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Toledo (Ohio) - county seat of Lucas County, Ohio, United States

Downtown

Toledo is a city of almost 273,000 people (2019) in northwestern Ohio's Lucas County, on the Maumee River at the edge of Lake Erie. Although not as important as it once was, Toledo's past as an industrial powerhouse gave it cultural institutions that rival larger cities like Chicago.

Understand

Promenade Park

History

People had big dreams for Toledo. The location of the city at the end of Lake Erie was an ideal Midwest port, but was in the inhospitable Great Black Swamp. Early settlers spent years digging drainage ditches through the swamp, and lining them with clay tiles, battling disease along the way. Due to a border dispute, Michigan and Ohio briefly went to war over the land containing Toledo in the 1830s. But because of a series of blunders, nobody was killed. By an act of Congress, Ohio was awarded Toledo, while Michigan received the Upper Peninsula. Later settlers came over from Eastern Europe, or up from down south, to work on the Miami and Erie Canal, and still later to work in local factories that made early automobiles and auto parts. Because of its industrial heritage Toledo became the birthplace of Libbey Glass, modern chewing gum, the modern scale, and Jeep vehicles.

Toledo today

Skyline of Toledo, Ohio

Today, Toledo is a city with a metro population of 608,000, the fourth largest city in Ohio. Toledo has a big local university, an independent daily newspaper, and historic buildings downtown, some of which have been turned into artists' lofts. The cityscape today provides some good opportunities for photographs of derelict buildings. Toledo is also home to the local favorite Toledo Mud Hens minor league baseball team. They play in the Fifth Third Field in downtown Toledo. Near downtown, the Old West End is a beautiful neighborhood of Victorian mansions, and is where the world-class Toledo Museum of Art and its glass museum can be found. A world-class Toledo Zoo is a few miles to the south. In the north end, there is the Polish Village where it is common to see storefronts written in Polish. The food in Toledo is worth stopping for. As well as the many diners in the area, many ethnic eateries should not be missed, including Tony Packo's famous Hungarian hot dogs, Hungarian baked goods, classy Middle Eastern places such as the Beirut, and delicious Indian cuisine from the Tandoor. True or not, Toledo likes to think that it has the most restaurants per capita in the entire country. Toledo is also one of the most productive ports on the Great Lakes, and its factories boast one of the highest robot per capita rates in the nation.

Climate

Toledo has four distinct seasons. The spring in Toledo tends to be quite pleasant, and presents a good opportunity for exploring Toledo's parks and gardens. Summers can range from pleasantly warm to sweltering heat, and it is during this time when Lake Erie becomes hospitable for things like swimming and other water sport. The fall is much like spring, and the trees around the city gain vibrant colors as the leaves begin to fall off, giving the parks a different character entirely. Winters tend to be strong in Toledo due to the Lake Effect, and while there are no mountains for skiing, there are plenty of other opportunities for winter sports such as cross country skiing and ice skating.

Visitor information

Get in

By plane

By bus

See also: Long-distance bus travel in the United States

By train

The Toledo Amtrak Station See also: Rail travel in the United States

Toledo is served by Amtrak via two daily trains. The Capitol Limited between Chicago and Washington, D.C. and the Lake Shore Limited between Chicago and Boston, New York City.

  • Martin Luther King Jr. Train Station, 415 Emerald Ave, 41.6378°, -83.5417°. Station and ticketing hours: 8:30PM-12:30PM (the station is closed midday to 8:30PM). Serviced by Capitol Limited and Lakeshore Limited Lines. Has a waiting room and ticket office. All Amtrak trains stop at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Plaza train station, about south of the city center. Greyhound buses connect at this station. 2019-09-21

By car

Toledo sits at the intersection of I-75 and I-80/I-90, allowing easy access from Detroit, Dayton, Cincinnati, Chicago and Cleveland. Those travelling through the Midwest frequently pass through it.

By boat

Skyway Marina As a port city, Toledo has many marinas, offering access to the cities and islands of Lake Erie.

Get around

See also: Driving

The downtown core of Toledo is fairly walkable. Beyond downtown walking becomes notably less efficient and taking a car, bike, or public transit is ideal.

