What makes Blakeslee sights so special is the almost secret way history flows into every field and every old barn. I remember the first time I came across the dusty road from the neighboring town and immediately saw the poster from 1875 that announced the arrival of the railway – that was practically the official “burt date” of this tiny spot in the heart of Florence Township, Williams County. The municipality was named after a local landlord, and although today there is hardly any original building from that time, you can feel that once a small, but proud trading venue was pulsating.
Honestly, the journey is a small adventure trip per se: a short trip from U.S.–20, a few minutes on County Road 12 and you're in the middle of rural Ohio, surrounded by endless corn fields that look like a green ocean in the summer. I like to take the old diesel bus that comes twice a day from Bryan – not just a luxury, but it has charm, and you meet the one or other curious cow that looks out of the field as if they want to know why we carry so much luggage with us.
When I stroll through the village, I notice that people here cultivate a unique mixture of ground pragmatism and an almost nostalgic love for their roots. The small shops that are still run by families always serve me a smile and a piece of homemade apple cake, while I sense the “Blakeslee Sights” that you don’t find in every guide – the quiet moments in which the noise of the wind is almost louder than any city promenade.
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The old tractor, standing at the edge of the field, is the first thing I like about this spot, and he reminds me that there is more going on than you suspect at first sight. Located directly north of Blakeslee Oak Openings Preserve Metropark, a true natural wonder with sandy dunes, rare plants and a network of hiking and cycling trails, which brings even carved urban people to wonder. I once tried to shoot a photo of a rare butterfly, just to realize that the real highlight was a lost rabbit who stared at me with a glance as if he had criticized my camera. Parking is usually easy, except on sunny Saturday afternoons when the field is full of families that spread out their picnic blankets.
A short detour to the east leads to Maumee Bay State Park on the banks of Lake Erie. The lake glitters almost provocatively there, and the beaches are so clean that you almost feel they would be polished extra for Instagram influencers. I have made a campfire there that was declared “too loud” by a friendly Ranger – a small indication that not every noise is welcome here, but the view of the sunset over the water is worth every trouble. The car parks are well signposted, but on the weekend you can take a patience sample.
If you want to exchange the water for something historical, that is Fort Meigs in Perrysburg a must. This old military fort from the war of 1812 is not only a piece of history, but also a place where one feels almost like a time traveler – until a loud tractor passes by the neighboring farm and the illusion breaks down. I remember taking part in a guided tour in a hot July day, and the guide talked more about the “big cannons” while I secretly thought about whether the cannons could not serve better today as grill grates. The entrance is free, parking is usually sufficient as long as you do not come to the main event “Reenactment”, then the terrain becomes quickly a battlefield for cars.
For art lovers who want to be fed not only with nature but also with culture, this is Toledo Museum of Art a surprisingly short trip of about 30 minutes. The building itself is an architectural statement, and the collection ranges from classical painting to modern sculpture. I once looked at a painting that is supposed to capture the soul of the Middle West, and had to admit that I thought more of the soul of my own coffee that I was about to drink. The museum offers free parking, but the café is notorious that the queue is longer than the exhibition itself.
Another highlight you shouldn't overlook is that National Museum of the Great Lakes in Toledo. Here the history of the Great Lakes becomes alive with interactive exhibits and old ship models. I was there on a rainy afternoon and suddenly found myself in a replica of a 19-century steamship, which was so authentic that I almost had the feeling that the water would knock on the board walls again. The museum has a small visitor centre with free Wi-Fi, and parking is usually easy as long as you don’t get to the special exhibition “Schiffbruch” – then the site becomes a magnet for historians and curious children.
The Toledo Zoo & Aquarium not missing. The zoo is a bit further, but the journey is worth it, because not only classic animals can be found here, but also an impressive aquarium with sharks and rays. I once tried to make a selfie with a penguin, just to realize that the penguins are much better in ignoring my camera than I thought. The zoo offers enough parking space, but on school holidays, the entry and exit can be a small patience sample – a good reason to come early and catch the first look at the frechen earthmen.
