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Plan Your Trip to Toledo: Best of Toledo Tourism

Essential Toledo

Toledo Is Great For

The great outdoors

Eat & drink

• Renaissance Toledo Downtown Hotel
• Hampton Inn & Suites Toledo/Westgate
• Hilton Garden Inn Toledo Downtown
• Holiday Inn Express & Suites Toledo West, an IHG Hotel
• Courtyard by Marriott Toledo North
• Maumee Bay Brewing Co
• Mancy's Steak House
• Tony Packo's Cafe
• Ye Olde Durty Bird
• Imagination Station
• Toledo Museum of Art
• National Museum of the Great Lakes
• Hollywood Casino Toledo
• History Along the Maumee: A Self-Guided Driving Tour in Ohio
• Toledo City Scavenger Hunt by Zombie Scavengers
• Toledo Scavenger Hunt: Toledo Perspectives
• Thrilling Toledo Scavenger Hunt
• Explore Toledo with a Unique Scavenger Hunt by Wacky Walks

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Is Toledo Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Ohio : Safety by City

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• Port Clinton
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Sitting on the southwest corner of Lake Erie, just below the Michigan state line, is the industrial city of Toledo, Ohio.

It’s known as Glass City for a once prominent glass production industry.

Toledo is a city of 270,000 people but is just an hour south of the much larger Detroit and two hours west of Cleveland.

While Toledo isn’t the industrial powerhouse it once was, there’s still a strong presence of industry and automotive with a surge in community art and cultural improvements.

The Maumee River feeds into Lake Erie but also runs the length of the city, offering great waterfront opportunities in the newly revitalized downtown.

As odd as it might sound, one of the best seafood meals of my life came from the Real Seafood Company restaurant at International Park in Toledo.

The river also adds a tourism element, including the National Museum of the Great Lakes, where “Ship Happens,” as the advertisement reads.

You can also take boat tours on the river into Lake Erie, where you’ll come very close to international waters.

When you’re scouring social media for Toledo ideas, look for #ThisIsToledo, as that’s the official hashtag for the city’s sites, locals, and visitors.

One note about Toledo for those unfamiliar with Rust Belt cities.

Toledo is a working-class town.

The average family income is under $40,000 annually, and nearly 26% of people live in poverty.

As I drove around the city with a friend who lived there, I asked, “where is the fancy part of the city?” and she was honest in that, “We don’t have too much of that here.

But we also have some of the nicest and most helpful people you’ll ever meet.”

• Warnings & Dangers in Toledo

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

Toledo has a medium risk, with a crime rate nearly three times the national average in 2021 and growing even higher in 2022. The city is much riskier for locals as strangers have a 23% or less chance of being a violent crime - provided they follow smart safety steps.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

TARTA is the public transportation that runs through the city and suburbs. You can also get a taxi, rideshare, or rental car. You can get a shuttle ride from the Detroit airport to Toledo if you choose to use the larger airport, but it will cost around $100-$150. I flew into Detroit for a Toledo trip but rented my own car at the Detroit airport. It's all highway driving between the two, and Detroit's airport is on the southwest outskirts of the city, making it an easy trip from Toledo.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

Just 20 pickpockets were reported in 2021 out of more than 5,000 thefts. That's likely to be due to a city that isn't very crowded or too many opportunities to pickpocket. You should still limit what you carry and keep your wallet in a safe place.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Winter weather and flooding are likely the biggest concerns, but severe weather and tornadoes are also possible. Since every season brings some kind of serious weather potential, you can review the Lucas County Emergency Management plan to learn more.

MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM

The robbery rate is twice the national average, but diving deeper into the data shows that 23% of robberies are considered "highway robbery," which is more likely to be a tourist. You can lower your risk even more by avoiding dangerous areas and not participating in risky behaviors.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

There's a low risk here, with Detroit being a more likely target due to its size and industry. There is an operational nuclear plant about 26 miles east of Toledo. We'll talk about that safety concern shortly. Even the terrorism section of the emergency management website just addresses the "See Something, Say Something" motto that is common in America.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

Tourists aren't likely to face scams here, and Toledo isn't really a big tourism destination. There are residential scams, and check-washing scams have become more common in 2022.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Women should use the standard caution here, but nothing in the crime data gives extra concern for them. As a woman who visited Toledo, I visited some parts where it felt a little uncomfortable, but I never felt threatened.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

By 2023, Toledo will have a newly renovated and improved water treatment plant to avoid algae booms and other contaminants. This renovation also adds ozone technology for additional protection. The water meets or exceeds all required standards and is tested 24/7 throughout the year to maximize safety. One important note - as I started researching this, I noticed through the emergency notifications that a boil order was in place that impacted 15,000 residents. This was due to a pressure issue from ongoing water pipe repairs. You can feel safe that the city will let you know if there's a risk, but you can also call the utility at (419)936-3021.

