Cedar Point National Wildlife Refuge

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cedar Point National Wildlife Refuge is a 2,431-acre protected area located in Sandusky, Ohio.


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Summary

The refuge is situated on the western shore of Lake Erie and is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts.

There are many good reasons to visit Cedar Point National Wildlife Refuge, including its impressive diversity of plant and animal life. The refuge is home to over 300 species of birds, making it a prime location for birdwatching. Visitors can also observe a variety of mammals, including white-tailed deer, red foxes, and coyotes.

There are several points of interest within the refuge, including the Cedar Point Causeway, which offers stunning views of Lake Erie. The refuge also features several hiking trails, including the North and South Marsh Trails, which provide visitors with an up-close look at the area's wetlands.

Interesting facts about Cedar Point National Wildlife Refuge include its role in the conservation of several endangered species, including the eastern massasauga rattlesnake and the Lake Erie water snake. The refuge is also home to several threatened plant species, including the lakeside daisy and the Pitcher's thistle.

The best time of year to visit Cedar Point National Wildlife Refuge is during the spring and fall migration periods, when birdwatching is at its best. However, the refuge is open year-round and visitors can enjoy the various outdoor activities and scenery in the different seasons.

In conclusion, Cedar Point National Wildlife Refuge is a beautiful and diverse natural area in Ohio that is well worth a visit. With its variety of wildlife and stunning views, it is a great destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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