East Of Toledo Is Ohio's Cozy Coastal Suburb With Pretty Beaches On The Lake Erie Shores

When you think of Ohio cities, places that might come to mind include major hotspots like Cleveland, Cincinnati, or Columbus. However, one underrated city is Toledo. Situated on the border with Michigan, this city has a thriving arts scene and various attractions. Then, right next to it is the city of Oregon. While Toledo has all the trappings of a major metropolis, Oregon is much more laid-back and breezy, especially because it's situated along the edge of Maumee Bay in Lake Erie.

One of the main points of interest in Oregon is its connection to the Ohio gem with wonderful woodlands, meadows, and recreation that is Maumee Bay State Park. It's here where you can enjoy the blissful scenery of Lake Erie by chilling on the beach, playing some disc golf, or dipping your toes in the water.

But the state park is far from the only reason to add Oregon to your Ohio travel itinerary. As a coastal suburb, this city has its fair share of recreational spots and activities, as well as family-friendly restaurants and attractions. So, let's break down what makes Oregon such a unique hidden gem.

If you know anything about U.S. geography, you'll know that there is a state in the Pacific Northwest called Oregon, which can make it somewhat confusing when talking about this Ohio city. While the origins of the name are unclear, the city of Oregon was established in 1838, while the state of Oregon wasn't made official until 1859. However, there's evidence that the city was named after the Oregon territory, and not the other way around. In fact, there's something of a rivalry between the two locales, as evidenced by the fact that the city of Oregon changed its name when competing against the state of Oregon in football in 2015.

Much like the state, the suburb of Oregon revels in its green spaces. The city encompasses a portion of the Maumee Bay State Park, including one mile of pristine Lake Erie beach. Additionally, there's Pearson Metropark in the heart of town, spanning 624 acres. Pearson is a unique park that connects the city to the region's heritage, as it's one of the last remaining sections of the Great Black Swamp, which enveloped the entire area until the late 1800s. 

Just east of Pearson is a series of sports parks and soccer fields, further highlighting how much the city of Oregon loves its outdoor recreation. Beyond parks and beaches, Oregon also has a variety of restaurants and attractions. For family-friendly dining, check out Luckie's Barn and Grill, the Oregon Inn, or American Table Family Restaurant. If you want a more formal experience, Cousino's Steakhouse is a wonderful choice. To learn more about Oregon's history, visit the Oregon Jerusalem Historical Society.

Because Oregon is next to the Ohio/Michigan border, the closest major airport is the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, which is known as one of North America's best. From here, it's about a 45-minute drive to Oregon. Since the city is relatively large, it has multiple hotels, especially near I-280. However, if you want more of an authentic Midwest experience, check out spots like the Maumee Bay Lodge, which overlooks the water, or the Bayview Bed and Breakfast.

Since outdoor activities are so popular in Oregon, the best time to visit is in the spring, summer, or early fall. Even when the temperatures rise and the air gets muggy, nothing compares to lounging on the beach next to a Great Lake. Plus, beyond the parks and green spaces in the city, you can play a round of golf at Eagle's Landing Golf Club. As with most other Ohio cities, winters can get pretty chilly in Oregon, so you won't want to spend much time outside during the colder months. 

Another advantage of being in this Toledo suburb is that you can check out all the attractions and amenities of the metropolis next door. Toledo has some incredible parks, including those flanking the Maumee River and Ottawa Park, which includes the Ottawa River. For a longer field trip, drive just over an hour away to Lakewood, a walkable Ohio city with Victorian-era charm.