Located on the site of the original Birmingham School, constructed in 1916, this 3-acre MetroPark preserves the memory of the village’s educational heritage. The school served local students for decades before being demolished in 1996, but the park now offers visitors a charming blend of recreation and history. Enjoy the gazebo, baseball diamond, and playground while reflecting on the generations of students who once walked these grounds.

Nestled along the Vermilion River, Schoepfle Garden is a 70-acre botanical and woodland gem with deep historical roots. Established in 1936 by Otto Schoepfle, a banker and passionate horticulturist, the garden reflects nearly six decades of his vision, inspired by European travels and his love of landscape design.

Otto Schoepfle personally cultivated formal gardens, topiaries, shade gardens, and wooded trails, creating a living legacy of artistry and nature. In 1969, he donated the property to Lorain County Metro Parks, ensuring the preservation of his work for future generations. Today, visitors can explore scenic walking trails, the musically themed children’s garden, and remnants of the original historic estate, all while experiencing the blend of history, horticulture, and community dedication that makes Schoepfle Garden a treasure.

This building, now home to Bay View’s Village Hall and Police Department, originally served as an Ohio State Highway Patrol post monitoring traffic near the Sandusky Bay Bridge (1929-1984). Founded in 1933, the Patrol helped make Ohio’s highways safer through traffic enforcement, accident prevention, and public safety initiatives. Today, the building stands as a tangible reminder of Bay View’s evolving community life, bridging its law enforcement past with its role in local governance.

Photo credit: Village of Bay View

Founded in 1892, the Medusa Portland Cement Company was a cornerstone of Bay View’s industrial past. Nestled on the southern shore of Sandusky Bay, the plant took advantage of local marl and clay deposits to produce high-quality Portland cement, fueling the growth of homes, schools, highways, and infrastructure across northern Ohio.

At its height, the Bay View plant employed hundreds of residents and contributed significantly to the community’s economy and identity. In 1924, the company adopted the name Medusa, inspired by the strength of stone, and expanded operations across multiple states.

The plant closed in 1960 due to a combination of economic and industrial factors common to mid-20th-century manufacturing, but its legacy remains. Visitors can still see remnants of the facility — including historic silos — and a nearby historical marker commemorates the company’s impact on Bay View and Erie County, Ohio. Today, the site stands as a tangible reminder of the village’s industrial roots and the role it played in shaping the region.

Photo credit: Sandusky Library History Blog and Erie Co Historical Society

When it opened in 1929, the Sandusky Bay Bridge was hailed as an engineering marvel and a gateway to northern Ohio. Spanning nearly two miles with long causeways and a central lift span, it was the longest bridge-and-causeway in Ohio and the first direct automobile link across Sandusky Bay.

For decades, travelers crossed this route between Erie and Ottawa counties, paying a modest toll that funded its upkeep. The bridge helped knit together communities, supported commerce, and became a symbol of progress in the automobile age.

By the mid-1960s, growing traffic demands led to the construction of the Thomas A. Edison Memorial Bridge, and the Bay Bridge gradually faded from daily use. In 1985, its center span was removed for safety, leaving the causeways as reminders of its storied past.

Repurposed today as public fishing piers, birdwatching lookouts, and scenic walkways. Visitors can still stroll where cars once crossed, enjoying wide views of the Sandusky Bay and the same fresh breezes that greeted travelers nearly a century ago.

The Sandusky Bay Bridge stands in memory as both a triumph of early 20th-century innovation and a beloved chapter in the region’s history.

Once a bustling limestone quarry, Castalia Quarry MetroPark now offers a peaceful escape into nature while preserving the area’s industrial past. Operated from the early 20th century and supplying stone for major Ohio projects, the quarry closed in the 1960s and was transformed into a public park in 1987. Today, visitors can explore hiking trails, glacial grooves, fossil-rich limestone formations, and scenic overlooks, all amid restored native habitats. The park is a unique blend of geology, history, and conservation, showcasing both the region’s natural beauty and its industrial heritage.

