Bay Area Bike Rentals
at Shoreline Park, Sandusky
419.626.1048 doublesind.org/babr.html
Tour downtown Sandusky’s waterfront and historic sites via bicycle. Take a suggested scenic tour, grab a picnic lunch and eat in a beautiful park. This is a great family activity and an excellent addition to your vacation. Stay an extra day and tour the beautiful bay waterfront. Affordable, safe and fun for all ages! Memorial Day – Labor Day, daily (weather depending), weekends only in Sept.
Vermilion
Bicycle Bills
5523 South St., Vermilion
440.967.2453 bicyclebills.com
Bike rentals, sales and service since 1964. Apr 15-Dec 31: Mon & Thurs 10am - 7 pm, Tue & Fri 10am - 6pm, Sat 9:30am - 5pm. Closed Wed & Sun. Jan-Apr 14: Call for schedule.
BIRD WATCHING
The Lake Erie Shores & Islands includes some of the most diverse wildlife habitats and spectacular bird watching areas in the country. More than 300 species of hawks, eagles, ducks, geese, herons, egrets, shorebirds, gulls and songbirds migrate through the area during the spring and fall seasons, and more than 100 of these species will nest in the region.
To promote the endless bird watching opportunities that exist in the area, Lake Erie Wing Watch was formed by a group of county visitors bureaus, natural resource agencies and a variety of non-governmental partners. Besides producing a birding guide for the region, which is available through the Lake Erie Shores & Islands Welcome Centers, this group also organizes an annual weekend birding event called Lake Erie Wing Watch Weekend.
HIKING Castalia Quarry Reserve
SR 101 (south of SR 269), Castalia
419.625.7783 eriemetroparks.com
This abandoned limestone quarry, surrounded by forests and fields, is great for hiking and mountain biking (permit required) with scenic views year-round.
The Coupling Reserve
SR 13 (one mile north of US 250), Milan
419.625.7783 eriemetroparks.com
Developed around a historic railroad theme, the Reserve provides small, non-motorized boat access to the Huron River, bank fishing sites, a wooded nature trail, picnic tables, grills, a sledding slope, cross-country skiing, and a grassy volleyball court. Canoes, the historic depot and overnight accommodations in the train cars are available for groups with advance reservation.
DuPont Marsh State Nature Preserve
River Rd. (south of US 6), Huron
419.625.7783 eriemetroparks.com
Take a leisurely hike near the Huron River while observing birds, butterflies and other wildlife. In winter, enjoy cross-country skiing along the designated trails.
East Harbor State Park
1169 North Buck Rd. (off SR 269), Marblehead
419.734.4424
Seven miles of sandy beaches, picnic shelters, hiking trails, fishing access, full-service marina, and the largest campground in the Ohio State Parks system.
Edison Woods Preserve
SR 61 (south of SR 2), Berlin Heights
419.625.7783 eriemetroparks.com
Approximately twenty miles of trails are open year-round for hiking, cross-country skiing, bird watching, photography and horseback riding (with your own horse).
Erie Sand Barrens State Nature Preserve
Scheid Rd. (off Taylor Rd., in Oxford Twp.), Sandusky ohiodnr.com/dnap
Sand beach ridge plant community with many rare prairie plants. Hike the half mile trail and view prairie milkweed, Virginia meadow beauty and twisted yellow eyed grass. Preserve open from dawn to dusk.
Hoffman Forest Reserve
Huff Rd. (between Arlington & Chapin rds.), Berlin Heights
419.625.7783 eriemetroparks.com
Home to many species of birds, wildlife, plants and trees, the grassy trails of this 40-acre reserve is open for hikers and joggers to enjoy its many natural features.
James H. McBride Arboretum
behind BGSU Firelands College, Huron
419.625.7783 eriemetroparks.com
Enjoy walking the paved pathways or take the woodland trail along the banks of Sawmill Creek. Butterfly and hummingbird garden, a peace and tranquility garden and deck overlooking the lake.
Kelleys Island State Park
Kelleys Island
419.797.4530, 419.746.2546, 866.644.6727 ohiostateparks.org
100-foot swimming beach, picnic shelter, launch ramps, fishing access areas, family campground, showers, flush toilets, a dump station and six miles of trails.
Magee Marsh Wildlife Area
13229 SR 2 W., Oak Harbor
419.898.0960
Experience one of the top birding spots in the country as you hike one of four ½ mile loops including wetland and woodland trails. A highlight is the boardwalk trail that starts and ends right on the shores of Lake Erie. Don’t miss the on-site Sportsmen’s Migratory Bird Center open year-round with fun and informational displays and exhibits.
Middle Bass Island State Park
Middle Bass Island
419.797.4530 ohiostateparks.org
This is a new park to the Ohio State Park system and is still under development. Primitive camping and limited hiking trails available.
