Toledo (Ohio)

History

People had big dreams for Toledo. The location of the city at the end of Lake Erie was an ideal Midwest port, but was in the inhospitable Great Black Swamp. Early settlers spent years digging drainage ditches through the swamp, and lining them with clay tiles, battling disease along the way. Due to a border dispute, Michigan and Ohio briefly went to war over the land containing Toledo in the 1830s. But because of a series of blunders, nobody was killed. By an act of Congress, Ohio was awarded Toledo, while Michigan received the Upper Peninsula. Later settlers came over from Eastern Europe, or up from down south, to work on the Miami and Erie Canal, and still later to work in local factories that made early automobiles and auto parts. Because of its industrial heritage Toledo became the birthplace of Libbey Glass, modern chewing gum, the modern scale, and Jeep vehicles.

Toledo today

Today, Toledo is a city with a metro population of 608,000, the fourth largest city in Ohio. Toledo has a big local university, an independent daily newspaper, and historic buildings downtown, some of which have been turned into artists' lofts. The cityscape today provides some good opportunities for photographs of derelict buildings. Toledo is also home to the local favorite Toledo Mud Hens minor league baseball team. They play in the Fifth Third Field in downtown Toledo. Near downtown, the Old West End is a beautiful neighborhood of Victorian mansions, and is where the world-class Toledo Museum of Art and its glass museum can be found. A world-class Toledo Zoo is a few miles to the south. In the north end, there is the Polish Village where it is common to see storefronts written in Polish. The food in Toledo is worth stopping for. As well as the many diners in the area, many ethnic eateries should not be missed, including Tony Packo's famous Hungarian hot dogs, Hungarian baked goods, classy Middle Eastern places such as the Beirut, and delicious Indian cuisine from the Tandoor. True or not, Toledo likes to think that it has the most restaurants per capita in the entire country. Toledo is also one of the most productive ports on the Great Lakes, and it's factories boast one of the highest robot per capita rates in the nation.

Climate

Toledo has four distinct seasons. The spring in Toledo tends to be quite pleasant, and presents a good opportunity for exploring Toledo's parks and gardens. Summers can range from pleasantly warm to sweltering heat, and it is during this time when Lake Erie becomes hospitable for things like swimming and other water sport. The fall is much like spring, and the trees around the city gain vibrant colors as the leaves begin to fall off, giving the parks a different character entirely. Winters tend to be strong in Toledo due to the Lake Effect, and while there are no mountains for skiing, there are plenty of other opportunities for winter sports such as cross country skiing and Ice skating.

By plane

• Toledo Express Airport

  phone: +1 419-865-2351
  address: 11013 Airport Highway
  The primary airport serving Toledo. Although it is relatively small, it offers some direct flights to larger cities like Chicago, and Charlotte by major airlines such as American Airlines and Allegiant. It also offers some General aviation facilities.

• Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County AirportThe nearest major regional/international airport.

• Airport Shuttle Services

  phone: +1 313 759-7741
  Available from Toledo to Detroit Metro Airport by reservation.

Toledo Suburban AirportA General aviation airport on the outskirts of Toledo.

By bus

• Greyhound

  phone: +1 419-248-1477
  address: 415 Emerald Ave
  Greyhound makes regular stops in Toledo, and shares its station with Amtrak (see below)

• Megabus

  address: University of Toledo Scott Park Campus
  Megabus offers low-cost bus service to Toledo from Chicago, Ann Arbor, Detroit, and Cleveland.

By train

Toledo is served by Amtrak via two daily trains. The Capitol Limited between Chicago and Washington, D.C. and the Lake Shore Limited between Chicago and Boston, New York City.

• Martin Luther King Jr. Train Station

  address: 415 Emerald Ave
  Serviced by Capitol Limited and Lakeshore Limited Lines. Has a waiting room and ticket office. All Amtrak trains stop at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Plaza train station, about south of the city center. Greyhound buses connect at this station.

By car

Toledo sits at the intersection of I-75 and I-80/I-90, allowing easy access from Detroit, Dayton, Cincinnati, Chicago and Cleveland. Those travelling through the Midwest frequently pass through it.

By boat

As a port city, Toledo has many marinas, offering access to the cities and islands of Lake Erie.

