Once seen as a postindustrial city on the decline, Toledo, Ohio has recently undergone a metamorphosis, transforming into one of the most dynamic places in the Midwest.
The unexpected and surprising city has gone by many nicknames throughout the years. The best known are the Glass City, thanks to Toledo’s history of glass production, and Frogtown, referencing the massive wetland known as the Great Black Swamp that the city was built upon.
During the 1800s and 1900s, Toledo became a major hub of commerce and manufacturing, coming close to overtaking other Great Lakes cities like Cleveland in population. Unfortunately, the city never recovered from the 1973 recession, and for decades saw ongoing losses of jobs and population alongside a rise in crime.
However, despite its tough history, Toledo has undergone a renaissance in the last decade. Local coffee shops, chef-driven restaurants, fantastic bike trails, and even a new national museum have turned Toledo into a city with renewed energy and vibrancy.
When you visit Toledo’s fascinating mix of new and old attractions, you’ll feel the appeal of a true underdog story. Expect to be greeted by locals eager to show off their often-overlooked town.
View some of the world’s best art (for free!) at the Toledo Museum of Art
You don’t need to fly to Europe to see the work of Mondrian, van Gogh, Monet, and Renoir. Housing 30,000 works of art, the Toledo Museum of Art is one of the best art museums in America.
The main building was originally constructed in 1912 when Toledo was an economic powerhouse. With its Greek Revival design, it was intended to be the Crown Jewel of Toledo, proving the city was a world-class destination that could rival other Great Lakes metropolises like Detroit and Chicago. Giant columns, marble floors, and ornate archways adorn the museum, creating a sense of opulence, wonder, and awe.
Most inspiring of all, the museum is always free, making it perfect for travelers of all budgets.
Find out why Toledo’s Warehouse District is part of TV history
Twenty years ago, downtown Toledo wasn’t much to write home about, with abandoned buildings and empty streets creating a derelict and depressing scene. Today, it’s one of the hottest neighborhoods in the city. Cracked sidewalks and smashed windows have been replaced by couples walking to a local coffee shop. Downtown’s revitalization is a source of pride for Toledoans, and it’s likely that everyone will tell you to check it out.
The busiest part of downtown is the Warehouse District, just south of the baseball stadium and hockey arena. Here you’ll find many of Toledo’s best and most popular restaurants, including the chef-driven sushi establishment Kengo and the Mediterranean-inspired Souk, which uses herbs and vegetables from its own garden to craft healthy, delicious, and vibrant dishes. But most famous of them all is Tony Packo’s.
Get lost in the forest without ever leaving the city
Toledo has over a dozen Metroparks, preserves akin to state parks that offer a natural environment for the area’s local plants and animals. Each one is different and special based on its location, making them all ideal for outdoors enthusiasts. Since Toledo’s natural landscape spans everything from lakesides to rivers, swamps, meadows, and forests, each park feels completely different from the others.
Take a walk along Toledo’s boozy Ale Trail
Toledo may be best known as the home of Jeep, but it also has an emerging brewery and distillery scene. A new bar crawl, dubbed the 419 Ale Trail, takes people on a self-guided journey through the city’s most notable watering holes.
Discover Toledo’s surprisingly rich history
Toledo’s complex history often surprises even the most avid history buffs. Many in the region already know the Glass City for its association with that industry—and Libbey, one of the world’s largest glass manufacturers, operates a large factory in town to this day. But Toledo began playing an important role in history long before the era of international commerce.
The Docks is the best dining spot in town
Overlooking the Maumee River, directly across from downtown Toledo is a district filled with restaurants catering to every taste. On any given night in the Docks, you’ll see locals celebrating special occasions, couples having a romantic date night, and businesspeople wooing clients.
Go on a family outing to Toledo Zoo
Hop aboard a freighter at the National Museum of the Great Lakes
Since Toledo sits on the shores of Lake Erie, one of the five majestic Great Lakes, the entire region is soaked in maritime culture. And on Toledo’s east side across the street from the Docks is the National Museum of the Great Lakes.
Spend the afternoon in picturesque Perrysburg
Just across the river from Toledo is the small town of Perrysburg, a relaxed and quaint community of 21,000 people. Louisiana Ave is the main street and is lined with beautifully restored historic buildings housing cafes, restaurants, boutique shops, and bars.
