The Port of Toledo: From Middlegrounds Metropark to Cherry Street and Back

(8 reviews)

Toledo, Ohio audio tour: The Port of Toledo: From Middlegrounds Metropark to Cherry Street and Back

This is a 2.4mi walking tour

It takes an average of 90 mins to complete.

Toledo, Ohio

The United States

$9.99

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About the Tour

Immerse yourself in the maritime heritage of the Port of Toledo with our captivating walking tour along downtown Toledo's scenic riverfront.

Beginning at Middlegrounds Metropark, you'll traverse a meandering path alongside the majestic Maumee River. Our tour will lead you past Promenade Park with a breathtaking view of the iconic Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Bridge before returning to our starting point. Along the way, I'll regale you with tales of the Warehouse District's origins along Swan Creek and the Miami and Erie Canal’s pivotal role in shaping the Glass City's identity.

Discover the fascinating history of the Maumee River, including the catastrophic event in 1894 that spared downtown Toledo thanks to a change in the wind's direction. Dive into the vibrant essence of modern Toledo by exploring nearby attractions like Promenade Park and Imagination Station or indulging in al fresco dining along Summit Street.

Prepare for a journey of enlightenment as you:

Uncover the innovative stream at Middlegrounds Metropark, a testament to efforts in keeping the Maumee River fresh and pure.
Gain insight into the indispensable roles of tugboats and commercial fishing in the Port of Toledo's evolution.
Hear the captivating tale of the Yuma, a freighter that broke free from its moorings and collided with the Cherry Street Bridge.
Delve into the legendary story of the David Dows, the world's first five-masted sailing vessel proudly constructed in Toledo in 1881, affectionately known as the Queen of the Lakes.

By the tour's end, you'll emerge with a newfound appreciation for Toledo, the Maumee River, and the Port of Toledo—the largest landmass port on the Great Lakes. With abundant activities, sights, flavors, and experiences along the mighty Maumee, this tour is not to be missed.

Join us in supporting the National Museum of the Great Lakes and discover why the Port of Toledo is an indispensable part of the Toledo story.

Tour Producer

Tedd Long

15 tours

Hi, I’m Tedd Long—history geek, storyteller, and creator of HolyToledoHistory.com. My passion is uncovering the fascinating, funny, and sometimes jaw-dropping stories that shaped Toledo and the Maumee Valley.

Whether you’ve lived here your whole life or you’re visiting for the first time, you’ll hear things that make you say, “I never knew that!” From forgotten gangster hideouts to remarkable riverfront landmarks, I’ll take you beyond the obvious and reveal the city’s hidden history.

My tours blend rich storytelling, local legends, and insider tips—like the best spots for a cold drink, a great meal, or the perfect photo. Every route is designed so you can explore at your own pace, with VoiceMap-guided stops that bring the past to life right where it happened.

Come walk or drive with me through history. You’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for this place—and maybe a few stories of your own to share. Let’s go explore!

Preview Location

Location 23

The Oliver House

Let’s stop here at the corner of Broadway and Ottawa and check out the historic Oliver House.

Built in 1859, this Greek-Revival style building sits on the highest point on the Middlegrounds in an area once considered for the Lucas County Courthouse. At the time the Oliver ... Let’s stop here at the corner of Broadway and Ottawa and check out the historic Oliver House.

Built in 1859, this Greek-Revival style building sits on the highest point on the Middlegrounds in an area once considered for the Lucas County Courthouse. At the time the Oliver House was built, it was Toledo's first grand hotel, boasting 171 rooms, each with running water, gaslight, and fireplaces. The hotel overlooked a park and offered private rooms with views of the Maumee River. It was designed by architect Isaiah Rogers, who also designed the Astor House in New York, the Ohio State House in Columbus, and the Maxwell House Hotel in Nashville. The building was built by the family of Major Oliver, a war of 1812 veteran, for whom the hotel was named.

When it first opened, the Oliver House enjoyed a great reputation, but unfortunately, the destructive 1883 flood changed this. As the area fell into neglect and was all but forgotten, the Oliver House was reduced to a common rooming house. In 1919, Edward Riddle bought the Oliver House and converted it into an industrial plant for the Riddle Co., manufacturers of lighting fixtures. The new plant required that the interior be totally gutted. The only remnants of the grand hotel were two ornamental marble mantels, some wallpaper, and a black walnut and ash floor in the lobby area. This once-grand hotel was also used as a flophouse during the Great Depression. In 1947, the Oliver House changed owners again and it was used by Toledo Wheel & Rim, an axle manufacturing company. In 1967, Successful Sales Co purchased the building for storing and demonstrating novelty items the company sold. By the 1970s, the building became home to several small businesses.

Thankfully, in 1990 Jim and Pat Appold recognized the potential in the old hotel. They bought it and remodeled it into a space for restaurants and pubs, meeting rooms, and apartments. Today, the Oliver House stands as the only remaining hotel designed by Isaiah Rogers. Thankfully, Owens Corning soon followed the Appold's and invested heavily here in the Middlegrounds, creating a welcome resurgence for this historic area.

Let’s continue. Cross Oliver Street here and keep going straight down Ottawa Street, heading back to where we started in Middlegrounds Metropark. Read More

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Major Landmarks

Middlegrounds Metropark
Middlegrounds Metropark
Maumee River
Swan Creek
Owens Corning World HQ
Promenade Park
Imagination Station
MLK Bridge
Steam Plant
Oliver House
Promenade Park
Imagination Station
Martin Luther King Bridge
ProMedica Headquarters
The Oliver House
National Museum of the Great Lakes
Hilton Garden Inn Toledo Downtown
Renaissance Toledo Downtown Hotel
Real Seafood Company Toledo
J&M Cruise Lines - The Sandpiper
Maumee Bay Brewing Company

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Getting There

Route Overview

VoiceMap tours follow a route from a set starting point. It’s how we give turn-by-turn directions and tell a story greater than the sum of its parts.

Start location
Middleground Metropark, Toledo, OH 43604, USA
Total distance

4km
Final location
111 Ottawa St, Toledo, OH 43604, USA
Distance back to start location

37.6m

Directions to Starting Point

Our walking tour begins in the parking lot of Middlegrounds Metropark located just upriver from the Anthony Wayne High-Level Bridge at 111 Ottawa Street in Toledo. Park your car in the lot behind the Rotary Roundhouse Pavillion and we'll head out from there.

Show Directions

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Tips

Places to stop along the way

If you are in the mood for a fancy sit-down meal, I'd recommend the Chop House located in the wedge-shaped building that sits behind the Steam Plant. How about some Asian-Fusion snacks, bowls, or seasonal specials? Try the Balance Grille located directly across Summit Street from Promenade Park. Looking for a cocktail along the tour? I would check out The Heights, a one-of-kind rooftop bar overlooking the Maumee. Its located in the Renaissance Hotel. How about some family fun? Imagination Station, Toledo's science center, is located next to the Steam Plant. It features hundreds of interactive, hands-on exhibits that are exciting and educational for the entire family. And finally, don't miss out on more of the Port of Toledo story and the history of the Great Lakes and the National Museum of the Great Lakes, located on the other side of the MLK bridge next to the Glass City Metropark.

Best time of day

The tour trail is open from dusk to dawn.

Precautions

Toledo is like most other cities around the world, if you are sensible and take a few common-sense precautions, you should be fine. You may not want to lug around a large camera on this stroll, but certainly, bring along your phone to take some shots to share.

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“Great app. walk around at your own pace, stop where you want, move on or speed up when you want. Read the script before you go or during the commentary, speed it up or replay it. Repeat the tour whenever you like.”