Parks & Recreation

Grand Lake St. Marys

St. Marys sits on the banks of “Ohio’s other Great Lake,” Grand Lake St. Marys. Golden sunsets grace Ohio’s largest inland lake as homefolk and tourists from throughout the Midwest fish, boat, picnic, camp, and water ski on more than 13,000 beautiful acres of water. Ducks, geese and heron nest here and many other waterfowl are frequent visitors. The lake is home to several pair of nesting bald eagles that raised a number of young the past several years. Grand Lake St. Marys State Park was dedicated in 1949 and has welcomed millions of visitors over the decades. The park features cabins, a nature teepee site, primitive group camping and ample sites offering electric and water. A naturalist is on site in the summer presenting nature programs and a scenic outdoor theatre frequently offers evening movies. The park also features various boat ramps and tie up spots along the lakeshore.

Miami & Erie Canal

The Miami & Erie Canal and the St. Marys River both flow through downtown St. Marys providing aesthetic beauty as well as a link to the area’s rich historical past.

Heritage Park

Downtown St. Marys also features Heritage Park, an area dedicated to the communities heritage, and to highlight the relationship St. Marys has with the Sister Cities, Awaji City, Japan and Lienen, Germany.

Memorial Park

In Memorial Park in downtown St. Marys you can board the Belle of St. Marys, a replica canal boat, then return to land to visit the parks 1850’s replica Memorial Covered Bridge, magnificent Clock Tower and picturesque grotto. A new feature located adjacent to Memorial Park is the totally renovated historic Lock 13, a feature highlighting the magnificent engineering feat of the Miami & Erie Canal system.