Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area located in northwest Ohio, covering over 6,700 acres of wetland and upland habitats.
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Summary
The refuge offers visitors a chance to observe a diverse range of wildlife, including migratory birds, waterfowl, and endangered species such as the bald eagle and the eastern massasauga rattlesnake.
There are many reasons to visit Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, such as hiking, fishing, hunting, and wildlife observation. The refuge is also home to several points of interest, including Cedar Point National Wildlife Refuge, the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, and the Black Swamp Bird Observatory.
Interesting facts about the area include that it was established in 1961 as a place for migratory birds to rest and refuel on their long journeys. The refuge is also home to over 300 species of birds and is an important stopover for the endangered Kirtland's warbler.
The best time of year to visit Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge is during the spring and fall migration seasons when visitors can see a variety of bird species passing through the area. However, the refuge is open year-round and offers different experiences depending on the season, such as ice fishing in the winter and wildflower spotting in the summer.
Overall, Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge is a great place to explore the natural beauty and wildlife of Ohio, and it's worth a visit for anyone looking for an outdoor adventure.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
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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