Sandwiched On The Shoreline Between Cleveland And Toledo Is A Lakeside Getaway For Nature Lovers

Beaches may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a getaway in Ohio, but the Midwestern state has ample opportunities to get near the water, as it shares 262 miles of shoreline with Lake Erie. Lake Erie is the warmest of the Great Lakes, and you can sample the lake's glistening waters in lovely beach towns like Conneaut, a hidden beach town with speciality shops, or visit underrated towns like Lakeside, a community with unique shops and Victorian cottages. Magee Marsh Wildlife Beach isn't for anything active like swimming or shopping, though. The gorgeous stretch of serene shoreline is for beachgoers who want to get in touch with nature while being low-key.

There's no swimming at Magee Marsh Wildlife Beach, but you can go there year-round to beachcomb and observe gorgeous birds  that live on its shores and nearby marshes. The locale is a great way to gain some serenity outside of big Ohio cities like Cleveland and Toledo, and you can drive there in no time from either. The stretch of land is just over a 30-minute drive from Toledo, and about two hours from Cleveland. If you're a nature lover, you'll be in paradise when you arrive. The shoreline, marshlands, and elevated boardwalk provide a thriving outdoor wonderland where you can birdwatch, walk lush trails, and take in wild nature views in peace.

Magee Marsh Wildlife Beach is a big deal for birders far and wide and is a major location for the annual American Birding Festival that happens in the region each May. At this time, birders swarm the boardwalks that traverse the marshes, with binoculars and spotting scopes at the ready. The number of birds that perch among the foliage seems countless, including colorful birds like northern cardinals and rose-breasted grosbeaks. During spring, charming birds like great egrets, yellow warblers, and palm warblers also make an appearance.

Classic birds like American robins and eastern screech owls also join the fray, and you can spot larger birds where Lake Erie flows into the Crane Creek Estuary, like trumpeter swans and great blue herons. If you extend your visit to the Magee Marsh Wildlife Beach by doing a bit of walking beyond the boardwalk, you'll reach the Wildlife Beach Trail. Head directly east from the boardwalk to find this 0.7 mile trail, where you'll get to walk straight up and down the shore between the lake and the marsh.

Stroll the beach along Lake Erie for some special beachcombing opportunities, as glowing "lucky" stones, iridescent shells, and beachglass have been found on the sandy shore. And if that's not enough nature to fill your boots, head to the beach's visitor center. Wildlife replicas and informational plaques grace the two-story building, helping to put the region's shores into context.

Head inland on Magee Marsh Wildlife Area Road for even more birding and wildlife views. You'll find the Magee Marsh West Loop Trail there, a leisurely 1.2 mile loop that takes about 21 minutes to complete according to AllTrails. The trail circles a network of ponds, along which deer, turtles, and rabbits have been spotted. However, visitors warn of muddy sections and also of flooding.

You can get the best of both the marsh and Lake Erie on the Crane Creek Estuary Trail, a 3.6 mile out-and-back trail that leads to the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge. The trailhead starts at the northwest corner of the parking lot of the Magee Marsh Wildlife Area, and skirts Lake Erie's shoreline before following a flat path between Crane Creek and the marshlands. At an average of 1 hour to complete, you'll have plenty of time to marvel at the serene expanses, charming wildlife, and myriad bird sightings.

The Friends of Magee Marsh Association Inc. are dedicated to preserving the wildlife area. They organize beach cleanups and offer volunteer opportunities for nature lovers with extra time on their hands. Alternatively, look out for its annual Lake Erie Awareness Day, which teaches visitors about Lake Erie's ecology, history, and culture. If you're on the lookout for more charming locales on Lake Erie between Toledo and Ohio, check out this scenic Ohio Village with the Great Lakes' oldest lighthouse.