Recreations & Leisure
Toledo is blessed with a series of parks that offer residents a great chance for a bit of nature in the midst of the city. Each of the city’s 11 Metroparks (a total of 8,500 acres) has its own particular flavor, but unique among them is Wildwood Preserve, the former family estate of Champion Spark Plug founder Robert Stranahan.
And, there are the ever-present Maumee River and Lake Erie. Toledoans flock to the water for all sorts of recreation. The river and lake hold a variety of sport fish, but walleyes are king. Lake Erie has also long been known for its yellow perch and smallmouth bass fishing.
Back on land, when the Mud Hens are not playing baseball, the Toledo Storm hits the ice. The Storm is the city’s squad in the East Coast Hockey League; it’s a farm club of the Detroit Red Wings of the NHL.
Raceway Park offers fans the opportunity to see top notch harness racing. The city also has a great supply of golf courses.
And, to simply relax and unwind, few places in the city beat the 56-acre Toledo Botanical Gardens on the northwest side of the city. Also in this category is Promenade Park, along the western banks of the Maumee.