Toledo City is a hidden gem in Northwestern Ohio. Over the years, visitors have overlooked the city because of more popular cities like Columbus and Cleveland. Tourists would often skip Toledo when visiting the State of Ohio.
But like any other major city in the US, Toledo is worth visiting. The City of Toledo offers your in-door and out-door malls, green spaces, gardens, sports arenas, and museums. Toledo has become a city destination with plenty of fun things to do and discover.
So, take some time, and read this well-curated list of +12 Things to do in Toledo without a car:
List of Contents
Canal Experience at Providence Metropark
Locals and tourists will never miss a chance to see the Providence Metropark in Toledo City. Aside from the beautiful scenery and natural wonder, the park offers an opportunity to step back through its Canal Experience. The experience is a delight; you can ride on an old canal boat, visit a historic mill, and explore Toledo’s heritage center.
The canal at the Providence Metropark was an important commercial area in the past. It helped transport goods and people between the city of Cincinnati and Toledo. The canal connects Toledo’s central lake, Lake Erie, to the Ohio River.
The canal became a major tourist attraction and a landmark of America’s waterways with this historical significance. You can stroll along the Towpath Trail and see the Isaac Ludwig Mill. You also have the chance to extend your tour by traversing the trail to Bend View Metropark and Farnsworth Metropark through the canal.
Tony Packo’s Cafe
Tony Packo’s Cafe is something not to miss when you visit Toledo. The cafe is located at 1902 Front Street, Toledo, OH, and has been the locals’ favorite since it opened in 1932. The place serves authentic Hungarian food and is more famous for its hotdogs.
The cafe is not only locally renowned but has been recognized all over the country. Tony Packo’s Cafe is regularly mentioned in various episodes of the hit T.V. series M.A.S.H. in the 70s. The endorsement helped the restaurant earn fame and patrons through the years.
Besides its famous hotdogs, there are other must-try dishes in Tony. The Sweet Hot Pickles and spicy chilis with pierogies are some of its greatest hits. You should also explore the restaurant’s interior and see the signed hotdog buns adorning its walls. Check out the autographs of Barack Obama and Burt Reynolds on your visit here.
Toledo Zoo & Aquarium
Toledo also has something in store for you and your family for a child-friendly destination.
The Toledo Zoo & Aquarium is home to various animals from different parts of the world. Since its opening in 1900, the zoo has expanded massively and increased the number of individual animals to more than 10,000.
The zoo has sections dedicated mainly to animals from Asia and Africa. Other areas you can explore are the Primate Forest or Penguin Beach, where you can have an unforgettable experience with these adorable creatures.
There are animal conservation programs you can participate in to make your stay more fulfilling. There are permanent exhibits and activities like an animal petting zone, a safari railway, and an aerial adventure course open for young and old. Like the Summer Concert Series and The Lights Before Christmas, seasonal activities are also available.
Fifth Third Field
For sports enthusiasts, Toledo is also a must-visit destination. You will find the Fifth Third Field downtown Toledo where it is considered one of the best minor league ballparks in America. The Fifth Third Field is a venue where you can watch huge sports events.
The ballpark is home to Toledo Mud Hens showcasing thrilling and exciting sports. The place offers you state-of-the-art facilities such as massive L.E.D. Screen displays, comfortable seats, and two ribbon scoreboards. There are food stalls around the area to keep you full while watching your favorite Toledo team.
The Fifth Third Field is a must-see destination to experience everything about Toledo sports. Watch the Toledo Mud Hens in their baseball game, and experience the world-class facilities at the Fifth Third Field. Make sure you also support the Triple-A Affiliate of the Detroit Tigers, which is among the loudest league in the state.
Wildwood Manor House
The Wildwood Manor House is within the Wildwood Preserve Metropark in Toledo, Ohio.
It was built in 1983 for the extremely wealthy family, Stranahan.
The house has been an iconic landmark of the city because of its exceptional architecture and sophisticated interior.
The manor house features Georgian Colonial-style architecture with elegant and classic furnishings inside. You will be fascinated by how massive the property is, expanding by more than 30,000 square feet. It is open for event celebrations, meetings, and private functions because of its enormity.
It would help to visit this historic estate in Toledo to see a long-standing structure from the 1930s. You can explore more than 50 rooms and 16 fireplaces in the vicinity. By visiting this manor house alone, you will be impressed by how regal Georgian Colonial-style architecture is.
Toledo Lighthouse Tour
If you want a unique Toledo city experience, you can take an opportunity to join Toledo Lighthouse Tour. The lighthouse is five miles off the shore of Maumee Bay State Park. The tour is accessible by boat, which you can share with a small group of people.
The Toledo Lighthouse is a shipping channel between Lake Erie and Maumee Bay. It holds historical significance because of its role as one of the most important shipping channels in the state. The design of the lighthouse itself is already an exhibit given its Romanesque style architecture, which you can trace from the 1900s.
