Located in northwest Ohio on the tip of Lake Erie, Toledo is known for its bustling downtown area, minor league baseball team, and many parks and nature reserves. Often called the Glass Capital of the World because of its history of glass manufacturing, tourists from all over the country visit Toledo, learn about its unique history, and experience its live music, craft beer, and art scene.
As you plan your trip, this guide will help you determine what to do in Toledo during your stay. You’ll find many hot spots along the Maumee River and Metroparks with stunning scenery just a short drive away and several museums with fascinating history lessons.
This hotel features an on-site restaurant, the Bistro, as well as a hot tub and fitness center for guests to enjoy. Each room is air conditioned and comes equipped with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. Some rooms also feature a seating area, perfect for relaxing after a busy day of sightseeing. All rooms have a private bathroom with free toiletries and a hairdryer. A 24-hour front desk is available at the property, along with a meeting room. The Valentine Theatre is just 8 km away from the Courtyard by Marriott Toledo North, while the Toledo Museum of Art is only 8 km away.
This hotel offers convenient access to many of the city’s top attractions, including The Toledo Zoo, The Toledo Museum of Art and Glass, and the Huntington Center. Guest rooms feature 50-inch flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, and complimentary WiFi. Enjoy on-site dining, a large fitness center, and views of the Maumee River from select guest rooms. Whether you’re in town for business or pleasure, the Renaissance Toledo Downtown Hotel offers everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
The Fairfield Inn & Suites Toledo North features beautifully appointed guest rooms and suites, all of which come equipped with 32-inch flat-screen TVs and cable/satellite channels. Guests can also enjoy the convenience of in-room tea and coffee making facilities, as well as ironing facilities. Each morning, wake up to a delicious free continental breakfast buffet before heading out to explore all that Toledo has to offer. And when you return to the hotel, be sure to take advantage of the indoor pool, hot tub and fitness center - the perfect way to unwind after a busy day!
TL;DR
- Most significant landmark – Hensville Park
- Best park – Wildwood Preserve Metropark
- Best free activity – Toledo Botanical Garden
- Best activity for kids – Toledo Zoo & Aquarium
- Best activity for adults – Hollywood Casino Toledo
- Best food – The Blarney Irish Pub
- Best nightlife – Barr’s Public House
- Best all-around accommodation – Maumee Bay Lodge
Fun & Best Things to do in Toledo, Ohio
Looking to visit Toledo and not sure where to start? Here are some of the best things to do in Toledo for families, solo travelers, and groups.
1. Toledo Zoo & Aquarium
Address: 2 Hippo Way, Toledo, OH 43609
The Toledo Zoo is an indoor-outdoor experience that is an absolute must-see! The zoo should be your first stop if you’re looking for fun things to do in Toledo, Ohio, with kids. With over 10,000 animals representing over 700 species, the Toledo Zoo and Aquarium have enough attractions to keep your family occupied and entertained for hours.
The Toledo Zoo is home to many birds, mammals, reptiles, invertebrates, and underwater sea creatures. Notable animals include grizzly bears, a two-toed sloth, a snow leopard, lemurs, gorillas, and elephants. The reptiles at the Toledo Zoo include a Galapagos tortoise, a Cuban boa constrictor, a saltwater crocodile, and a gecko.
The zoo has several activities you can do once in the park, including feeding a giraffe, an aerial adventure course, the Museum of Natural History, a kids’ area called Nature’s Neighborhood, and more. As for the aquarium, prepare to be amazed. You’ll enjoy interactive exhibits, a touch tank where you can pet sting rays, sharks, and crabs, and an ocean lab where you’ll interact with sea urchins, sea stars, and more.
Every day at 2 pm, aquarium staff dives in to feed the fish and clean the large tanks. The zoo also offers behind-the-scenes tours and an overnight experience for guests. There’s so much to see and do at the Toledo Zoo; you’ll be talking about your visit for a long time.
See Related: Fun & Best Things to Do in Cleveland, Ohio
2. Toledo Botanical Garden
Address: 5403 Elmer Drive Toledo, OH 43615
For visitors seeking peace and beauty in town, the Toledo Botanical Garden is stunning and relaxing. The botanical garden has acres of meadows, wildflowers, and gardens to enjoy as you stroll around in the sunshine. The Toledo Botanical Garden is one of the best free things to do in Toledo. Guests of the garden will enjoy walking, birdwatching, picnicking, and photography as they take in the scenery and relax in the shade.
