15-07-2025
Discover Ottawa Weekend brings free family fun to Oak Harbor July 26–27
OAK HARBOR — Friends of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge will host Discover Ottawa Weekend on July 26 and 27. According to a community announcement, this two-day event will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Ohio's only national wildlife refuge complex and is free for families.
The weekend will feature a variety of activities for people of all ages. Highlights include fishing, paddling, scavenger hunts and crafts. Fishing (catch and release) will be available with poles and bait provided near the Visitor Center. Kayaking sessions will occur at the Partnership Pond from 10-11 a.m. and 1-2 p.m. on both days.
On July 26, participants can join Board Member Jim Krieger for a bike ride at 8:30 a.m. On July 27, a special otter hike led by Jeff Vogelpohl, known as the Otter Whisperer, will take place from 8-10 a.m. Registration for the hike is required via
Children can earn their junior ranger badge through various activities. Crafts will be available in the Visitor Center multipurpose room. Live snakes will be featured with Ken Roshak from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on July 26. Open-air tram tours will be first-come, first-served at 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on both days.
Local vendors will sell nature-themed items, and the Rookery Nature Store will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lake Erie BBQ will be on-site from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days.
On July 26, a Recycle Round-Up will occur from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Participants can recycle old clothes, textiles and electronics for $10 per carload. Accepted electronics include computers, phones and printers, while textiles include clothing and linens. Proceeds will support conservation efforts at the refuge.
The scenic wildlife drive will be open dawn to dusk, allowing visitors to enjoy the seven-mile loop from their vehicles. All activities are free and donations are welcomed to support wildlife conservation and youth programs.
For more information, call 419-313-3126 or visit
This story was created by Jane Imbody, jimbody@ with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at
This article originally appeared on Port Clinton News Herald: Discover Ottawa Weekend offers free fun at wildlife refuge July 26–27
