13 Last Minute Summer Trips from Toledo, Ohio

Posted on July 20, 2018

by Angela B

I thought the Trips from Toledo series was finished, but I keep hearing about fun new places to explore this summer. I hope you enjoy travelling to these destinations as much as I do!

Summer Daytrips from Toledo, Ohio

Short Trips: Under 100 Miles

1. Tecumseh, Michigan (45 miles from Toledo, Ohio)

Find some summer adventure paddling down the crooked Raisin River. Not the adventurous type? Try searching for some treasures for your home at the antique mall and then test your etiquette at the British Tea Garden.

2. Lakeside, Ohio (52 miles from Toledo, Ohio)

Hidden away is the historic Lakeside district, founded in 1873 by the Methodist Church as a vacation resort. The private district is open to the public during the summer for a fee. Lakeside has shopping, dining, overnight accommodations and a calendar full of events.

3. Tipton, Michigan (52 miles from Toledo, Ohio)

At Hidden Lake Garden you can travel the 755-acre grounds to view the exotic plants, conservatory, Bonsai collection and more. Stop at the Tip Top Café on the way home back to Toledo for some good diner grub.

4. Jackson, Michigan (67 miles from Toledo, Ohio)

On the outside, Tecumseh seems like a sleepy town, but it won’t seem so sleepy after you go skydiving. Also, tour the vacant jail and Cascade Falls. On your way home, relax by the water at The Beach Bar or The Pointe Bar and Grill on Clark Lake.

5. Bloomfield Hills, Michigan (79 miles from Toledo, Ohio)

Cranbrook Educational Center is full of beautiful architecture, interesting art, manicured gardens and more. Founded in 1904, the 319-acre campus is open to visitors year-round. If you stay the night, check out this list of charming local bed and breakfasts.

6. Vermilion, Ohio (83 miles from Toledo, Ohio)

This peaceful harbor town is the perfect place to spend a summer day. Visit the lighthouse, watch the sailboats glide across the sparkling water and attend the various festivals/concerts. Don’t leave before experiencing the Mystic Belle Scenic River Cruise.

7. Avon, Ohio (97 miles from Toledo, Ohio)

Need to get out of the heat? Play CLE is the largest indoor adventure park in the nation! Play CLE has indoor ziplines, a ropes course, bouldering walls and more. Café Piccolo is the perfect spot for a lovely Italian lunch on the patio.

Mid-Sized Trips: 100-200 Miles

8. South Bend, Indiana (156 miles from Toledo, Ohio)

Who knew that there is so much to do in South Bend? Magnificent night river lights, whitewater rafting in the middle of the city, various museums, the Farmer’s Market, and of course, the beautiful campus of the University of Notre Dame.

9. Granville, Ohio (186 miles from Toledo, Ohio)

This New England style town is known for its cosmopolitan country ways. Tour the town’s art shops, stay at one of the many boutique inns and taste Ohio’s best old-fashioned frozen custard.

10. Jamestown, Pennsylvania (195 miles from Toledo, Ohio)

Interested in camping somewhere new this summer? Try Pymatuning State Park on the Pymatuning Reservoir. This park has 16,892-acres featuring boat rentals, fishing, swimming, an amphitheater, over 400 campsites and more.

Longer Trips: Over 200 Miles

11. Monticello, Indiana (205 miles from Toledo, Ohio)

On the Tippecanoe River you will find a cute little resort town with a beach, amusement park, camp grounds, golf courses and more. Stop at the Hoppy Gnome on the way home through Fort Wayne. Their street tacos come highly recommended.

12. Kewadin, Michigan (298 miles from Toledo, Ohio)

Looking for that turquoise blue water from the Bahamas this summer, but can’t afford to travel halfway across the world? Then Torch Lake is the place to be, famous for its tranquil teal blue waters. The drive might be long, but it sure is worth it.

13. Petoskey, Michigan (503 miles from Toledo, Ohio)

There’s a lot to do in Petoskey, like museums, shopping and the Lower Peninsula’s only whitewater rafting. However, the best thing to do in Petoskey is to find a nice spot by the water and unwind!

Stay at the Perry Hotel and you might be lucky enough to see the Lady of the North ghost.

BONUS: Travel 30 miles north to get to the quirky Polish restaurant, Legs Inn and eat in the scenic outdoor garden on Lake Michigan.


Travel Books @ Your Library

Web Resources for Travel

Ohio – Find It Here Attractions, Events and Things to do in Ohio.

Pure Michigan Things to do, places to stay, trip ideas, events and featured destinations in Michigan.

Visit Indiana Things to do, lodging, food & drink, events and trip ideas in Indiana

Visit PA Attractions, activities, events, local resources, campgrounds, hotels/motels, restaurants, maps and outdoor recreation in Pennsylvania.


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


Featured Image Collage (photo credits): Top-left: Hidden Lake Garden in Tipton, Michigan – photo by F.D. Richards Top-right: Cranbrook Art Museum in Bloomfield Hills – photo by Meadowgate Bottom: Petosky Pier – photo by Scottb211


Disclaimer: The information included in this blog post is for educational purpose only. The Toledo Lucas County Public Library does not endorse any businesses featured in this blog post.


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