• Safest Places to Visit in Toledo

VisitToledo.org is the official tourism website for the city.

This means you’ll be on a verified and secure website, and your personal information will be protected within the terms and conditions of the website.

Each year a Visitor’s Guide is published and available for download on this site, too, so you can see the new attractions in the city for every season.

The National Museum of the Great Lakes is one of the best things to see when visiting Toledo.

There are more than 40 hands-on exhibits and boat displays to explore.

The artifacts and history lessons in the museum date back to the 1600s.

The Toledo Zoo & Aquarium is one destination for exploring more than 10,000 animals, with 3,000 of those being aquatic.

Even in the cold winters, you can visit this attraction throughout the year, with special events during all the holidays.

Hollywood Casino Toledo brings the excitement of Las Vegas to northern Ohio.

You can play slots, table games, or have a meal at one of several restaurants.

There’s also a live poker room, whether you want to play or watch.

Toledo has an abundance of Metroparks, some along the river and still being developed, others in more remote areas.

Here you’ll find some great camping spots, hiking trails, sledding hills, and even sections dedicated to hammocking.

You can find a full list of parks at MetroParksToledo.com.

I played a fun game of sand volleyball there on the banks of the river one summer, and these parks are really a great community gathering spot any time of year.

Detweiler Park is one of the parks closest to Lake Erie, with a golf course, water rentals, and wetland wildlife.

If you want to drive around and find the “fancy part,” as I did, you should take a ride through the Old West End.

This historic neighborhood is one of the nation’s largest collections of mixed architecture homes, including Victorian, Edwardian, and Crafstman-style homes.

You can also visit the Toledo Museum of Art while in this neighborhood.

• Places to Avoid in Toledo

Crime is pretty widespread in the community, with higher rates north and northwest of the city.

Toledo, being such a working-class town, can make it hard to distinguish between a dangerous neighborhood and one that just looks rundown due to poverty levels.

The safest way to travel is to stay on main roads and interstates.

In 2022, a surge of crime in the Library Village area of west Toledo brought a demand from neighborhoods for more police presence and some kind of action to be taken.

As of late 2022, 25% of all homicides were happening in that area.

“Don’t get tunnel vision in your morning routine,” assistant public information officer Andrew Dlugosielski told local television station WTOL.

“Definitely be aware of your surroundings, look around and make sure everything is safe, and if something feels off, it probably is.”

There is a grouping of hotels just southwest of this area, so tourists might want to consider staying downtown in east Toledo, but check the crime trends closer to your visit to be sure.

