Henry: River Landscapes, Parks and Canal History

Henry County was part of the Great Black Swamp; early settlers considered the area nearly uninhabitable. The Maumee River flows through Henry County and is designated a State Scenic River. Mary Jane Thurston State Park is also in the county, in Damascus Township. The landscape’s history, the river, and the state park offer different starting points for exploring Henry.

Walking Trails, Water and Parks

The parks along the Maumee River each offer a different focus. At Ritter Park in Napoleon, a historic stone shelter and a riverside walking trail go hand in hand; the park also includes a municipal boat launch. Oberhaus Park adds to the picture with a 250-foot public boat dock on the Maumee River. Liberty Bridge crosses the river in Napoleon between County Road 424 and State Route 110. Glenwood Park is home to Napoleon’s golf course, swimming pool, and a youth baseball field. The parks bring riverside walks and access to the water together with other recreational options.

Canal Heritage and Trails

The Miami and Erie Canal was completed in 1843. Lock 43 Miami Wabash & Erie Canal Park provides access to remnants of Miami & Erie Canal Lock 43. The Miami and Erie Canal Towpath in Henry County is part of the Buckeye Trail and the North Country Trail. At the same time, the former Miami and Erie Canal Towpath is being converted into a hiking and biking trail in partnership with the Buckeye Trail Association and the North Country Trail; it runs along the Maumee River. If you are planning a specific hike or bike ride on this route, check the current status of the conversion in advance.

Local History and Regional Culture

The first and second floors of the Bloomfield Home are open during tours. They contain historic furnishings dating from the mid-19th century through the 1930s. The carriage house at the Dr. John Bloomfield Home & Carriage House Museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts from Henry County. The home’s furnishings and the regional collection offer two different ways to explore the county’s past. There are also Ottawa settlement sites and burial grounds along the Maumee River. The Henry County Fair celebrates the county’s agricultural heritage, youth involvement, and community.

Choose the Right Base

If you want the city’s parks and recreational options to shape your stay, Napoleon is a natural area to consider when looking for a vacation rental. Napoleon is home to Ritter Park and Glenwood Park, each with a different focus. If you also plan to visit the state park in Damascus Township, Lock 43 Park, or sites related to the towpath, compare your accommodation’s location with the places you specifically intend to visit. This helps you choose based on your preferred mix of river, parks, and history rather than using the county name alone as a location criterion.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Erie County, Athens County, Portage County, Stark, Tuscarawas, Champaign County and Ashtabula County.

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