Flowing through Castalia, Cold Creek has shaped the village’s history for over two centuries. Its steady, spring-fed waters powered Snow’s Grist Mill, built in 1830 by the resilient Snow family—whose early members were tragically killed in the 1813 Snow family massacre. The creek’s pristine flow later made it ideal for fish propagation, inspiring the creation of Ohio’s first state fish hatchery in 1901. Today, Cold Creek stands as a living link between Castalia’s pioneer past, early industry, and conservation legacy.

In 1830, Isaac and Eliphalet Snow built a grist mill along Cold Creek, its steady, spring-fed waters powering a vital service for local farmers. The Snow family were among Castalia’s earliest settlers, though their story includes tragedy: in 1813, during the War of 1812, several family members were killed in the Snow family massacre. Despite this loss, the survivors rebuilt, and the mill became a cornerstone of community life.

Today, while the mill is gone, a historical marker along State Route 101 honors the site. The Snow family’s legacy continues at Castalia Cemetery, where several members are buried alongside early settlers and Civil War veterans. Together, these sites tell a story of hardship, resilience, and the enduring spirit of Castalia’s pioneers.

Dating back to the early 1800s, Castalia Cemetery is the final resting place for many of the community’s earliest settlers and veterans. At its center stands the Soldiers Monument, dedicated in 1904 to honor more than 260 local men who served in the Civil War. With its historic gravestones and peaceful setting, the cemetery offers a quiet reflection on the lives and sacrifices that shaped Castalia’s past.

The Blue Hole, once a popular tourist attraction in Castalia, is a natural artesian spring fed by Cold Creek. Famous for its brilliant blue color and nearly bottomless appearance, it drew thousands of visitors from the 1920s through the 1980s. The spring’s constant water temperature and quality made it ideal for fish propagation, which led to the establishment of the Castalia State Fish Hatchery in 1901.

The hatchery, Ohio’s first state fish hatchery, used the Blue Hole’s waters to raise and distribute trout and other fish speciesr across the state, supporting both conservation and recreational fishing. Today, while the Blue Hole itself is no longer open to the public, the hatchery remains operational, providing a living connection between Castalia’s natural wonder and its early 20th-century conservation efforts. Today, the Castalia State Fish Hatchery continues to raise trout and other fish, preserving the legacy of conservation and recreation that began with the Blue Hole. Together, they offer a unique glimpse into Castalia’s natural wonders and early 20th-century environmental stewardship.

Dating back to the early 1800s, the Kelleys Island Cemetery is the final resting place of the island’s founding families, including the Kelley family, and veterans from the Civil War and other conflicts. Original limestone markers and historic gravestones offer a glimpse into early island life, while the cemetery itself serves as a quiet reminder of the community’s roots and enduring history. Visitors interested in genealogy or local heritage will find it a meaningful stop on the island.

The German Reformed Church, built in 1866, is the oldest surviving building on Kelleys Island. Today, it forms part of the Kelleys Island History Museum, along with the parsonage constructed in 1888. Visitors to the museum can explore exhibits highlighting the island’s Native American, quarrying, and settlement history, gaining insight into the lives of early residents and the island’s evolution over the past 150+ years. The museum is open Mid-May to mid-Oct.

On the south shore of Kelleys Island sits Inscription Rock, a massive limestone boulder covered in ancient Native American petroglyphs. Likely carved less than 1,000 years ago, the images may have recorded stories, marked seasonal events, or served as a message stone for travelers. Discovered in 1833, the carvings have weathered over time, but a protective shelter and replica nearby help visitors imagine their original detail. Today, Inscription Rock offers a rare and fascinating glimpse into the island’s earliest human history.

Located within Kelleys Island State Park, the Glacial Grooves are some of the largest and best-preserved in the world. Formed around 18,000 years ago during the last Ice Age, massive glaciers carved deep, parallel grooves into the island’s limestone bedrock. Visitors can explore the grooves via paved paths and observation platforms, with interpretive signage explaining their formation and geological significance. A National Natural Landmark, the preserve offers a unique glimpse into Earth’s prehistoric past.