The downtown core of Toledo is fairly walkable. Beyond downtown walking becomes notably less efficient and taking a car, bike, or public transit is ideal.

By bus

• TARTAToledo's public bus system. Offers a limited route network, mainly aimed at commuters in the downtown area.

By bike

• ToleGOThe city sponsored bike-sharing program. Bike parking hubs are centered on the downtown core and range from I-75 to the east shore of the Maumee River.

By foot

• Toledo PedwayIn the downtown core there is an underground footpath that connects various buildings. While many of the paths have been closed off, the remaining paths make for interesting urbex.

Museums

• Toledo Museum of Art

  phone: +1 419-255-8000
  address: 2445 Monroe St
  A historic art museum with works by Vincent Van Gough, Picasso, Monet, Rembrandt, and other noted artists. Has sections dedicated to works from Japan, Africa, and other locales, as well as works from antiquity. Houses the Peristyle, a large concert hall inspired by Greek theater. Across the street from the main building is a glass pavilion with large collections of decorative glass pieces and a teaching workshop where glassblowing demonstrations are held. Outside the museum there is a sculpture garden.

• Toledo Zoo

  phone: +1 419-385-4040
  address: 2 Hippo Way
  The largest zoo in the region. Has several sections dedicated to specific animals, such as an African section, an Arctic section, a penguin exhibit, an aquarium, a hippoquarium, an ape exhibit, a pheasantry, a primate exhibit, an aviary, and a reptile house. In the winter, the Zoo strings up the campus with lights for their annual Lights Before Christmas celebration.

• Toledo Botanical Garden

  phone: +1 419-536-5566
  address: 5403 Elmer Dr
  Offers an herb garden, perennial garden, and displays tailored to specific ecosystems such a small woods and pondside plants. The garden also features an art village.

• National Museum of the Great Lakes

  phone: +1 419-214-5000
  address: 1701 Front Street
  The museum hosts exhibits on shipwrecks, sailing technology, and exploration, especially in relation to the Great Lakes. The retired lake freighter and current museum ship, the Col. James M. Schoonmaker, is docked directly next to the museum. Tours are offered outside winter months. Unusually for a modern era freighter, the lounges and cabin are fancy.

• Imagination Station

  phone: +1 419-244-2674
  address: 1 Discovery Way
  A science museum and activity center on the banks of the Maumee river. Provides a variety of exhibits and activities, including a tightrope counterweight bike, rideable yoyo, an optical illusion exhibit, an agricultural exhibit, a water exhibit, a nutrition exhibit, an energy exhibit, and simulated rollercoaster.

• The Blair Museum of Lithoplanes

  phone: +1 419-245-1356
  address: 5403 Elmer Dr
  A museum dedicated to lithoplanes - translucent plaques engraved with art designed to be lit from the back.

• J. H. Fentress Antique Popcorn Museum

  phone: +1-419-308-4812
  address: 7922 Hill Ave, Holland
  Contains a collection of popcorn containers, machines, and advertising

Architecture

Much of the notable architecture in Toledo dates from about 1860 to 1960, typically in Victorian, Neoclassical, Art Deco, or modern styles.

• Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral

  phone: +1 419-244-9575
  address: 2535 Collingwood Ave
  The mother church of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Toledo. Its Spanish Plateresque architecture is inspired by Toledo's namesake, Toledo, Spain. The church contains many statues of biblical figures and an Ernest M. Skinner pipe organ.

• The Old West EndThe blocks north of the Art Museum. Historic neighborhood full of huge old mansions and 100-year-old trees. You can tour these homes at Christmas and at a festival during the first weekend in June.11

• Hudson Gallery

  phone: +1 419-885-8381
  address: 5645 N Main St (Sylvania)
  Contemporary art gallery

• Pythian CastleBuilt for the Knights of Pythias in 1890, this building features a large turret.

• James M. Ashley and Thomas W.L. Ashley United States CourthouseA prime example of Neoclassical architecture

• University of Toledo

  phone: +1 419-530-4636
  address: 2801 W Bancroft St
  A public university in the heart of Toledo Ohio. Founded in the 1870s, the campus is host to historic architecture, and the Ritter Planetarium.

