Byway Description

The nearly 60-mile route, begins on the north side of the Maumee River, the byway begins in the City of Defiance at the intersection of SR 66 and SR 424, the byway follows SR 424 eastward through Napoleon to the US 6 crossing of the Maumee River. At this location the route stops on the north side until it resumes again just west of the City of Waterville on River Road to the City of Maumee. River Road is identified as Broadway Street in Maumee. The byway continues on Broadway Street eastward to the site of the former British Ft. Miamis, now a city park, where it ends.  On the south side of the Maumee, the byways starts at Napoleon on SR 110 and continues on SR 65 through the historic towns of Grand Rapids, Perrysburg and Rossford,ending at I-75.

Chief Blue Jacket Chair

• Fort Miamis Park, located along River Road and Michigan Ave, was built in 1794 to block General Mad Anthony Wayne's expected march on Detroit.  

• Fort Meigs State Memorial, established in 1813 along SR 65 and SR 25, was named in honor of former Governor Return J. Meigs, Jr.   Fort Meigs in Perrysburg is open 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday, through Sept. 7. Admission is $6 for adults, $2 for students. For information, call 1-800-283-8916 or visit www.ohiohistory.org/places/ftmeigs.

• The Providence Metropark, located on SR24, features an authentic Miami and Erie Canal restoration.

• Oak Opening Preserve Metropark, just northwest of Waterville on SR 64 and SR 295, houses over one-third of Ohio's endangered species. 

• The Defiance Public Library, constructed in 1904 is situated on a lot next to the site of Fort Defiance.  It can be seen across the river from SR RT 424 at Pontiac Park.  The majestic red sand-stone structure is now listed on the National Register of Historic Buildings.   

• In Napoleon, you cannot miss the stately Henry County Courthouse, which you can see from miles away. Designed by architect David Gibbs in 1880, the building underwent an extensive restoration in 1998. For tours, call the Napoleon Chamber of Commerce at 419-592-1786.

• In Waterville, sculptor and former Clevelander George Carruth has set up shop. His Garden Smiles store is filled with his whimsical concrete-cast creatures and plaques, as well as works from other artists. The store, at 211 Mechanic St., has several tables devoted to imperfect artwork, available for substantial reductions. Hours are: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday. Call 419-878-5412. While in Waterville, stop for lunch at Smedlap's Smithy, 205 Farnsworth Road, housed in a former blacksmith shop. Prime rib comes in three sizes here; call 419-878-0261.

• The Canal Experience: Providence Metropark in Grand Rapids offers 45-minute canal boat rides May through October. Hours are: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Friday and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and holidays. Tickets are $4 for adults and $2 for children 2-12. For information, call 419-535-3050 or visit www.metroparkstoledo.com.

• The Toledo Convention and Visitors Bureau has lots of information to help you plan your trip, including two brochures that are particularly helpful: Towns Along the Maumee and a list of attractions and history put together by the Maumee Valley Heritage Corridor. In addition, ask for a visitors map; this byway can be tricky to follow. Call 1-800-243-4667 or visit www.toledocvb.com.

   

   

Additional Points of Interest

Ohio Department of Transportation Bike Trails Map and Information