Old Woman Creek National Estuarine Research Reserve and State Nature Preserve

What is an estuary? It's a place where inland I waters meet and mix with either saltwater of the sea or, as with Old Woman Creek, any larger body of water. Lake Erie and Old Woman Creek meet to form a third type of water, chemically different than both, yet attractive to a variety of flora and fauna. Visit the nature center or hike trails to learn more.

Sheldon Marsh State Nature Preserve You'll drive through Cedar Point's original iron gates as you enter Sheldon Marsh. Surrounded by marshlands, forests, swamps and a barrier beach, you'll encounter nature at its best. Hiking trails, bird checklists and brochures are available.

Milan Canal Bikeway

Begin this historic bicycle trail in either Huron or Milan. While exploring the waterway route used by 19th century grain­traders, you'll discover an early trading post site, remnants of the Milan Shipping Canal and scenic overlooks. Shared with motorists, this 27­mile route is detailed on a brochure. Call 1­800­255­ERIE for your copy.

Tour Gardens and Arboretums

McBride Arboretum Behind BGSU Firelands College in Huron, you'll find McBride Arboretum a 20­acre oasis of native flora. Its highlights include a collection of nearly 300 tree species and a fabulous spring display of 150 flowering crab apples.

The Schoepfle Garden

With an American holly harem, meticulous topiary, a rose garden I filled with more than 500 bushes, an ever changing perennial border and conifer and rhododendron collections, this 70­acre I garden is breathtaking. Located in Birmingham, the garden has a riverside trail.

Sandusky's Downtown Parks First planted in 1843,

Washington Park leaves a lasting impression with pictorial beds, floral clock and collection of tropical plants. Where else can you find banana plants, palms and elephant ears growing this far north? Tantalizing light displays fill the parks during the holidays.

Berlin Heights

Edison Woods Reserve
St. Rt. 61, just north of Mason Rd.
Berlin Heights, OH 44814
419/625-7783
This 1,400-acre property consists of marshy fields, wet woods, and sandstone cliffs. Hiking, cross country skiing, bridle path, bird watching. Open daily, year-round from 7 a.m. to dusk. (Erie MetroParks)

Birmingham

The Schoepfle Garden
Mill St. (East off of Market Street, just south of Route 113)
Birmingham, OH 44816
440/458-5121
Seventy-acre arboretum and garden containing 22 acres of topiaries, rose gardens and perennials.

Castalia

• Castalia Quarry Reserve
  Route 101, one mile west of 269
  Castalia, OH 44824
  419/625-7783 (Erie MetroParks)
  152-acre dry quarry and nearby property has a panoramic view of Sandusky Bay and Lake Erie Islands. Mountain bike trails (special permit required) and hiking. Open daily, year-round, from 7 a.m. to dusk.
  

• Resthaven Wildlife Area
  412 Cement Ave.
  Castalia, OH 44824
  419/424-5000
  Fishing, hunting, handicap fishing pier.
  Open daily, year-round, 6 a.m. - 8 p.m.
  

• Castalia Duck Pond
  Route 269 in downtown Castalia
  Castalia OH 44824
  Twelve-acre pond, home to dozens of mallards and other waterfowl.
  

Huron

• Sheldon Marsh State Nature Preserve
  2715 Cleveland Rd. (Route 6)
  Huron, OH 44839
  419/433-4919
  This area, with its contiguous wetlands, comprise some of the last remaining undeveloped stretches of shoreline in the Sandusky Bay region. Open daily year-round, dawn to dusk. Paved trail; checklist.
  

• Old Woman Creek National Estuary Research Reserve and State Nature Preserve
  2514 Cleveland Rd. (Route 6)
  Huron, OH 44839
  419/433-4601
  This 571-acre reserve is one of Ohio's best remaining examples of a natural estuary. Open daily 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitor center hours are Wednesday - Sunday, 1-5 p.m.; it is closed Monday and Tuesday. Large parking area; paved trail; restrooms; drinking fountain; checklist; observation area.
  

• Huron Harbor & Pier
  North Main St.
  Walking/fishing pier extending out into Lake Erie boasting many species of birds and wildlife.
  Public area; no designated hours of operation.
  

Erie Metro Parks

• Osborn Recreation Area 3910 E. Perkins Ave.
  Huron, OH 44839
  419/625-7783 (Erie MetroParks)
  160-acre property offering hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, lectures, ballfields, picnic shelters, fitness trail, soccer fields swimming pool, wooded nature trails, drinking fountain and rest rooms.
  Open daily, year-round, 7 a.m. - dark.
  

• McBride Arboretum
  901 Rye Beach Rd. (Behind BGSU Firelands College)
  Huron, OH 44839 419/625-7783 (Erie MetroParks) Fifty-acre arboretum surrounded with trees, flowers, a pond, and a visitors center. Walking, hiking, photography opportunities. Open daily, year-round, from 8 a.m. to dusk.
  

Milan

• The Coupling Reserve
  St. Rt. 13 (one mile north of US 250)
  Milan OH 44846
  419/625-7783
  A restored train station with reservable meeting rooms for casual gatherings. Sledding, hiking, canoe launch, group lodging, fishing, meeting rooms, public access to Huron River. Open daily, year-round from 7 a.m. to dusk. Canoe landing open to vehicles from May through October. (Erie MetroParks)

• Galpin Memorial Sanctuary
  South on Edison Dr. off of Route 113
  Milan OH 44846
  Twenty-six-acre forest with hiking trails to explore the cove and valley drained by the village creek.
• 
  Milan Wildlife Area
  Off Route 113, three miles west of Milan
  Milan, OH 44846
  419/424-5000
  Hiking trails, river landings, fishing, birdwatching. Open dawn to dusk year-round.

Kelleys Island

• Kelleys Island State Park
  Kelleys Island, OH 43438
  419/797-4530
  Five hiking trails, camping, launch ramp, fishing, ice fishing, picnicing, summer programs, picnic shelter and swimming beach. Open year-round.

Sandusky

• Pelton Park
  Hull Rd.
  Sandusky OH 44870
  419/625-7783 Twenty acres of woods and nature trail, picnicing, hiking, cross-country skiing. Open year-round 7 a.m.-dusk.
  

• Pipe Creek Wildlife Area
  Route 6 to Cedar Point Causeway, right on River Rd.
  Sandusky OH 44870
  100-acre wetland open dawn-dusk, year-round.
  

• Shoreline Park
  Shoreline Dr. Sandusky OH 44870
  419/627-5879
  Fishing, fitness trail, playground, sightseeing; year-round.
  

• Venice Park
  Bardshar Rd. off of Route 6
  Sandusky OH 44870
  419/627-5879
  Kiddieland, picnic shelters, playground, sightseeing, tennis.
  

• Jaycee Park-North
  1539 Milan Rd. at Baltimore St.
  Sandusky OH 44870
  419/627-5879
  Basketball, charcoal grills, handicap accessible, ice skating, picnic shelters, playground, rest rooms, softball and tennis.
  

• Lions Park
  On W. Monroe near Winnebago Ave.
  Sandusky, OH 44870
  419/627-5879
  Basketball, fishing, charcoal grills, handicap accessible, kiddielands, ice skating, picnic shelters, playground, rest rooms, shuffleboard, sightseeing and tennis.
  
  

Vermilion

• Mill Hollow-Beacon Woods Memorial Park
  At North Ridge and Vermilion Roads (4 miles south of Vermilion)
  Vermilion, OH 44089
  216/458-5121
  Open dawn to dusk, year-round; bottled water; seasonal nature center; rest rooms.
  

BEACHES

Huron

• Lakefront Park
  North end of Center and Ohio streets on Park St.
  

• Nickel Plate Beach
  Nickel Plate Dr.
  Turn left at Berlin Rd. (Marconi's Restaurant); turn right on Tiffin Ave.; left on Nickel Plate Dr.
  

Sandusky

• Cedar Point Beach
  Cedar Point
  Must pay admission to Cedar Point, Soak City, or be a guest at either Hotel Breakers, Sandcastle Suites, Camper Village or Cedar Point Marina.
  

Vermilion

• Main Street Beach
  Main Street; turn north off of Route 6
  

PUBLIC POOLS

• Osborn Park Pool
  3910 E. Perkins Ave.
  Huron
  419/625-7783
  Outdoor pool, picnic area, play area, nature trails  (Erie MetroParks)

• Surf's Up Aquatic Center
  Corner of Water and Meigs streets
  Sandusky
  419/627-5806
  Wave-action pool, volleyball, picnic area
  Hours: Open June 10, 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. seven days a week
  Rates: $4 for adults, 12 and under $3, 4 and under free, seniors $1.50.
  Directions: Downtown Sandusky, next to Battery Park Marina