The Toledo Botanical Garden is free and open year-round. Home to a dynamic urban agricultural center supporting over 125 community gardens, Toledo Botanical Garden is the only one of its kind in the region, making it extra special to visit and witness its natural beauty.
You’ll find a two-acre urban farm and an art sculpture garden in the botanical garden while learning about varieties of annuals and perennials.
Toledo Botanical Garden offers many educational programs for children and local schools, from interactive experiences to hands-on activities in the classroom. For adults, Toledo Botanical Garden offers art and craft workshops in various materials, like glass, clay, wood, and metal.
The Botanical Garden hosts several local events, like the annual Crosby Festival of the Arts and a summer concert series. There’s also a lovely gift shop to find some souvenirs. While the garden is most beautiful and scenic in the spring, it is open all year so guests can visit anytime. Explore Toledo Botanical Garden’s website and plan your visit.
3. Toledo Firefighters Museum
Address: 918 W Sylvania Ave, Toledo, OH 43612
One of the most popular Toledo tourist attractions is the Toledo Firefighters Museum. It’s a working firehouse from the 1920s that has been converted into a museum to honor and pay tribute to the city’s fallen heroes and to teach the public about fire safety.
The Toledo Firefighters Museum is open Saturdays from 12 p to 4 pm. Admission is free, and children are more than welcome to come and learn the history of the brave men who defended and protected the citizens of Toledo.
Visitors will tour exhibits that feature historical items like firefighters’ uniforms from decades ago, medallions and lights that were used in old fire stations, and even a 1929 Pirsch pumper, the vehicle used at the time to get firefighters on the scene of a fire or to help rescue residents from peril.
The museum’s locker room contains dozens of relics and artifacts from the last century, including authentic trinkets held in the firehouse, restored photographs and uniforms, and more. If you’re traveling with children, they’ll love the chance to slide down the firepole and see all the old equipment from the early days of firefighting.
Touring the Toledo Firefighters Museum is like taking a step (or two) back in time. Everything has been restored so pristine that you will feel like you are experiencing the real thing. You’ll learn about the historic Toledo fires, how firefighting techniques and strategy have changed over time and the names of many brave Toledo firefighters who have given their lives so others may live.
See Related: Best Museums in the US You Need to Visit
4. Maumee Bay Lodge
Address: 1400 State Park Rd, Oregon, OH 43616
About 5 miles east of Toledo Maumee Bay Lodge is located in Maumee Bay State Park and is a must-see for travelers who want the whole experience of lake life and cabin living. Located on the shores of Lake Erie, Maumee Bay Lodge is a 1330-acre public recreation area with enough entertainment to last an entire vacation.
Visitors and guests can partake in all the popular lake activities on Lake Erie, including boating, fishing, paddle boats, canoeing, birding, and more. On clear days, see the century-old Toledo Harbor Lighthouse, standing tall on Lake Erie. Explore miles of biking and hiking trails and experience the beauty of the Great Lakes in Ohio. See deer and other animals in the nature center and wildlife refuge.
Maumee Bay Lodge offers tennis, basketball, pickleball, and many more outdoor sports for on-land adventures. The Maumee Bay Golf Course covers 1,850 acres of protected wetlands and follows the beautiful north coast of Ohio. On-site, an outdoor and indoor swimming pool, a splash pad, and several game rooms keep kids entertained.
For your stay, lodging includes cabin rooms and lodge rooms, each offering its own comfort. If you’re traveling with a pet, they also have rooms that accommodate your four-legged friends. The resort has several dining options on-site that will satisfy all your cravings.
From indoor and outdoor amenities to hiking, golfing, and boating adventures, Maumee Bay Lodge at Maumee Bay State Park has something for everyone. Explore the lodge and book your stay here.
5. Wildwood Preserve Metropark
Address: 5100 Central Ave, Toledo, OH 43615
While visiting the area, you will likely look for fun things to do in Toledo with kids. Wildwood Preserve Metropark is the most popular of the Toledo Metroparks, with approximately 490 acres of natural beauty in Ohio.
On the grounds of Wildwood Preserve Metropark is a visitor center and the unmissable Manor House, a 30,000-square-foot estate with a history that began in Toledo. The Manor House was built in 1938 and is a Toledo icon that can be toured for free. It’s a depression-era home and has a rich history and culture from its time.
