15 Hidden Gems in Toledo, Ohio You Shouldn’t Miss

Toledo, Ohio, is not a well-known city among tourists and is overshadowed by other major cities. But despite being an off-the-beaten town, there are countless destinations for tourists to enjoy, whether you like visiting an outdoor attraction or any indoor attraction like a museum or an art gallery.

At the same time, there are various hidden gems in Toledo, Ohio that are also unheard by the mass tourists. Below I have mentioned 15 spots including indoor, outdoor, and restaurant spaces in Toledo that can make your trip to the city even better, and you will spend some quality time in these destinations. 

Indoor Hidden Gems in Toledo, Ohio

1. Wildwood Manor House

Address: 5100 Central Ave, Toledo, OH 43615

The first indoor hidden gem in Toledo is Wildwood Manor House. It is specifically visited by those tourists who like to visit museums with serene views outside.

This manor house was built in the 1930s with Georgian colonial architecture style making this classic mansion a piece of art. This house was owned by the Stranahan family, a prominent name in Toledo’s business and philanthropist history. Here you will learn about the contribution and lifestyle of the family.

Not to forget the house from inside is well preserved and maintained like its actual state with classic furniture and paintings on the wall. On seasonal events, you will see the manor house getting decorated with lighting as well.

And as you are here, don’t just visit this museum but spend some time on the walking trails nearby which is surrounded by trees and greenery. And on a minute’s walk away is the Ottawa River, which is a must-visit in Toledo.

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2. Toledo Firefighters Museum

Address: 918 W Sylvania Ave, Toledo, OH 43612

Another place for those who like to learn about the historical events in Toledo is the Toledo Firefighters Museum. This place was once a fire station but now is transformed into a museum with various exhibits and artifacts related to the fire station.

Inside the museum, there are unique and rare artifacts which includes kits of firefighters, hand-pulled hose carts, horse-drawn steam engines, equipments that were once in use and now has been innovated for better use, and most importantly 20th-century motorized fire trucks.

There is also a memorial room where you will see photographs, plaques, and artifacts related to those firefighters who lost their lives while saving others. It’s a little tribute to their services. Lastly, there is also a safety education center that guides visitors about how to face any real-life incident related to fire.

3. Huron Street Studios

Address: 23 N Huron St, Toledo, OH 43604

Formerly known as Gathered Glassblowing Studio, the Huron Street Studio is among the most underrated spot for glass and pottery art.

Whether you want a showpiece or to use a piece daily, you will find the glass art inside. Upon entering, you will see that on displays. However, the main highlight of this place is the workshops you can attend here. They host public and private workshops on pottery and glass art where you will learn and can make an art piece of your preferred design. 

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4. 20 North Gallery

Address: 18 N St Clair St, Toledo, OH 43604

20 North Gallery is Toledo’s longest-running independent art gallery. With displaying works of both underrated emerging and established artists, you will see a fine range of artwork on display here.

Among the art on display, you will see traditional and contemporary art pieces in the form of photographs, paintings, and small sculpture works of landscapes, abstract, modern art, and culturally influenced pieces.

Apart from the permanent collection, the gallery also hosts different rotating exhibits to keep the freshness of exhibits. Not only that, but the overall interior inside is also eye-catching. Lastly, most of the art pieces on display here are also for sale, which you can purchase.

5. Toledo History Museum

Address: 425 N St Clair St, Toledo, OH 43604

The last indoor destination on this list is the Toledo History Museum. This underrated spot is a must-visit for those who like to learn about history, specifically the history of Toledo.

Among the exhibits and artifacts you will see photographs and documents related to the early days of Toledo, how it was formed to the events like the Toledo War. and how this port city has become an industrial city.

There are a lot of other exhibits as well. The staff inside the museum is also well-informed and will guide you about various artifacts and events. Overall, it’s going to be an interesting visit with lots of learning and interesting facts related to Toledo.

Outdoor Hidden Gems in Toledo, Ohio

6. Irwin Prairie State Nature Preserve

Address: 9987 W Bancroft St, Holland, OH 43528

The first outdoor hidden gem in Toledo in this list is Irwin Prairie State Nature Preserve which is just a short drive away from Toledo. This place is among the few remaining wet prairies in Ohio and surely deserves a visit.

As the main highlight, the boardwalk trails makes navigating the wet prairies easy. Along with that, while you explore the preserve, where you will see different types of plants, especially flowers. This preserve is also an ideal destination for bird watching. Overall this is a very calm and quiet place which often remains less crowded.

7. Swan Creek Metropark

Address: 4094 Glendale Ave, Toledo, OH 43614

Another stunning piece of land in Toledo is Swan Creek Metropark, which is ideal for every type of visitor whether you want to visit a peaceful outdoor destination or want a place to spend some time with friends and family.

The trails in this park consist of unpaved paths with greenery all around making the walking, jogging, and even biking picturesque. The main highlight of this park is the Swan Creek which is the primary photography spot and is also ideal for taking some rest.

In this preserve, you’ll also encounter some wildlife animals like deer, turtles, and a variety of birds, including woodpeckers, herons, etc. For kids, there is a playground, and for families, you will see picnic tables and pavilions.

