Whitehouse Travel Guide

Plan your visit to Whitehouse, Ohio with this comprehensive travel guide. Discover the natural and cultural attractions, food and drink scene, accommodation options, transportation logistics, and more!


Introduction to Whitehouse

Whitehouse is a quaint village located in the Ohio Erie shore west region of Ohio, in the United States of America. This Midwestern destination is known for its small-town charm, welcoming locals, and a range of outdoor activities in and around the village. In this comprehensive travel guide, we have compiled a list of places to visit, hiking and biking routes, best things to do, food and drink scene, where to stay, transportation options, safety, and much more.

List of Places to Visit in Whitehouse

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Whitehouse offers a range of culturally important attractions that can be visited during your stay. The following are the must-visit historical places and museums.

  • Providence Metropark is a former mill built on the banks of the Maumee River. Here you can learn about how the early settlers used the river to transport goods and produce in the 1800s. Inside the park, you can also find a nature center and hiking trails.
  • Fallen Timbers Battlefield is a National Historic Landmark representing the Native American and American conflict during the late 1700s. It’s a great place to explore for history buffs.
  • Toledo Museum of Art is a world-renowned museum, featuring over 30,000 works of art from various eras, styles, and cultures. A must-visit for every art enthusiast.

Natural Attractions of Whitehouse: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Whitehouse boasts of its natural attractions, from scenic views to outdoor adventures. Here are some spots that are worth visiting:

  • Oak Openings Preserve Metropark is the largest oak savanna in the Great Lakes Region. It features hiking trails, fishing lakes, an equestrian trail, and even a beach. It’s ideal for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike.
  • Side Cut Metropark is situated along the Maumee River and offers an abundance of outdoor activities. From hiking, biking trails to fishing, and canoeing, Side Cut Metropark is a great place for visitors to enjoy the great outdoors.
  • Blue Creek Conservation Area is a destination where visitors can relax and enjoy the beautiful sight of rolling hills, open meadows, and majestic wetlands. The area is home to over 300 species of plants and animals, and visitors can explore it through hiking trails and nature walks.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Whitehouse

Whitehouse has several options for hiking and biking enthusiasts. Here are some of the best routes for you to explore:

  • Wabash Cannonball Trail is a 13-mile rail-trail that traverses through multiple towns and rural landscapes and offers visitors an excellent opportunity to explore the beauty of Ohio.
  • Oak Openings Loop Trail is a 16-mile trail that winds through the beautiful oak savanna. Visitors can explore the wetlands, wildflowers, rare insects, and animal species by walking or biking along the trail.
  • University/Parks Trail is a 12-mile paved path that connects the University of Toledo to the Wildwood Metropark, passing through several parks and neighborhoods.

Best Things to Do in Whitehouse: Activities and Tours

Whitehouse has something to offer for everyone. Here are some of the best things to do during your visit:

  • Maumee River Water Trail is a perfect destination for kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding. The trail runs 107 miles from Fort Wayne, Indiana, to Lake Erie, and provides visitors with an opportunity to explore the natural beauty of Ohio.
  • Briarfield at Madison Gardens offers visitors an opportunity to explore the beauty of local flora and fauna. It has several gardens, including an herb garden, kitchen garden, nectar garden, and pollinator garden.
  • The Butterfly House at Swan Creek is an exciting destination for children and adults alike. It houses hundreds of butterflies and serves as an educational facility for visitors on their lifecycle.

Week-Long Itinerary for Whitehouse

Here’s a suggested itinerary for a week-long visit to Whitehouse:

Day Activities
Day 1 Providence Metropark and Fallen Timbers Battlefield
Day 2 Toledo Museum of Art and Oak Openings Preserve Metropark
Day 3 Blue Creek Conservation Area and Wabash Cannonball Trail
Day 4 Side Cut Metropark and Briarfield at Madison Gardens
Day 5 Maumee River Water Trail and The Butterfly House at Swan Creek
Day 6 University/Parks Trail and local farmers’ market
Day 7 Visit local vineyards and relax at a spa

Food and Drink Scene of Whitehouse

Must-Try Dishes

Whitehouse has a thriving food scene, and visitors can experience the best of it by trying some of the local dishes. Make sure to try the following:

  • Buckeye Burger is a juicy burger served with bacon, cheddar cheese, and peanut butter sauce.
  • Lake Erie Walleye is a local specialty that can be enjoyed at several restaurants in and around Whitehouse.
  • Buckeye Candy is a mouth-watering chocolate-covered peanut butter candy that is Ohio’s official state candy.

Local Beverages

Ohio produces some of the best local beers and wines in the country. Here are some of the must-try beverages in Whitehouse:

  • Maumee Bay Brewing Company is a craft brewery that serves an array of beers made with locally sourced ingredients. It has a taproom that offers visitors an opportunity to enjoy their beers on-site.
  • The Crushed Grape is a wine shop that offers an extensive selection of wines from Ohio, California, and other parts of the world. Visitors can explore the wines and enjoy them by the glass or bottle.