Once you reach the lighthouse, climb a rung ladder that could take up to 76 steps to get to the tower. Then, see the fantastic view of Lake Erie from the building, and experience pleasant weather at the top.
Toledo Speedway
If you are someone fascinated by cars, the Toledo Speedway is a worthy destination. The Speedway is a half-mile paved oval racetrack owned by Roy Mott and Ron Drager. The Toledo Speedway is also a sister track to Michigan’s Flat Rock Speedway.
There are plenty of enjoyable things to catch at Toledo Speedway from day until night. You can create a fun evening at the venue and see a stock race where cars fill the oval tracks and speedily showcase their powerful engines. Rusty Wallace Racing Experience is also open for walk-ins, where you can get behind the wheel and take several laps around the track.
Toledo Speedway is a dream destination for every racecar enthusiast. It already hosted the ‘fastest short track show in the world and is continuously a venue for significant car racing events like the ARCA Menards Series East in 2020.
Maumee Bay Brew Pub
If you want a place where you can have an authentic drinking experience in Toledo, you should head straight to the Maumee Bay Brew Pub. It is a successful pub chain located at the High-Level Bridge near the Oliver House. Since its establishment in 1995, the pub has served tasty beers and ciders to locals and tourists.
The drinks are crafted from its in-house 15 BBL copper brewhouse. The Brewhouse is also displayed at its main brewpub, where you can see its unique brewing process. Here, you can witness their delightful beers’ canning, bottling, and kegging.
There are many exciting things to do at the Brew Pub with loved ones and friends. Aside from its rustic and inviting ambiance, the food served here is to die for. You can enjoy drinking beer and delicious pizzas, burgers, and steak during your visit.
Hollywood Casino Toledo
Please do not miss going to the Hollywood Casino Toledo for a fun and entertainment-filled night. It is a premium casino featuring 2,000 slot machines, several world-class restaurants, and live entertainment. You will appreciate the facilities at Hollywood Casino Toledo from its poker room, table games, and casino machines.
You will find the casino on Miami Street near the banks of the Maumee River. Aside from the slots machines and winning cash, the casino is an exciting venue to watch live performances and exceptional talent acts. You will never run out of fantastic stuff to do here throughout the night.
Bring your friends and celebrate a special occasion at the Hollywood Casino Toledo. Check out the Grill & H Lounge for some live entertainment acts or play a game at its live poker room. If you are hungry, visit the Final Cut Steak & Seafood or the Epic Buffet.
Old West End District
You can get to know one of Toledo’s historic districts – Old West End. It is a historic neighborhood surrounded by 1800s mansions and structures featuring Edwardian and Victorian-style architecture.
The Old West End is considered the largest neighborhood east of Mississippi, with a stunning display of classic Victorian and Edwardian house designs. Most of the structures and houses span 1,200 to 10,000 square feet. They are massive, adding to the entire district’s elegant ambiance.
Enjoy your visit to the Old West End District and attend festivals available all year round. There are garage sales, live entertainment, and unlimited food that add to the fun and excitement of the celebration if you visit it during a festival. Never miss photographing these stunning mansions dating from the 19th to 20th centuries.
Oak Opening Preserve
If you seek a place of respite, Toledo, Ohio, has a special place for you – The Oak Opening Preserve. It is a nature preserve under the management and supervision of the Metroparks Toledo. Some locals would argue that the place is the largest and the most beautiful preserve among the twelve listings of the Toledo Metroparks.
The Oak Opening Preserve is an oak savanna ecosystem comprised of wetland and vegetated dunes. It is a 5,000-acre property with a public treehouse village, campgrounds, and cabins for visitors and tourists. With these facilities, you can bring your family and have quality time while marveling at the beauty of the surroundings.
You can do several exciting things in the area, especially if you visit it during summer. You can hike, cycle, and horseback ride around its dedicated trails. During the migration season, you can also spend some time birdwatching and catching the bluebirds’ splendid beauty, whippoorwills, and indigo buntings.
Toledo Firefighters Museum
Another iconic landmark in the city is the Toledo Firefighters Museum. The museum was founded in 1976 to preserve the history and heritage of the Toledo Fire Division. It has an extensive display of firefighting equipment, memorabilia, and firefighting photographs.
Upon entering the museum, you will initially see significant exhibits like the desk and tape register, sleeping quarters, and antique fire toys. The museum also showcases well-curated items that retell the history and narratives of the Toledo Fire Division.
Take some time to turn the pages of scrapbooks, journals, and vintage photos as part of the permanent collection of the Toledo Firefighter’s Museum. Do not miss the 9-11 display of the museum commemorating the tragedy of the New York disaster in 2001, too.
Toledo may be an underrated city, but this list proved that the city is worth visiting. It offers many things, from sports parks, museums, and nature preserves.
To give you the best of Toledo, we made sure that the list is comprehensive and offers a variety that will suit any traveler.
If you have something you want to add to this list, you can comment below, and we will be happy to hear from you soon. Let’s talk.