8. Cullen Park

Address: 4526 N Summit St, Toledo, OH 43611

Nestled along the shores of Maumee Bay, Cullen Park provides peaceful views of the bay and offers other recreational activities.

The main highlight of this area is of course the Maumee Bay. Along the shores, is the area covered with grass and benches so that visitors can enjoy the pleasant views of the bay. This bay is also ideal for fishing and you can use a kayak, canoe, or a boat to go fishing.

If you are someone who likes to go hiking, then there is a hiking trail as well. Not to forget this won’t be an easy hike, so be prepared for some challenges in the middle. And if you just want to roam around walking and jogging, then it wont be a big problem here.

9. Jamie Farr Park

Address: 2140 N Summit St, Toledo, OH 43611

Named after Toledo’s one of the most beloved local celebrities, Jamie Farr, this park is merely a tribute to him. Ideally, it’s a park ideal for those who want to spend some time in green space.

Swings, slides, and climbing structures are available on the kid’s playground, along with a pavilion for families and friends to have some time together. It is also a perfect park for walking, jogging, and cycling early morning and spending some time with friends and family in the evening.

10. Bay View Park

Address: Toledo, OH 43611

The last outdoor hidden gem in Toledo on this list is the Bay View Park, which is situated near the Maumee River and offers surreal water views with green space nearby.

The primary attraction of this place is the Maumee River, which especially at sunset looks stunning and pleasant. You can also go fishing on the boat as well. This place is suitable for jogging and walking. And you will most probably also encounter deers as well.

Close to this park is the Point Place Lighthouse, which is also a must-visit when you are here. Try spending some time there and click some photos before leaving this place.

Hidden Gem Restaurants in Toledo, Ohio

11. Hot Sizzling Wok

Address: 2333 W Laskey Rd, Toledo, OH 43613

The first hidden gem restaurant in the list is Hot Sizzling Work, where you will get traditional Chinese and American cuisines on the menu.

As you enter, you will see a very simple and aesthetic decor, which is attractive. Comfortable seating options, open spaces, different paintings on the wall, chandelier, and small-size lighting really make the overall ambience pleasant and soothing.

On the menu, you are going to have options like spring rolls, cheese rolls, Barbecue Ribs, shrimp, wonton, fried chicken, tofu, chop suey, chow mein, a wide range of fried rice, noodles, soups, seafood, beef, and many other options. The overall menu here is quite extensive.

12. Sebastiano’s Italiano

Address: 4448 Heatherdowns Blvd, Toledo, OH 43614

For those who like to eat Italian food, simply head to Sebastiano’s Italiano. A local Italian restaurant with a fair selection of Italian dishes on the menu.

Upon entering, you will find the overall ambiance reasonably soothing. It’s not a huge restaurant, and the decor is quite simple, what you’ll see in many local restaurants. However, painting of an Italian city on the wall makes the place look better.

On the menu, their speciality is lasagna and chicken piccata. Along with that, they offer meatballs, mushrooms,  bruschetta, mussels, salads, different varieties of pizzas, pasta, pesto, shrimp, chicken, and other traditional Italian dishes like lasagna, ravioli, and Italian sausage.

13. Qq Kitchen

Address: 3324 Secor Rd #4, Toledo, OH 43606

For Asian food lovers, Qq Kitchen is an underrated restaurant in Toledo. Whether you like Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, or Thai food.

The decor inside is quite simple as this is a small restaurant. But the red-coloured walls and the Chinese written on them with some other posters made it look even better overall.

For food, you are going to have an extensive list, which includes wraps, dumplings, egg rolls, french fries, crab, different soups, noodles, and fried rice options, along with tofu, boneless chicken, fish, curry, and many more. You are also going to have a variety of vegan options as well.

14. Rose Thai

Address: 5333 Monroe St, Toledo, OH 43623

Whenever you crave Thai food, simply head to Rose Thai for traditional Thai food. The overall decor inside is classically aesthetic with woodwork. Different seating options, a lamp on each table, and different dim and bright lighting made the overall ambiance fairly attractive.

On the menu, you will have options like pad Thai, fried rice, garlic chicken, coconut shrimp, eggroll, red curry, green curry, noodles, beef and chicken rice, Thai tea, and many other items.

15. Koreana Asian Grill and Sushi

Address: 1423 Bernath, Toledo, OH 43615

The last underrated restaurant in Toledo on this list is Koreana Asian Grill and Sushi which is a Korean restaurant with traditional recipes and tastes.

Though it’s not a fine dining restaurant but the overall ambiance will give you an experience like one. The decor is attractive, with wooden tables and chairs, and small and large sets of lighting, which made it look cool from the inside.

On the menu, you will have a fairly extensive menu which includes, zucchini jeon, edamame, mandu (Korean dumplings), dukbokki, sushi, shrimp, different options in soups, stews, and noodles, along with other options like Spicy chicken stir fry, seafood stir fry, shrimp, chicken bulgogi, chicken teriyaki, tofu, and many other items.

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