This was one of the largest and nicest national wildlife refuges we have ever been to. The visitor center and surrounding areas have comprehensive education opportunities, well kept trails, and an excellent driving trail too. As we were leaving the park through one of the back trail roads, we saw an otter cross the road out in front of us. We’d been told at the visitor center that sighting are rare, and the rangers haven’t seen one yet. We felt very privileged to have seen this elusive creature. Unfortunately we did not have the cameras ready and missed the shot.
We walked and hiked about four miles of the area on the second day. Along with the otter from the first day, on day two we saw young Bald Eagles, lots of herons and egrets, a huge Fox squirrel and a variety of small birds.
We also visited Magee Marsh (next door to the NWR). It was less impressive, but we understand that in the spring they are known for the migration of a large variety of warblers. Aha! We will be back in the spring!
With time to spare, we decided to check out Maumee State Park – WOW! What a park!!! Golf course, yacht marina (club?), tennis courts, lodge, reasonably priced campground with electric, beach on Lake Erie, basketball court, archery – you name it, they have it. We’ve never seen a state park like this before. We plan to stay here in the spring to see the warblers.