Maumee Bay State Park

Maumee Bay State Park offers 1,336 acres of not only the finest of recreational facilities in the Midwest, but also a unique natural environment created by the convergence of the land and Lake Erie.

The lodge, cottages and golf course are nestled among the scenic meadows, wet woods and lush marshes teeming with wildlife. The balance of recreational facilities with the natural world gives visitors a diverse experience in a coastal environment.

History:

Thirteen thousand years ago, Lake Erie was much larger than it is today - stretching from western New York to Fort Wayne, Indiana. As the lake receded to its present size, a great flat plain was formed (120 miles long and 30 to 40 miles wide). This area became known as the Great Black Swamp due to the color of the soil and dark shade beneath the trees. The Indians settled only near the well-drained lands beside the Maumee River and its tributaries.

For many years, the swamp was a tremendous barrier to western settlement. Most settlers traveled by boat on Lake Erie to reach southern Michigan. Major cities of the area circled the perimeter of the swamp; none lay within it except Bowling Green. In 1859, a law was passed providing for a system of public ditches to drain the land. By 1870, the swamp was still only half cleared. Eventually, after a period of intense lumbering and draining, the swamp had nearly vanished and the area became a major agricultural region.

Acquisition of park lands began in 1974 with matching funds from the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Maumee Bay officially became a state park in 1975.

Camping

252 electric sites
Shower houses (heated), flush toilets, electricity and playground equipment are available
The campsites are open and spacious and border natural meadows and ponds which are open to fishing for campers only
Pet camping is also permitted on designated sites
Five miles of asphalt "bicycle/pedestrian" trails provide access to most of the day-use areas
Bike rental, a basketball court and horseshoe pits are available
Registered campers can borrow games and sporting equipment from the camp office

Activities

Archery

A 7-lane archery range with a combination of static bag and 3D targets is open every day, sunrise to sunset, for free. Shooters are reminded that only field points are allowed, no broadheads.

Boating

A 32-slip marina on Lake Erie has dockage available by reservation. A 57-acre inland lake in the park is suitable for sailing, canoeing and other non-motorized boat use. A life jacket loaner board is located at the inland lake.

Fishing

Lake Erie, known as the "walleye capital of the world," offers some of the best fishing opportunities in the midwest. Great catches of walleye, channel catfish, freshwater drum, smallmouth bass and yellow perch delight the fisherman.

The man-made inland lake near the lodge offers good pan fishing opportunities with two wheelchair accessible fishing piers and the small pond, located near parking area #7, is designated as a kid-friendly family fishing area.

A valid Ohio fishing license is required.

Golf

Maumee Bay's unique 18-hole "Scottish Links" style golf course has low, rolling mounds, bent grass fairways, greens and tees, numerous sand bunkers and ponds A golf pro-shop is in operation with a PGA certified professional on staff.

Hunting

Hunting is permitted in adjacent Mallard Club Marsh Wildlife Area. A valid Ohio hunting license is required

Nature Center

Trautman Nature Center located just a few hundred yards from Maumee Bay Lodge is equipped with inter-active displays, a programming auditorium, research laboratory and viewing windows. It is a state-of-the-art nature center staffed by a year-round naturalist. Learn about the park’s history as the site of numerous significant Native American events, and why the Maumee Bay area was once known as the Great Black Swamp. A boardwalk trail is adjacent to the nature center.

Picnicking

Picnic areas with tables and grills can be found adjacent to the beach areas.

Swimming

The park features two sand beaches -- on the Lake Erie shore and along the park's inland lake. A concession area and changing booths are provided. A large lakeside amphitheater lies between the two beaches. Swimming is permitted in designated areas. Please exercise caution while swimming at the beach.

Trails

Maumee Bay State Park is home to several miles of trails that will take you through swamp and marsh wetlands, open meadows, ponds and beaches. The nature center’s interpretive boardwalk trail is wheelchair accessible. Enjoy great views of Lake Erie while you hike or bike. A multipurpose trail is open to hiking and cross-country skiing.

Inland Lake (paved-biking & jogging) - 3.0 miles
Interpretive Boardwalk (hiking) ADA accessible - 2.0 miles
Multi-Use Trail - 2.5 miles
Mouse Trail (hiking) - 2.5 Miles - Easy

Winter Recreation

Under the proper winter conditions, park guests can enjoy cross-country skiing on the Mouse Trail, winter nature hikes, ice skating, and sledding on the area's top-rated sledding hill.

Boat rental
Bike rental
Basketball, volleyball, pickleball and gagaball courts
Butterfly gazebo