One of the best things about Northwest Ohio is our incredible park system. The Toledo Metroparks are a shining example of what a community can create when it values conservation, education, and wellness. With over a dozen beautifully maintained parks, miles of trails, and countless opportunities for outdoor adventure, we’re lucky to have access to one of the country’s best metropark systems right in our own backyard.
In 2020, Metroparks Toledo was named the #1 large parks system in the USA by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration. Glass City Metropark was the 2024 recipient of the Best in Innovation Award from the National Recreation and Park Association. Our metroparks have received dozens of prestigious recognitions in recent years, and this commitment to nature greatly benefits Toledoans. Access to green space is a major contributor to the health and wellbeing of communities. According to the national nonprofit Trust for Public Land, 83% of Toledo residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park.
Let’s explore some of the Northwest Ohio parks that are a significant asset to our area.
glass city
1001 Front St, Toledo | website
Glass City Metropark and Riverwalk may be a new addition to our beloved park system, but it already boasts an impressive reputation. And it’s just getting started! This premier riverfront green space is still in development. In total, Glass City Riverwalk will include 300 acres of land and five miles of multi-use trails spanning both sides of the Maumee River. Glass City Metropark offers the Mini Maumee, a scaled version of the Maumee River, and two other nature-themed discovery play areas. Depending on the season, The Ribbon can be used for ice skating or roller skating. Glass City also has an on-site restaurant and other guest amenities at the Market Hall.
oak openings
5402 Wilkins Rd, Whitehouse | website
Oak Openings is the largest of the Toledo Metroparks with 5,000 acres of trails, sand dunes, wet prairies, savannas, and (of course) oak openings. It is home to the nation's only public treehouse village and was once listed as one of the “Last Great Places on Earth” by the Nature Conservancy. It’s especially popular with birders during migration season. Oak Openings also offers a network of horse trails.
pearson
761 Lallendorf Rd, Oregon | website
This 624-acre park has one of the last remaining stands of the Great Black Swamp and the Johlin Cabin, built in 1867. It’s an excellent place to learn about the early history of Northwest Ohio. Pearson has 15 miles of trails, baseball diamonds, soccer fields, tennis courts, fishing, ice skating, sledding, and a playground.
providence
13827 S River Rd, Grand Rapids | website
Providence Metropark provides a unique, historical experience and miles of scenic trails. The park is home to the Isaac Ludwig Mill, a working 19th-century water-powered saw and grist mill. Adjacent to the mill is the Providence Dam, a crucial component of the Miami and Erie Canal system. Canal lock 44, the only original functioning lock in the state of Ohio, is a poignant reminder of Ohio's transportation history. The Towpath Trail runs alongside the canal and connects to other trails within the Toledo Metroparks system.
secor
10001 W Central Ave, Berkey | website
Secor Park sits on the edge of the Oak Openings Region. It has the largest concentration of native dogwood in Northwest Ohio. It has two playgrounds, one of which is the most extensive barrier-free playground in the park system with soft surfaces, accessible play structures, and a sensory wave climber.
side cut
1025 W River Rd, Maumee | website
Side Cut is the OG of Metroparks Toledo! It’s where the park system began nearly 100 years ago. Its name comes from the former "side cut" extension that connected the city of Maumee to the main line of the Miami and Erie Canal. It’s part of a network that connects to Fallen Timbers and the Wabash Cannonball Trail. Side Cut is a hotspot for walleye fishermen, wildlife enthusiasts, and history lovers.
swan creek preserve
4301 Airport Hwy, Toledo | Second entrance: 4100 Glendale Ave, Toledo | website
Located in South Toledo, Swan Creek spans 441 acres with an additional 154 acres along the creek. It’s a crucial area for native and migratory birds, foxes, and deer. Visitors can admire beautiful displays of wildflowers, Ohio buckeyes, and tulip magnolias. Swan Creek also has scenic overlooks, picnic facilities, a wedding gazebo, and two playgrounds.
wildwood preserve
5100 W Central Ave, Toledo | website
Wildwood Preserve is the most visited of all Toledo Metroparks. It spans an impressive 493 acres with varied terrains, diverse wildlife, and historic manmade structures, namely the Manor House. This former Stranahan estate features one of the last public and free gardens designed by renowned landscape architect Ellen Biddle. Wildwood also has an accessible playground as well as the Mercy Health FitPark.
Pretty impressive, right? And this isn’t even an exhaustive list! The park system comprises 19 Metroparks, plus special use areas, connections to other parks and trails, and more fun in development. There’s no better way to explore our region’s natural beauty, history, and play areas than a visit to a Metropark.