NORTHWEST OHIO
Portage Ohio
10 ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
1. Fort Meigs
HISTORIC MILITARY FORT | PERRYSBURG OHIO
Fort Meigs is a War of 1812 battlefield and reconstructed fort in Perrysburg. This National Historic Landmark offers guided tours, living history demonstrations, and interactive exhibits. Visitors can explore the fort's earthworks, blockhouses, and artillery batteries while learning about early 19th-century military life and the fort's crucial role in American history.
2. Wood County Museum
LOCAL HISTORY MUSEUM | BOWLING GREEN OH
Wood County Museum showcases the rich history of Wood County in Bowling Green. Housed in a former infirmary, the museum features exhibits on local agriculture, industry, and daily life. Visitors can explore period rooms, view artifacts from the county's past, and stroll through beautiful gardens on the museum grounds.
3. Snook's Dream Cars
VINTAGE CAR MUSEUM | BOWLING GREEN OH
Snook's Dream Cars is a unique automobile museum in Bowling Green. This family-owned collection features beautifully restored vintage cars from the 1930s to the 1960s. Visitors can admire classic American automobiles, browse automotive memorabilia, and learn about the history of car culture in a nostalgic setting.
4. Bowling Green Wind Farm
RENEWABLE ENERGY SITE | BOWLING GREEN OH
Bowling Green Wind Farm is a pioneering renewable energy project in Wood County. The farm features four large wind turbines that generate clean electricity for the community. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about wind energy technology, environmental benefits, and the farm's impact on local sustainability efforts.
5. Black Swamp Preserve
NATURE PRESERVE & TRAILS | BOWLING GREEN OH
Black Swamp Preserve is a natural oasis in Bowling Green, offering a glimpse into the region's unique ecosystem. This 50-acre preserve features hiking trails, wetlands, and diverse wildlife habitats. Visitors can enjoy birdwatching, nature photography, and educational programs that highlight the importance of wetland conservation in Northwest Ohio.
6. Simpson Garden Park
PUBLIC GARDENS | BOWLING GREEN OH
Simpson Garden Park is a beautiful public garden in Bowling Green, offering a serene escape for nature lovers. The park features themed gardens, walking paths, and a variety of native and ornamental plants. Visitors can enjoy the sensory garden, children's discovery garden, and peaceful water features throughout the year.
7. Wintergarden/St. John's Nature Preserve
NATURE CENTER & TRAILS | BOWLING GREEN OH
Wintergarden/St. John's Nature Preserve is a 100-acre natural area in Bowling Green, featuring diverse habitats and ecosystems. The preserve offers hiking trails, a nature center, and educational programs. Visitors can explore woodlands, prairies, and wetlands while learning about local flora and fauna through interactive exhibits and guided walks.
8. Al-Mar Lanes
BOWLING ALLEY & ENTERTAINMENT | BOWLING GREEN OH
Al-Mar Lanes is a popular bowling alley and entertainment center in Bowling Green. This family-friendly venue offers 16 lanes of bowling, a full-service snack bar, and a pro shop. Visitors can enjoy open bowling, league play, and special events in a fun, welcoming atmosphere suitable for all ages and skill levels.
9. Wood County Historical Center
HISTORIC SITE & MUSEUM | BOWLING GREEN OH
Wood County Historical Center, part of the Wood County Museum complex, preserves and interprets the county's rich heritage. The center features rotating exhibits, archival collections, and educational programs. Visitors can explore the historic infirmary building, learn about local genealogy, and participate in special events celebrating Wood County's cultural history.
10. Bowling Green State University
UNIVERSITY CAMPUS | BOWLING GREEN OH
Bowling Green State University is a vibrant educational institution in Wood County. The campus offers various attractions, including the Fine Arts Center, Wolfe Center for the Arts, and the Stroh Center. Visitors can attend cultural events, sporting competitions, and explore the beautiful grounds, making it a hub of activity in the region.
Portage Attractions
THINGS TO DO IN PORTAGE
Portage, Ohio, is a small village in Wood County known for its charming rural atmosphere and proximity to larger attractions in the surrounding area. While Portage itself may not have many major tourist destinations, its location in Wood County provides easy access to a variety of interesting sites and activities.
One of the most popular attractions near Portage is Fort Meigs, located in nearby Perrysburg. This reconstructed War of 1812 fort offers visitors a glimpse into early 19th-century military history through guided tours and living history demonstrations. The Wood County Museum in Bowling Green is another notable attraction, showcasing the area's rich heritage through exhibits on local agriculture, industry, and daily life.
Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the Black Swamp Preserve and Wintergarden/St. John's Nature Preserve, both located in Bowling Green. These natural areas offer hiking trails, diverse ecosystems, and opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife observation. For those interested in renewable energy, the Bowling Green Wind Farm provides an educational look at modern wind power technology.
While Portage may be small, its location in Wood County makes it an ideal base for exploring the region's historical sites, natural beauty, and educational institutions like Bowling Green State University. Visitors to Portage can enjoy a quiet, small-town atmosphere while having easy access to the diverse attractions that Northwest Ohio has to offer.