• Safety Tips for Traveling to Toledo
• You can check those crime rates by using the interactive crime mapping feature on the Toledo Police Department’s (TPD) website. You can also look at the violent crime dashboard and search for different districts to see where crime is the highest.
• Toledo started a program using “Violence Interrupters.” The interrupters are people who work in tandem with the police, but are not police officers, to “interrupt” and prevent crime. Some of the people representing the program are former gang members or criminals who turned their lives around and now want to help pay it forward. If you look at the neighborhoods with violence interrupters, you’ll also know those neighborhoods are more likely hot spots for crime.
• Don’t assume Toledo is a safe smaller city just because it’s so much smaller than Detroit or Cleveland. There are gangs here. There is a drug problem here with illegal guns on the streets. You should treat any dangerous situation here as seriously as you would treat a situation in Detroit.
• You can’t talk or text while driving here, but you can use a hands-free device. Texting is also not allowed, even if you’re sitting in traffic or stopped at a light. You can get a ticket, as distracted driving is a primary offense.
• 30% of all thefts are car burglaries in Toledo. Don’t leave anything in the vehicle when you park – no GPS holder, trash, charging cables – nothing. Even a trash bag could look like a place someone might store valuables for a thief. Even if they don’t get away with anything, you still don’t want to deal with a broken window and a police report. Always lock the doors and leave the windows rolled up. You should also take rental car paperwork inside the hotel with you. Don’t leave it in the glovebox where a thief could get your personal information.
• If you aren’t a fan of cold weather and can’t walk confidently in it, then use rideshares or taxis to get around. When it’s cold, many people default to thick layers, hats, hoodies, and earmuffs while looking down at the ground. This could be attractive for a criminal looking for a crime of opportunity (and is also much more acclimated to cold weather). I’m a terrible cold-weather walker, and I lose peripheral vision, partial hearing from all the layers, and mobility with thick fabrics.
• Toledo has a color-coded and numbered snow emergency and parking plan. As a tourist, you don’t want to remember all of that. You also don’t want to get towed or sideswiped by a plow. When snow is in the forecast, park in a private lot or in a parking garage so you can avoid worrying about what color or number the plow path is currently in.
• Check the road construction plan on the city’s website before you visit. In places with harsh winters, like Toledo, the winter weather and freeze/thaw cycles tear up the roads. This means during spring and summer major road work happens all over town. This can confuse the heck out of a tourist’s GPS system. If you review the road construction plan, you’ll know how to select detours better and save your routes.
• Engage Toledo is the city’s app to connect with residents and visitors. I would strongly recommend getting this app because you get responses around the clock. This is great for safety and general information. You should still use 911 if there’s an emergency.
• The David Besse Nuclear Power Station is about 25 miles east of the city. While there’s no reason to think a nuclear emergency will happen, there’s an intense emergency plan detailed in the rare event one would happen. Cedar Point National Wildlife Refuge is in what’s known as the “10 Mile Zone,” which would be especially susceptible to a nuclear disaster. You should read the information about the risk and safety steps if that’s something that concerns you.
• So... How Safe Is Toledo Really?

Toledo’s crime rates are high and rising.

What I found especially interesting was the mayor’s take on the situation.

Here’s what he told the local station, WTOL.

“There is a fear industrial complex in this country that encourages people to sometimes live in fear,” Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz said.

“I’m not going to fall for it, and I hope that Toledoans don’t fall for it either.

If you want to be afraid in life, you’ll find a reason.

But I focus on facts.”

While living in Toledo could come with a higher rate of concern, for a tourist, you just need to “stay in your own lane.”

Avoid dangerous neighborhoods, stick to main streets and tourist areas, and don’t go looking for trouble (or drugs).

Just 5% of the violent crimes that happened in 2021 were against strangers.

23% of robberies were “highway robberies.”

There is a higher risk for a local resident, as most crimes are against people who know each other.

Toledoans are also very protective of their city.

I’m sure some of you reading this are firing up a comment about how it’s not that dangerous, and it’s nothing compared to bigger cities.

Hey, I’m from St. Louis, so I get it.

These articles are written for the vast majority of travelers who could be of any age, any gender, and from any sized city.

If you’re used to an urban culture with gangs, guns, and drugs, you’ll have the street smarts to adapt to Toledo.

If you aren’t, I hope this has helped you learn a little more about a fun city.

Is Toledo too dangerous to visit?

You just need common sense and good safety standards.

• How Does Toledo Compare?
• Useful Information

You'll need a U.S. Visa and passport, even if you're crossing from Canada near Detroit. The Visa process can take several months but start at the U.S. State Department website, where you can use the Visa Wizard module to get started on the right path.

The U.S. Dollar is the only currency you can use here, and you can get by without cash. If you do want to carry cash, don't use public ATMs and exchange currency in a bank with security cameras.

Toledo gets all four seasons, so winters can come with extreme cold, and summers can be oppressively hot. Dress for the season, but don't skimp on winter clothing. You'll need layers of insulated clothing for all the snowshoeing and sledding available. Bring bug spray too.

Toledo has an "express airport" with Allegiant flights to select cities. If you want more travel options, drive an hour to Detroit's airport. Toledo's airport is 22 miles from the city center, whereas Detroit's is just 44 miles away. A little more driving gives you much better value.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance should be purchased when you buy the airfare, but at minimum, get the insurance 15 days before your trip. That insurance kicks in immediately, so let's say you get the flu before you travel - you'll still be protected by that insurance.

Toledo Weather Averages (Temperatures)

• Average High/Low Temperature

Ohio - Safety by City

Explore toledo.

• 15 Pros and Cons of Living in Toledo, OH
• Where to Next?

5 Reviews on Toledo

it is a nice and cozy city

What a gem this little city is!

