Absolutely worth the hype for birding during peak spring migration!! YES it's busy, but people are all here for the same reason and not only respectful of each other, but friendly and helpful. See a group clustered on the boardwalk all peering in the same direction? Just ask and you'll learn what they've heard or spotted and even get help getting a glimpse. For my very first spring as a birder in general, I had so much fun adding so many new birds to my life list! The trail is short but action packed, and located right against Lake Erie for a beautiful, more spacious (less crowded) beach view too, before or after the boardwalk walk! read more

See all

One of my absolute favorite spots for birding!! During spring migration it can be crazy busy but honestly that's part of the fun for me. Everyone is always super friendly and very helpful to someone like me who is a brand new birder. You will see a huge variety of warblers as well as eagles, look for the nest! There's also a spot at one end that runs along a small body of water so keep an eye out for green herons and other shore birds. There's a lot to do in this area so plan on going to Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge as well as Howard Marsh. Note, the only bathroom is a porta potty. Go and have fun and hopefully add to your life list!!! read more

See all

Wow! This wildlife area is fantastic! The visitors center is beautiful and has a lot of displays about the wildlife in the marshlands! I went on a weekday afternoon and you can walk along the UNCROWDED beaches! The restrooms in the visitors area is very clea read more

Magee Marsh Visitor Center - Parks Near Me - Oak Harbor, Ohio

Wow - this is the best wildlife refuge I've ever been to. From the variety of wildlife to the maintenance of the boardwalk and trails, you really can't go wrong here. It does get fairly busy with birders early and late in the day but plenty of room for everyone. We crossed so many birds off our life list while here. read more

Recently I went here for the second time for the Biggest Week in American Birding. With me was my university's Ornithology Club and I cannot even describe how much fun everyone had! Magee Marsh did a great job reconstructing the boardwalk trail after storm damage. Wildlife surrounded us on the trails, from Canada Warblers to Snapping Turtles. There was no limit to the age range of the visitors I saw. The museum inside was beautiful with well preserved taxidermic species, kind workers, and an irresistible gift shop. The only downside is that Magee Marsh offers seasonal hunting, so hikers have to be careful when they visit. Looking forward to my next visit! read more

See all

I enjoy walking the beach here and they also have a nice boardwalk/bird trail that takes you through swampy areas. There are other areas to explore also but I stick to those. I think this park is great I grew up about 10 minutes from here and have seen a wide range of creatures. In the spring baby turtles are everywhere (watch where you drive!) Also large snappers, multiple eagles nests, deer, river otters, snakes, swans and on and on and on. It is also home to the largest bird migration. People come from literally all over the world to this location to view the birds so when people who leave 1 star reviews that have never even visited and two star reviews after taking 1 stroll through are quite frankly clowns. If you like nature and take the time to observe it this is a fantastic place to do so. read more

See all

Great place to walk trails and look at birds. It's a bird watchers paradise. Be careful on the trails because of ticks.

All kinds of wildlife here! Purple martins, bald eagles, muskrats and turtles! Beautiful trails, and access to a beach area that is strictly for observation purposes. As such it is pristine, and the view amazing! read more

I'm judging this park as a casual passerby, not as a wildlife enthusiast or conservation worker. I stopped by here while looking for the now-defunct Crane Creek State Park. From the main parking lot, there is a short walking trail which does not allow you to see much. I walked that in about fifteen minutes, stopping a few times to read the educational signs. From the other side of the refuge, near the old Crane Creek beach, there is a bird trail which I did not do. The website is reticent, but I don't doubt that they have various programs based in the office. To me, it was just sort of boring after the splendor of nearby Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge. read more

We visited here on the 27th and 29th of September, 2013 as part of a transcontinental road trip. Magee Marsh is a famous Important Bird Area that attracts birders from around the world during peak Spring and Fall migrations when many species of warblers, shorebirds, and many other bird species make their annual trip to and from the Arctic to breed, with some coming from as far away as South America. The birds were great, but the facilities could use some TLC -- especially given the amount of use they get. Considering how far people travel to get here, and much they spend to do it, I doubt if they'd balk at a reasonable day use fee that would help fund O&M. We were especially annoyed by a confusing sign on the Migratory Bird Center building (which was never open while we were there). The sign made it seem like the entire preserve closes at 5pm. The official website didn't help either, with no mention of hours. Since there was no one around to ask, we left on the afternoon of the 27th with lots of daylight left, rather than risk getting locked inside the gate. But the next day we found a "Friends of Magee Marsh" website that said the trails are open Open Dawn to Dusk (subject to restrictions during fall waterfowl hunting season for causeway, beach and boardwalk). What a pisser. What a waste of gas. Be sure to leave time for the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge just west and next door of Magee Marsh. It's another completely different experience. read more

Magee Marsh is a worthy side trip, if you're already going to Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge. The birds are a beautiful sight if you walk carefully in the marsh area. I had some uncertainty about the boardwalk area. in addition to being eaten alive by mosquitoes, spiders, bees, and a number of other random bugs, the boardwalk felt a bit unsteady, like the wood might break under one's feet. This was not helped by the fact that several random boards were replaced, intermittently. I think the State of Ohio waits until folks fall through the boardwalk before replacing boards. read more

I thought I had already wrote a review on this but maybe I didn't hit save or send. Excellent place to go to see Bald Eagles in the wild. There was an abundance of Cranes and I saw different species of Cranes. The higher observation deck definitely needs some repair and the trails need more maintanence; however, all in all I left this marsh greatful to have experienced its beauty. Make this place a stop for travel. It's a couple hour drive from Columbus (near Lake Erie) but well worth the trip if your a person who love nature. read more

See all

I love all the wildlife refuges in this area, but unfortunately like many local, state, and national parks and refuges, they are not very disabled friendly. I luckily stopped today at the welcome center next door at Ottawa and was dismayed by how far even the handicapped parking spaces are from that building entrance, and the Sportsmans Migratory Center is even worse. I can't walk trails anymore, and most areas are not accessible by cars. It seemed today like areas that used to be driveable no longer are? Anyway, it just makes me feel unwelcome and sad because I am an avid birder and nature lover in general. read more

We visited Magee Marsh on a nice, sunny day in early spring. We especially enjoyed the boardwalk trail, which I understand is particularly popular with birders during the peak spring and fall bird migration seasons. It can reportedly be quite crowded, especially on weekends, with birders and nature photographers. This trail is a must-do if you visit Magee. The boardwalk is just over a half-mile walk that meanders through woods and marshland near the lake. The fact that it has railings on either side of the boardwalk, running the entire length of it, and benches placed every 100 yards or so along the way makes it especially accessible for those with mobility challenges--especially on a day with no crowds. The causeway out to the beach/boardwalk area runs through marshes with lots of waterfowl. There are a couple of pull-offs along the road where you can park to birdwatch or take photos. There are several other short walking trails (all about a half-mile long), including one that connects Magee Marsh with the neighboring Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge. We also enjoyed visiting the Bird Center. It had a great lounge area with a fireplace and a small exhibit area with dioramas depicting a lot of the bird species you might find here. I'm not a birder, and a relatively casual photographer, but I enjoyed my visit to Magee and would definitely go again. The fact that it is right next door to the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge means you can visit both on the same day. Do know that if you plan on visiting Magee Marsh during the autumn/winter hunting seasons that some of the trails are closed much of the week to allow for controlled hunting, so check for trail closing hours before you go. read more

Great closeup views of many types of migrating birds and other animals along the boardwalk in May and in the fall. The boardwalk has new boards in 2016 and is smooth walking. Other parts of the marsh are good for seeing hawks, eagles, and owls. read more

See all