In spring and fall, the riverside corridor at Creek Bend Farm offers opportunities for birdwatching. More than two miles of trails wind through riverside, field and woodland habitats, as well as actively farmed land. Doug Haubert Wetland is also focused on bird migration: this man-made wetland provides habitat for migratory waterfowl, especially in spring and fall. On the edge of the Lake Erie marshes lies the 160-acre Blue Heron Reserve. Its man-made wetlands and wet woodlands provide habitat for migrating warblers and waterfowl; the reserve is also part of the Lake Erie Birding Trail.

Nature Between Wetland, River and Woodland

The natural areas connect diverse landscapes, but they don’t all offer the same experience. At Blue Heron Reserve, wetlands and wet woodlands shape the habitat for migratory birds. At Creek Bend Farm, views stretch across riverside, field and woodland habitats to actively farmed land; birdwatching is a focus there, especially during spring and fall migration. The man-made Doug Haubert Wetland, in turn, provides habitat for migratory waterfowl mainly during those two seasons. Sandusky County’s natural areas can thus be explored through a variety of habitats and seasonal highlights.

Other places offer different highlights. Wolf Creek Park sits along the Sandusky River and offers opportunities for birdwatching. Christy Farm Nature Preserve encompasses 151 acres of woodland and wetland areas. A cabin on the property was built in 1936 by the Christy family and the Kiwanis Club of Fremont. At The Woods at the Luscombe Farm, a one-mile loop trail winds through a 55-acre woodland; on the grounds of the Tea Kaufman Homestead, a mowed loop trail runs through a small prairie.

Trails, Walks and Scenic Drives

For a longer route, consider the section of the North Coast Inland Trail in Sandusky County: the 28-mile multipurpose trail runs between Elmore and Bellevue. Shorter, more defined trail experiences can be found around White Star Quarry, where a 0.8-mile trail loops around the quarry. Diving is also possible there.

History awaits both on foot and on the road. The Mull Covered Bridge was built in 1851 by the Henry Mull family and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The site at the bridge can be reserved, but parking is very limited. The Sandusky County Historic Barn Mural Trail is a self-guided tour of six approximately 100-year-old barns decorated with murals about local history. The Sandusky County Historic Barn Mural Driving Trail is just under 40 miles long; the drive takes about an hour from start to finish. The Sandusky County Historical Society offers a downloadable brochure for the “Fremont Walking Tour.”

Getting Here and Nearby Destinations

The Ohio Turnpike (I-80/90), nearby I-75 and nine other highways provide access to Sandusky County. Sandusky County Regional Airport offers services for private planes, business aircraft and air taxis. As a general guide, the Lake Erie Islands and Cedar Point Amusement Park are each less than a 30-minute drive from Sandusky County. Whether you’re interested in nature observation, trails or historic discoveries, these different highlights offer a concrete starting point for planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Clyde, Fremont, Clermont County, Columbiana County, Erie County, Warren, Washington, Ashtabula County.

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