Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge

The Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1961 to preserve habitat for migrating birds. Staff at the refuge also manage Cedar Point and West Sister Island refuges. The three refuges together now protect approximately 9,000 acres of habitat and some of the last remnants of the GreatBlack Swamp in the heart of the Lake Erie marshes.The Lake Erie Marsh Region has historicallybeen important to fish, migratory waterfowl, songbirds, and shorebirds. Up to 70 percent of theMississippi Flyway population of black ducks can be found in the Lake Erie marshes during thefall migration. Large numbers of migrating songbirds stop in the area to rest during theirspring migration. This amazing wildlife spectacle attracts a large number of visitors from acrossthe country.Ottawa Refuge has been designated as a site of regional significance in the Western HemisphereShorebird Reserve Network. In 2002, Birders World readers voted the refuge as one of theirTop 15 favorite spots to see birds, and the American Bird Conservancy has identified therefuge as an Important Bird Area.

The refuge entrance is located 15 miles east of Toledo/Oregon and 16 miles west of Port Clinton on State Route 2. From I80/90 westbound, take exit 91; follow State Route 19 north to State Route 2; follow State Route 2 west 3 miles to the entrance road on the right. From I80/90 eastbound, take exit 81; follow State Route 105 east to State Route 590; follow State Route 590 north to State Route 2; follow State Route 2 east 2 miles to the entrance road on the left. The half-mile entrance road is located on the north side of State Route 2.