Whether you prefer the sandy dunes of Oak Openings, the historic walls of Fort Meigs, the art treasures in Toledo or the animal stars in the zoo – the surroundings of Blakeslee have something to offer for everyone. And that's exactly what makes Blakeslee Attractions to a surprisingly versatile experience that you should not overlook.
This guide invites you to make a small but surprisingly self-contained trip through the heart of Blakeslee with me – yes, just the tiny village in Florence Township, Ohio, which you would easily overlook if you don't happen to drive along the Maume River.
I must confess, my first highlight was that Blakeslee Dam. The dam is not exactly a monument of engineering, but it has something raw that immediately reminds me of the early days of American infrastructure. The concrete is somewhat brittle, the water floats gently underneath it, and the whole thing looks like a relic from an era where one still believed that a few tons of steel could tame nature. If you're standing there, you can hear the soft noise of the river – a perfect place to shoot some selfies that will later be sold on social media as a “rustic charm”.
A short walk further (approximately five minutes if you’re not currently in “I-bin-to-fast-for-the-country” mode) leads you to Blakeslee Dam Picnic Area. Here are some rustic tables, an old grill house that has more rust than color, and a small playground that is more suitable for children from 5 to 7 years – ideal if you're on the move with the family. Parking is usually easy, except on Saturday night, there will be a real problem because then the local anglers and the “I-will-the-sea-on-the-flow-to-fish” people occupy the field.
Right on the shore, where the water gets a little deeper, waits Blakeslee Dam Fishing Pier. I caught an old carp there that was almost as big as my coffee cup – no joke, the particle was real. The pier is not particularly well maintained, the wood snores at every step, but that gives it a certain charm. If you're lucky, you'll meet a few local anglers here, who will pay you the mood with a murky “don't go too deep, that's my spot”.
For those who prefer walking, there is the Blakeslee Dam Trail. The path stretches along the river, past a few abandoned industrial plants that are now overrun by wild flowers. I once observed a squirrel that was brave enough to steal a piece of nut – a little moment that shows that nature is still a bit rebellious. The trail is not signposted, so better bring your phone with you if you're lost; the GPS then only shows “No data available”, which is somehow appropriate.
Another piece of local history is that Blakeslee Dam Historic Markerat the intersection of Dam Road and River Street. The text on it is a bit dry, but he explains why the dam was built in 1925 and how he reduced the flooding danger for the surrounding farms. I don't quite understand the hype about such boards, but they give you the feeling of being part of a bigger narrative – at least for a few seconds.
If you're looking for a bridge that's more than just a piece of asphalt, see the Blakeslee Dam Bridge on. It is not particularly spectacular, but it offers a good view of the river and is a popular spot for hobby photographers who want to capture the light in the late afternoon. I once saw a young man jongling with a drone controller – a picture for eternity when you are lucky not to be hit by the drone.
A little off the main stream lies Blakeslee Dam Boat Launch. Here you can put a kayak or a small inflatable into the water if you want to explore the Maumee River from below. The launch is simple, a few stairs and a railing that has more rust than metal. I met some locals who told me that the water is particularly clear in spring – a good reason to dare the ascent, although the weather is often surprisingly cold in autumn.
And yes, if you are looking for a compact summary, here is a short overview: Blakeslee Attractions include the dam, the picnic area, the fishing pier, the hiking trail, the historical sign, the bridge and the boat launch. Each of these places has its own small charm, and together they form a network of rustic authenticity that is not found in most guides.
At the end of the day, when the sun goes under the Maume River and the dam's silhouette dips into a warm orange, I feel somehow satisfied. Blakeslee is not the next Paris, but it has its own, slightly cynical stories that I wanted to share with you – and maybe if you're in Ohio the next time, you'll be surprised by this little spot of land.
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