Sites of
Interest
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Oak Openings Nature Preserve, Toledo -
The Oak Openings Preserve Metropark in Toledo used to be part of an
extensive patchwork of oak savannas that at one point covered 30
million acres and represented a unique meeting of the western
prairies with the dense Eastern forest. Sand dunes and beach ridges
that once bordered an ancient pre-Lake Erie formation are found at
this 3,600-acre site. Visitors can purchase native plants at nearby
nurseries labeled “Oak Opening Native” that are grown from species
collected from this uniquely wild site.
www.metroparkstoledo.com
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Canal Experience at
Providence MetroPark, Grand Rapids - Transportation to and from Lake
Erie followed rivers, with development close behind. The Miami and
Erie Canal story can be lived at this unique park. Visitors take
canal boat rides on The Volunteer, a mule-drawn replica, through a
restored lock and along more than a mile of the Miami and Erie
Canal. The boat is crewed by historic interpreters in period
clothing. The canal-era town of Grand Rapids is located along the
rapids of the Maumee River. Visitors tour the restored Isaac Ludwig
Mill, which operated on waterpower and contains belt-driven grist
and saw machinery. Contact:
www.metroparkstoledo.com
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Fort Meigs, Perrysburg Early military action occurred where
nature gave the best advantage. Located off Route 65, this Fort is
an important site operated in partnership with the Ohio Historical
Society. Considerable portions of the original earthworks remain of
this former strategic command post. Built in 1813 to protect
northwest Ohio from British invasion, this reconstruction will be
one of the largest log forts in America. British and Canadian
troops, assisted by Indians under Tecumseh, besieged the fort twice.
Both failed and the British retreated after the second. Fort Meigs
State recently underwent an extensive renovation, bringing the story
of this fort to life. Contact: (419) 874-4121
www.ohiohistory.org/places/ftmeigs or
www.fortmeigs.org
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Magee Marsh Wildlife Area and Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, Oak
Harbor Named a Regional Shorebird Reserve Area and one of the top
migratory spots in the United States, Magee Marsh Wildlife Area and
its neighboring Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge are remnants of the
Great Black Swamp, a massive swamp that once covered most of
northwest Ohio. The creek which flows through Magee Marsh (Crane
Creek) undoubtedly owes its name to the great blue heron and egrets,
which are abundant in the marsh habitat (but unfortunately
misidentified as cranes.) This 2,600-acre marsh features more than
300 species of birds. A boardwalk and Sportsman’s Migratory Bird
Center welcome visitors into this spectacular world of nature.
Contact: (419) 898-0960
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South Bass Island & Put-in-Bay Perry’s Victory and International
Peace Memorial, South Bass Island Lake Erie became a strategic win
during the War of 1812. On Sept. 10, 1813, Commodore Oliver Hazard
Perry defeated and captured a British squadron of warships at the
Battle of Lake Erie. The battle, fought during the War of 1812,
secured control of Lake Erie for the United States. This 352-foot
tall Doric column commemorates the battle and stands as a symbol of
international peace. Visit the visitors center and watch a film,
browse exhibits and shop an extensive library of historical books.
Contact: (419) 285-2184 or
www.nps.gov/pevi/
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Lake Erie Islands
Historical Society Museum The history of the islands is interpreted
at this museum located in the Village of Put-in-Bay. Learn about the
islands’ early boats, winemaking, hotels, and history. Unique
artifacts, special events, and programming can be found.
Contact: (419) 285-2804
www.leihs.org
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Fall is one of the
best times to visit the Lake Erie Islands. The temperature from the
lake keeps the air warmer than inland temperatures. It’s harvest
time for local wineries, and the crowds are less. Transportation to
South Bass Island is available by the Jet Express (www.jet-express.com)
from Port Clinton and Sandusky or Miller Boat Line (www.millerferry.com)
from Catawba. Call the Ottawa County Visitors Bureau 1-800-441-1271
for ferry schedules and events listings.
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Marblehead
- Approximately 400 million years ago, ancient seas covered
the land that was to become Ohio. Sediment from these early tropical
seas compressed and formed bedrock. In Marblehead, this limestone
bedrock is mined. Watch the conveyor belt move the stone across
Route 163 onto a waiting freighter. Visit the Marblehead Lighthouse,
the oldest continuously-operating lighthouse on the Great Lakes.
