Parks & Outdoors

The Reservoir Nature Trail is an 8-foot wide, multi-use trail extending from the Defiance Reservoir parking lot through approximately 2,500 feet of natural wooded area. It connects to the “lower” pathway around the municipal reservoir. This walkway offers opportunities for bird watching, leaf-peeping, or just enjoying quiet walks through nature. The “upper” trail is a 1.25-mile stone walkway around the […]

Diehl Park consists of 39.77 acres.  If you are looking for a park made with kids in mind, Diehl Park is a must see. Located on the northwest side of the city, with two large, covered shelter houses, a basketball court, four softball fields and a baseball diamond, it is sure to keep the sports minded occupied. The biggest attraction […]

The Fort Grounds are located at 320 Fort Street and situated on the confluence of the Maumee and Auglaize Rivers. The Carnegie Library (Defiance Public Library) is also located on the Fort Grounds. Fort Defiance, in the heart of a populous Indian Nation, was erected by General Anthony Wayne in 1794. The grounds of Fort Defiance, immortalized by “Mad” Anthony […]

A lovely neighborhood park that is located in the historical district on Holgate Avenue. Beautifully landscaped with a Victorian Gazebo and a walking path. A baseball diamond, basketball court and playground equipment can occupy an entire family with an afternoon of fun.

Independence Dam State Park covers 591-acres situated along the banks of the beautiful Maumee River. This park is located approximately 3 miles east of Defiance on St. Rt. 424 and offers recreational opportunities including boating access, hiking trails, camping, fishing, scenic drives, and picnic areas. A hiking trail, once the towpath for the Miami/Wabash/Erie Canal, meanders between the old canal […]

Oxbow Lake lies 5 miles northwest of the city of Defiance and can be accessed from State Route 15 at Schick Road. Fish of Interest for Anglers include largemouth bass, bluegill, green sunfish and bullhead.  The operation of watercraft with any motor is permitted but at idle speed only without creating a wake. There is a small boat launch located […]

Pontiac Metro Park features “in-town” river access with it’s boat ramp and ample parking. This beautiful park has a splendid view of the confluence of the Maumee and Auglaize rivers and provides a peacefulness that is perfect for a relaxing picnic. It is the site of the Old French Indian Apple Tree Marker and the possible birthplace of the Ottawa […]

This 30-acre park is a sportsman’s dream with a baseball diamond and four soccer fields. There is also a shelter house, playground equipment and updated restroom facility. This is the place to be in autumn to catch a glance of the up and comers in our area school sports programs.

Mature trees shade this centrally located park on the south side of the downtown area. Two covered shelter houses, a ball diamond, playground equipment, basketball court, a tennis court, and updated rest room facilities are available for an afternoon of leisure.