Outdoor Activities and Adventures in Ohio

Home to some of Lake Erie’s most beautiful parks, Shores & Islands Ohio offers hours of recreational fun and outdoor activities ranging from swimming to boating and fishing. Located near both Cleveland and Toledo, come discover the variety of fun outdoor things to do in the Greater Sandusky region.

Shores & Islands Ohio is America’s Sports and Family Fun Capital! Click here if you are a sports event planner.

Webcam

The scenery looks so much better in person, but if you’re at your desk looking on a computer, we understand. Don’t worry, the lake’s not going anywhere. Check out the nearby attractions and events listed above!

(Please note that sometimes a cam might be offline. If so, we are working hard behind the scenes to get it back online as soon as possible. We love showing you the amazing views that Shores & Islands Ohio has to offer.)

OAK HARBOR WEATHER

This webcam is located at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge overlooking Crane Creek and offers a live look at the seasonal rhythms of one of Lake Erie’s most dynamic ecosystems.

Wildlife Watching Made Possible by Friends of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge & the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Crane Creek winds through the heart of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge and serves as an essential freshwater corridor for migrating birds, mammals, reptiles & amphibians, and fish. This area is a hotspot for spring and fall migration, drawing birders from around the world to witness bald eagles, waterfowl, and even American white pelicans along the Lake Erie shoreline.

Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1961 to protect vital wetland habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife. Today, the refuge spans more than 11,000 acres of marsh, forest, and prairie and is the only National Wildlife Refuge complex in Ohio. The refuge is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service with support from its nonprofit partner, Friends of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge.

Activities:

• Birdwatching, wildlife photography, and hiking opportunities year-round on over 10 miles of public trails
• Free educational and family-friendly programs offered seasonally
• Volunteer opportunities and internships for those interested in conservation careers
• Guided tours, self-led Wildlife Drive, and Visitor Center exhibits open to the public year-round (check website for current hours)

Friends of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge

Friends of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit established in 1997 that supports the conservation mission of Ohio’s only national wildlife refuge complex by acquiring land, engaging the community and enhancing public access.
Learn more about the refuge and how you can support its conservation mission at: https://www.friendsofottawanwr.org