The Auglaize-Mercer county line runs through Grand Lake Saint Marys. (See the map for the location of the county line.) eBird hotspots are organized by county. If you carefully keep your bird records by county, be sure to use the specific hotspots on this lake so that the birds will be assigned to the proper county.

Grand Lake Saint Marys lies along one of the country’s major migration routes. Waterbirds using the lake as a resting stop include Canada geese, ducks, grebes, swans, egrets, loons, herons, cormorants, and ospreys. Many ducks, geese, and heron also nest here. Bald eagles, magnificent birds long absent from the area, have again nested on the southwest corner of the lake at the wildlife refuge. Other animals of the park include fox squirrel, mink, raccoon, beaver, coyote, white-tailed deer and many others.

Grand Lake Saint Marys Trails
Three trails are within the park. Visitors may also hike down to the canal feeder junction to connect to the Miami Erie Trail, Buckeye Trail, and North Country Scenic Trail near the historic Miami and Erie Canal.

Auglaize County

East Bank Multi-Use Trail – 1.4 miles
This 2-mile paved stretch is situated along the east bank of Grand Lake Saint Marys and can be accessed on Parkway Drive off of OH-364. It has a full view of the lake and winds its way through Grand Lake St. Marys State Park. It is great for biking, walking, running, and skating.
Red Wing Trail – .65 mile (campground)

Mercer County

West Bank Multi-Use Trail – 1.2 miles
This paved scenic trail is accessible on the west bank of Grand Lake Saint Marys south of the State Boat Docks on West Bank Road, or Lake Shore Park in Celina. This beautiful trail meanders along the lake and into a wooded area. The non-motorized trail is great for biking, walking, and skating.