After you’ve explored the grand Manor House, we recommend a stroll through the Ellen Biddle Shipman Gardens or exploring the various trails and spectacular grounds of Wildwood Preserve. Wildwood Reserve Metropark is bisected by the Ottawa River and has sandy soil indicative of the rare Oak Openings Preserve.
You’ll see many plants and animals, including nesting birds, field sparrows, and more. Wildwood Preserve is also home to many prairie wildflowers and grasses. The Wildwood Preserve has a playground to encourage physical health and activity for the kids.
The playground features slides, a honeycomb to climb, a rope bridge, toddler swings, a merry-go-round, monkey bars, and more. As one of the top things to do in Toledo, it doesn’t get much better. You can plan your visit to Wildwood Preserve Metropark here.
See Related: Best Islands in the US to Visit
6. Maumee Bay Brewing Co.
Address: 27 Broadway Street, Toledo, OH 43604
You can’t stop in Toledo and miss one of the most popular breweries in the city. Since it opened in 1995, Maumee Bay Brewing Co. has been Toledo’s original craft brewery, located under the High-Level Bridge in the historic Oliver House. The restaurant offers tasty beers and ciders that they brew in a 15 BBL copper brewhouse on display in the main brewpub.
Across the street is the brewing company’s 30 BBL brewery and packaging facility for all the canned, bottled, and kegged beers. This History along the Maumee Tour can also make your visit more thrilling.
Taking its title as the original craft brewery seriously, Maumee Bay brewpub creates sparkling ciders, an IPA, a red ale, breakfast stout, a hazy IPA, a German-style Hef, and much more. As for menus, Maumee Bay Brewing Co. offers a feast for every taste bud.
Starters include a giant pretzel, hand-battered onion rings, and deviled eggs. They offer wood-fired pizzas, soup and salad, wings, sandwiches, and burgers. Maumee Bay also hosts events throughout the year, including Oktoberfest in the fall, live music in the summer, comedy nights, and foodie events to give local restaurants and chefs more exposure. Get more information on Maumee Bay Brew Co. right here.
See Related: Fun & Best Things to Do in Lima, Ohio
7. Most Holy Rosary Cathedral
Address: 2535 Collingwood Blvd, Toledo, OH 43610
Finished in 1931 during the Great Depression, the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral is an iconic Catholic church in Toledo. Most known for its architectural beauty and size, visitors and guests of the Toledo area catch a glimpse of the church and are drawn to experience its beauty for themselves.
Most Holy Rosary Cathedral was designed in the Spanish Plateresque style by Pittsburgh architect William Perry. The stunning cathedral offers Mass on Sundays at 10 am, Monday through Friday at 7 am, and Saturday at 8 am.
The church hosts a Cathedral Concert series open to the public and includes talented groups like the Toledo Symphony Orchestra. Whether or not you are religious, exploring a stunning architectural gem like the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral can be an interesting and unique experience.
If you wish to learn more about the church, you can visit the parish’s office across the parking lot for information on a self-guided tour. As for the best things to see in Toledo, this cathedral should be at the top of your list if you’re interested in architecture or religion. Interested? Learn more about Most Holy Rosary Cathedral right here.
See Related: Helpful Tips to Remember While Visiting Ancient Sites
8. Imagination Station
Address: 1 Discovery Way, Toledo, OH 43604
Craving some science on your vacation? Look no further than Imagination Station, Toledo’s non-profit science museum on the Maumee Riverfront, in downtown Toledo, Ohio.
Imagination Station boasts over 300 attractions for children of all ages. Open your mind and the endless possibilities as you explore hundreds of interactive exhibits, activities, and demonstrations.
The science center offers early childhood programs encouraging young children to explore their curiosities. The IDEA Lab and Think Tank encourages children to use their unique understanding of science, engineering, and art to create new things.
There are Science After Dark events for adult scientists ranging from exploring popular attractions like the Anti-Gravity Room and the BOYO without waiting in line. Also on site is KeyBank Discovery Theater, an 8,200-square foot theater with a massive, 58-foot wide, 4K screen for 3D shows, including Journey to Space and Dinosaurs of Antarctica.
