
Farnsworth Metropark Waterville Ohio
A serene stretch along the Maumee River, featuring a unique abandoned bridge, a creative playground, and scenic trails.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical light, peaceful atmosphere

Farnsworth Metropark Waterville Ohio
Best Time
Magical light, peaceful atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene stretch along the Maumee River, featuring a unique abandoned bridge, a creative playground, and scenic trails.
"Holy cow! I did not know how gorgeous this would be! We were there at sunrise."

👟 Wear Appropriate Shoes
Trails can be snowy or muddy; wear sturdy shoes suitable for varied terrain.
📍 Playground Address
The playground is at 8801 S. River Rd., not the main park address.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Roche De Boeuf Bridge
Maumee River
An abandoned, mysterious bridge offering a dreamlike, picturesque view over the Maumee River.
Creative Kids Playground
Near 8801 S. River Rd.
An imaginative playground designed like river stones and tree stumps, with tunnels for exploration.
Maumee River Trails
Along the river
Scenic walking and biking paths offering beautiful river views, ideal for runners and dog walkers.
Kayak Launch & Rentals
Maumee River
Access the Maumee River for paddling adventures with convenient rental options available.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Playground Address Alert
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Appropriate Shoes
Trails can be snowy or muddy; wear sturdy shoes suitable for varied terrain.
📍 Playground Address
The playground is at 8801 S. River Rd., not the main park address.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Trails
Great spot for dog walks with scenic river views.
🛶 Kayak Rentals Available
Rent kayaks to explore the quiet section of the Maumee River.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Appropriate Shoes
Trails can be snowy or muddy; wear sturdy shoes suitable for varied terrain.
📍 Playground Address
The playground is at 8801 S. River Rd., not the main park address.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Trails
Great spot for dog walks with scenic river views.
🛶 Kayak Rentals Available
Rent kayaks to explore the quiet section of the Maumee River.
📚 Little Free Library
Discover a charming little free library for book lovers.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Farnsworth Metropark for its stunning natural beauty, particularly its riverside location and the picturesque Roche De Boeuf Bridge. The creative playground is a hit with families, and the park offers great opportunities for running, walking, and kayaking. Some visitors note the playground's address differs from the main park listing, requiring a specific check for navigation.
"The playground is located at 8801 S. River Rd. Not the address here on google so be mindful of that! This is a beautiful park. Being right on the river is great. There are trails you can walk up and down the river on and this specific area had a kayak rental place and launch. There is a swing to enjoy the river view and bathrooms with a water fountain 100 ft from the playground. There's also a few picnic tables around the park and behind it is a covered area with more picnic tables and a grill. Overall beautiful area to bring the kids and enjoy the outdoors!"
renae resendez
"On a long road trip with two dogs, just passing through and stopped here for a walk.
Holy cow! I did not know how gorgeous this would be! We were there at sunrise. People were going out for runs, and as a distance runner myself I was so envious of their fabulous route!
The old abandoned bridge is amazing! So pretty and mysterious. Like from a dream.
There were herons fishing, ducks being ducky, little birds (swallows??) doing us all a solid and hunting bugs with great agility. It was wonderful.
Everyone we came across said hi. Must be a great place to live! (The town was indeed quite lovely. I was smitten and hope to return one day as a tourist to enjoy it)
There was a bathroom in a ..like a rental hall? that was open. It was very clean.
There was a little free library! This was a boon as I had forgotten my vacation read at home. The book I selected turned out to now be one of my all time favorite books! So I simply could not have had a better time at a random park I selected off Google maps.
Thank you Waterville for keeping such a nice place for everyone to enjoy."
Fly, You Fools
"Farnsworth is a nice place to walk, bike, kayak, camp, etc. They have a decent boat ramp, and a nice playground. The towpath trail continues through other parks to the Grand Rapids dam."
Carol Diegel
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Farnsworth Metropark is easily accessible via highway, offering a quiet, secluded feel with convenient access. The playground is specifically located at 8801 S. River Rd., so be sure to use that address for navigation if you're heading there directly.
Yes, runners rave about the fabulous routes along the Maumee River. The towpath trail connects through other parks, offering longer distances for marathon training.
The park features a decent boat ramp, accommodating most fishing boats and paddlecraft for access to the Maumee River.
Parking is generally available and easily accessible throughout the park, including near the playground and boat launch areas.
While Swan Creek has a 5k trail, Farnsworth Metropark is highly recommended for its longer, scenic routes along the Maumee River, making it ideal for marathon training.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Farnsworth Metropark is a public park and generally does not require an entrance fee for general access. Enjoy the natural beauty and amenities without admission costs.
While specific hours can vary, metroparks are typically open from dawn to dusk. It's always a good idea to check the official Toledo Metroparks website for the most up-to-date information on hours and any potential closures.
For general park visits, no advance booking is usually required. However, if you plan to rent kayaks or use specific facilities like picnic shelters for events, it's advisable to check for reservation requirements.
Yes, bathrooms are available within the park, often located near key areas like the playground and rental facilities. They are generally kept clean.
Farnsworth Metropark offers camping facilities, providing an opportunity to extend your visit and enjoy the park's natural surroundings overnight.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Families can enjoy the creative playground, walk along the river trails, and even rent kayaks for paddling. It's a beautiful spot for a family day out, especially in the fall.
Absolutely! The abandoned Roche De Boeuf bridge offers a unique and mysterious backdrop, while the river and wildlife provide plenty of picturesque opportunities. Sunrise is particularly stunning.
Yes, there are picnic tables available throughout the park, including a covered area with grills behind the main playground, perfect for gatherings.
Visitors have spotted herons fishing, ducks, and small birds like swallows. The park's riverine environment supports a variety of local wildlife.
Yes, it features a very creative playground designed to look like natural elements such as tree stumps and a river, complete with tunnels for kids to explore.
🎫 🛶 Water Activities
Yes, there is a kayak concession where you can rent kayaks to paddle on the Maumee River. It's a great way to experience the park from the water.
The park offers access to a quiet section of the Maumee River, which is generally suitable for kayaking. Always check current river conditions and safety guidelines before heading out.
Farnsworth Metropark has a boat ramp that is accommodating to most fishing boats and paddlecraft, allowing easy access to the river.
The towpath trail is a path that runs along the river and connects Farnsworth Metropark to other parks, extending all the way to the Grand Rapids dam. It's ideal for walking, running, and biking.
It's described as a quiet section of the river, offering a more serene paddling experience compared to busier waterways.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏃♀️ Runners & Fitness Enthusiasts
📸 Photographers & Nature Lovers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Roche De Boeuf Bridge
Its presence adds a distinct character to the park, contrasting with the natural beauty of the river and surrounding landscape. Whether you're walking, running, or simply enjoying the view, the bridge is an iconic landmark that shouldn't be missed. It's a testament to the area's past and a captivating element of the park's scenery.
Family Fun at the Playground
Located near 8801 S. River Rd., this playground is a central point for family visits. The surrounding area also offers amenities like picnic tables and restrooms, making it a convenient spot for a day out. The unique design ensures that children have a memorable and exciting experience, encouraging active play in a naturalistic setting.
Paddling the Maumee River
Beyond rentals, the park also includes a boat ramp, accommodating various watercraft. Whether you're an experienced kayaker or a beginner looking for a peaceful paddle, the Maumee River at Farnsworth offers a refreshing way to connect with nature. It's a chance to observe wildlife from a different perspective and enjoy the scenic riverbanks.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit