Things to Do at Maumee Bay State Park and Nearby Area

Things To Do at Maumee Bay State Park

Maumee Bay State Park has some of the best views and activities on Lake Erie. We’ve been here many times camping and stayed in the lodge once. (Room 252 has the best views of the sunrise and sunset!) When staying here, you can spend your whole trip enjoying everything this state park offers.

Hiking: One of my favorite things to do is to wake up in the mornings when staying at the lodge and to take a stroll along the boardwalk trail right outside my room! I’ve seen many varieties of birds, wildlife, and aquatic animals found in the marsh area.

Beaches: This park features two sand beaches — one on the Lake Erie shore and the other located along the inland lake. You can find restrooms and outdoor showers between the two beaches. Funny story, we’ve never swum here because we always come in May. It is still quite cold and windy on Lake Erie in the springtime.

Golf: If you are a golf lover, you can spend the day on this beautiful rolling course located within walking distance of the lodge.

Birding; Grab your binoculars because this state park has some of the best! You can find Ohio birding checklists at the front desk or gift shop in the lodge. My favorite bird identification book is Birds of Ohio. Grab a copy before you go!!

Boating: With inland lakes and easy access to Lake Erie, Maumee Bay is a perfect place to enjoy water sports. Our family has utilized the inland lake for kayaking when the kids could not handle the waves on Lake Erie. They also offer dockage for boats on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Enjoying the lodge’s amenities:  We like to swim in the indoor pool, relax in the hot tub, enjoy a volleyball game in the indoor courts, and spend some time beating the kids in the game room. If you have young kids, they even have an indoor play space for them!

Pro-Tip: Make sure to reserve a time on the indoor courts because they can fill up fast.

Things to Do in Toledo

Just a short drive away from the Lodge, Toledo offers all kinds of things to do! We’ve spent time here when we were rained out of outdoor activities or we needed to get a history fix. It is such a short drive, and there is plenty to do.

We can’t come to Maumee Bay State Park and not have dinner at Tony Packos! You’ll have to go for yourself, because this place is historical, and since 1932 they’ve been serving the Toledo area. Make sure to check out all the signed hot dog buns on the walls!

You can enjoy the National Museum of the Great Lakes to learn more about the history of the Great Lakes region and the history behind the storms, industry and tour the boats. We usually spend 2 hours here to explore and read all the displays. Once you have finished here you can continue your walk through history and visit Fort Meigs or the Fallen Timbers Battlefield.

#GotKids check out the Imagination Station. My kids have become teenagers, but they still love coming here to explore. (I think they like putting me into the tornado simulator and watching my wrinkles and skin flap!) I would say this is one of Ohio’s top science museums.

If you’re here during baseball season, make sure to take in a Mud Hens game. I’ve never been, but I would love to come up here sometime in the summer and enjoy a game.

Toledo has plenty of outdoor locations for exploring, you will want to stop in at one of the Metro Parks of Toledo. You’ll be surprised at the many experiences you can enjoy within this park system. It is urban greenspace at its best.

Things to Do in Sandusky and Port Clinton

You can’t come up to the lake without going to Cedar Point for the day…it is the rollercoaster capital of the world! Adults and kids alike love coming here to experience the heart-pumping thrills and fantastic entertainment. It is a perfect day trip from the Maumee Bay State Park Lodge. (Ask me how I know!)

If your not the amusement park type, no worries because you can enjoy a day in Sandusky/Port Clinton area doing all the things

Animal lovers can enjoy the African Safari Wildlife, where you drive thru the savannah! Our kids love these things. Lagoon Deer Park is a great way to learn about the White-tailed deer that is native to Ohio. You can spend a good amount of time here.

Want to explore without physical effort in an absolutely amazing way? Sandusky Slingshot rentals are a perfect way to see the shores of Lake Erie…open-aired! I have made this a bucket-listed activity to do on a return trip.

Segway, Tour the city, and have a blast! A few tips about going…Must be at least 14 years old. No Exceptions, and if under 18, must have a parent or guardian sign a waiver form. Weight must be between 100 and 260 lbs. Be comfortable walking upstairs unassisted or using handrails.

Paddle and Climb I love being active, and this place is perfect for a rainy or sunny day. Climb inside or paddle outside…so many options.

Two of my favorite museums along the Lake Erie shores are the Merry Go Round Museum and the Maritime Museum of SanduskyInside the Merry Go Round Museum, you will be able to see the early Americana hand-carved horses and animals. With your admission you get a ride n the restored merry-go-round, you can feel the nostalgia of days gone by as you spin around on your chosen horse/animal. Within the Maritime Museum, you can take time to see artifacts of history and information about life on the lake, if you have time head outside to see the ships in the outdoor shipyard. While these two museums are small, they pack a big historic punch.

Pro-Tip: After all your exploring stop at Toft’s Ice Cream at the oldest dairy in Ohio!

Things to Do at Put in Bay via Miller Ferry

When we go to Put in Bay, we usually take Miller Ferry. We love the relaxing feel of the ride over to the island. Our favorite mode of transportation is via a golf cart. You can take your car OR rent a golf cart on the island. We’ve rented from E’s Put in Bay Golf Carts, and they are located just as you get off the ferry.

Getting around the island is easy, and you just have to choose what you want to do for the day.

• Put in Bay Water Craft Rental for a day on the water.
• Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center, where you can putt-putt or visit the Butterfly House.
• Heinemann’s Winery visit Ohio’s oldest winery, where they have been making wine since 1888!
• Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial I love coming here and make time to go whenever we are on the island.
• Hiking the Island: hit some of the beautiful nature hikes and lake views

Pro-tip: I would defiantly make time to go to Put in Bay for a day trip while staying at Maumee Bay State Park Lodge.

We camped here and shared some other tips here: South Bass Island Campground on Put in Bay.

Sauder Village

You can spend the day at Sauder Village and explore the historic buildings as you walk through time learning about Ohio’s history. Explore the museum and meet the craftsmen as you continue to take in the rich historical trades of yesteryear.

Eating is an important part of the day! You can have a meal at the Barn Restaurant or Village Cafe, a snack at Dough Box Bakery, or the 1920’s Soda Fountain. Your tummy will love this place!

Before leaving the village take a ride on the Erie Express train or a relaxing carriage ride through the pioneer settlement.

Lighthouses

Cedar Point Lighthouse:

This 38-ft. lighthouse was built in 1862 and is located atop the lighthouse keeper’s six-room limestone home at the tip of the Cedar Point peninsula. When you are at Cedar Point make time to visit before you leave the park.

West Sister Island Lighthouse:

West Sister Island Lighthouse is best seen by private or chartered boat. This lighthouse is still an active aid to navigation, and it is among the oldest lighthouses to survive on the Great Lakes.

Vermilion:

The Vermilion Lighthouse is a replica of the original lighthouse that was later moved to Lake Ontario. Known as the “Town of Sea Captains,” Vermilion was without a lighthouse for 63 yrs.

Port Clinton Lighthouse:

This restored lighthouse, built in 1896 and placed at the entrance of the Portage River, remained active for 56 years. The light was decommissioned in 1952 when it was moved on orders of the U.S. Coast Guard.  Restoration of the lighthouse began in 2014 by the Port Clinton Lighthouse Conservancy. A replica Lightkeeper’s Boathouse located near the lighthouse features historical displays and artifacts, the keeper’s rowboat, and a gift shop.

• Hours are the same as the lighthouse with no additional cost.
• Tours offered Memorial Day-Labor Day, Sat 12-5 pm.
• Grounds are open year-round.

Marblehead Lighthouse: 

The Marblehead Lighthouse is one of Lake Erie’s best-known and most-photographed landmarks. It is the oldest lighthouse in continuous operation on the Great Lakes. Visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse during the summer season for spectacular views of the lake and its islands in the distance. Be prepared for steps! Once you are at the top you will be amazed at the view.

History buffs will enjoy stopping by the replica lifesaving station or visiting the gift shop. Funny story…I have never been here when this was open.

Bathrooms and picnic area are available here and you can spend an afternoon exploring.

Walleye Fishing on Lake Erie with Blue Sky Charters

Our family loves to fish for walleye. We were hosted by Captain Peg and Blue Sky Charters for a trip out on the water of Lake Erie in the spring, and it was the BEST DAY EVER! The day started at 6 am when we met Capt. Peg and First Mate Justin. Yes, that may sound early, but to get out to where the best fishing is … takes a minute, and you want to be there when the fish start biting! Bonus: you get to see the beautiful Lake Erie sunrise.

Captain Peg has Lake Erie running through her veins, and she knows how and where to catch the fish. She’s been on the lake since she was 5!

If you want to fish on the lake, fishing with a private charter is the way to go.

The official website for Blue Sky Charters