Urban surf and turf

The Maumee River and the bluest sky to form a perfect backdrop for the Toledo River Walk at Water Street Station. This downtown trail is a melding of urban life and man-made architecture entwined with the natural world.

Seagulls fly over the walkway’s rails, flags dance in the breeze, and visitors can enjoy riverside views of downtown buildings and the bridges.
For an amazing panorama of the whole area, access the trail between the One Seagate, Fifth Third building at 550 N. Summit St. and the Grand Plaza Hotel at 444 N. Summit St. (park along Jackson St. near Summit). The staircase gives way to an inner grotto with a large fountain and a reflecting pool that captures the art and nature around it. Beyond the grotto, the pathway leads you the sparkling river, past sun dappled trees through Promenade Park and behind Fort Industry Square. People read, play chess and eat lunch in the seating areas as walkers and runners move along the trail.

Continue on until you cross in front of Owens Corning’s large blue bridge (N. Summit and Washington St.) and pick up the rest of the red-brick Riverwalk that leads about a quarter mile down Summit, ending near the Swan Creek apartments at Lafayette St., before you head back. As you travel through the Boeschenstein Park section view the fun interpretive sculpture, Swan Waves.

Take a side trek and leave the River Walk at N. Summit and Washington streets by turning left and crossing Owens Corning’s small red bridge, immediately turning left again onto OC’s Prairie Trail head near the yellow pavilion (open 9am until dusk, no bicycles). This trail, which is handicapped accessible, is a mile long loop of expansive water views and endless fields of native grasses.

A visual delight occurs when the OC building’s curved and mirrored surface picks up reflections of the Maumee River, giving a feeling of being on a causeway surrounded by water. The trail is also a popular running path with stretching and exercise stations. Enjoy the loop and then cross over the bridge and head back (turn right) down the Water Street River Walk to your starting point.

Before ascending the staircase to exit, continue on the path beneath to the MLK Bridge, where the outdoor nautical museum under the bridge highlights the history of Toledo’s river life and industry with colorful signage. Climb the black metal stairs and walk along the bridge to take in a last amazing view of the area.

The Maumee River and the bluest sky to form a perfect backdrop for the Toledo River Walk at Water Street Station. This downtown trail is a melding of urban life and man-made architecture entwined with the natural world.

Seagulls fly over the walkway’s rails, flags dance in the breeze, and visitors can enjoy riverside views of downtown buildings and the bridges.
For an amazing panorama of the whole area, access the trail between the One Seagate, Fifth Third building at 550 N. Summit St. and the Grand Plaza Hotel at 444 N. Summit St. (park along Jackson St. near Summit). The staircase gives way to an inner grotto with a large fountain and a reflecting pool that captures the art and nature around it. Beyond the grotto, the pathway leads you the sparkling river, past sun dappled trees through Promenade Park and behind Fort Industry Square. People read, play chess and eat lunch in the seating areas as walkers and runners move along the trail.

Continue on until you cross in front of Owens Corning’s large blue bridge (N. Summit and Washington St.) and pick up the rest of the red-brick Riverwalk that leads about a quarter mile down Summit, ending near the Swan Creek apartments at Lafayette St., before you head back. As you travel through the Boeschenstein Park section view the fun interpretive sculpture, Swan Waves.

Take a side trek and leave the River Walk at N. Summit and Washington streets by turning left and crossing Owens Corning’s small red bridge, immediately turning left again onto OC’s Prairie Trail head near the yellow pavilion (open 9am until dusk, no bicycles). This trail, which is handicapped accessible, is a mile long loop of expansive water views and endless fields of native grasses.

A visual delight occurs when the OC building’s curved and mirrored surface picks up reflections of the Maumee River, giving a feeling of being on a causeway surrounded by water. The trail is also a popular running path with stretching and exercise stations. Enjoy the loop and then cross over the bridge and head back (turn right) down the Water Street River Walk to your starting point.

Before ascending the staircase to exit, continue on the path beneath to the MLK Bridge, where the outdoor nautical museum under the bridge highlights the history of Toledo’s river life and industry with colorful signage. Climb the black metal stairs and walk along the bridge to take in a last amazing view of the area.