There are only a limited amount of warm and sunny days left and what better way to spend those days than on a road trip? Hopefully, this list can show you a few new places to have an adventure. This is part of the Trips from Toledo blog post series.

Summer Daytrips from Toledo, Ohio

Short Trips: Under 100 Miles

1. Elmore, Ohio (19 miles from Toledo, Ohio) Schedel Arboretum & Gardens is a 17 acre garden estate with Japanese inspired pagodas, lanterns, and Torii gate. In 1955, Joe Schedel developed the gardens including a 30 foot waterfall, stream feature, bridges and garden with 80 different varieties of roses. Afterwards, follow the Portage River 7 minutes southwest to pick up some chow at the retro diner, Speedtrap, in Woodville, Ohio. Photo by Schedel Arboretum & Gardens (Elmore, Ohio).

2. Gibsonburg, Ohio (26 miles from Toledo, Ohio) White Star Park is a hidden gem in Northwest Ohio. With sunbathing on white sand, scuba diving in turquoise water and 797 acres of parkland, the locals will sure be upset to see their secret revealed. Photo by Sandusky County Parks.

3. Ann Arbor, Michigan (54 miles from Toledo, Ohio) Scenic kayaking and rafting on the Huron River, right through the middle of the busy city? Yup! Navigate the thrilling cascades and then dock your boat at Island Park to enjoy some sun and swim in the crystal clear waters. This will certainly be the most fun you’ll have all summer! Before heading home, make sure to dine on salmon burgers, smoked mussels and some oysters at Monahan’s Seafood Market. BONUS: Visit River Lures in Grand Rapids, Ohio if you want to cut your driving time in half. Photo of the Huron River (Ann Arbor, Michigan), Copyright 2016 Rami Krispin.

Mid-Sized Trips: 100-200 Miles

4. Fort Wayne, Indiana (102 miles from Toledo, Ohio) For those that like to visit libraries while on vacation, Allen County Public Library is must see! With the country’s largest public genealogy department, a theater, art gallery, bookstore, marker lab, radio station, TV station and even a Dunkin Donuts, everyone will be thoroughly impressed and envious. Fort Wayne also has a nice children’s zoo, art museum and plenty of shopping. Photo by Saginaw Genealogical Society.

5. West Liberty, Ohio (105 from Toledo, Ohio) The Ohio Caverns is a wonderful little trip in which you enter into the historical and whimsical. While in the caverns, you will meet the 400 pound Crystal King, one of the biggest pure white stalactites in the world. BONUS: Visit Seneca Caverns in Bellevue, Ohio if you want to cut your driving time in half. Photo by Ohio Caverns, Inc.

6. Columbus, Ohio (125 miles from Toledo, Ohio) Columbus has a lot to offer travelers. One highlight is the North Market, full of fresh produce, meats, desserts and items from various cultures. BONUS: If you love this market, try the West Side Market in Cleveland as well. Photo of North Market (Columbus, Ohio) by Angela Bronson.

7. Shipshewana, Indiana (126 miles from Toledo, Ohio) Chicken dinners, flea markets and JoJo’s Pretzels at the Davis Mercantile … need I say more? Photo by Davis Mercantile.

8. Chagrin Falls, Ohio (128 miles from Toledo, Ohio) If you go to the South Chagrin Reservation, a Metropark of Cleveland, during the summer you will find people going down the river on inner tubes, standing in the waterfalls and fishing. Spending time here will be the most relaxing stretch of the entire summer! Photo by Cleveland Metroparks.

Longer Trips: Over 200 Miles

9. Saugatuck, Michigan (221 miles from Toledo, Ohio) Saugatuck is a little artsy town on the east coast of Lake Michigan. While there, visit the beautiful Oval Beach for a quick swim before you head off for a drive upon the dunes. Stop over at the art galleries on Water Street then get a ride on the only chain ferry in America. Photo by Felicia Fairchild.

10. Coudersport, Pennsylvania (345 miles from Toledo, Ohio) If you want to spend the night under the most spectacular star viewing site on the eastern seaboard at Cherry Springs State Park, this is absolutely worth your time. Just make sure it is a new moon and clear sky. Photo by David Parmet.

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For more information about travelling out from Toledo, Ohio — check out these books from our catalog:

Toledo Library Travel Blog Posts

Trips from Toledo Series

School’s Out, It Must Be Vacation Time

Haunted Midwest Travel for Those Who Dare!

Top Tourist Spots Around the World

Ohio Travel

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