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Ohio
223

Ohio State Parks

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USA Parks
Ohio
Northwest Ohio Region
Maumee Bay State Park
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Maumee Bay State Park © TONY EVERHARDT
Maumee Bay State Park © TONY EVERHARDT
Maumee Bay State Park © TONY EVERHARDT
Maumee Bay State Park © TONY EVERHARDT
Maumee Bay State Park © TONY EVERHARDT
Maumee Bay State Park © TONY EVERHARDT
Maumee Bay State Park © TONY EVERHARDT
Maumee Bay State Park © TONY EVERHARDT
Campground
Maumee Bay State Park © TONY EVERHARDT
Maumee Bay State Park © TONY EVERHARDT
Maumee Bay State Park © TONY EVERHARDT
Maumee Bay State Park © TONY EVERHARDT
Maumee Bay State Park © TONY EVERHARDT
Maumee Bay State Park © TONY EVERHARDT
Maumee Bay State Park © TONY EVERHARDT
Maumee Bay State Park © TONY EVERHARDT
Maumee Bay State Park
Maumee Bay State Park © TONY EVERHARDT
Maumee Bay State Park Maumee Bay Jetty © Wes Weimer
Fall colors at Maumee Bay State Park. View of the bay looking west. Oct. 15, 2014
Maumee Bay State Park Maumee Bay wind surfer © Wes Weimer
Wind surfer takes advantage of strong winds in Maumee Bay. Oct. 18, 2014
Maumee Bay State Park Maaumee Bay Fall colors © Wes Weimer
Fall colors at Maumee Bay State Park. View looking south from the beach area. Oct.18, 2014
Maumee Bay State Park Frozen Pond © Wes Weimer
View looking south from bridge at Maumee Bay SP
Maumee Bay State Park Maumee Bay Pond © Wes Weimer
View of pond from Parking Lot 6 in Maumee Bay SP
Maumee Bay State Park Maumee Bay Rainbow © Wes Weimer
Rainbow over the beach at Maumee Bay State Park after a storm blew in from Lake Erie. Taken Sept. 21
Maumee Bay State Park Maumee Beach © Wes Weimer
View looking west from the beach at Maumee Bay State Park, Oct. 15, 2014
Maumee Bay State Park © Michael Greene
Maumee Bay State Park © Jon Bias
Maumee Bay State Park Tess and © Jon Bias
Tesla and her 30 in 6 lb blue cat named King Kong 10-16-2010
Maumee Bay State Park King Kong © Jon Bias
Tesla Anne making dad proud
Maumee Bay State Park Canada Goose © Wes Weimer
Canada Goose preens at the inland lake in Maumee Bay State Park, Sept 28, 2014
Maumee Bay State Park © Heather Anderson
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MAUMEE BAY STATE PARK
MAUMEE BAY STATE PARK
1400 State Park Road
Oregon, Ohio   43616-5764
(lat:41.6789 lon:-83.374) map location

Phone: (419) 836-7758
Reservations: 866-644-6727
Maumee Bay State Park offers not only the finest of recreational facilities in the Midwest, but also a unique natural environment created by the convergence of the land and Lake Erie. The lodge, cottages and golf course are nestled among the scenic meadows, wet woods and lush marshes teeming with wildlife. The balance of recreational facilities with the natural world gives visitors a diverse experience in a coastal environment.
Nature of the Area
Maumee Bay State Park is a tribute to Lake Erie. This precious gift is one of the largest bodies of fresh water in the world and it reflects the diverse natural heritage of Ohio.

The history of Lake Erie began with the glacial period known as the Pleistocene. Massive sheets of ice gouged and scoured the bedrock of Ohio. Testimony of the ice's force is found throughout the lake area. Small scratches in the rock surface known as glacial striations are common, while major grooves are rare but awesome.

