Grab comfortable shoes and step it up at lunch: Check out the new places featured in this summer’s 33rd annual Discover Downtown Toledo Walking Tours.
The free, public tours will be held rain or shine every Thursday from July 6 through Aug. 24 from noon to 1 p.m.
One of this summer’s new Discover Downtown Toledo Walking Tours is the Middlegrounds Metropark. Be there Thursday, July 27, to learn about the 28-acre urban green space that features a 1.5-mile path along the Maumee River.
• July 6 — Fifth Third Building. See the view from Toledo’s tallest skyscraper. Meet in the lobby of One Seagate on Summit Street. Photo ID required for access to upper floors.
• July 13 — The Oliver House, 27 Broadway St. Built in 1859, this is the Glass City’s oldest commercial structure in continual use. Learn how the building has been adapted over the years. Meet in the parking lot.
• July 20 — Adams Street and Uptown. Walk along Adams Street from 10th Street to 18th Street. Meet on the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library’s north lawn at Adams and Michigan streets.
• July 27 — Middlegrounds Metropark. See spectacular views of the city from Toledo’s newest park. Meet in the main parking lot, 111 Ottawa St.
• Aug. 3 — Westmoreland Historic Neighborhood. Experience one of Toledo’s most elegant early 20th-century neighborhoods; it is a local and national historic district. Meet on the center island at Mt Vernon and Grand avenues.
• Aug. 10 — Collingwood Arts Center. One of the earliest homes of the Old West End grew into a religious complex and then into one of the city’s premier arts centers. Meet at 2413 Blvd. Parking available at center.
• Aug. 17 — Royal Hotel. The new owners will discuss their restoration plans for the building. Meet in front of 337 Broadway St.
Check out the homes in Westmoreland, which was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. Even if it’s not a beautiful Thursday, Aug. 3, bring an umbrella for the free walking tour.
“We wanted to expand our offerings and explore other popular areas of Toledo this summer,” said Dr. Neil Reid, UT professor of geography and director of the Jack Ford Urban Affairs Center. “The Middlegrounds Metropark, Royal Hotel, Collingwood Arts Center, and the Old Orchard and Westmoreland neighborhoods are new tours.”
He added the tours are led by guides who are passionate about the city and trained in Toledo history and architecture.
Participants will receive a copy of the award-winning “Discover Downtown Toledo Walking Tour Guidebook.”
For more information, call the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library Local History and Genealogy Department at 419.259.5233.
