Wakeman, Ohio
- Trail Town dedication
- Jun 22, 2022
- Section
- Norwalk
- Chapter
- Lake Plains Chapter
- County
- Huron
- Page last updated
- Nov 10, 2025
About Wakeman, Ohio
Wakeman is a village in Huron County located along the Vermilion River, about halfway between Toledo and Cleveland. The community sits at the intersection of U.S. Route 20 and state Route 60, offering convenient access for travelers and trail users alike. In the late 1990s, the area’s former rail corridor was repurposed through the efforts of the Northwest Ohio Rail Trail Association and regional park districts, creating the North Coast Inland Trail.
History and Geography
Wakeman was once a key stop on the Toledo, Norwalk, and Cleveland Railroad, serving as a midpoint between Cleveland and Toledo. After 1869, the line through Norwalk was downgraded, and years of declining profitability, poor track conditions, and a washout near Norwalk ultimately led to its abandonment in 1976. Firelands Rails to Trails Inc. was formed in 2000 to manage Huron County’s section of the North Coast Inland Trail.
Why You Should Visit
North Coast Inland Trail, a popular biking and walking path, forms part of the U.S. Bicycle Route 30. Wakeman’s Community Park offers a pleasant rest stop for bikers, hikers, and walkers on the North Coast Inland Trail. With nearby services for resupply and relaxation, the village makes an easy and welcoming stop along the trail.
Places to visit
- The Wakeman Craft Beer and Wine Barn: Originally built as a bending works supplying barrel staves for the local cooper, the Wakeman Elevator was a large part of the village’s history. The Elevator was later converted to a flour mill, and now it’s been rehabbed as a popular restaurant.
- Morgan Country Club Historical Marker: A historical marker was erected in Wakeman to honor Garrett A. Morgan, an African American inventor who had many items patented and was instrumental in fighting against racial inequality. Morgan established the Wakeman Country Club, one of Ohio’s early African American recreation clubs. Using the profits from his traffic signal patent, Morgan established a community free from the racial inequities of the city.
- Bruce L. Chapin Bridge: Built in the 1800s, this double-arch bridge spans the Vermilion River. The bridge was preserved for many years after the railroad abandoned it. After Lorain County Metro Parks purchased the bridge, volunteers from Firelands Rails to Trails Inc. retrofitted it for use to safely carry hikers and bikers across the Vermilion River.
- Schopfle Garden: Part of the Lorain Metro Parks, Schopfle Garden offers 77 acres of botanical gardens and natural woodland bordered on one side by the Vermilion River. Hours are 8 am to sunset daily.
- Cream of the Crop Ice Cream Shop →
- Sterk’s Restaurant →
- Friendship Kitchen →
- Mickey Mart →
Events
- Firefighters Homecoming Festival: Held each year the last Saturday of June.
- Live events: You’ll find live singing and dancing at Wakeman Craft Beer and Wine Bar and Matus Winery.
Outdoor recreation opportunities
- Hiking: The Buckeye Trail runs concurrently on the North Coast Inland Trail. The flat paved surface makes it popular for beginning hikers and families.
- Biking: Wakeman is a welcome stop for drinks and food on the North Coast Inland Trail.
- Fishing: The Vermilion River is known by anglers for its steelhead trout.
Lodging
- Vacation rentals: Rentals available on Airbnb.
Community and tourism links
Trail Town news
Amenities
- Public camping area: Primitive camping may be allowed at the Wakeman Craft Beer and Wine Barn with permission. Camping is being developed at the Red Cap Park.
- Access to restrooms: Porta-potties available in Wakeman Community Park and Red Cap Park; restrooms available at convenience stores and gas stations.
- Shower availability: None at this time.
- Grocery store: Local dollar and convenience stores will have limited supplies.
- Post office: 16 W. Main Street, Wakeman, OH 44889
- Outdoor store: Local dollar store and gas station may have provisions.
- Bike pump and/or repair kit: None at this time.
- Food options: Wakeman Craft Beer & Wine Barn, Sterk’s Restaurant, Friendship Kitchen
