Biking

Grand Rapids is a popular destination for biking groups who like winding, rolling State Route 65 as it hugs the river east of the village. Bring your bikes and enjoy bucolic country roads. Food and refreshments are available at the end of your ride!

Boating/Skiing

On the twelve miles of navigable water above the dam, boats of all kinds can be seen. Water skiing and jet skiing is prevalent during the warm weather months. A public launch is available at Mary Jane Thurston State Park marina and at Gilead Side-cut Canal in the Village. There is also a pay launch at Lally’s Marine, a short drive west of the park.

The Village of Grand Rapids completed a Public Boat Dock Project located in the Gilead Side-Cut Canal in the summer of 2000.

The project provided 10 short-term courtesy docks for boaters to dock their boats and enjoy the attractions that the Village of Grand Rapids has to offer.

The docks are adjacent to the West Street Boat Launch and are ADA accessible.

The project was funded with Village Capital Improvement Funds and a grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Watercraft Waterways Safety Fund.

Regulations for the use of Public Launch, Transient Boat Docks & Gilead Canal

1. Entire canal is a no-wake zone.
2. DO NOT block launch ramp with boats or vehicles.
3. Vehicle and trailer parking in designated area only.
4. It shall be unlawful for any person to dock any watercraft at the public docks between 10:30pm and 5:30 am.
5. No motorized watercraft east of boat launch.
6. It shall be unlawful to anchor, dock, or tie up any watercraft other than at the five public docks.

Otsego Canoe Livery

Open Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day
Saturdays, Sundays & Holidays 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

All trips depart from the Otsego Canoe Livery. First-come first-served.
Large groups may reserve 6 or more canoes by contacting Park District Headquarters. Youth groups call for special discounts.

For more information, contact the Wood County Park District at:
www.woodcountyparkdistrict.org
email@woodcountyparkdistrict.org
phone: (419) 353-1897

** All trips dependent on weather & river conditions.

Fishing

Good fishing can be had between the dam and the bridges. The walleye begin to run in late March followed by other varieties of fish. Anglers can reel for crappies, white bass, catfish, carp, small mouth bass, rock bass, and sauger.

Hiking / Jogging Cross-Country Skiing

Miles of trails through area parks and along the old canal towpaths both north and south of the Maumee River provide refreshing scenery for those seeking an aerobic workout. Mile markers guide the way for walks of unparalleled peace and scenic beauty. A one mile portion of the Buckeye Trail passes through Grand Rapids and Mary Jane Thurstin Park.

Swimming

The Grand Rapids Community Swimming Pool is located at Bridge and Third Streets. The outdoor pool is near the library and Labino Park.
For more information: www.grpool.weebly.com

Other

• Basketball, Tennis, Inline Roller Hockey – All purpose court at Labino park
• Camping – Available at Mary Jane Thurstin Park
• Two shelters and a number of park areas are available.
• Nature Walks
• River Watching