Nickel Plate Beach in Huron offers scenic views of Lake Erie and the Huron Lighthouse along a historic stretch of shoreline. Established in 1958 on land leased from the New York, Chicago and St. Louis Railroad—commonly known as the Nickel Plate Road—the beach’s name honors the railroad that played a vital role in connecting towns and supporting commerce in northern Ohio. Today, the beach features picnic shelters, a playground, sand volleyball courts, and accessible walking areas, making it a popular spot for families and visitors.

Nickel Plate Beach got its name from the New York, Chicago and St. Louis Railroad, which was popularly known as the “Nickel Plate Road.” The railroad earned the nickname because it was considered a “shiny new” and fast line when it was built in 1881, implying something sleek and valuable—like a nickel-plated item. When the village of Huron leased the land from the railroad in 1958 to create a public beach, the name Nickel Plate Beach honored the railroad that had historically shaped commerce, travel, and development along northern Ohio’s Lake Erie shoreline. It’s both a tribute to local history and a nod to the role railroads played in connecting Lake Erie communities.

Located in Huron near the shores of Lake Erie, BGSU Firelands was established in 1965 to expand access to higher education in northern Ohio. Its name, “Firelands,” honors the region’s history as land set aside for Connecticut residents who suffered losses during the American Revolution. Today, the campus serves as a regional center for associate and bachelor’s programs, continuing its mission of providing accessible education while connecting students to the community’s rich heritage.

The James H. McBride Arboretum in Huron, Ohio, is a living tribute to the region's natural beauty and educational legacy. Established in 1983 and named after Dr. James H. McBride, the first dean of Bowling Green State University's Firelands College, the arboretum spans nearly 50 acres adjacent to the college campus.

Just east of Huron, Old Woman Creek is a rare freshwater estuary where the creek meets Lake Erie. Historically used by Native Americans for fishing and wild rice harvesting, the estuary later supported early settlers as a source of food and water. Today, it’s a protected research reserve and educational site, featuring walking trails, observation platforms, and interpretive signage that showcase its rich ecological and cultural history.

Located along the shores of Lake Erie in Huron, Sheldon Marsh is one of Ohio’s last remaining coastal wetlands. Designated as a State Nature Preserve in 1969, the area spans over 1,000 acres of marsh, forests, and dunes. Historically, the marsh played a vital role in supporting local Native American communities and early European settlers by providing fish, wild rice, and waterfowl. Today, Sheldon Marsh is recognized for its ecological importance and offers walking trails, birdwatching opportunities, and interpretive signage that highlight both its natural and historical significance.

Before the modern highways, visitors traveling from Huron, Ohio to Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio relied on a historic route that connected the villages along Lake Erie’s shore. This original roadway, now largely incorporated into local streets and county roads, was critical for early tourism and commerce, allowing families to access the lakefront amusement park long before the era of automobiles. The route helped shape the development of Huron and Vermilion as vacation destinations, linking communities along the Lake Erie shoreline and preserving a connection to the region’s recreational history.

Nestled on the shores of Lake Erie in Vermilion, Linwood Park has been a cherished summer retreat since 1884. Originally established by the Evangelical Association for family gatherings and religious events, the park features historic cottages, shaded walkways, and a private beach. Visitors today can enjoy its seasonal amenities while appreciating the charm and history of one of Vermilion’s oldest lakeside destinations.

Please note, Linwood Park welcomes guests, however, it is a private family park and gate fee is required to enjoy the facilities. Please see https://linwoodparkcompany.com/ for info.

A public art initiative that features 15 large-scale murals depicting vintage scenes and local history from the town's past. These murals are recreations of historic postcards that showcase Vermilion as a popular vacation destination over the years.

The murals are spread across the town, with 10 located in the historic downtown district, making for a walkable tour, and the remaining 5 situated along the eastern corridor, accessible by foot or car. One of these murals depicts the Crystal Beach Ballroom, a central attraction of the former Crystal Beach Park, which was known for hosting big bands like Guy Lombardo and Duke Ellington during its heyday.

To explore the Postcard Project, visitors can obtain a keepsake tour guide for a suggested donation of $5 at Main Street Vermilion, located at 685 Main Street. The guide includes a map of each mural's location and a brief history behind each scene.

The Postcard Project offers a unique opportunity to experience Vermilion's rich history through art and is a must-see for anyone interested in the town's heritage.