Imagination Station truly has something for every age group and interest, so it’s worth seeing whether you’re in town with family, children, or friends. Tickets begin at $19.50 for adults and $17.50 for children ages 3 through 12.
Children ages two and under get in for free. For Toledo tourist attractions that include families and groups, Imagination Station should be the first stop on your itinerary. Homewood Suites By Hilton Toledo Downtown is a nice accommodation to consider around this location.
9. Toledo Farmers Market
Address: 525 Market St Toledo, OH 43604
Toledo Farmer’s Markets is a great way to shop small and support local businesses while getting a feel for the community. Toledo Farmer’s Market dates back to 1832 when many farmers in the area needed to sell their produce, and residents needed a convenient place to shop. It has become a popular location for vendors and businesses to sell food, produce, meat, spices, bread, coffee, honey, and more.
The farmers market in Toledo houses many artisans selling candles, jewelry, and homemade soaps. Toledo is home to many vegetable growers from local farms. You’ll find tasty ice cream, cheese, eggs, and many types of pork and beef. You can also find a food truck at the market with delicious food like barbecues, sloppy joes, and chili dogs.
Toledo Farmer’s Market is open on Saturdays from 9 am to 1 pm in the winter, and 8 am to 2 pm in the spring, summer, and fall months. During the winter, it is heated and enclosed in the same location as the summer market.
The Westgate Farmer’s Market runs every Wednesday from May through October on Central Avenue across from Costco. If you happen to be in Toledo on a Saturday morning, the Toledo Farmer’s Market is a great place to shop and support local vendors and experience Toledo. Learn more about the Farmer’s Market here.
See Related: Best Things to do in Findlay, Ohio
10. Toledo Speedway
Address: 5639 Benore Rd, Toledo, OH 43612
Toledo Speedway is a half-mile paved oval racetrack that opened in 1960 and has since welcomed many visitors and fans of the sport to witness the thrill of racing, cool cars, and action-packed adventure in Toledo. The track hosts the “Fastest short track show in the world,” featuring winged sprint cars and winged Super modified cars on the half-mile track.
Racing fans can always count on special events throughout the year at the speedway; past events include a JeepFest kickoff event, driving exotic cars, recycled school bus races, BMX races, monster truck tours, and more. There is a bar and grille at the speedway with tasty, affordable food and beverages to enjoy between races.
If you’re planning to attend an event at the speedway, try to arrive early as seating is general admission, and tickets are first come, first serve. The oval track offers fantastic views no matter where you’re sitting. Depending on the event, adult tickets cost $30, while children six and under are free. There is free parking provided at the racetrack.
For thrill-seekers, Toledo Speedway provides exciting races at fast speeds, a hearty dose of competition, and fun for the whole family. With action-packed, high-speed action races, don’t miss a night at Toledo Speedway when in the area. Get more information on Toledo Speedway here.
11. Hensville Park
Address: 401 Jefferson Avenue Toledo, OH 43604
Hensville Park is an impressive outdoor recreation space in downtown Toledo in the Warehouse District. The space provides shopping, entertainment, live music, unique dining, and exciting activities for locals and tourists alike. Dining spots include local breweries, coffee shops, fresh fish spots, and more.
Nightlife is bustling at Hensville Park, with nightclubs, live jazz music, outdoor patios, and bars. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re looking for an exciting night on the town or a laid-back vibe. In the mood for some classic American baseball? Cheer on the Toledo Mud Hens, Toledo’s minor league baseball team, at Fifth Third Field in Hensville.
Fifth Third Field is an award-winning facility that seats 10,300 guests. Fifth Third Field hosts 71 regular-season baseball games throughout the year, so be sure to catch a game if you’re in the area. Hensville Park is home to many exciting events — music festivals in the summer featuring many of Toledo’s musicians and bands.
These beer-tasting events highlight Toledo’s local craft breweries and holiday events. Hensville Park is great for families during the daytime, with tons of kid-friendly activities and sights and an exciting hotspot for adults looking for nightlife in Toledo. Explore Hensville Park and plan your visit here.
See Related: Best Places to Visit in the US
12. Toledo Police Museum
Address: 2201 Kenwood Boulevard Toledo, OH 43606
The Toledo Police Museum is a fun, educational museum highlighting the hard work, dedication, and service of the Toledo police force over the last century. It was restored and reopened to the public in 2011 near Ottawa Park, thanks to the support of many volunteers in the Toledo area.