• Lourdes University

  address: 6832 Convent Blvd
  A private Franciscan university. Hosts the Appold Planetarium.

• Sylvania Historical Village

  phone: +1-419-517-5533
  address: 5717 N Main St (Sylvania)
  Includes a preserved 1858 railway depot, a one room schoolhouse made of stone, a replica barn, a log cabin, and a garden.

Attractions

• Sculpture in the ParkSculpture Garden

Festivals

• German-American Festival

  address: 3624 Seaman Rd Oregon
  Large German American ethnic festival. Festivities include Steinstossen (Swiss rock throwing), Masskrugstemmen (Contest to hold a 1 liter stein of beer for as long as possible), a Fußball (Soccer) Tournament, Pretzel eating contests, M.I. Hummel Lookalike contest, music, and dancing.

• The Polish Festival

  address: Langrange St
  A celebration of Polish ancestry in Toledo.

• Pizza PaloozaA competition where local pizza restaurants compete to win best pizza award. There is also a pizza eating challenge.

• Old West End FestivalAn annual festival held in early June. Features the King Wamba Carnival Parade, 5k stampede, art fair, beer garden, Victorian house tours, and artwork. Discounts for house tours are available if canned food is donated to charity.

• Crosby Festival of the ArtsAn arts festival held in the Toledo Botanical Gardens.

• Glass City ConAnnual anime convention. Features special guests, tabletop gaming, video games, and other activities.

• Toledo Sister Cities International Festival

  address: 401 Jefferson St
  As a city that helped popularize the sister city concept, Toledo celebrates the culture of its sister cities of Toledo in Spain, Bekaa in Lebanon, Coimbatore in India, Csongrád County and Szeged in Hungary, Delmenhorst, in Germany, Hyderabad in Pakistan, Londrina in Brazil, Poznań in Poland, Qinhuangdao in China, Tanga in Tanzania, and Toyohashi in Japan. The festival also celebrates the culture of Toledo residents and their heritage.

• The Lights Before Christmas

  phone: +1 419 385-5721
  address: 2 Hippo Way
  A holiday event where the zoo is strung up with Christmas lights arranged to look like animals.

• Luminous Nights

  phone: +1 419 385-5721
  address: 2 Hippo Way
  Held at nights, the zoo is lit with Asian style paper lanterns of animals and flora. There are also events such as gymnastics and martial arts performances. The zoo concessions also offer Chinese American and Asian fusion food.

Performing arts

• Toledo Opera

  phone: +1 419-255-7464
  address: 425 Jefferson Avenue, Suite 601

• Art Tatum Jazz Heritage Society

  phone: +1 419-241-5299
  address: 425 N St. Clair

• Toledo Symphony Orchestra

  phone: +1 419-246-8000
  address: 1838 Parkwood Avenue, #310

• Toledo Ballet

  phone: +1 419-471-0049
  address: 5001 Monroe St

• Toledo Jazz Orchestra

• Valentine Theatre

  phone: +1 419-242-3490
  address: 410 Adams St

• Stranahan Theater

  phone: +1 419-381-8851
  address: 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd
  One of the largest theaters in Northwest Ohio, they often host musicals, plays, and music concerts.

• Collingwood Arts Center

  phone: +1 419-244-2787
  address: 2413 Collingwood Blvd
  Hosts performing arts events, and ghost hunts in this former convent building. The grounds also house the children's theater workshop.

• Ohio Theater

  address: 3114 Lagrange St
  A Proscenium theatre in the Polish neighborhood.

Sports

• Toledo Mud Hens

  phone: +1 419-725-HENS
  address: 406 Washington St
  Toledo's legendary AAA baseball team (Detroit Tigers affiliate) plays their home games at Fifth Third Field in downtown Toledo. It was named the best minor league ballpark in America by Newsweek magazine. It has plenty of parking, great food, and a great atmosphere.

• Toledo Walleye

  phone: +1 419-725-9255
  address: 500 Jefferson Ave
  Toledo's pro Ice hockey team. ECHL affiliate of the Detroit Red Wings.