Old Woman Creek National Estuarine Research Reserve and State Nature Preserve
2514 Cleveland Rd. E (US 6), Huron
419.433.4601 oldwomancreek.org
Visit the indoor nature center or hike the trails to learn more about this special preserve where the inland waters meet and mix with Lake Erie to form a third type of water, chemically different than both, yet attractive to a variety of flora and fauna.
Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge
14000 SR 2 W, Oak Harbor
419.898.0014
7 miles of hiking trails through a variety of habitats including marshes, grasslands, and wooded areas. This wildlife refuge encompasses 8,316 acres of marshes, uplands and forested wetlands remaining of the Great Black Swamp. Restrooms, visitors center, guided hikes. Handicap accessible. Pets allowed on a leash. Office hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm. Refuge hours: Dawn to dusk, year round
Sheldon Marsh State Nature Preserve
2715 Cleveland Rd. W. (US 6), Huron ohiodnr.com/dnap
Coastal marsh surrounded by swamp forests and a barrier beach. Sheldon Marsh has been designated as an Important Bird Area by the Audubon Society. Birding is best during the spring migration with almost 300 bird species recorded on the preserve. Three miles of hiking trails, including the mile long barrier beach. Preserve open dawn to dusk.
HUNTING AREAS Kelleys Island State Park
Division St., Kelleys Island
419.797.4530 or 419.746.2546
Limited hunting is permitted in designated areas of the park. Call the park office for details.
Little Portage Wildlife Area
Darr-Hopfinger Rd. (two miles west of SR 53), 6 miles west of Port Clinton
This 407-acre wildlife area lies at the confluence of the Little Portage and Portage rivers, and is managed principally for wetland wildlife and fishing access. Game species to be found are puddle ducks, woodcock, common snipe, sora, Virginia rail, and mourning dove. Approximately 80 acres of upland has a good rabbit population.
Resthaven Wildlife Area
SR 269, Castalia wildohio.com
A 2,272-acre public hunting, fishing and wildlife-viewing area, that has a handicap accessible fishing pier.
Toussaint Wildlife Area
Off SR 19, about five miles north of Oak Harbor
Access to the marsh units is from TR 92, one-half mile west of SR 19.
This 231-acre wildlife area is situated in the flat glacial lake plain region of northwest Ohio. Approximately three quarters of the area consists of managed wetlands and open water. The marshes are shallow, varying from one to three feet in depth, with deeper channels created by the construction of dikes. Some wetland game birds found on the area are puddle ducks, woodcock, snipe, sora, and Virginia rails. Non-marsh units produce some pheasants and rabbits. Common furbearers are well distributed. The muskrat is the major species, with mink, raccoon, skunk, and opossum also present in significant numbers.
Willow Point Wildlife Area
Wahl Rd., Sandusky
419.684.7483 or ohiodnr.com/wildlife
A 645-acre public hunting, fishing and wildlife area on the southern shore of Sandusky Bay.
CONTROLLED HUNTING
Magee Marsh Wildlife Area
13531 SR 2, Oak Harbor
419.898.0960
To download all the hunt descriptions go to ohiodnr.com or call 800.945.3543.
Applications (accepted Jun 1-Jul 31) may not be faxed or emailed. Drawings are held in early September. Results will be posted on wildohio.com in early September.
Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge
14000 SR 2 W, Oak Harbor
419.898.0014
To download all the hunt descriptions go to ohiodnr.com or call 800.945.3543.
Applications (accepted Jun 1-Jul 31) may not be faxed or emailed. Drawings are held in early September. Results will be posted on wildohio.com in early September.
HUNTING SERVICES
Dunlap Guide Service
4255 Chatham Dr., Port Clinton
419.797.4361
Fowl Foolers Lodging
4942 Fremont Rd., Port Clinton
419.732.2147
Middle Bass Charter Company
Capt. David Buda
Middle Bass Island
419.285.2617, 614.443.3595 dbuda@beol.net or middlebass.com
Pat Chrysler
P.O. Box 539, Put-in-Bay, OH 43456
419.285.4631 patchrysler.put-in-bay.com
Walleye, perch and bass charters, heated ice shanty rentals, ice fishing charters, and duck hunting trips.
MOTORCYCLING Roeder Harley-Davidsonsm Authorized Rentals
5316 Milan Rd. (US 250), Sandusky
419.621.1046 roederharley.com
Break away for an exhilarating weekend, plan a liberating vacation or take your time trying out a Harley before deciding to buy because it’s easier than ever to find freedom on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Minimum rental requirements: 21 yrs. or older with a valid motorcycle license and minimum $2,000 of available credit on a major credit card. Call for hours.
PARKS
Birmingham
Birmingham School Park
SR 113 (west of SR 60) eriemetroparks.com
3.3 acres, picnic tables, ball fields and playground.