Toledo is a smaller city, but a certain coziness to it. The city is pretty safe, especially in the daytime. At night, you need to exercise a bit of caution so you don’t get mugged (which can happen in certain areas). But, I still wouldn’t say chances of you getting mugged, even at night, are high. No, just be careful and things will be ok. I would say you have a bigger chance to see or even experience pickpocketing. In crowded areas you will always see them trying to steal things. Don’t have your valuables easily accessible, watch your phone and bag and you should be fine.

You wouldn’t think it but Toledo has a great Museum of Art. It has more than 35 galleries with some collections being recognized world wide! Yes, I had no idea as well. You can also attend classes like glass blowing (it’s pretty fun). We’ve spent around 5 hours here (with a coffee break) and it was a lot of fun. And it was free.

Imagination Station has so many exhibits where you’ll learn the science that goes on behind health, energy, water, etc. You (or your children) can be scientists and do experiments. There’s a lot to do here and you can also have lunch and then get back to it again.

You can go on a canal ride on The Volunteer canal boat. You will learn how these boats work and how life was back in the day when they were widely used. The staff is dressed up for the part and will take you back to the 19th century.

If you’re in the area I also recommend taking a tour of the Toledo Lighthouse. This needs to be done by boat and you’ll need to be able to climb a ladder to get on top of the tower. Or you can just admire it from down below. Your choice but it’s worth the climb.

Toledo Firefighters Museum is going to WOW you kids, especially if they’re fans (and who isn’t?). Seeing vintage equipment, hearing stories and getting to experience this will make you child’s day.

I did some solo traveling there and had a fantastic experience. The safety measures in place were reassuring, and I never encountered any issues.

I always prioritize safety when choosing travel destinations, and Toledo exceeded my expectations. The city’s commitment to maintaining a secure environment is evident.

The blend of historic landmarks and modern attractions makes Toledo a unique and secure destination for all types of travelers.

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Article Contents

• Toledo : Safety by City
• Overall Risk
• Transport & Taxis Risk
• Pickpockets Risk
• Natural Disasters Risk
• Mugging Risk
• Terrorism Risk
• Women Travelers Risk
• Tap Water Risk
• Weather Averages (Temperatures)
• User Reviews
• Share Your Experience

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Ohio Turnpike issues travel restriction ahead of winter storm

TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) - The Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission has issued a Weather Event Travel Restriction that will be in effect until further notice.

Ohio Turnpike says the engineering department is carefully monitoring the situations surrounded the upcoming winter storm and the restriction may be expanded or restricted as conditions warrant.

The Ohio Turnpike remains open to most traffic, but certain types of vehicles are restricted. The following types of vehicles are banned from traveling on the Ohio Turnpike until the restriction is lifted:

• High-profile is defined as exceeding seven feet, six inches in height
• Commercial trucks towing an empty single 53-foot trailer
• All mobile homes, office trailers and livestock trailers.
• All long combination vehicle (LCV) long double-trailer combinations exceeding 90-feet in length. (Enclosed trailers only, including Conestoga type trailers)
• All LCV triple-trailer combinations.

The following types of vehicles will be permitted to travel on the Ohio Turnpike:

• Self-propelled motor homes
• Low-profile trailers
• Fold-down camper trailers
• Pickup trucks with slide-on camper units
• Vehicles towing fifth-wheel type trailers, or any other type of trailers towed by passenger vehicles or pickup trucks.
• Commercial trucks towing single flatbed or box-type trailers
• Commercial trucks towing a single 53-foot trailer
• Commercial trucks towing a car hauler trailer
• Commercial trucks towing flatbed double-trailer combinations in excess of 90 feet
• Commercial trucks towing any double-trailer combinations less than 90 feet.
• 2-axle buses less than 40 feet
• Buses with 3 or more axles less than 45 feet

If you have any questions, contact the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission at 440-971-2081.

See a spelling or grammar error in our story? Please include the title when you click here to report it.

Copyright 2022 WTVG. All rights reserved.

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Toledo Visitors Guide

Order your 2024-25 Visitors Guide today!

Complete the form below to order your 2024-25 guide now. All forms completed after March 28, 2024 were held until the arrival of the new guide and will be mailed shortly.

Check out this year's digital flipbook below.  There's no better way to start planning your visit to the Toledo region than with this free publication. Check out great travel inspiration, hotels, articles and more!  

