Defiance County Parks & Nature Preserves

The following list of parks and preserves includes those managed by federal, state, county, and non-governmental agencies (such as the National Audubon Society, the Nature Conservancy, various historical societies, etc.).

We have tried to collect information on the activities and facilities available at various parks, but things may change without us knowing about it. So please double-check the information at the official site (click on the park’s name to go there).

Independence Dam (State Park)

• 27722 State Route 424, Defiance, OH 43512–9085
• Park size: 525 acres
• Total trail length: 3 miles
• Dog friendly
• Fishing (check the official site to see if there are any restrictions)
• Good site for bird watching
• At least some parts are handicap accessible
• The parks has 25 non-electric, extra-large campsites situated in a heavily wooded area between the Maumee River and the Maumee-Erie Canal. The campsites have fire rings and picnic tables. Non-potable water and portable restroom facilities are located nearby.
• Cross country ski trails
• Restrooms
• Boating, disc golf
• Park Map for Independence Dam

Oxbow Lake (State Wildlife Area)

• Location: See above link for driving directions and maps.
• Park size: 416 acres
• Fishing (check the official site to see if there are any restrictions)
• Good site for bird watching
• Restrooms
• Shotgun range, boating
• Fishing Map for Oxbow Lake

Pontiac Metro Park (City Park)

• Location: See above link for driving directions and maps.

Reservoir (City Park)

• Location: See above link for driving directions and maps.
• Total trail length: 1.25 miles
• Walkway around city reservoir, disc golf, boating, sledding hill

Last Update: 2017-09-15 10:10:10