Grand Rapids, Ohio - A Trip to the Past

You may never have heard of Grand Rapids, Ohio, but if you are in Northwest Ohio, you should definitely put this on your list of places to visit. You can find it, located on State Route 578, southwest of Toledo. This unique and beautiful town on the Maumee River, gives all the appearance of belonging to another century. Shops, gift stores, restaurants, and antique stores, all have a 19th century appearance.

Providence Park, a part of the Toledo Metroparks system, across the river from the town, is on the site of what was once Providence, Ohio. This is one of many parks along the river, that include picnic areas, trails, and riverside swings and benches. There are also areas for the fishermen in the family.

The highlight of Providence Park is the Isaac Ludwig Mill, and the fact that it is situated on the Miami-Erie Canal. A part of the original canal has been restored, and a canal boat, complete with mules to pull it, is available for travel, April through October. A general store on the mill property sells cornmeal, flour, and other products produced by the still operating mill.

The gristmill and sawmill equipment inside the mill, are 19th century, and for Ohio visitors, who are interested in history, this is the last of its kind in the state. The mill not only is still in operation, it still stone grinds flour and corn. It also houses demonstrations of blacksmithing, tinsmith, and candle making.

The mill began as a water wheel powered operation, with the current from the river supplying the power to grind grain and saw lumber. It was later converted to a water turbine system. The water power is supplied some ten feet below the surface of the river, allowing it to operate even in the dead of winter. The turbine generated power to the mill and provided its own electrical source.

The tour of the Isaac Ludwig mill is free of charge, and if you are lucky, you might just be guided along by a man with the last name of Ludwig, who knows the mill very well, since he is Isaac’s great, great, great grandson.

The mill is, of course, on the Miami-Erie Canal, where a replica of a canal boat ferries passengers up and down the restored canal section. The canal boat, which was a major means of transportation prior to the introduction of the train, was called a “government” or “state packet” boat back in the mid to late 19th century. For 45 minutes, you can return to those days and cruise down the canal on the “Volunteer”, powered by the traditional method - a mule team. At the mill, the boat travels through Lock 44, one of the many locks that once dotted the canal.

The canal boat operates from the last Wednesday in April to the last Sunday in October. The normal hours are from 10 AM until 2 Wednesday to Friday, and from noon until 4 PM on the weekends. No boats run on Mondays and Tuesdays. Price of admission is $6 for adults, and $3 for children 2-12. Seniors, over 60 are also $5. The mill is free of charge, and the general store is open April 1 through October 31 on the same schedule as the canal boat, but throughout the year on weekends.

If you are into canoeing, there is a canoe rental in the town, and the scenery along the Maumee is beautiful, with some mild rapids, islands, and wildlife.