• Toledo Rockets

  phone: +1 419-530-GOLD
  address: 2801 W Bancroft St. (Savage Arena)
  NCAA Division I teams of the University of Toledo, with 6 men's and 10 women's teams competing in the Mid-American Conference. As with most major colleges, the most-followed sports are football and men's basketball, and the most important venues are on campus. The football team plays at the , which was built during the Great Depression but renovated several times since, though it retains its original stonework. The basketball teams (men's and women's) play at Savage Arena, which also houses the central ticket office for all Rockets sports.

• Toledo SpeedwayHosts the Menards 200 race and the Sioux Chief PowerPEX 200 race.

• Glass City Marathon

• Marathon ClassicA woman's golf event.

• Toledo ReignToledo's pro woman's football team.

Gaming

• Hollywood Casino

  phone: +1 419-661-5200
  address: 1968 Miami St
  Northwest Ohio's primary casino.

• Level 419

  phone: +1 567 277-0537
  address: 2538 Woodville Rd, Northwood
  Video arcade on the outskirts of Toledo.

• BASHcon

  address: 3154 N Towerview Blvd
  The University of Toledo's student-run gaming convention. Includes tabletop and electronic gaming, as well as a games bazaar.

Outdoors

• Oak Openings Preserve Metropark

  phone: +1 419-360-9179
  address: 4139 Girdham Rd, Swanton
  The largest of the Toledo Metroparks. Contains some of the only sand dunes remaining in Ohio, and hosts some rare plants. Has vast trails and a few campgrounds.

• Maumee Bay State Park

  address: 1400 State Park Rd, Oregon
  An 1,850-acre state park,with a unique natural environment . Features a resort including a lodge, cottages and golf course. There are 24 cottages, with fireplaces, adjacent to wetlands and the golf course. Park activities include fishing, hunting, swimming, and boating.

• Fallen Timbers Battlefield

  phone: +1 419-407-9700
  The site of the final battle of the Northwest Indian War. The battle took place on August 20th, 1794.

• Fossil Park

  address: 5675 Centennial Rd
  This public park lets visitors collect and take home fossils out of an former quarry.

• Wildwood Preserve Metropark

  address: 5100 W Central Ave

• R.A. Stranahan Arboretum

  address: 4131 Tantara Dr
  Hosts a variety of rare plants.

• Side Cut Metropark

  address: 1025 W River Rd
  A metropark containing remnants of the Ohio Erie Canal.

• Owens Community College

  phone: +1 567-661-7000
  address: 30335 Oregon Rd
  A former farm turned community college. The campus is mashup of farm remnants, post modern buildings, and the odd college facility such as a 727 aircraft in the middle of an simulated city. Hosts a number of small workshops on topics ranging from cooking to ghost hunting.

• Libbey Glass Factory Outlet

  phone: +1 419-254-5000
  address: 205 S Erie St
  Some Libbey Glass is manufactured in Toledo. Store has 16,000 square foot of dinnerware, glassware and giftware.

• Franklin Park Mall

  phone: +1 419-473-3317
  address: 5001 Monroe St
  Contains department stores, a movie theater, and 130 other restaurants and specialty shops. Smaller outlet stores can be found nearby.

• The Shops at Fallen Timbers

  address: 3100 Main St (Maumee)
  Large outdoor shopping mall

• Art Supply Depo

  phone: +1 419-720-6462
  address: 29 S Saint Clair St
  Sells art supplies and hosts exhibitions in its gallery.

• Culture Clash Records

  address: 4020 Secor Rd
  Sells and buys vinyl records. Hosts free live performances.

• Weasel's Bike and Ski Shop

  phone: +1 419-474-7412
  address: 2860 W Central Ave
  Sells and repairs bicycles. Also sells skis.

Toledo has a vibrant scene with many restaurants serving cheap but good food.
Toledo has a few local chains that don't extend far beyond the city, notably Rudy's Hot Dogs, Balance, and Gino's.

Budget

• Rudy's Hot DogsA well-known restaurant chain found throughout the Metro Toledo Area.

• Pizza Cat

  phone: +1 419-214-1640
  address: 4034 Monroe St. Toledo, OH 43606
  A small pizzeria that focuses on topping variety. Offers vegan options.

• Mr.FreezeSoft serve ice cream in huge portions for cheap prices. Try the Buckeye Blast Sundae. Cash only.

