Metzger Marsh is a 558 acre marsh bordered by Lake Erie, the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, and a canal used by private watercraft. It is a site ideal for fishing and bird watching. It’s located between Maumee Bay State Park and Magee Marsh Wildlife Area.
We ended a vacation day in northwest Ohio with a post dinner drive out to Metzger Marsh. From the entrance on Bono Road, we passed a parking lot and a boat launch. An access road – Metzger Marsh State Road, parallels the marsh on one side and a canal on the other. It led out to a fishing pier on Lake Erie. There are four large pull-offs on the access road, with nice views of the marsh.
From the pull-offs, we saw a blue heron, numerous egrets fishing, and the ever-present red-wing blackbirds. The marsh is hugely popular with birdwatchers during the spring and fall migrations. Bald eagles are frequently seen at the marsh.
We also saw a number of fisherman on land, in the marsh wearing waders, and on small boats.
The access area parallels the canal until both reach Lake Erie. On the opposite side of the canal inlet is a large, stone breakwater. On the access road’s side of the canal inlet is a parking lot, port-a-john, and a long, concrete fishing pier that extends into Lake Erie. There is also a long, stone-lined dike that separates the marsh from Lake Erie. A dirt road (for pedestrians) follows the top of the dike. Both sightseers and fisherman make use of the dike.
Additional information
- TrekOhio: Lucas County Parks & Preserves — This is the county where Metzger Marsh is located; check out this page for links to the official site and for information on nearby parks and preserves.
- TrekOhio: Birding Resources — Our curated lists of links to birding-related information, include lists of birding hotspots, maps, organizations, etc.
- eBird: Birds at Metzger Marsh by Season
- ODNR: Ohio's Lake Erie Public Access Guide
Location
Take SR-2 to Bono Rd. Follow Bono Rd 1/2 mile to the entrance at the boat launch area. Follow the access road (Metzger Marsh State Road) to the fishing pier. The marsh will be along the road on the right.
More on Ottawa County
Magee Marsh during the “Biggest Week in American Birding” 2015
Biggest Week in American Birding 2016
Marblehead Lighthouse State Park
Beginning Birder at the “Biggest Week in American Birding”
What a cool marsh to visit! You can never complain when you get to drive through habitats like this to soak in the beauty and stop for photo ops. Great shots, the landscapes are beautiful!
Thanks! Since we typically go hiking it was interesting to be able to see so much nature without walking around. This could be a nice destination for people who love nature, but have mobility issues.
lovely photos of the habitat and its residents.
It was not only marsh, but much, much more. I was surprised about the diversity of the area. The third photo from the end is my favorite. BTW, Lotus corniculatus is in Finland too. Great, enjoyable post.