Sylvania Township near Toledo in Lucas County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Horse Stables / Visitors Center

Photographed By Craig Doda, May 12, 2021

1. Horse Stables / Visitors Center Marker

Inscription. Constructed in 1936, today's Metz Visitors Center was the first building erected on the former estate of Champion Spark Plug Company co-founder, R. A. Stranahan. This building served as the family's horse stables and included a blacksmith shop. Above the stables, a horse trainer and his family lived in an apartment now used as staff offices.

Look for the original stable doors. They were split in half to provide fresh air to the stalls. Stop by the Window On Wildlife exhibit to see how Metroparks altered the building to provide natural educational opportunities all seasons of the year. As you walk the trails today, imagine traversing them by horseback as the Stranahans once did. (Marker Number 1.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1936.

Location. 41° 40.835′ N, 83° 40.078′ W. Marker is near Toledo, Ohio, in Lucas County. It is in Sylvania Township. Marker is on Brown Trail, 0.2 miles west of Floodplain Trail, on the right when traveling west. Marker is in Wildwood Preserve Metropark. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Toledo OH 43615, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Story of Stranleigh (within shouting distance of this marker); Ballroom / Riding Area (about 400

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feet away, measured in a direct line); Clay Tennis Court / Staff Parking Lot (about 600 feet away); Limousine Garage / Metroparks Hall (about 600 feet away); Lusk / Mewborn Riverview Boardwalk (about 700 feet away); River Diversion / Island / Air Intake Tunnel (approx. 0.2 miles away); Formal Gardens (approx. 0.2 miles away); Manor House (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Toledo.

Photographed By Craig Doda, May 12, 2021

2. Horse Stables / Visitors Center Marker

Photographed By Craig Doda, May 12, 2021

3. Horse Stables / Visitors Center Marker

Photographed By Craig Doda, May 12, 2021

4. Horse Stables / Visitors Center Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on July 14, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 19, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 251 times since then and 73 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 19, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.