Location: Toledo
Top Things to do in Toledo
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10 Things to do in Toledo That You Shouldn't Miss
Whether you're looking for world-renowned museums, golf or fun with the kids, Toledo is a sure bet. Its role as a major producer of auto parts and glass, combined with its proximity to Lake Erie, has brought prosperity, evident in the wide array of cultural and recreational attractions, fine restaurants and lodging options. A weekend's worth of family fun can be had with visits to the Toledo Zoo, the Botanical Garden and COSI, the city's state-of-the art science center. Explore the ancient and modern treasures of the Toledo Museum of Art, known for its unique glass collection. Spend another day tasting your way through the ethnic cuisine, fresh cheeses and delicious baked goods at the Erie Street Market or grabbing a dog at Tony Packo's, a Toledo institution.
Restaurants in Toledo
1. Toledo Museum of Art
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,184 reviews
Art from all over the world and every time period is housed at this outstanding museum, considered one of the world's best. From paintings by Renoir to sculptures by Alexander Calder to a vast glass collection, you'll find wonderful treasures here. Founder and first president Edward Drummond Libbey wanted to build a place where art was accessible to everyone, hence the museum's free admission policy, which continues to this day. The Toledo Museum of Art is open: Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.Friday & Saturday: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.Closed Mondays & Tuesdays, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
Reviewed By bookgirl211
Museum is free but you pay for parking which is one amazing deal. Lots of great art in the permanent collection, always great exhibits - saw one on sneakers a year or two back and just went for the Rebecca Olmstead Law one this past weekend. The restaurant is always very good but only open in the afternoon. Definitely worth a road trip.
2. Oak Openings Preserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 216 reviews
Reviewed By allisonnorden - Port Clinton, United States
One of my favorite parks in the Toledo Metropark system, this park gives you all the beauty and thrill of nature! I highly recommend visiting in the fall... early to mid November. The leaves are amazing with their colors! When visiting, I suggest parking at the Lodge and walking trails down to Mallard Lake. You can do the Blue trail to see quite a bit of the area around there, including many bird species!
3. Maumee Bay Brew Pub
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 202 reviews
Reviewed By 400barbier - Curtice, United States
Had a lovely Friday night out with friends from out of town. We decided to bring them to the brewery- so glad we made this our choice! We were seated in the front of the Pub near the bar. Our waitress offered great choices from our beverages to our dinners. I had a glass of the Glass Hopper and a glass of the Dry Hop Pilsner. For Dinner, I had the Walleye special with Fries and Coleslaw and my husband had the Ghost Burger with the homemade potato chips. We couldn’t be more pleased with the choice of our meals and exceptional service from your waitress Melissa .... she definitely made it so enjoyable. We look forward to returning and will definitely request Melissa she was so professional.
4. National Museum of the Great Lakes
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 335 reviews
This is a maritime museum dedicated to the Great Lakes. There are six exhibit galleries, an outdoor maritime park, the Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship, and the Museum Tug OHIO. While the Ship is open seasonally May- October, the museum and maritime park open year-round. Capacity is limited and pre-purchased reservations is available online.
Reviewed By VegGardenPro - Cohocton, United States
The museum was fun and had some really interesting hands-on exhibits, including a diving simulation to explore the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald. But touring the freighter, Col. James M Schoonmaker was an incredible experience. The boat has been equipped so that visitors can go into the engine room, the crew quarters, the hold, the incredibly beautiful captain's and guest accommodations in the bow. The museum volunteer, Dave, was full of information and stories and made our visit extra special. The tug Ohio, only available by tour, is an amazing restoration in progress. This is a unique museum honoring and working toward preservation of our beautiful Great Lakes.
5. Toledo Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,809 reviews
Get an underwater view of hippos at the Hippoquarium, the only such zoo exhibit in the world, and then move on to see the 500 or so other species of mammals, reptiles and birds.
Reviewed By jolynb978 - Temperance, United States
There's a good reason this zoo has been rated top in the country...because it's amazing!! I have lived near this zoo my entire life and watched its growth and transformation. There are so many animal exhibits, hands on attractions and special events to participate in. The animals cages are always clean and they are well cared for. The lights at the zoo in the winter are equally as amazing and a family favorite. I highly recommend this zoo as a great family outing.
6. Toledo Botanical Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 221 reviews
A recreated pioneer garden is a highlight of this huge botanical garden, with acres of fragrant meadows and wildflower, rose and herb gardens to stroll though.
Reviewed By poetessktj1 - Toledo, United States
Can’t say enough good things about this place! Terrific artist village with classes available. Even in winter it’s pleasant and easy walking. I’ve been there in spring, summer, and fall as well and there are always beautiful things to see in the garden areas as well as educational information!
7. Wildwood Preserve Metropark
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 169 reviews
Preserve contains one of the best tall-grass prairies in Ohio plus a wealth of activities and attractions including a boardwalk, covered bridge, 100-year old schoolhouse and a hiking trail that connects to the University/Parks Trail.
Reviewed By allisonnorden - Port Clinton, United States
Wildwood is beautiful with it's history and nature. Make sure to cross the covered bridge, view Stranahan Manor, and travel the bridge over the marshy area behind it. Many birds live here in all seasons. There are nice bathrooms, which is always a plus.
8. Fifth Third Field
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 679 reviews
Fifth Third Field is in the heart of Downtown Toledo and is home to the World Famous Toledo Mud Hens.
Reviewed By xdanballx - Syracuse, United States
We finally made our pilgrimage back to Toledo to see a mud hens game, and our first in Fifth Third Field! We were blown away, the staff was overly friendly, the stadium and seats were spacious, the concessions offered a wide array of foods and drinks, and the park was absolutely beautiful. I would recommend seeing a game at this ball park ANY day.
9. Imagination Station
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 338 reviews
Make Imagination Station, Toledo's Science Center, your family's destination. In addition to your favorite exhibits and attractions, we always have something new. In 2014, a new simulator film, Over the Edge!, joined the High Wire Cycle, the BOYO, the Gravity Room, eight Learning Worlds and hundreds of interactive exhibits, activities and demonstrations!
Reviewed By brought6 - Fort Wayne, United States
I met a friend with a 4 year old boy there with my 5 year old son. It was a great spot to meet for us and gave the kiddos a chance to burn energy. It was also a fun time for us adults! We got to try some of the bigger things, like the balance bike. The giant piano was also a hit! I highly recommend planning to spend a few hours here, it makes for a great afternoon activity!
10. Glass Pavilion
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 86 reviews
Reviewed By MidwestKathM - Detroit, United States
Have visited numerous times with spouse, family, and friends! Truly a great way to spend a couple of hours if you love glass objects and art. The collection ranges from antiquity to modern contemporary, with so many well-known glass artists represented, including Tiffany, Carder (Steuben), LaMonte, and Chihuly. Of course, Toledo was home to the great Libbey Glass company and the Toledo Museum of Art gave rise in the '60s to the art and science of glassmaking with glass artisans Harvey Littleton and Dominick Labino. Check the calendar for the glass-making demonstrations, special exhibits and events.
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