Visitors to this Toledo museum can get locked up in a jail cell, have their mug shot taken by the original TPD camera, or look inside a replica 1948 police wagon to experience what the police traveled in to investigate crimes and catch criminals.
There are many interesting interactive displays at the museum and a complete timeline highlighting the department’s humble beginnings up to the task force that serves Toledo today. The Toledo Police Museum is free to the public and is open every Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm.
The museum hosts local events, including car shows, speaker events, golf tournaments, and a unique ghost hunt. These events help to raise money so the museum can keep its doors open and educate the public. If you’re looking for free places to visit in Toledo, this museum is a must-see for kids and adults alike.
13. Hollywood Casino Toledo
Address: 1968 Miami Street Toledo, OH 43605
Look no further than Hollywood Casino Toledo for gaming, dining, and entertainment. Featuring 1,700 hot slots, 46 table games, and a 12-table poker room on 125,000 square feet of thrilling casino action, it’s a gambler’s paradise right in the heart of Ohio.
Slots, video poker, and classic table games, including blackjack, craps, and roulette, keep you busy and entertained all night. Go all in and see how Lady Luck treats you!
Aside from the casino, four restaurants on-site will satisfy every craving and palette. Hollywood Casino Toledo restaurants will fill your belly with tasty food and craft cocktails, from the 4-star award-winning steakhouse to the fast-casual grill with delicious burgers and sandwiches. If you’re seeking live entertainment, the casino hosts various music events, including live local bands, DJs, and tribute bands. It’s a great way to get out and enjoy some music and the bustling nightlife in the area.
Hollywood Casino Toledo partners with several hotels in the area, like Renaissance Toledo Downtown Hotel. For those who are passing through Toledo or for parents who need a night off from the kids, Hollywood Casino Toledo is a fantastic spot to spend the evening.
See Related: Best National Parks in the USA to Visit
14. Toledo Museum of Art
Address: 2445 Monroe St, Toledo, OH 43620
Calling all art lovers! The Toledo Museum of Art is a famous art museum located in the Old West End neighborhood of Toledo. It brings visitors worldwide to experience its unique art exhibits, featuring more than 30,000 objects and 45 galleries devoted to the decorative arts.
When exploring the art museum, you’ll experience outstanding works of art, sculptures, and paintings by world-renowned artists, including Cézanne, van Gogh, El Greco, Holbein, Kiefer, Matisse, Miró, Monet, Picasso, Rembrandt, Rubens, and Turne.
Don’t miss a tour of the Glass Pavilion, which highlights the history of glass in Toledo and its importance and contribution to glass in America. TMA’s American glass art exhibits showcase incredible objects of exceptional quality and historical significance. Founded in 1901, the Toledo Museum of Art’s primary purpose is art education for the public.
Through innovative programming and events, TMA’s Visual Literacy initiative strives to integrate art into people’s lives. Admission is free, and the museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm. Parking is provided for $10. On your way out, stop at the museum café for lunch, and browse souvenirs at the museum store.
15. National Museum of the Great Lakes
Address: 1701 Front St, Toledo, OH 43605
Located on the banks of the Maumee River on the east side of Toledo, the National Museum of the Great Lakes is a historic and iconic spot in Toledo. The museum features stunning photography, over 300 incredible artifacts, and a wealth of information about the history and importance of the Great Lakes, which make up 84% of all of the fresh water in North America.
With 40 hands-on interactive exhibits, the stories told at the National Museum of the Great Lakes include the fur traders in the 1600s, the Underground Railroad operators in the 1800s, and the rum runners in the 1900s.
The museum even has two historical ships that are available for tours — the Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship and the Museum Tug Ohio. Visitors can get a first-hand look at what life was like on these ships and what the workers did daily.
The museum store has unique souvenirs for sale so that you can commemorate your visit to the National Museum of the Great Lakes in Toledo, Ohio. Adult tickets cost $11, and children five and under get in for free.
See Related: Best Lighthouses to Visit Around the World
16. The Blarney Irish Pub
Address: 601 Monroe Street, Toledo, OH 43604
Get a taste of Ireland in Toledo at The Blarney Irish Pub. For an authentic fish and chips experience, dining at the Blarney Irish Pub is a no-brainer. Located in the heart of downtown Toledo in the Warehouse District, The Blarney features 27 craft beers, live music, delicious food, and an incredible atmosphere.
