Overview
Sometimes the best trips are the unplanned ones! Back in July, with no camping trips until the middle of August planned, we decided to head to one of our favorite nearby wildlife watching destinations – Maumee Bay State Park and Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, less than 3 hours from home. Despite our many visits, this area continues to amaze us with more biodiversity than anywhere else we’ve explored in the Midwest.
July 21 – Spontaneous Escape to Maumee Bay State Park
Sometimes the best trips are the unplanned ones! We decided last weekend to head to one of our favorite nearby wildlife watching destinations – Maumee Bay State Park and Ottawa Wildlife Refuge, less than 3 hours from home. Despite our many visits, this area continues to amaze us with more biodiversity than anywhere else we’ve explored in the Midwest.
Left early with the camper pre-hitched from the night before, successfully beating morning traffic. Since we couldn’t check into our site until 3pm, we made the best of it by heading to Maumee Bay’s beach. Frida had a blast wading in the water while we enjoyed a relaxed lunch.
Site #16 turned out to be our best yet at this park – definitely booking this one again! Located on a cul-de-sac with tons of space, an empty spot next door, and the camp host on the other side. Perfect mix of tree coverage and open areas, plus a gray water drain right nearby (so much better than using the dump station for gray water!).
Early evening, we left Frida napping and headed to Metzger Marsh with our folded kayaks. The walk along the strip separating marsh from lake was easy enough, but we launched into an area so thick with lotus plants that paddling was nearly impossible. Once we broke through to clearer water though – wow! Kayaking through this lush marsh with nothing but wildlife for company was absolutely magical. Found a much better launch spot for next time on our way back. Returned to camp for a nice dinner with Frida.
July 22 – Ottawa Wildlife Refuge Surprises
After Frida’s morning walk and breakfast, we headed to Ottawa Wildlife Refuge around 8am for our first hike. The refuge consists of rectangular ponds on reclaimed farmland that have been restored as wetlands for wildlife conservation. Having visited mostly in winter and spring, we were amazed to find the marshes completely transformed – covered in lotus flowers and vegetation so dense you could barely see the water. Absolutely gorgeous!
Wildlife sightings included a couple of bald eagles, swans, egrets, great blue herons, and numerous shorebirds. The change from our previous visits was remarkable.
Spent a leisurely late morning and afternoon at camp. Originally planned to kayak at Little Portage River Wildlife Area but decided to save the car time and return to Metzger Marsh instead – saving Little Portage for next time. The marsh delivered again! Spotted many bird species including a Common Gallinule – a first for me! Back to camp before sunset for dinner and Frida’s evening walk.
July 23 – Dawn Patrol Pays Off
Hooked up the camper and packed everything the night before for a pre-dawn departure (after coffee, of course – we’re not savages!). Arrived at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge before sunrise and the early wake-up was absolutely worth it.
The wildlife activity was incredible! Found a pair of adult bald eagles with their grown juvenile, following them around the preserve for some great shots including some near their nest. Caught blue herons and egrets still roosting in trees before they headed to the water for breakfast. The variety was amazing – warblers, shorebirds, swallows in a feeding frenzy, muskrats, deer, and more.
After nature’s spectacular morning show, we headed home completely satisfied. This place never fails to deliver, reminding us why it remains one of our favorite quick getaways!
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