Crystal Beach Park, operating from 1907-1962, was Vermilion’s premier lakeside amusement park for over 50 years. Visitors from across Ohio flocked to its merry-go-rounds, roller coasters, dance halls, and ice cream parlors. The park was a hub of music, entertainment, and summer fun, hosting bands like Guy Lombardo and Duke Ellington.

Today, historical markers along Nantucket Drive honor the memories of this vibrant attraction, inviting visitors to imagine the laughter, music, and thrill of Vermilion’s golden era of amusement. This marker is located at the north end of Nantucket Drive, situated on the grounds of the Crystal Shores Apartments. The marker was installed on a pylon that once supported a ride called the "Tumble Bug," which has since been repurposed as a flagpole base.

Main Street Vermilion has featured Crystal Beach Park in its Postcard Project. This initiative includes 15 mural-sized recreations of vintage postcards that highlight Vermilion's rich history and nostalgic scenes. One of these murals specifically depicts the Crystal Beach Ballroom, a central attraction of the former amusement park.

The Milan Village Square is the historic and civic heart of the village. Located at the intersection of North Main Street and Church Street, the Square has long served as a gathering place for residents and visitors alike. Its origins date back to the early 19th century, when Milan thrived as a canal town and local commerce centered around this area.

Here you will find:

Civil War Soldiers and Sailors Monument (1867)

Dedicated on July 4, 1867, this monument honors the men from Milan who served in the Civil War. Standing 28.5 feet tall, it features a spread-winged eagle atop a granite obelisk. The names of over 300 local veterans are inscribed on its base. Originally surrounded by iron fencing, the monument was fully restored and rededicated in 2015.

Young Edison Statue (1984)

This bronze sculpture, created by artist Michael Tradowsky, depicts a young Thomas Edison sitting with his mother, Nancy, as she reads to him. Unveiled in 1984, the statue honors the profound influence of Edison's early education and his mother's encouragement.

Photo credit: Milan Museum

At the heart of the village square rises the Town Hall, a proud landmark since 1876. Its striking brickwork and tall clock tower quickly became symbols of civic pride, reflecting the prosperity Milan enjoyed after its canal era. For generations, the building has echoed with meetings, concerts, and celebrations—more than just government, it has always been, and continues to be, Milan’s gathering place.

Before railroads and highways, Milan was a stop on stagecoach routes. The inn that now houses Milan Inntiques once offered food, drink, and rest for weary travelers. Its walls whisper stories of horse-drawn coaches, bustling roadways, and the steady flow of visitors through this small but lively town.

The building was originally constructed in 1845 as one of Ohio's stagecoach inns, serving travelers during the era when Milan was a bustling canal port town. This two-story brick structure has withstood various challenges over the years, including a major fire in the 1890s and an explosion at the adjacent Milan Ledger building in 1969. Despite these events, the inn has been renovated and repurposed, maintaining its historical significance while adapting to modern uses.

Once the bustling heart of commerce, the canal basin was the western terminus of the Milan Canal. Here, goods from the rich farmlands of Ohio were loaded onto boats, then carried to Lake Erie and beyond. Imagine the clatter of wagons, the call of canal boatmen, and the energy of a town at the center of trade.

The trail running behind the village of Milan, Ohio, where the historic Milan Canal towpath once lay, is known as the Milan Towpath MetroPark. This 0.9-mile linear park follows the route of an early canal and railway, deeply rooted in Milan's history.

In 1832, the Ohio legislature chartered the Mad River & Lake Erie Railroad, making it the first railroad company in the state. Its mission was bold: connect Sandusky’s Lake Erie shoreline to the Ohio River at Cincinnati, opening the way for farmers, merchants, and travelers from Ohio’s interior to reach national and international markets.

On September 17, 1835, the first section of track opened between Sandusky and Bellevue, Ohio, and a new era of transportation began. The railroad’s first locomotive, the Sandusky, was a technological marvel of its day, featuring cast-iron driving wheels with replaceable tires — the first of its kind in America.