With a menu offering items like roasted onion dip, the black and blue burger, and a Guinness BBQ chicken wrap, it’s no wonder locals and tourists flock to The Blarney for a hearty meal and a beer or two. With soups, salads, and tons of add-ons, you’ll leave the Blarney feeling full and satisfied. The Toledo Bar Hunt Experience is also a nice adventure to try out while you visit the pub.
The pub offers all-day lucky hour specials on liquor, cocktails, and beer. Liquor includes Irish whiskey flights, specialty bourbon, and beer specials like $5 Guinness pints after work. Their featured cocktails include a Cranberry mule, Aperol Spritz, and Black Currant Mojito.
Every taste bud and palette will be buzzing at The Blarney! The Blarney is open Monday through Thursday from 11:30 am to 10 pm, and Friday and Saturday from 11:30 am to midnight. Check out their menu and learn more about the Irish pub here.
17. Oak Openings Preserve
Address: 4139 Girdham Rd, Swanton, OH 43558
Located about 25 miles from Toledo, the Oak Openings Preserve is a must-see if you are in town for several days and want to explore more of the area’s natural beauty and preserved landscapes.
Oak Openings Preserve is an oak savannah ecosystem, meaning wetlands and vegetated dunes characterize it. At 5,000 acres, Oak Openings Preserve is the largest of the Metroparks Toledo has to offer, with many scenic views in its region.
Oak Openings Preserve offers many biking and hiking trails, trails for horseback riding, and a cross-country ski trail. The preserve is also home to a public treehouse village, two campgrounds, and two cabins for an immersive nature experience.
While exploring the area, you’ll see prickly-pear cactus, wild lupine, sand cherry blooms, and orchids. Birding in this park is impressive — you’ll see bluebirds, indigo buntings, whippoorwills, Lark sparrows, and more. During your visit, stop at the Buehner Center, an interactive nature center with plenty of information on the location and all its wildlife and plant life. You can explore what the park has to offer here.
See Related: Most Beautiful & Best Running Trails in America
18. Franklin Park Mall
Address: 5001 Monroe St, Toledo, OH 43623
Ready for a shopping spree while on vacation? Franklin Park Mall is the perfect place to shop til you drop in Toledo. Offering premier shopping in Toledo, Franklin Park Mall is home to specialty shops, department stores, a movie theater, many dining options, and more.
It features Toledo’s only Apple store and other popular stores like Dick’s Sporting Goods, Talbot’s, Forever 21, H&M, Dillard’s, Bath & Body Works, and many more. There are 130 restaurants and shops at Franklin Park Mall, so we’re confident you won’t run out of things to see.
Whether you’re looking for something in particular or just to window shop, this mall has a wide variety of stores that will keep you busy for several hours. The mall features shops selling kid’s clothes, toys, pet shops, trinkets, and much more that satisfy every need and budget.
In addition to its great shops and restaurants, Franklin Park Mall hosts various community events throughout the year, including pop-up markets, family craft activities, book signings, live music, and much more.
19. Barr’s Public House
Address: 3355 Briarfield Blvd Maumee, OH 43537
For a taste of Toledo/ Maumee nightlife, make plans to check out Barr’s Public House. With three separate rooms, a patio with a view of the pond, and friendly staff, Barr’s Public House is a great place to spend the evening with adults.
If you’re traveling with the whole family, plan to leave the kids home for your visit to this pub. The different rooms include The Barrel Room, with wooden pieces of whiskey barrels, The Lounge, dim lighting, marble tabletops, and a bar.
The Locker Room has lockers where guests can rent space to store liquor. Barr’s Public House hosts fun events for locals, like live music nights on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. Barr’s specializes in craft cocktails, like a spicy garlic pickle-tini, La Paloma, and an Aperol Spritz. Their dinner menu includes elevated bar food like sliders, ahi tuna tacos, macaroni and cheese, and more.
Barr’s also has an impressive beer and wine list, including every palette and taste bud that walks through their doors. If you’re in the area around mid-day, they have a delicious lunch menu and a great lunch, dinner, and late-night atmosphere.
Barr’s Public House is a great place to spend a few hours; from their cozy bar atmosphere, delicious food, and memorable cocktails, you’ll have a blast for a meal or after-hours. The pub is open Tuesday and Wednesday till 10 pm and Thursday through Saturday till 11 pm. Visit Barr’s website for more hours and information.