The wetlands of the Maumee Bay area offer a vivid array of natural wonders. Wetlands contain more species of wildlife than any other habitat type, including: fox snake, northern water snake, painted turtle, chorus frog, green frog, spotted salamander, raccoon, muskrat, dragonfly, caddis fly, and water striders. Over 300 species of birds have been recorded with shorebirds such as snipe, great blue heron, common gallinule and ring-billed gulls residing with waterfowl including Canada geese, pintails, redheads, and ruddy ducks. Songbirds include the red-winged blackbird, yellow warbler, killdeer and swamp sparrow. Spring migration brings many others including the colorful warblers. The plant life is diverse as well. Cattails, buttonbush, phragmites, bur-reed, cottonwood and black willow are just a few examples of the marsh plants at the park.

Several prairies exist in the park that offer interpretive experiences for those visitors interested in the various species and ecosystems found there. Ring-necked pheasants densely populate the meadow areas of the park.

The Lake Erie shoreline sets the stage for the comeback of the bald eagle in Ohio. Nesting pairs have been reported recently in Ohio with the majority being in the western basin of Lake Erie.
History of the Area
Thirteen thousand years ago, Lake Erie was much larger than it is today -- stretching from western New York to Fort Wayne, Indiana. As the lake receded to its present size, a great flat plain was formed (120 miles long and 30-40 miles wide). This area became known as the Great Black Swamp due to the color of the soil and dark shade beneath the trees. The Indians settled only near the well-drained lands beside the Maumee River and its tributaries.

For many years, the swamp was a tremendous barrier to western settlement. Most settlers traveled by boat on Lake Erie to reach southern Michigan. Major cities of the area circled the perimeter of the swamp; none lay within it except Bowling Green. In 1859, a law was passed providing for a system of public ditches to drain the land. By 1870, the swamp was still only half cleared. Eventually, after a period of intense lumbering and draining, the swamp had nearly vanished and the area became a major agricultural region.

Acquisition of park lands began in 1974 with matching funds from the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Maumee Bay officially became a state park in 1975.
Passes
Ohio does not have an annual pass and does not charge entrance fees to state parks.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
GeneralLand, acres1,336
 Water, acresGreat Lake
Day-UseFishingyes
 Huntingyes
 Hiking Trail, miles10
 Picnickingyes
 Swimming Beachyes
 Beach Concessionyes
 Nature Centeryes
 Nature Programsyes
BoatingBoat Rentalyes
 Boating Limits-1
CampingElectric Sites, #252
 Pets Permittedyes
 Flush Toiletsyes
 Dumpstationyes
 Showersyes
 Rent-A-Camp Sites, #3
 Rent-A-Yurt, #1
WinterSleddingyes
 Cross-Country Skiingyes
 Ice Skatingyes
AccommodationsLodge Rooms, #120
 Family Cottages, #24
 Game Roomyes
 Indoor Swimming Poolyes
 Tennisyes
 Outdoor Swimming Poolyes
 Golf Courseyes
 Restaurantyes
Golf Course
Maumee Bay's unique 18-hole "Scottish Links" style golf course has low, rolling mounds, bent grass fairways, greens and tees, numerous sand bunkers and ponds. A golf pro-shop is in operation with a PGA certified professional on staff. Lessons and golf outings can be arranged.
Camping
The park boasts a modern family campground with 256 sites. The campground is equipped with showerhouses, flush toilets, electricity and playground equipment. The campsites are open and spacious and border natural meadows and ponds which are open to fishing for campers only. Pet camping is also permitted. Rent-A-Camp units consisting of a tent, dining fly, cooler, cook stove and other equipment can be rented during the summer months. Five miles of asphalt "bicycle/pedestrian" trails provide access to most of the day-use areas.
Cottages
The deluxe cottages at the park are nestled among scenic wetlands and a picturesque golf course. The cottages are equipped with a gas fireplace, heating and air conditioning, fully equipped kitchen, living area, two bedrooms with a loft, or four bedrooms. Cottage guests may use all lodge facilities.
Lodge
Ohio's newest state park lodge opened in May of 1991. Quilter Lodge overlooking the Maumee Bay of Lake Erie offers 120 guest rooms each with balcony. Lodge features include racquetball courts, game room, saunas, whirlpools, indoor and outdoor pools, conference and meeting rooms, dining room and lounge, and a snack bar.
Swimming
In addition to the lodge's pools (for lodge and cottage guests), the park boasts two sand beaches. One beach is located on the Lake Erie shore while the other lines the park's inland lake. A concession area and changing booths are provided. A large lakeside amphitheater lies between the two beaches.
Boating
Lake Erie offers unlimited opportunities for boaters. A 57-acre inland lake in the park is suitable for sailing, canoeing and other non-motorized boat use. Canoes, paddle boats and row boats are available for rent. Waverunners can be rented on the Lake Erie beach.
Fishing
Maumee Bay State Park in Ohio offers a variety of fishing options for both experienced and novice anglers. The park is home to two main bodies of water: Lake Erie and the Maumee River, each providing unique opportunities.