By bus

  • TARTA (Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority), 41.6769°, -83.5699°. Toledo's public bus system. Offers a limited route network, mainly aimed at commuters in the downtown area. 2019-07-11

By bike

  • ToleGO, NA°, NA°, tolego@thegotchagroup.com. The city sponsored bike-sharing program. Bike parking hubs are centered on the downtown core and range from I-75 to the east shore of the Maumee River. $3 for 30 minutes, $5 for parking outside a dock 2019-07-11

By foot

  • Toledo Pedway, NA°, NA°. In the downtown core there is an underground footpath that connects various buildings. While many of the paths have been closed off, the remaining paths make for interesting urbex. 2018-12-24

See

Museum of Art Glass Pavilion

Museums

  • Toledo Museum of Art, 2445 Monroe St (at Scottwood Avenue), 41.658056°, -83.559444°, +1 419-255-8000, information@toledomuseum.org. Tu-Th 10AM-4PM, F 10AM-10PM, Sa 10AM-4PM, Su 11AM-5PM, closed Mondays. A historic art museum with works by Vincent Van Gough, Picasso, Monet, Rembrandt, and other noted artists. Has sections dedicated to works from Japan, Africa, and other locales, as well as works from antiquity. Houses the Peristyle, a large concert hall inspired by Greek theater. Across the street from the main building is a glass pavilion with large collections of decorative glass pieces and a teaching workshop where glassblowing demonstrations are held. Outside the museum there is a sculpture garden. Free. Fee for parking. Special exhibitions or events may have fees 2020-06-13
  • Toledo Zoo, 2 Hippo Way, 41.6191°, -83.5807°, +1 419-385-4040. Hours: May 1 - Labor Day: 10AM-5PM, Labor Day - April 30: 10AM-4PM. The largest zoo in the region. Has several sections dedicated to specific animals, such as an African section, an Arctic section, a penguin exhibit, an aquarium, a hippoquarium, an ape exhibit, a pheasantry, a primate exhibit, an aviary, and a reptile house. In the winter, the Zoo strings up the campus with lights for their annual Lights Before Christmas celebration. Adults: $19, children: $7 2018-10-31
  • Toledo Botanical Garden, 5403 Elmer Dr, 41.668056°, -83.672222°, +1 419-536-5566, info@toledogarden.org. Daylight. Offers an herb garden, perennial garden, and displays tailored to specific ecosystems such a small woods and pondside plants. The garden also features an art village. Free (some events charge) 2019-12-21
  • National Museum of the Great Lakes, 1701 Front Street, 41.6567°, -83.5151°, +1 419-214-5000. The museum hosts exhibits on shipwrecks, sailing technology, and exploration, especially in relation to the Great Lakes. The retired lake freighter and current museum ship, the Col. James M. Schoonmaker, is docked directly next to the museum. Tours are offered outside winter months. Unusually for a modern era freighter, the lounges and cabin are fancy. 2019-07-11 A Rube Goldbergian music machine at Imagination Station
  • Imagination Station (COSI), 1 Discovery Way, 41.6519°, -83.5315°, +1 419-244-2674. A science museum and activity center on the banks of the Maumee river. Provides a variety of exhibits and activities, including a tightrope counterweight bike, rideable yoyo, an optical illusion exhibit, an agricultural exhibit, a water exhibit, a nutrition exhibit, an energy exhibit, and simulated rollercoaster. Kids 12 and under $11, adults $13. Special temporary exhibits may have separate fees 2019-12-21
  • Toledo Firefighters Museum, 918 W Sylvania Ave, +1-419-478-3473. Sa noon-4PM. Free 2019-12-21

Architecture

See also: Architecture

Much of the notable architecture in Toledo dates from about 1860 to 1960, typically in Victorian, Neoclassical, Art Deco, or modern styles.

Other

  • Sculpture in the Park, 41.6629°, -83.6238°. Sculpture garden. 2019-11-12
  • A total solar eclipse on Monday 8 April 2024 starts at 3:12PM local time and lasts just under 2 min. The chances of a clear sky are 35%. The track of totality is northeast from Mexico and Texas to Ohio, then along the Canada–New England border.

Do

Festivals

The Polish Festival

Performing arts

Sports

Fifth Third Field The Glass Bowl Savage Arena

Gaming

Outdoors

Fallen Timbers

Learn

  • Owens Community College (OCC), 30335 Oregon Rd, 41.587849°, -83.540173°, +1 567-661-7000. A former farm turned community college. The campus is mashup of farm remnants, post modern buildings, and the odd college facility such as a 727 aircraft in the middle of an simulated city. Hosts a number of small workshops on topics ranging from cooking to ghost hunting. 2019-07-11

Buy

Work

Professional development opportunities in Toledo can be quite promising, as there are many different employment possibilities across a variety of industries. The city offers job opportunities in sectors such as healthcare, education, manufacturing, tourism, as well as in fields like technology, marketing, and website design.

Eat

Budget: under $10, mid-range: $10 - $20, splurge: over $20 (meal for one + soft drink).

Toledo has a vibrant scene with many restaurants serving cheap but good food.

Toledo has a few local chains that don't extend far beyond the city, notably Rudy's Hot Dogs, Balance, and Gino's.