See Related: Best National Parks in the Midwest (+ NPS Sites)
20. Fort Meigs Historic Site
Address: 29100 W River Rd, Perrysburg, OH 43551
Fort Meigs is located about 15 minutes from Toledo, a historic site along the Maumee River. The site was built in the early 1800s to sustain British attacks on American forts in the Northwest.
After being seized twice by British and British-aligned Natives, Fort Meigs was torn down and rebuilt as a supply depot through the war’s end. The fort was reconstructed in the 1970s and now stands to educate the public about the War of 1812.
Today, visitors can take guided or self-guided tours of the fort and museum. The fort features historical interpreters dressed in period clothing who provide interesting facts and demonstrations. Fort Meigs hosts several special events throughout the season, including blacksmith workshops, federal-era clothing conferences, After-dark lantern tours, cooking classes, and even a reenactment of the First Siege of 1813.
Adult tickets are $10, and children ages five and under get in free. The museum is open from April through October, on Wednesdays through Sundays. It is closed from November through March, so plan your visit accordingly if Fort Meigs is high on your list of Toledo tourist attractions. You can learn more right here.
FAQ
What are the best tourist attractions in Toledo, Ohio?
Top Toledo tourist attractions include Toledo Zoo and Aquarium, Toledo Speedway, and supporting the Toledo Mud Hens at Fifth Third Field. Explore the Toledo Museum of Art and its unique Glass Pavilion. Spend the evening at Hensville Park with locals. Explore downtown Toledo and its unique restaurants and dining establishments.
What are some fun things to do in Toledo?
Take in the beautiful sights of the Toledo Botanical Garden. Explore the historic building at Oliver House and sip some local craft beers at Maumee Bay Brewing Co. Explore the many nature preserves, including Wildwood Preserve Metropark and Oak Openings.
What is the best thing to do with kids in Toledo, Ohio?
Catch a baseball game at Fifth Third Field. Spend the entire day at Imagination Station and develop a reignited curiosity about science. Explore Wildwood Preserve Metropark, and see wildlife and nature while they burn off some energy at the playground. Visit the Toledo Firefighters Museum or the Toledo Zoo and Aquarium.
What are some things to do in Toledo when it’s raining?
Visit the Toledo Firefighters Museum and learn about the heroes of the city. Discover the rich history at The National Museum of the Great Lakes. Witness the work of celebrated artists at the Toledo Museum of Art. Get your shop on at Franklin Park Mall.
Where does the phrase “Holy Toledo” come from?
During prohibition in the 20s and 30s, conveniently located Toledo was a sanctuary for gangsters on the lamb from Chicago. The major crime families made an agreement with Toledo police that if the police wouldn’t pinch them, they would leave Toledo free from gangster activity, much like Saint Paul in Minnesota. Essentially a sanctuary, gangsters dubbed the city “Holy Toledo.”
Related Resources:
- Tips for Traveling with Toddlers and Kids
- Best Father-Son Trips & Vacation Ideas
- Best Ways to Get Cheap Flight Alerts
- Best Credit Cards for Traveling: Our Top Picks
Lock In Your Travel Now
Find Cheap Flights
Use Skyscanner to find flight deals. As my personal favorite flight search engine, Skyscanner scours websites and airlines across the globe, leaving no stone unturned to help you find the best deal possible. And if you really want to take your savings to new heights, pair Skyscanner with Going (Formerly Scott's Cheap Flights). With access to exclusive mistake fares delivered straight to your inbox, you'll be packing your bags and jetting off on your next adventure before you know it.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is a low cost way to ensure your travel plans go smooth no matter what's thrown at it. Cover yourself against illness, injury and theft, and protect the arrangements you've made with our flexible travel cancellation insurance. My favorite options for travel insurance are:
Book Your Accommodation
In order to capture the widest selection of properties and the best price, use Booking.com as they have the cheapest rates for guesthouses, hotels, luxury condos, B&Bs and so much more.
Want More Destination Ideas Direct to Your Inbox?
Be sure to join the ViaTravelers Newsletter for expert tips, tricks and inspiration for your next travel journey!
Discover the Best Travel Tools
Be sure to visit our page on our favorite travel resources to learn how you too can visit over 10 countries in year.