Lake Erie, known as "Walleye Capital of the World," provides excellent walleye fishing throughout most parts of the year but particularly during spring spawning season. Other species found here include yellow perch, smallmouth bass, channel catfish among others.

The Maumee River also presents an array of fish including white bass which are abundant especially during their annual run from late April through mid-May. Catfish can be caught all summer long while steelhead trout become available in fall until early winter.

In addition to these natural waterscapes within its boundaries, there's also a 57-acre inland lake at Maumee Bay State Park where you'll find largemouth bass along with bluegill and crappie making it ideal for families or those new to angling due to easy access points around this man-made body.

For convenience sake; bait shops are located nearby outside park premises offering everything needed like live baits plus tackle equipment rentals if required by visitors who didn't bring theirs along on trip down here.

Fishing licenses are mandatory before casting your line into any public waters across state so ensure that one has been obtained prior arrival since they're not sold directly inside parks themselves although online purchase option exists via ODNR website beforehand too!

Remember always respect local regulations regarding catch limits/size restrictions etc., ensuring sustainable future enjoyment everyone visiting beautiful outdoor spaces such as ours - Happy Fishing!



Picnicking
Picnic areas with tables and grills can be found adjacent to the beach areas.
Bicycling
Cycling enthusiasts can explore a 2-mile bike path, which is paved and perfect for family rides.

For the adventurous ones, there's an off-road trail spanning over seven miles.

Remember to bring your own bikes as rentals are not available in this park.

The trails offer scenic views of wetlands and wildlife but be cautious due to possible encounters with local fauna.

Helmets are recommended at all times while cycling on these paths for safety reasons.

Please note that some areas might have restricted access during certain seasons or weather conditions.

Always follow posted signs regarding biking rules within the area; respect nature by staying on designated pathways only.
Trails
Developed hiking trails in the park include the Mouse Trail, a 3-mile diverse trail winding through meadows and young woodlands, and several miles of paved combination trails for bicycling and cross-country skiing. Hikers will discover acres of meadow, marshland and woodland. A 2-mile boardwalk traversing swamp and marsh wetlands has interpretive signs, an observation blind and tower, and wheelchair accessible loop.
Birding
Located in Ohio, this park offers a variety of birding options. It is home to the Trautman Nature Center where visitors can observe birds from an indoor viewing area and learn about local species through interactive exhibits. The boardwalk trail provides opportunities for spotting waterfowl, shorebirds and warblers among other species. Birders may also explore two beach areas known as prime spots for observing migrating raptors during spring and fall seasons or visit Lake Erie's shoreline which attracts numerous gulls, terns and sandpipers throughout the year.
Nature Programs
A state-of-the-art nature center staffed by a year-round naturalist is located in the park. The Trautman Nature Center is equipped with inter-active displays, a programming auditorium, research laboratory and viewing windows. In addition, a remote video monitoring system transmits wetland activity back to the center so that persons of all abilities can experience a wetland. A boardwalk trail is adjacent to the nature center.
Area Attractions
Three national wildlife refuges exist in Ohio and they are all within a short distance of the park. Information on Cedar Point, West Sister and Ottawa National Wildlife Refuges may be obtained by calling (419) 898-0014.