Download or view the accessible PDF of the guide Download or view the accessible map and major events schedule 

Want a Visitors Guide mailed directly to you? Complete the form to get your free copy!

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UToledo Issues Updated Travel Advisory, Encourages Registration of Travel

The University continues to strongly encourage all faculty, staff and students to avoid out-of-state and international travel. If individuals do travel, the University is strongly encouraging them to voluntarily register their travel plans through Dec. 31, 2020. Individuals who did not previously register travel may also use the form to report their return.

In response to Gov. Mike DeWine’s recent travel advisory , individuals arriving from states reporting a positive COVID-19 testing rate of 15% or higher will be asked to quarantine for 14 days before returning to work, per U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention guidelines , class or other on-campus activities.

The protocol applies to students, staff or faculty who are entering Ohio after having traveled from or through any state on the list maintained by the Ohio Department of Health.

Additionally, the University is following CDC recommendations and asking that students and employees who are returning from international travel quarantine for 14 days before returning to work, classes or other on-campus activities.

Healthcare providers working at The University of Toledo Medical Center are excluded from these protocols to ensure adequate staffing of key positions within the hospital.

The University is working with residential students who may need to quarantine after returning to campus this fall. As the University has previously communicated, students will not be penalized if they must miss class due to an illness or the need to quarantine. The Office of Student Advocacy and Support will assist students with making any necessary arrangements, and all materials will be accessible remotely.

UToledo has arranged for alternative housing and food delivery service for residential students who require a quarantine period.

Students living off campus are asked to quarantine after arriving at their personal residence.

Employees who are asked to quarantine should speak with their supervisor about the possibility of a remote work arrangement. In the event that an employee’s job responsibilities cannot be facilitated remotely, the employee will need to submit leave to cover the time off.

For guidelines and tips on self-quarantine, visit the Ohio Department of Health website .

Spring Break 2024: When Ohio's major universities, colleges go on break, travel warnings issued

Here comes the sun: Spring Break season is approaching.

From Mexico to Florida , spring breakers at major universities and colleges across Ohio will soon flood a host of tropical destinations this March and April despite travel warnings from U.S. Embassies in Mexico .

Looking to dodge the spring break crowds this spring? Here are the dates to avoid, when Ohio's major universities are going on spring break.

Is Jamaica travel safe? Americans warned to reconsider trips

When do Ohio's universities, colleges go on Spring Break?

Here's when some Ohio colleges and universities go on its 2024 spring break, according to the respective 2023-24 academic calendar.

• Baldwin Wallace University: March 2-10.
• Bowling Green State University : March 4-8.
• Cleveland State University: March 11-17.
• Denison University : March 11-15.
• Kent State University: March 25-31.
• Kenyon College: March 2-16.
• Miami University: March 25-31.
• Oberlin College: March 23-31.
• Ohio State University: March 11-15.
• Ohio University: March 10-16.
• The University of Akron: March 25-31.
• The University of Toledo: March 4-8.
• University of Cincinnati: March 11-17.
• University of Dayton: February 21-26.
• Xavier University: March 4-8.

U.S. issues spring break travel warning

The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico has issued a  spring break  travel warning for Americans planning to visit the country. The message posted on Monday highlighted a range of potential  safety threats  in the popular destination, like crime.

“U.S. citizens should exercise increased caution in the downtown areas of popular spring break locations including Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum, especially after dark,”  the advisory  said, though it noted that crime can occur anywhere in Mexico. The U.S. State Department's  travel advisory  for the country notes various warning levels for different states, ranging from Level 1 (“exercise normal precautions") through 4 (“do not travel”).

The message also warned of other potential hazards like unregulated alcohol and pharmaceuticals. “Unregulated alcohol may be contaminated, and U.S. citizens have reported losing consciousness or becoming injured after consuming alcohol that was possibly tainted,” the advisory said. 

Learn more: Best travel insurance

The U.S. Embassy and Consulates noted that counterfeit medication is “common” and could be ineffective or an incorrect strength. Those products may also have dangerous ingredients.

The advisory warned of drowning and high private hospital prices, as well, among other risks. The message urged travelers to take precautions like keeping an eye on their drinks; staying with a group of friends in bars and clubs, while walking in dark areas or in taxis at night; and letting family and friends know about their travel plans.

Despite the warning, however, it noted that “the vast majority” of U.S. citizens visiting Mexico at spring break each year do so safely.

Why some travelers are skipping the US: 'You guys are not afraid of this?'