Location: Toledo
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The 10 Best Museums in Toledo, Ohio (OH)
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. Blair Museum of Lithophanes
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By 772MaryM772 - Zephyrhills, United States
Just happened upon this gem. It’s small but so beautiful! The docent was very knowledgeable. I truly could have spent more time here, but we were under a time constraint.
3. 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.
4. Gathered Glass
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By 246carrien - Eagle Grove, United States
This gallery offers glass blowing classes. The class that we did was one hour long. The employees walk you through the process and do some of the finishing parts for you, but it is still an active participation experience. They offered many different choice colors and did a demonstration. Projects do have a cost and you can register and pay online at their website. Projects also need 24 hours to cool slowly in the kiln, so you will need to go back at a later time to pick up the finished work of art. The gallery is flexible on pick up times and will arrange shipment if needed. The gallery itself has many beautiful pieces of art for sale and displayed.
5. Toledo Police Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
The Toledo Police Museum's mission is to preserve our unique history, educate, and honor and memorialize our fallen officers. History buffs will love our historical artifacts some dating back to the late 1800s, including police vehicles, badges, photographs, uniforms, weapons, and technology. The museum is located in beautiful Ottawa Park.
6. Toledo Firefighters Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
This working fire station from the 1920s houses a vast collection of vintage equipment, uniforms and antique fire toys. Toledo's first pumper, dating back to 1837, is on display.
7. 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!
8. 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.
9. Living Science - the Ever-Changing Periodic Table of Chemical Elements
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
The beautiful 3D display shows real-life examples of the 118 known chemical elements. It include interactive screens displaying various apps related to the periodic table. Stories and examples relating the elements to labor law, art, history, cosmetic, smoke detectors, the Flint water crises and music are included. The display changes with time and visitors can contribute and leave their mark.
10. The Frogtown Froggy Museum
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