Crane Creek Wildlife Experiment Station and Magee Marsh State Wildlife Area are located 15 miles east of Maumee Bay.

Adjacent to the wildlife area is Crane Creek State Park boasting one of the state's largest beaches and day-use facilities. Two state nature preserves, Louis W. Campbell and Irwin Prairie, are operated by ODNR's Division of Natural Areas and Preserves and are located within an hour drive of the park.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
September 15 Outdoor Recreation Area Needs Upkeep
park review stars; one to five Several years ago Maumee Bay State Park added three pickleball courts to their already well thought out outdoor recreation area that consisted of tennis courts and a basketball area. These courts were lighted and well maintained. During the outdoor season there was a portable toilet at the court entrance. I am sad to say that now, when outdoor exercise and social distancing are sought after and some do not want to exercise inside, the area is in severe disrepair. Starting with the cracked and weed filled walkway to the area, no portable toilet, cracked courts, lights that do not work, and improvised fencing supported by ropes, things need to be repaired. The tennis area has had one net down for months and the basketball area is in disrepair. Evenings in September and October once were well attended by players of all ages. Now, as darkness comes earlier it will be impossible to play. I have emailed the park manager and received replies indicating that the problems would be addressed. There has been clean up of weeds inside of the fencing, but no other progress. What was once a showplace for outdoor recreation has declined so much as to be embarrassing. I hope the park can maintain and fix the area before it becomes totally abandoned.
November 4 Great bike trails
park review stars; one to five Spent a few days at Maumee Bay in August 2016. Overall a great experience for me and my extended family. The best bike trails we have seen at a state campground in Ohio. We will definitely return.
May 10 Superb all the way around! by Bedfordmike2
park review stars; one to five Beautiful accomadations w/ world class dining & a setting that cant be beat!
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Area Campgrounds
Toledo East / Stony Ridge KOA Journey
24787 Luckey Road
Perrysburg, OH
419-837-6848
Inland Mobile Home Park
Inland Mobile Home Park
10655 W. State Rt 2, OH
Area Fishing Related Businesses
Edgewater Bait & Tackle
3058 131st St
Toledo, OH
(419) 727-8380
Bait Bucket
5809 Edgewater Dr
Toledo, OH
(419) 729-2881
Zunk's Sportsman Bait & Carry
9636 Jerusalem Rd
Curtice, OH
(419) 836-3713
Butch & Denny's Bait Shop
10408 Corduroy Rd
Curtice, OH
(419) 836-7351
Al Szuch Fishery-Live Bait
10950 Corduroy Rd
Curtice, OH
(419) 836-5264
Zap Custom Lure Co
1939 1/2 W Sylvania Ave
Toledo, OH
(419) 475-2621
Maumee Bay General Store
7410 Jerusalem Rd
Oregon, OH
(419) 836-4049
Area Cabins and Lodges
Radisson Hotel Toledo
101 N Summit St
Toledo, OH
(419) 241-3000
Wyndham Toledo Hotel
444 North Summit Street
Toledo, OH
(419) 241-1411
Maumee Bay Resort & Conference Center: Lodge
1750 State Park Rd # 2
Oregon, OH
(419) 836-1466
Area Accommodations (over 20 miles away)
businesss listing main photo
Camp Patmos - Kelleys Island, OH
Conference Center
Week long youth camps. Located on the shores of Kelleys Island. Guests will learn to sail, wakeboard, waterski while enjoying the beauty of the Lake Erie island.
35 miles from park*
businesss listing main photo
Campgrounds
Enjoy Southeast Michigan's Best Family Camping experience at our clean, quiet, friendly campground. Jumping Pillow, WiFi, Paddle Boats, Minigolf, Swimming, Bicycling and more
36.1 miles from park*
Nearby Hotels
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Directions
1400 State Park Road , Oregon, Ohio 43618-9532

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Ohio
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Ohio State Parks

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