Take a walk through the Visitor Center with us!

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LEED Certified
The Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center received a Sustainable Design/High Performance Building Award to a Small Group. The Visitor Center at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge is a remarkable sustainable, high performance building showcase, designed to be equivalent to LEED Silver (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). The whole-building design approach resulted in outstanding achievements that included selection of recycled materials, efficient use of energy, water conservation, and runoff treatment. Substantial energy savings were realized due to the 30-ton pond-loop geothermal heat pump system and other energy efficient features such as an air-to-air heat exchanger; in-floor radiant tube heating; instantaneous electric hot water heaters; super insulation; a computerized energy management system and associated controls; occupancy and daylight sensors; energy efficient lighting, low-emittance windows; and tinted window glazing. 
Featuring three stories of modern interpretive displays and facilities, the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center should be on your itinerary! 

The Refuge Visitor Center features:
  • Things to borrow for the day including binoculars, fishing poles, Let's Go Outside backpacks, field guides, and even a wheelchair.
  • 12 minute video overview in Refuge Theater
  • E-Bird Kiosk
  • Cedar Point Hunt Lodge Exhibit
  • West Sister Island Rookery Exhibit
  • Muskrat Hut and Kids Corner
  • Indoor Classroom
  • The Rookery Nature Store
  • 2nd Floor Eagle Nest and Scope
  • 3rd Floor Observation deck
  • Waterfowl Exhibit
  • Bob Hines Art Gallery
  • Interpretive Programs, Bus Tours, and Hikes
  • Stairs and elevator
  • The best restrooms in the region!
Outdoors:
  • Access to 10 miles of hiking trails
  • Access to seasonal catch and release Fishing Pond
  • Pollinator Garden and Pollinator Plaza
  • Outdoor Restrooms and Picnic Tables
  • Wildlife Window with Bird Feeders and Sound
  • Refuge Ranger Station, an outdoor Environmental Education classroom

The Refuge Visitor Center is located at 14000 W. State Route 2, Oak Harbor, OH 43449 and is open daily from 9AM - 4PM, closed some federal holidays. *Currently closed due to COVID19 concerns*