Gift shops, many with nautical knick-knacks and some with authentic
decoy carvings, are located in Marblehead. Contact: 800-441-1271,
www.lake-erie.com
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Kelleys Island Contact: 1-800-255-ERIE
www.buckeyenorth.com The Glacial Grooves are the
largest accessible proof of glacier carving in the world. Scoured
into limestone about 18,000 years ago by a great ice sheet, these
grooves are an impressive statement to nature’s immense force.
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Old Woman Creek State Nature Preserve, Huron This 571-acre
site is one of the best remaining natural estuaries. An estuary is a
place where freshwater meets and mingles with another body of water,
creating a unique chemically enriched ecosystem that supports many
unusual forms of life. A barrier beach, walking trails, and a new
visitors center interpret this area to the visitor. A new visitors
center opened in 2003, built with extensive sustainable building
materials. Contact:
www.oldwomancreek.org
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Maritime Museums in Sandusky and Vermilion The Maritime Museum
of Sandusky contains a collection highlighting boats used and built
near Sandusky Bay. A winter lecture program is offered, as is a
wooden boat-building school.
www.sanduskymaritime.org
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The Inland Seas
Maritime Museum in Vermilion overlooks the Vermilion Harbor
breakwall. Interpretation chronicles the story of shipping and
sailing on the Great Lakes.
www.inlandseas.org
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Vermilion River Reservation This 1,026-acre park borders the
Vermilion River. Green-backed herons, soft-shelled turtles, rainbow
darters and an incredible list of other wildlife call the river
home. As the river meanders through the reservation, it carves
towering shale cliffs. Hiking trails, shelters, and interpretive
programs accentuate this incredible natural environment.
Contact:
www.loraincountymetroparks.com/vermilion.html
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Oberlin Lake Erie was a path to freedom for runaway slaves. The
right to equality was expressed at Oberlin College, the first
institution of higher learning to admit women and among the first to
enroll African-Americans. Oberlin was also a major stop on the
Underground Railroad. Lovingly preserved homes, the Westwood
Cemetery, Martin Luther King Jr. Park and other monuments and
landmarks-as well as cultural events-reflect the area's sense of
dedication and purpose to people of all races. The Monroe House is
one of three buildings restored by the Oberlin Historical and
Improvement Organization. Although the house dates from the Civil
War period, Monroe’s work as an abolitionist is central to the
interpretation. Contact: 1-800-334-1673
www.lcvb.org
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Fairport Harbor Lighthouse & Marine
Museum located at 129 Second Street Fairport Harbor 44077 in Lake
County (440) 354-4825 This National Historic site
consists of a marine museum and lighthouse tower that is open to the
public and provides spectacular views of Lake Erie. The marine
museum houses its' original 3rd order Fresnel lens, the Frontenac
pilothouse, nautical artifacts, and more. Open 1 to 6 p.m. on Wed.,
Sat., Sun. and holidays from Memorial Day through 2nd weekend in
Sept. Group tours by appt
http://www.ncweb.com/org/fhlh/
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Lake County History Center - 8610 King
Memorial Road, Kirtland Hills 44060 (440) 255-8979 Your
“Gateway to the Western Reserve,” this turn of the century summer
estate home is surrounded by 20 acres of grounds containing the Lake
County museum, Hands On History Village, walking trails, picnic
areas, and gift shop. The 20th Anniversary of the Little Mountain
Folk Festival will be held July 30-31, 2005 featuring 7 music
stages, 150 east coast vendors, Food Court in the Woods and the
Enchanted Forest children’s area. Free parking. Home of 1860’s
baseball and the Myths, Legends and Graveyard Tours. Operated by the
Lake County Historical Society, the Center offers numerous tours,
step-on-guides and bus navigators for the Lake County area.
Visit any of these additional links for more information:
www.visitashtabulacounty.com
www.lakevisit.com
Positively Cleveland:
www.positivelycleveland.com
www.lcvb.org
www.visitohio.com
www.lake-erie.com
www.dotoledo.org
www.coastalohio.com
Sites of Interest
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