The Manor House was originally built by Stranahan family patriarch Robert Stranahan, co-founder of Champion Spark Plug Company.
The park contains the Ottawa River, which winds through the property providing essential riparian habitat.
The 1.2-mile Meadowview Trail is specifically designed to traverse a large restored tallgrass prairie ecosystem.
The property transitioned from a private residential estate to a public park system in the 1970s after a significant local land conservation effort.
It is home to the 'Wildwood' tree, a notable specimen that has been studied for its age and environmental significance.
The park serves as a hub for the University/Parks Trail, connecting users to the University of Toledo campus.
The grounds include an extensive system of boardwalks that allow visitors to access sensitive wetland areas without disturbing the habitat.
Wildwood Preserve Metropark is a 493-acre urban nature preserve in Toledo, Ohio, centered around the historic Manor House. The park features a diverse landscape of wetlands, prairies, and deep forests that support a wide range of native wildlife. It offers over six miles of trails for hiking and cycling, including a portion of the regional trail network. The site serves as an educational hub with regular programming focused on local ecology and regional history. The Manor House, a Georgian Colonial estate built in 1938, stands as the park's primary architectural landmark. Its ecosystem serves as a critical stopover for migratory birds within the Great Lakes region. The park is managed by the Metroparks Toledo system and remains open for public recreation throughout the year.
The formal gardens surrounding the Manor House, particularly during the spring bloom.
Visit the Manor House during the winter holidays to see the estate fully decorated.
Bring binoculars for birdwatching, particularly during the spring and fall migration seasons.
Use the dedicated trail markers to navigate the different loops, as the forest paths can be dense.
Do not attempt to feed local wildlife, as it disrupts their natural diet and behavior.
The Manor House has restricted access during certain private events; check the official Metroparks calendar before arrival.
Stay on marked trails to protect sensitive flora; keep pets on a leash at all times; pack out all trash.
