Information
Landmark: Wildwood Preserve MetroparkCity: Toledo
Country: USA Ohio
Continent: North America
Wildwood Preserve Metropark, Toledo, USA Ohio, North America
Overview
Here’s a closer look at Wildwood Preserve Metropark in Toledo, Ohio-a sprawling 493-acre stretch of woods and meadow, rich with history, tucked into Sylvania Township just outside the city.Metroparks Toledo runs it, and it’s the district’s busiest park, pulling in over a million people every year-families, hikers, and kids chasing ducks by the pond.The park blends lush green hills, weathered stone buildings, winding trails, and plenty of spots for families, offering a place where you can hike, picnic, and learn a bit of history all in one visit.The park was established to protect the Stranleigh Estate, once home to Robert A., where ivy still curls around its stone walls.Stranahan Sr., who founded the Champion Spark Plug Company, stood with his family, the scent of motor oil still clinging to his hands.At the heart of the estate stands the Manor House, a grand Georgian Colonial Revival mansion built in 1938, its white columns catching the afternoon sun.You can tour the Manor House for free any time of year, and when the holidays arrive, its rooms glow with garlands and warm light.Among the park’s historic treasures is the Oak Grove School, a tiny one-room schoolhouse from 1897, its weathered wood now carefully preserved after being moved here.Once the estate’s stables, the building now houses the Metz Visitor Center, with hands-on exhibits and wide windows where you can watch deer moving through the fields.At Wildwood Preserve, the Ottawa River winds past shady forests, open prairies, quiet wetlands, and rich river habitats, weaving together a tapestry of diverse ecosystems.The park’s network of trails features the Wildwood All-Purpose Walk/Bike Trail, a 1.65-mile loop where you can stroll under shady trees, jog, or ride your bike.The trail winds over an elevated boardwalk, then leads you across a charming covered bridge where the Ottawa River ripples below.Wildwood Metropark Trail offers a 3.1-mile loop that’s a favorite for hikers, birdwatchers, and skiers gliding over fresh winter snow.It twists through rocky hills and quiet stretches of forest, weaving past pockets of wildflowers and hidden streams.The park’s rolling meadows and shaded groves shelter migratory birds, deer, and foxes, along with a rich array of native plants.Tucked into the grounds, the Ellen Biddle Shipman Garden is among the last public gardens she ever designed, a rare early 20th‑century gem rich in history and fragrant with blossoms.Wildwood Playground offers a nature-themed escape, with bright green turtle slides, frog-shaped climbers, and bees and butterflies perched across a meadow-and-forest setting.Kids of every age and ability can enjoy it, from curious toddlers to teens eager for a challenge.You’ll find picnic spots with sturdy tables and sizzling grills tucked all around the park, perfect for a family lunch or a lively get‑together with friends.The park offers wide stretches of grass where you can kick a ball, stretch out under a shady tree, or watch squirrels dart through the branches.At the Metz Visitor Center, you’ll find a lively hub of information, with exhibits that bring the park’s natural wonders and rich cultural history to life-like the scent of pine drifting from a forest diorama.From the visitor center’s wide windows, you can watch local wildlife-bright-feathered birds flitting past and small mammals rustling through the grass-in their natural habitats.The park hosts educational programs, lively seasonal events, and guided tours that bring the wooded trails and old stone estate to life.You’ll find accessibility and visitor information at 5100 W, right by the tall brick building with green doors.Wildwood Preserve Metropark, located on Central Avenue in Toledo, is open every day from 7 a.m. until dusk, with free admission-though certain events may carry a small fee.Call (419) 407-9700 for details, and you’ll find a place where winding trails, preserved history, and wide green lawns come together in one remarkable setting.You can wander shaded trails beneath tall pines, step inside the Manor House or Oak Grove School to uncover local history, let the kids loose in cheerful play areas, and pause to watch deer move quietly through the brush.Just outside Toledo, it’s an easy trip for nature lovers, history buffs, and families eager for fresh air, winding trails, and a bit of outdoor learning.
