ABOUT OAK HARBOR

Oak Harbor is located in approximately the center of Ottawa County in northwest Ohio, along the Lake Erie shoreline. The village of Oak Harbor is on the north bank of the Portage River and is 25 miles southeast of Toledo, 120 miles north of Columbus and 90 miles west of Cleveland. The area is accessible from two exchanges of the Ohio Turnpike and is intersected by four major highways: State Routes 2, 19, 105, and 163.
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In addition to the village of Oak Harbor, there are several smaller villages. Benton Township includes the small villages of Elliston, Graytown, Rocky Ridge, and Limestone. It is mostly rural and includes part of the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge.
Carroll Township also includes part of the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, Turtle Creek Bay and the Toussaint River. This township is also mostly rural, but it is becoming well known for the excellent hunting and fishing areas that it has. It includes locales known as Long Beach, Sand Beach, and Locust Point. The Davis Bessie Nuclear Power Station is located in the northeast corner of the township where the Toussaint River drains into Lake Erie. Salem Township includes the village of Oak Harbor, which lies on the Portage River. This is the largest village and has over 200 businesses, a village government and services. This township has all of the school district's buildings. R.C. Waters Elementary serves students from K-3, the Oak Harbor Middle School serves students in grades 4-7, and the Oak Harbor High School serves students in grades 8-12. Each municipality also enjoys the service of fine fire and police departments. Toledo Express Airport and large commercial airports in Cleveland and Detroit are within an easy drive of the area. Thus, access to the school district and neighboring job markets make it an attractive place to settle.

There are many churches in and around Oak Harbor and all denominations work in a cooperative effort to sponsor events that involve all of the residents. The churches work closely with the school in scheduling activities so as to avoid as many conflicts as possible. Oak Harbor also hosts a newly renovated public library with over 40,000 volumes. Several service clubs and fraternal organizations operate in Oak Harbor and the area, including the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, Masons, Knights of Columbus, VFW and Legion, Lions Club and Boy/Girl Scouts to name just a few. Within the school district there are also numerous parent support organizations including Athletic, Music, and Academic Boosters.

The community supports many family oriented events, but perhaps the biggest and best known is the Apple Festival. Thousands of people from all over Ohio come to Oak Harbor on the second weekend in October for this annual event. While the Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce hosts the event; The Village, craftsmen, local entertainers and vendors from throughout the area are involved in the two-day event. A grand parade, food, rides, talent show, 5K run, and car show are just a few of the activities that delight crowds over the weekend. It is also important to note that all three townships are an integral part of the "Vacationland" promotion for the entire county. With numerous marinas, campgrounds, and a Wildlife Refuge; the entire area is a busy place during the summer months.