The Mad River & Lake Erie Railroad transformed Sandusky into a vital shipping hub. Grain, lumber, and livestock flowed into the port, where they were loaded onto steamships bound for Buffalo, New York, and beyond. The railroad symbolized both innovation and ambition, linking Ohio’s heartland to the world.

Today, while the original tracks are gone, the story of the Mad River & Lake Erie lives on as a reminder that Sandusky was where Ohio’s railroad journey began.

The site was set aside during the Cholera epidemics that struck Sandusky in the mid-19th century, particularly the big outbreak in 1849, followed by additional outbreaks in 1850, 1852, and 1854. In 1849, Sandusky’s population was about 4,000–6,000; approximately 400 people died during that outbreak among those who remained. In 1924, the Cholera Cemetery was restored in some fashion. A large bronze monument was installed in the center of the site as a memorial to those who died. There is an Ohio Historical Marker (installed in 1965) at the site. It honors both the epidemic and the doctors/nurses who came to assist.

The Huron Harbor Lighthouse, also known as the Huron Harbor Light, stands as a testament to Huron's maritime heritage. Situated at the end of the west pier in Lake Erie, this lighthouse has been guiding vessels since 1835, marking the entrance to the Huron River.

The original lighthouse, constructed in 1835, was a wooden structure built as part of a harbor improvement project that included the construction of the east and west piers. However, it was destroyed by a fierce storm in 1854. A second lighthouse, made of iron, was erected in 1857 at the end of the west pier, where the base of the blockhouse still stands today.

The current lighthouse, an Art Moderne-style steel tower, was built in 1936 and automated in 1939. The lighthouse stands 72 feet tall and is constructed of steel, painted white in the Art Moderne style. It is situated on a concrete breakwater, extending from the shore into Lake Erie. The lighthouse's design reflects the advancements in lighthouse construction during the early 20th century.

Before it became an amusement park, Cedar Point was simply a peninsula along Lake Erie covered in groves of cedar trees (hence the name). In 1870, entrepreneur Louis Zistel, a German immigrant and local businessman, saw potential in turning Cedar Point into a leisure destination. He operated a steamboat called the "Young Reindeer", which ferried people across Sandusky Bay from downtown Sandusky to Cedar Point. On arrival, visitors found a simple bathhouse, a beer garden, and a dance floor — the earliest version of what we’d now call a resort park.

Created by local artist Susan Schultz, the sculpture is a symbolic representation of fearless people escaping the chains of slavery. The man’s outstretched arm shows they have almost reached freedom. The pedestal displays attempt to capture the history of the actual men and women, both black and white, all of whom wrote Sandusky’s Underground Railroad history through their courageous actions.

Vermilion History Museum (formerly, News Print Shop Museum) offers a rare glimpse into early 20th-century newspaper publishing. Housed in a building constructed in 1904 for the Roscoe family, the museum showcases original printing equipment used from 1905 to 1964, including two linotype machines and four letterpresses. Visitors can explore the preserved print shop and the upstairs apartment, which features artifacts from the Roscoe family and other local residents.

Thomas Edison’s boyhood home is where he was born on February 11, 1847. This modest brick Greek Revival house, built in 1841 by his father, Samuel Edison, stands as a testament to the early life of one of America's most prolific inventors.

The house remained the Edison family home until 1854, when they moved to Port Huron, Michigan. After Edison's death in 1931, his wife and daughter worked to transform the birthplace into a museum in his honor.

Today, the Thomas Edison Birthplace Museum offers visitors a glimpse into the environment that nurtured his curiosity and ingenuity. The house is furnished with period pieces and family artifacts, providing insight into the world that shaped his childhood. Guided tours are available, allowing guests to explore the very rooms where Edison's imagination took flight.

A relic of Kelleys Island’s once-thriving limestone industry, the Crusher House stands as a reminder of the island’s industrial past. Built as part of the North Side Quarry operations, this structure housed massive machinery that crushed limestone before it was loaded into rail cars and shipped across the Great Lakes. Though weathered and partly reclaimed by nature, the building still looms over the landscape—an evocative landmark that tells the story of the workers, rail lines, and ships that powered Kelleys Island’s role in regional commerce.

Photo credit: Erie County Historical Society