Situated along the historic Maumee River, 105-acre Mary Jane Thurston State Park offers a variety of day-use and overnight activities. The Maumee is not only scenic, but also provides some of the best stream fishing in Ohio. Boaters have access to the river while history buffs may explore the remnants of the old canal.
History:
This area was the rich hunting grounds of many Indian tribes. As settlers moved west, hostilities arose. President Washington appointed General Anthony Wayne to lead forces into the area. After building Fort Defiance in 1794, at the junction of the Maumee and Auglaize rivers, Wayne advanced down the Maumee Valley. At the Battle of Fallen Timbers, Wayne's troops defeated the Indian warriors commanded by Blue Jacket. This battle put an end to twenty years of conflict between Indian and settler.
In later years, the canal building era had a great influence on the region. The Miami and Erie Canal, which traveled north from Cincinnati, merged with the Wabash and Erie Canal south of Defiance in 1845, linking Cincinnati to Lake Erie. The canal stimulated development and trade along its route.
In order to better use the slackwater at the head of the Maumee River near the community of Gilead, a second dam was built by the state in 1845. Previously, a smaller dam had been built across part of the river to power a mill. The citizens were outraged about the new dam which limited water power to the mill and one night destroyed the dam. As a compromise, the Gilead Side Cut Canal was built, connecting Gilead with the Miami and Erie Canal, and a replacement dam was constructed. In 1855, the canal port of Gilead was incorporated as Grand Rapids.
In 1928, Mary Jane Thurston, a Grand Rapids schoolteacher bequeathed fourteen acres of land to be used as a park. After several transfers and leases, Mary Jane Thurston State Park was dedicated in 1968.
Camping
39 sites total campsites
16 sites are designated for walk-in tent camping
23 electric sites (30 amp)
19 are regular sites with electric
4 are premium sites with electric and water hook-up
Picnic tables and fire rings are provided at each site
Latrines and restrooms are located nearby
A dump station is located near the park office
Pet camping is permitted at all sites
Campers can enjoy Saturday night movies at the amphitheater
Playground equipment is available in the campground
Activities
Boating
A launch ramp provides access to the Maumee River. The park has a 96-slip marina. Slips are available for seasonal rental. Transient docks are available for rent on a daily basis. Contact the park office for more information.
Fishing
The Maumee River's northern pike, walleye, white bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, bullhead, sheepshead and crappie offer good sport. A valid Ohio fishing license is required.
Hunting
Hunting upland game, including squirrel, rabbit, deer and pheasant, is permitted in season. A valid Ohio hunting and/ or fishing license is required.
Picnicking
Two picnic areas with picnic tables, grills, restrooms and water are located along the river shore.
An enclosed day-use lodge was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in 1936. This heated building is wheelchair accessible and can be reserved year-round for reunions and meetings for a nominal fee. Contact the park office 419-832-7662
Trails
Four hiking trails are found in the park:
Tow Path - Easy .3 Mile (The path continues into Grand Rapids Park)
Orange Trail - Easy .5 Mile
Blue Trail - Easy 1.2 Miles
Yellow Trail - Easy .5 Mile
Winter Recreation
Under the proper winter conditions, park guests can enjoy ice fishing, sledding, and cross-country skiing.
