In Ottawa County, a former limestone quarry tells an unusual story of nature: the Lakeside Daisy State Nature Preserve protects the only natural population of Lakeside Daisies in the United States. The 19-acre site combines a rare botanical feature with a landscape shaped by its former use.
Marshes, Wetlands, and Short Trails
A short trail leads through the Lakeside Daisy State Nature Preserve; parking is available. Check the preserve’s rules before setting out. Other landscapes in the county offer different features: the Dempsey Wildlife Area borders Sandusky Bay on the south shore of the Marblehead Peninsula. The more than 150-acre Great Egret Marsh Preserve includes marshland and adjacent higher ground. Near the shore of Sandusky Bay, Meadowbook Marsh on the Marblehead Peninsula protects 190 acres of wooded areas, open meadows, marshland, and open water.
The Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge offers another perspective. Its 9,700 acres include marshland, higher ground, and wooded wetlands that remain from the Great Black Swamp. The visitor center parking lots and trails are open daily from sunrise to sunset. If you’re looking for a designated short loop in addition to wetlands, East Harbor State Park has the 1.5-mile Wetland Trail, rated easy. The park also has a marina.
Waterways and Routes through the County
The Portage River Water Trail is a scenic, 36-mile route that runs through Ottawa County and drains into Lake Erie. Several launch sites are designated for paddling. One specific access point is Lake Erie Beach Access: there is a launch marker there, starting from Jefferson Street at the Waterworks Park public parking lot in Port Clinton.
The North Coast Inland Trail follows a different route: this nearly 100-mile multi-use route runs from Lorain to Genoa through four counties, including Ottawa County. Its county section runs northwest from the Sandusky County line through Elmore to Genoa. The trail is part of US Bike Route 30. This puts a longer route through several counties and a water trail with multiple launch sites at the center as distinct options; each of the routes mentioned has its own course and character.
Lighthouse History and Local Exhibits
Marblehead Lighthouse is the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the Great Lakes. The grounds offer picnic areas and views of Lake Erie, Sandusky Bay, Kelleys Island, and South Bass Island. The grounds also include the Keeper's House Museum and the Lifesaving Station Museum. The lighthouse, viewpoints, and museums offer different historical and scenic perspectives, without requiring a set sightseeing itinerary.
The Ottawa County Museum combines regional history with topics related to nature and everyday life. Exhibits cover the Battle of Lake Erie, boatbuilding, nature, agriculture, and commercial fishing, as well as early settlers, Native Americans, early clothing, and children’s toys. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, the museum is open Tuesday through Thursday from 12 to 3 p.m. During the rest of the year, it is open Wednesdays from 12 to 3 p.m., as well as by appointment. Check the hours before your visit.
Johnson's Island also connects history with a clear visitor restriction: the island is privately inhabited; the Confederate Stockade Cemetery is its only publicly accessible site. The site of the Johnson's Island Civil War Prison was designated a National Historic Landmark in June 1990. For 2026, the History Mystery Ottawa County America 250 Tour offers a self-guided Bandwango trail through historic sites, attractions, and local stories in the county.
Discover More Destinations
Port Clinton, Put-In-Bay, Highland County, Crawford County, Logan, Athens County, Hocking County, Wood
For the main travel overview: Ohio.