Where to Stay in Whitehouse: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Whitehouse has several accommodation options that cater to visitors of different tastes and budgets. Here are some of the best options:

  • Home2 Suites by Hilton is a great choice for travelers who prefer modern and comfortable lodging. The hotel offers visitors free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and a fitness center.
  • The Belamere Suites Hotel is an Adults-only hotel that offers visitors a romantic and luxurious experience. The suites come with a Jacuzzi, plush robes, and a fireplace.
  • Wingate by Wyndham Sylvania/Toledo is a great option for budget-conscious travelers. The hotel offers visitors free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and a fitness center.

What to Buy in Whitehouse: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Visitors can take home some souvenirs that remind them of their visit to Whitehouse. Some of the local products that are worth buying include:

  • Whitehouse Village Merchandise is a great way to show support for the village. These products include t-shirts, hats, mugs, and other items that are available at local shops.
  • Ohio Wines are a great way to take home a taste of Ohio. Visitors can purchase wines from local wineries like Majestic Oak Winery and Treehouse Winery and take them home.
  • Locally Made Crafts are a great alternative to traditional souvenirs. Visitors can find handmade crafts like jewelry, pottery, and stained glass at village shops.

Local Culture and Customs of Whitehouse

Whitehouse has a small-town vibe, and visitors are encouraged to take part in the local traditions and customs. Some of the customs that visitors can experience include:

  • Small-Town Festivals are an integral part of the village’s culture. Visitors can participate in events like the Whitehouse Cherry Fest and the Whitehouse Art and Craft Show.
  • Support Local is a community-driven initiative that encourages visitors to support local businesses and farmers. Visitors can buy fresh produce from local farmers’ markets or shop at local boutiques.

Best Time to Visit Whitehouse

Whitehouse is an all-year-round destination, but the best time to visit is during the Spring and Fall seasons.

  • Spring offers visitors an opportunity to explore the beautiful green spaces, wildflowers, and birds that migrate to the area. It’s also a great time to explore the hiking and biking trails.
  • Fall is a great time to experience the beautiful foliage and the local harvest season. Visitors can participate in the local festivals that take place during this season.

Do’s and Don’ts of Whitehouse

Do:

  • Do support the local businesses and farmers.
  • Do participate in the local customs and traditions.
  • Do respect the environment and outdoor recreational facilities.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter.
  • Don’t trespass on private property.
  • Don’t disrespect the locals.

Safety and Health

Safety in Whitehouse

Whitehouse is a safe destination, but visitors are encouraged to take precautions like:

  • Before taking a hike or bike ride, check the trail conditions and let someone know about your plans.
  • Always be aware of your surroundings and avoid venturing into unfamiliar neighborhoods.
  • Lock your vehicles and valuables when parked.

Health in Whitehouse

Whitehouse has several pharmacies and clinics that can cater to visitors’ health needs. Visitors are also encouraged to:

  • Stay hydrated while engaging in outdoor activities.
  • Wear proper sun protection.
  • Bring along any medication that they require.

Getting to Whitehouse: Transportation Options and Logistics

Whitehouse is located approximately 110 miles west of Cleveland and 130 miles east of Chicago. Visitors can access the village through the following transportation options:

Airports Near Whitehouse

  • Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) is the closest major airport to Whitehouse and is approximately an hour’s drive away.
  • Toledo Express Airport (TOL) is located just 10 miles from the village and is the best option for domestic travelers.

Bus Stations Near Whitehouse

  • Greyhound Bus Station Toledo is located approximately 15 miles from Whitehouse and offers visitors several travel options to and from the village.

Other Options

  • Visitors can rent a car or use ride-hailing services to reach Whitehouse from the neighboring cities.

How to Get Around in Whitehouse

Whitehouse is relatively small, and visitors can easily explore the village on foot or by bike. However, using a car or a ride-hailing service may be the best option to visit the nearby attractions.

Where to Go Next from Whitehouse: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Visitors can explore several destinations near Whitehouse, including:

  • Toledo, which is just a 15-minute drive from Whitehouse and offers visitors several attractions like the Toledo Zoo, Toledo Museum of Art, and Imagination Station.
  • Cedar Point Amusement Park is located approximately 100 miles from Whitehouse and offers visitors a fun-filled day of thrill rides and roller coasters.
  • South Bass Island is located approximately 130 miles from Whitehouse and offers visitors a chance to relax on the beach, explore the island, and sample local cuisine.

Conclusion

Whitehouse is a destination that offers visitors a chance to relax and enjoy the beautiful natural and cultural attractions. From hiking and biking trails to visiting local museums, there is something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a family vacation, plan your visit to Whitehouse and experience Ohio’s small-town charm.