Oak Harbor vacation rentals

Oak Harbor, where art thou?

Once centered around a thriving lumber industry, the buzz you’ll hear about Oak Harbor nowadays has nothing to do with sawmills. Set alongside the Portage River, it’s only a 10-mile drive from the shores of Lake Erie. While much of Oak Harbor is residential, Downtown’s Water Street is lined with mom-and-pop shops, restaurants, and bars. An agricultural hub, Oak Harbor is known for its apple orchards and sprawling farmland. Your centrally located Oak Harbor vacation rental will put you right in the heart of the American heartland.

Wildlife and wild rides in Oak Harbor

On the shore of Lake Erie, the sprawling Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge features more than 6,800 acres of preserved wetland, where you’ll find epic birdwatching during spring and summer’s peak migration seasons. Traveling with kids? The Cedar Point amusement park to the east is a must, boasting 17 roller coasters, as well as kids’ rides, games, and entertainment. If you want to learn more about Oak Harbor’s past, a trip to the museum of the Ottawa County Historical Society will put you face to face with local history.

Oak Harbor – the very best of the midwest

Oak Harbor is just a hop, skip, and a jump from Lake Erie, where you’ll find a long stretch of sandy shoreline. Boating, kayaking, and other water sports are popular, and both Lake Erie and the Portage River offer boat ramps, marinas, and plenty of charter and rental agencies. Looking for a more relaxed outdoor experience? Check out the Little Portage River Wildlife Area, 407 marshy acres that are home to several species of wading and migratory birds. Fishing and hunting are permitted, and you can also enjoy the park’s many walking trails.

Running hot and cold in Oak Harbor

Oak Harbor has a humid continental climate, which means summers are warm, but summer storms are relatively common – most of Oak Harbor’s rain falls between April and September. With highs in the 80s, summer is also the busiest season, as families flock to Lake Erie’s sandy shore and the nearby Cedar Point amusement park. Winters are cold, with average highs in the 30s and lows regularly below freezing from December to February. You’ll find Oak Harbor vacation rentals tend to be a little easier on the wallet this time of year.

Exploring the natural landscape of Oak Harbor

Whether you're an adventurous traveler or just want to appreciate the scenery, Oak Harbor is a great spot to appreciate mother nature. These are some of the area's most eye-catching sights, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city center:

• Magee Marsh Wildlife Area (7.1 mi / 11.5 km)
• Catawba Island State Park (15.7 mi / 25.2 km)
• Maumee Bay State Park (16.9 mi / 27.2 km)
• East Harbor State Park (17.7 mi / 28.5 km)
• South Bass Island State Park (18.5 mi / 29.8 km)
• Perry's Cave (19.1 mi / 30.7 km)

Transportation options to and around Oak Harbor

Fly into Toledo Express Airport (TOL), the closest airport, located 34.6 mi (55.7 km) from the city center.