquerque. What we weren't expecting was a charming little town with lots of personality. I only wish we had a little longer to spend exploring. 

We had lunch at @honeygirlscafe which was the cutest little spot with great food and the nicest people working there. You could tell this was a neighborhood favorite with how many people stopped in during our short visit. 

There were little shops around town I wanted to check out, and lots of photogenic scenes and street art. Just lovely. If you're taking the White Sands to Albuquerque route I highly recommend stopping here for lunch.

Also seen:

Billy the Kid country sign - I was a huge Billy the Kid fan when I was younger so this was kind of cool to see. I imagine he could have ridden through this town at some point. 

Carrizozo Volcanic Fields - on our drive out we passed by volcanic fields from a long ago eruption. So long ago that thousands of plants were growing in the lava. It was really cool to see. 

Have you found somewhere you weren't looking for but are glad you found it in your travels & local explorations?
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#carrizozo #newmexico #NewMexicoTRUE #travelblogger #clevelandblogger #billythekidcountry #lincolncounty #GramOfEnchantment #landofenchantment #newmexicolove @newmexicotrue #carrizozolavafields
Hike you need to try: Tree Farm Trail in @cuyahoga Hike you need to try: Tree Farm Trail in @cuyahogavalleynps 

Once part of a tree farm, this fairytale-esque hike takes you through a shaded trail surrounded by trees and vegetation until it leads you to symmetrical rows of what was once Christmas trees which now tower high above the trail. 

This is what drew me to want to explore this trail, but once we got there I was instantly enamored with this section of Ohio’s Cuyahoga Valley National Park. 

You’ll also find a swampy-looking odd-shaped pond covered in moss with a beautiful tree-and-flower-lined trail that takes you over a wooden walkway and through a grassy field toward a pavilion. 

While this was a spur-of-the-moment visit, we didn’t do the full hike, but we did get to see part of the former Christmas tree farm with its lovely trees in a row and it’s a stunning view every fan of nature will love to see. This was our second hike of this day and the temperature was getting up there reminding me why I don’t usually like to hike in the summer. 

The Tree Farm Trail takes you through a variety of terrain so you’ll definitely want to wear proper footwear. You’ll encounter wood planks, dirt, and grass-covered terrain. 

This hike also counts toward my goal of hiking 24 new-to-us hikes as it was our first time visiting. This is also a hike I wish I had my camera with me for, but my iPhone had to do. I cannot wait to return, maybe in the fall! 

📍Horseshoe Pond & Tree Farm Trail�2075 Major Road, Peninsula, Ohio 44264
📝The Details:
🌲2.8 m loop trail
⭐️Access through Horseshoe Pond Trailhead
⏱️1 to 1.5 hours
🗻150 ft elevation
🥾Easy hike with mixed grass and dirt trail
😎Trail is mostly shaded
🧻Restroom facilities in the parking lot
🧺Picnic pavilion with tables + grills

#HIKE24IN23 #cuyahogavalleynationalpark #cvnp #nationalparkgeek #travelblogger #ohioheartofitall #optoutside #womenwhohike #forcvnp @forcvnp @ohiotheheartofitall #beautiful_ohio_scenes
📍Rocky Mountain Views This national park was a 📍Rocky Mountain Views

This national park was an absolute dream. We had a few challenges on our two and a half days in the park, from me dealing with mild altitude sickness to Canadian wildfire smoke clouding up half our trip. We still had an epic adventure. This National Park has made its way to one of my favorites, these pictures only do the park a little bit of justice.

What’s a beautiful view in nature you’ve seen lately? 👇🏻

#traveltuesday #nationalparks #nps #visitestespark #rmnp #rockymountainnationalpark #womenwhohike #colorado #coloradolive #coloradohiking #coloradoadventures #travelblogger #clevelandblogger @only.in.colorado @rockynps @visitestespark @visitcolorado

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