Budget

  • Rudy's Hot Dogs. A well-known restaurant chain found throughout the Metro Toledo Area. $2.50 for a hot dog with toppings. $5 for the main course 2019-07-11
  • Pizza Cat, 4034 Monroe St. Toledo, OH 43606, 41.6786°, -83.5990°, +1 419-214-1640, pizzacat@pizzacatinc.com. Su-Th 10AM-midnight, F Sa 10AM-4AM. A small pizzeria that focuses on topping variety. Offers vegan options. $5 for a small cheese pizza. $7-$10 for a medium specialty pizza. 2018-10-27
  • Mr.Freeze. Soft serve ice cream in huge portions for cheap prices. Try the Buckeye Blast Sundae. Cash only. 2018-11-04
  • Dragons Roost, 6600 W Sylvania Ave, +1 419-517-8454. A nerdy coffee and pastry shop that also sells tabletop and board games, with large tables to accommodate them. Offers a miniature bar for painting minis. Sells espresso, tea, and specialty drinks. 2018-11-19
  • Gino's Pizza, 3981 Monroe St, 41.67718°, -83.59734°, +1 419-472-3567. Local pizza chain. Sells pizza pasta, and subs. 2018-12-23

Mid-range

Tony Packo's

Splurge

Drink

  • Warehouse District, 41.64660°, -83.54024°. The Warehouse District in downtown Toledo is an area of revitalized historic warehouses centered around the baseball and hockey stadiums. Among the popular bars and restaurants in this area are the Blarney, Ye Old Cock and Bull, Black Cloister Brewing Co., M'Osteria, Fleetwood's Tap Room, The Durty Bird, the Bronze Boar, Homeslice Pizza, and the Tin Can. The district is very walkable and most of these establishments feature live music on the weekends. 2018-02-18
  • The Attic on Adams (formerly Pub St George). A bar in the Uptown Area popular with the younger and hipster crowds. Wide variety of draft and bottled craft beers and a varied menu. On the first floor is Mano's Greek restaurant. 2018-02-18
  • Jo-Jo's, on Monroe St right by I-75. A bar in West Toledo known for their half-price pizzas and dollar beers. They also have free pool on Tuesdays. 2018-02-18
  • The Orchard Inn, on Sylvania Avenue in between Douglas and Secor. A bar in West Toledo known for very intense pool games between locals. It has shuffleboard as well.
  • Maumee Bay Brew Pub (The Oliver House), 27 Broadway St, 41.64331°, -83.53801°, +1 419-243-1302. M-Th 8AM-11PM, F Sa 8AM-11PM, closed Su. Craft brewery inside a historic former hotel, known for their variety of microbrews and wood-fired pizzas. A sports bar and cafe are on the first floor, and a brewpub and steakhouse on the second floor. 2019-07-11

Sleep

Budget: under $100, mid-range: $100 - $125, splurge: over $125 (standard double room).

Mid-range

Splurge

Stay safe

See also: Winter driving

Drive with caution during the winter. Black ice can easily form on the roads due to the closeness of the lake

Connect

Toledo has two primary area codes: 419 is the original area code, and 567 is the newer area code. You must dial the area code for all numbers.

Zip codes follow the 436xx format.

Cope

Newspapers

  • The Blade (The Toledo Blade), 541 N Superior St, 41.65536°, -83.53345°, +1 419-724-6000. Toledo's daily newspaper. First published in 1835, The Blade is the oldest business operating in Toledo, and has won a Pulitzer Prize for investigative reporting. The Blade covers ongoing events in the local area, as well as some national stories. 2018-10-31
  • The Independent Collegian, 2801 W Bancroft St, +1 419-530-7788, editor@independentcollegian.com. A weekly student newspaper run independently by University of Toledo students. 2019-07-11

Radio

Television

Religion

Go next

The Veteran's Glass City Skyway

  • Michigan is just north of town and Detroit is one hour north on I-75.
  • Maumee is a historic suburb on the southern edge of Lucas County.
  • Perrysburg is a well to do suburb south of Toledo.
  • Bowling Green is a small college town just south of Toledo on I-75.
  • Cedar Point amusement park is about one hour east in Sandusky.
  • Cleveland is a couple hours east on I-90 and the Ohio Turnpike.
  • Along the southern shore of Lake Erie are a large number of public North Coast Beaches. The beach at Maumee Bay State Park in Oregon, just east of Toledo is one of the nicest.
  • Located east of Toledo and west of Cleveland, a group of picturesque and festive Lake Erie Islands are accessible via ferry. Ohio Route 2 East Exit 163 North Port Clinton for the Jet Express or Ohio Route 53 North for the car ferry out to Put-in-Bay. In addition to several Ohio State Parks on the islands, there is plenty to do including wineries, restaurants, bars, marinas and beaches.

Toledo

toledo.oh.gov
Date Time:Please wait...Timezone:America/New_YorkPopulation:270,871Coordinates:41.67, -83.58

Lucas County

2nd-order administrative division

Ohio

Primary administrative division

United States

usa.gov
Population:327.2 MDial code:+1Currency:Dollar (USD)Voltage:120 V, 240 V, 60 Hz
NEMA 14-30NEMA 14-50