Located near the banks of Lake Erie, Toledo boasts three lighthouses, a Great Lakes-themed museum, and a two of the largest glass manufacturers in the country. Toledo is also within driving distance of Cedar Point, the Roller Coaster Capital of the World. Outdoor enthusiasts, theme park adventure-seekers, and history buffs will all find something exciting to explore in this funky midwestern city. Keep reading to discover some of the best things to do in Toledo.
Some of Toledo’s most notable restaurants serve local specialties that visitors will adore. Try the hot dogs at Tony Packo’s, the bread at Wixey Bakery ,and the Northern Indian cuisine at Tandoor. Make a day of it by going on a food tour of downtown Toledo.
The best things to do in Toledo include:
Making friends with the animals at the Toledo Zoo
Touring the Toledo Museum of Art
Strolling through the historic Old West End neighborhood
Catching a thrilling Toledo Mud Hens baseball game
The Toledo Zoo is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. The zoo is more than a century old and is home to more than 9,000 animals. Check out the zoo aquarium to meet sea turtles, a giant octopus, and a reef shark. For a cultural expedition, visit the Toledo Museum of Art, which is famous for its glass masterpieces.
During the day there are plenty of fun things to do in Toledo. Climb to the top of the tower on a tour of the Toledo Lighthouse, which dates back to the 1800s. For another unique tour, book The Canal Experience, runs along the Miami and Erie Canal towpath.
Exciting activities near Toledo include:
Grabbing lunch at Zia’s Italian Restaurant
Watch cars race to the finish line at the Toledo Speedway
Seeing a Toledo Mud Hens game
Hiking at Swan Creek Park
Explore the history of glass at the Libbey Glass Factory Outlet
There are a variety of things to do in Toledo at night. Spend a night out in Hensville, the city’s newest entertainment district. Hensville has several rooftop bars and restaurants just a skip away from the local baseball and hockey team arenas, perfect for catching a game before hitting the town. Bands also play regularly at Hensville Park.
Nighttime activities near Toledo include:
Grabbing a drink at Holy Toledo Rooftop
Beer tasting at Fleetwood’s Taproom
Catching Reggae Dave at St George’s Pub
Dancing to the latest hits at Chasers
See the Toledo Opera in the historic Valentine Theatre
Families will find there a variety of things to do with kids in Toledo. Makes friends with the animals at the Toledo Zoo. Other than the animals, this zoo has an aerial adventure course, train rides, and a merry-go-round. The downtown area has a museum called the Imagination Station, where kids can learn about science and health through interactive exhibits.
People looking for indoor activities can go to one of the many museums in the city. Toledo is known as “Glass City,” so the glass pavilion in the Museum of Art is a must-see. Those on the hunt for souvenirs should head to the Libbey Glass Factory, which sells everything from glass vases to dinnerware.
The city has many outdoor activities for adventurous travelers. For views of the river, head to Middlegrounds MetroPark, which covers 28 acres and offers ample cycling paths and kayak rentals. Ottawa Park is another popular outdoors spot. Climb the jungle gym on the playground, play disc golf course, or see a concert at its open-air theater.
Outdoor activities and things to see in Toledo include: