4 minute read
Weekend Getaway: Grand Rapids
BY ANNIE LUST
Nestled along the southern bank of the Maumee River, this charming village gives visitors a glimpse of life in a restored canal town. Before railroads dominated, commerce moved through canals, and boom towns sprang to life along the river. One such town was Grand Rapids. While canals faded from use, the village has been wellpreserved. You can stay, shop, eat and attend Mass in historic buildings (many with historical markers) and even cruise down the river in a restored canal boat. By the end of your visit, you will wholeheartedly believe their village slogan, “Ohio’s Grandest of Old Canal Towns!”
EXPLORE
Grand Rapids is a true walking village that you’ll want to explore on foot. The local Historical Society provides a map and audio for a Grand Rapids Walking Tour. Find it here: grandrapidshistoricalsociety. org/walking-tour.html. The Toledo Lake Erie & Western Railway and Museum is much more exciting than it first sounds. This 10-mile tourist railroad trip takes passengers over the Maumee River. They receive not only a dose of history but also an unforgettable view. Of course, there’s another way to see the river. Get tickets for the Canal Experience, where you will board The Volunteer, a reproduction of a mule-drawn canal boat. If you want to get moving yourself, try the Mary Jane Thurston Disc Golf Course or rent a kayak from Maumee River Outfitters for a river adventure. Plan your visit after summertime to experience the Applebutter Fest in October. The festival not only offers food and fun, but it is also notable for its historical reenactments.
EAT
A morning in Grand Rapids should begin at Way Maker’s, where you’ll find coffee, tea, a selection of baked goods and comfortable seating to enjoy your treats. Wild Side Brewing Company will hit the spot if you’re in the mood for a tasty dinner paired with a handcrafted brew. The menu offers a few surprises, like Detroit-style pizza and a wild game sausage board. Be sure to save room for homemade ice cream from Rita’s Dairy Bar. Your scoop’s name will likely be an ode to local history, like Muddy Maumee and Berries of the Black Swamp.
STAY
There’s no better way to experience Grand Rapids than an overnight stay at The Mill House Bed and Breakfast, which was built in 1898. The building’s original use was a flour mill, as the name suggests. It was later a tavern before becoming a cozy bed and breakfast in the 1990s. The exposed brick walls and wooden beams create a cozy, charming atmosphere. The location is ideal, just steps away from the river and a stroll to the shops and restaurants. If you visit Grand Rapids for the adventure rather than the history, Mary Jane Thurston State Park campground might be your style. Their riverfront campsites offer beautiful views of the sunset over the Maumee River.
Located on the west bank of the Maumee River across from Grand Rapids, St. Patrick Catholic Church has a fascinating history. The brick church was built in Providence in 1845, but parishioners could not have imagined the hardships they would soon face. The following year, Providence was ravaged by fire, destroying most of the downtown and driving out many occupants. Less than a decade later, a cholera outbreak devastated the remaining population. The town was abandoned. Despite this, St. Patrick, Providence, managed to survive. It is the oldest church in continuous use in the Diocese of Toledo. The church has its own historical marker recounting the remarkable tale and noting, “Through the grace of God, this little church stands today.”
