Erie County reveals itself through striking contrasts: in Sandusky, museums tell stories of carousels, shipping, and local history; elsewhere, wetlands, riverbanks, and birdwatching take center stage. Here, culture and landscape are distinct, tangible sides of the region.

Sandusky: Carousels, Shipping, and Local History

Housed in the Follett House, the Sandusky History Museum presents exhibits on four floors about Sandusky’s history. The museum also explores the history of Erie County, extending its focus from the city to the region. From the rooftop, the Widow’s Walk observation area offers views of downtown Sandusky and Sandusky Bay. Rooftop access may depend on operating conditions.

Another collection focuses on the history of American carousels: the Merry-Go-Round Museum displays hand-carved figures, historic band organs, and rare artifacts. It opened in 1990 in Sandusky’s historic former post office, a building listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The exhibits and historic building offer two distinct points of connection to the subject.

The Maritime Museum of Sandusky covers passenger shipping, commercial fishing, ice harvesting, and boatbuilding, as well as Ohio’s wetlands, shipwrecks, and Sandusky’s role in the history of the Underground Railroad. Visitors can board Lyman boats and view other watercraft on display; these opportunities may depend on operating conditions.

Wetlands and Birdwatching

The landscapes reveal different facets of the natural environment. Sheldon Marsh State Nature Preserve encompasses 465 acres of Lake Erie shoreline and a diverse mix of habitats. Joseph Steinen Wildlife Area protects 155 acres of freshwater marshland with adjoining upland areas. Old Woman Creek has two designations: it is both a State Nature Preserve and a National Estuarine Research Reserve.

Eagle Point is a designated stop on the Lake Erie Birding Trail. From its observation platform, visitors can watch bald eagles, ducks, and other waterfowl. The observation platform at Castalia Quarry MetroPark offers another view of Sandusky Bay and the Lake Erie Islands. Fossils are another notable feature there: they are 400 million years old.

Riverbanks are also part of the experience. Coupling MetroPark lies on an undisturbed floodplain of the Huron River; from its trails, visitors can see Virginia bluebells along the riverbank in early spring. At Hoffman Forest MetroPark, grassy trails wind through old-growth forests and stream habitats. Seasonal fishing in Old Woman Creek is permitted there with a valid fishing license.

Trails, Gardens, and a Variety of Activities

Erie MetroParks maintains 14 public parks and recreation areas with more than 30 miles of trails. Each location offers a different focus. Edison Woods MetroPark has approximately six miles of forest and prairie trails. Horseback riding is allowed there; Edison Woods is the only park in the system where this activity is permitted.

At Osborn MetroPark, hiking trails and the Discovery Trail wind through the grounds; the northern meadows also feature a nine-hole disc golf course. Plant enthusiasts will find more than 200 species of flowers, trees, and shrubs at James H. McBride Arboretum. About half a mile of paved walking paths runs around Parker Lake. Horticultural and natural landscape features offer opportunities for education, enrichment, and recreation.

The Huron River Path invites visitors to walk along the river; from the Kara Deering Bridge, you can view the Huron River. Together with the forest, prairie, and garden trails, it offers a range of options to suit different interests, whether you’re looking for a walk by the water, a trail through different habitats, or a visit focused on plant diversity.

Getting Here

Erie County is accessible via the Ohio Turnpike, State Route 2, State Route 4, and U.S. Route 250. Cedar Point is located in Sandusky. Jet Express ferries run from downtown Sandusky to Put-in-Bay, Kelleys Island, and Cedar Point; crossings take between five and 45 minutes. Routes and travel times may vary seasonally, so check the current schedule before your trip.

Kelleys Island is also notable for its houses: many have been restored, and numerous ones are more than 150 years old. The ferry and the historic buildings offer two distinct ways to explore the island.

Discover more destinations: Sandusky, Vermilion, Huron, Auglaize County, Putnam County, Miami, Stark and Gallia County.

For the full travel overview: Ohio.