• Dragons Roost

  phone: +1 419-517-8454
  address: 6600 W Sylvania Ave
  A nerdy coffee and pastry shop that also sells tabletop and board games, with large tables to accommodate them. Offers a miniature bar for painting minis. Sells espresso, tea, and specialty drinks.

• Gino's Pizza

  phone: +1 419-472-3567
  address: 3981 Monroe St
  Local pizza chain. Sells pizza pasta, and subs.

Mid-range

• Tony Packo's

  phone: +1 419-691-6054
  address: 1902 Front St
  The original Tony Packo's, which has been serving its hometown favorites for over 70 years. Packo's Hungarian food was made world famous by several mentions on the TV series M

*A*S*H by Max Klinger (played by Toledo native Jamie Farr). They have hot dog buns signed by celebrities. If you're lucky enough to spare any amount of time here be sure to order at least one cup of chili, which is rumored to put some Cincinnati brands to shame.

• Tony Packo's at the Park

  phone: +1 419-691-6054
  address: S Superior St
  The downtown branch of this hometown chain. The staff at this location is very hospital and personable.

Balance Pan-Asian Grille

phone: +1 419 243-2222

address: 215 N Summit St

Asian fusion that combines Chinese, Indian, Thai, Japanese, and Korean influences under one roof. Sells Asian inspired bowls and tacos. Serves Bubble Tea that uses fresh tapioca bubbles and cold brewing. Has many vegetarian and vegan options.

Pizza Papalis

phone: +1 419-244-7722

address: 519 Monroe St

A Detroit-based Chicago-style deep-dish pizza chain downtown near the Mudhens stadium. Call ahead and delivery ordering available.

Inky's

phone: +1 419-476-0500

address: 3945 N Detroit Ave

Italian family restaurant.

Sidon Lebanese Grille

phone: +1 419-558-3900

address: 4625 W Bancroft St

Splurge

• Shorty's True American Roadhouse

  phone: +1 419-841-9505
  address: 5111 Monroe St
  Part of the Mancy family's string of local restaurants. Shorty's specializes in barbeque although they serve standard fare like burgers as well.

• Fowl and Fodder

  phone: +1 419-214-1588
  address: 614 Adams St
  Local restaurant that focuses on using local ingredients.

• Bangkok Kitchen

  phone: +1 419-897-7777
  address: 582 W Dussel Dr
  A Thai restaurant in a strip mall with a surprisingly nice interior. Tends to be pricier but the portions are hearty and flavorful.

• Registry Bistro

  phone: +1 419-725-0444
  address: 144 N Superior

• Kengo Sushi & Yakitori

  address: 38 S Saint Clair St

• Warehouse DistrictThe Warehouse District in downtown Toledo is an area of revitalized historic warehouses centered around the baseball and hockey stadiums. Among the popular bars and restaurants in this area are the Blarney, Ye Old Cock and Bull, Black Cloister Brewing Co., M'Osteria, Fleetwood's Tap Room, The Durty Bird, the Bronze Boar, Homeslice Pizza, and the Tin Can. The district is very walkable and most of these establishments feature live music on the weekends.

• The Blarney

  phone: +1 419-418-2339
  address: 601 Monroe St
  An Irish pub.

• Cock N Bull Tavern

  address: 9 N Huron St

• Ye Olde Durty Bird

  phone: +1 419-243-2473
  address: 2 S Saint Clair St
  Gastropub that often hosts live bands and entertainment.

• Black Cloister Brewing Company

  phone: +1 419-214-1500
  address: 619 Monroe St

The Attic on AdamsA bar in the Uptown Area popular with the younger and hipster crowds. Wide variety of draft and bottled craft beers and a varied menu. On the first floor is Mano's Greek restaurant.

Jo-Jo's

address: on Monroe St right by I-75

A bar in West Toledo known for their half-price pizzas and dollar beers. They also have free pool on Tuesdays.

The Orchard Inn

address: on Sylvania Avenue in between Douglas and Secor

A bar in West Toledo known for very intense pool games between locals. It has shuffleboard as well.

Maumee Bay Brew Pub

phone: +1 419-243-1302

address: 27 Broadway St

Craft brewery inside a historic former hotel, known for their variety of microbrews and wood-fired pizzas. A sports bar and cafe are on the first floor, and a brewpub and steakhouse on the second floor.

Budget

• Holiday Inn Toledo Maumee

  phone: +1 419-482 7777
  address: 1705 Tollgate Dr, Maumee
  Offers free WiFi, a heated indoor pool, a business center, a limited fitness center, and included breakfast. Has a restaurant on site.

Mid-range

• Wingate by Wyndham Sylvania

  phone: +1 419-517-2000
  address: 5480 S Main St, Sylvania
  Offers free WiFi, breakfast, a fitness center, and a business center. Rooms have HD flatscreen TVs.

• Maumee Bay Lodge & Conference Center

  phone: +1 419-836-1466
  address: 1750 State Park Rd #2
  The lodge is along the shore of Lake Erie with a two-story stone fireplace. The 120 guest rooms with private balconys gives a views of the surrounding park.

• Radison Hotel at the University of Toledo

  phone: +1 419-381-6800
  address: 3100 Glendale Ave
  Offers included WiFi, an indoor pool, and a fitness center. It's at the University of Toledo medical campus, which is a fair distance from the main campus. Has a sports bar on site.

Splurge

• Park Inn by Radisson

  phone: +1 419-241-3000
  address: 101 N Summit St
  Tallest hotel in Downtown Toledo with sweeping river views and Fifth Third Field - home of the Toledo Mud Hens

• Renaissance Toledo Downtown Hotel

  phone: +1 419-244-2444
  address: 444 N Summit St
  Offers free WiFi in the lobby.

Drive with caution during the winter. Black ice can easily form on the roads due to the closeness of the lake

Toledo has two primary area codes: 419 is the original area code, and 516 is the newer area code. You must dial the area code for all numbers.
Zip codes follow the 436xx format.

• Toledo-Lucas County Public Library

  phone: +1 419-259 5200
  address: 325 Michigan St
  Beyond books, the Toledo Public Library offers Wi-Fi, computers, printing, a mini makerspace, and a video game room. With a library card you can check out DSLRs, action cameras, and camcorders - useful if you lost or forgot your camera. Hosts a variety of events ranging from visiting authors, to cooking and nature shows. Some services are limited to specific branches.

• Toledo Main Post Office

  phone: +1-419-245-6802
  address: 435 S Saint Clair St

Newspapers

• The Blade

  phone: +1 419-724-6000
  address: 541 N Superior St
  Toledo's daily newspaper. First published in 1835, The Blade is the oldest business operating in Toledo, and has won a Pulitzer Prize for investigative reporting. The Blade covers ongoing events in the local area, as well as some national stories.

• The Independent Collegian

  phone: +1 419-530-7788
  address: 2801 W Bancroft St
  A weekly student newspaper run independently by University of Toledo students.

Radio

• WGTE-FM

  phone: +1 419-380-4600
  address: 1270 S Detroit Ave
  Toledo's public radio station. Airs NPR and PRI content.

• WXUT-FM

  phone: +1 419-530-4172
  Alternative rock from the University of Toledo. Also broadcasts Toledo Rockets sports.

• WXTS-FMA Jazz station operated by Toledo City Schools.

Television

• WGTE-TVToledo's public television station. Airs HD content from PBS, Create, and the Ohio Channel.

• Michigan is just north of town and Detroit is one hour north on I-75.
• Perrysburg is a well to do suburb south of Toledo.
• Bowling Green is a small college town just south of Toledo on I-75.
• Cedar Point amusement park is about one hour east in Sandusky.
• Cleveland is a couple hours east on I-90 and the Ohio Turnpike.
• Along the southern shore of Lake Erie are a large number of public North Coast Beaches. The beach at Maumee Bay State Park in Oregon, just east of Toledo is one of the nicest.
• Located east of Toledo and west of Cleveland, a group of picturesque and festive Lake Erie Islands are accessible via ferry. Ohio Route 2 East Exit 163 North Port Clinton for the Jet Express or Ohio Route 53 North for the car ferry out to Put-in-Bay. In addition to several Ohio State Parks on the islands, there is plenty to do including wineries, restaurants, bars, marinas and beaches.