Elmore
Memorial Park
Rice and Clinton Sts.
Riverfront park, river access and benches.
River Bend Park
Rice St.
Playground, picnic area and grills.
Genoa
Veterans Memorial Park
605 Washington St.
419.855.7791
In-line skating, swimming, tennis, trails, picnic area and playground.
Huron
Fabens Park
Adams Ave. or off US 6 eastbound
419.433.8487 huronparks.org
Picnic tables, shelter, nine ball fields, playground, restrooms, concession stand, five tennis courts, two batting cages and nature trail.
Huron Municipal Boat Basin
330 N. Main St. (off US 6)
419.433.4848 huronparks.org
125 dock marina, restrooms, showers, fishing, picnic tables, shelter, grills and amphitheater with a full summer entertainment schedule.
Edison Park
Berlin St. (off Edison Dr.)
Picnic tables, shelters, grills, restrooms, playground, tennis courts, ball fields, horseshoe courts and skate park.
Port Clinton
Catawba Island State Park
4049 E. Moores Dock Rd.
419.797.4530 ohiostateparks.org
Waterfront, ice fishing access, launch ramps, restrooms, a picnic shelter and fishing pier.
Lakeview Park
Perry St. (SR 163)
Shaded picnic area, grassy play areas, picnic tables, grills, playground, basketball courts, concession stand and restrooms.
Waterworks Park
Perry St. (SR 163)
Lakefront park, playground, skateboard park, ball field, fishing pond, multi-purpose trail and sand volleyball courts.
Put-in-Bay
DeRivera Park
Showers, restrooms, lockers, play area, benches and picnic tables.
Oak Point State Park
419.797.4530 or 419.285.2112 ohiostateparks.org
Scenic picnic area, ice skating, fishing access and overnight docking.
Sandusky
Battery Park
Corner of Meigs and Water Sts.
419.625.6142
Picnic tables, shelter, grills, playground, tennis courts and fishing.
Cedar Point Beach at Cedar Point
419.627.2350 cedarpoint.com
Soak City or Cedar Point admission required unless a guest of one of the Cedar Point Resorts or a season pass holder. Beach, lounge chairs, umbrellas, volleyball nets, concession stand, restrooms, showers and parking fee.
Lions Park
W. Monroe St.
419.627.5886
Picnic tables, shelters, grills, playground, tennis, skate park, fishing, basketball, shuffleboard courts and toilets.
Shoreline Park
Shoreline Dr.
419.627.5886
Picnic tables, grills, shelter, playground, fishing and restrooms.
Washington Park
US 6 (between Jackson and Wayne Sts.)
419.627.5886 ci.sandusky.oh.us
Washington Park has attracted people to Sandusky’s historic waterfront for more than a century. This five-acre setting has a mix of annual and perennial flowerbeds, featuring a Boy With the Boot Fountain and one of the nation’s few floral clocks.
Vermilion
Sherod Park
US 6
440.967.8688
Beach, picnic tables, grills, shelter, ball fields and playground.
PICK-YOUR-OWN PRODUCE
A.B. Phillips& Sons Fruit Farm
30 E. Main St., Berlin Heights
419.588.2329, 800.205.7062
Open late Jun – Nov, daily 10am–6pm. Locally grown fruit in season, already hand-picked or pick-your-own.
Burnhams Orchard
8019 SR 113 E., Berlin Heights
419.588.2138
Open Jul-Dec, daily 9am-6pm. Pick-your-own peaches, apples and pumpkins.
Enderle's Farm 756 River Rd., Huron
419.433.4856
Open summer and fall when berries are on, Mon – Sat: 8am-6pm. Pick-your-own pumpkins, raspberries, strawberries and blackberries.
Quarry Hill Orchard and Winery
8403 Mason Rd., Berlin Heights
419.588.2858 quarryhillwinery.com
Open July-Dec 31, daily 9 am - 6 pm.
Pick-your-own apples, in season.
TENNIS
Huron
Fabens Park
At the west end of Adams Ave., or just off US 6 East
Osborn Park
3910 Perkins Ave.
Hours: 7 am - dark
Milan
Edison Park
Edison Dr.
Port Clinton
Heigel Park
Catawba Woods Dr. (just off W. Catawba Rd.)
This park offers tennis courts, a basketball court, soccer field, baseball field, and a complete children's playground.
Port Clinton High School
821 S. Jefferson St.
Tennis courts open for public use during daylight hours.
Sandusky
Battery Park
At Meigs St. & Water St., downtown
Jaycee Park-North
1539 Milan Rd. (at Baltimore St.)
Lions Park
Off W. Monroe St. (between Winnebago and LaSalle streets)
Perkins High School
3714 Campbell St.
Courts are located behind the school, near the football stadium.
Sandusky High School
Grant St.
Courts offer lights for nighttime play.