A scope is helpful for scanning the beach and water to Cullen Park, to Maumee River, and in the southeast corner (northern shore of Bay View Park). The beach is visible when the Lake Erie water level is low and also when strong wind is from the southwest creating seiche conditions where the water blows out to Lake Erie revealing a large mud flat in most of the bay between Cullen Park and Bay View Park. Birds are also around the plants and trees near the lighthouse and parking lot. Also, check for birds on the west side of Summit Street.

Fall/Winter: Gulls, Ducks, Geese.  Year-round: Eagles, Shorebirds, Perching birds in plants, bushes, trees.

Point Place Lighthouse is in Bay View Park.

Toledo’s Bay View Park is located at the site of the long-defunct Lake Erie Amusement Park and Casino (1895-1910). The former amusement venue once featured rides, games, a boardwalk, and vaudeville shows. Like many turn-of-the-century amusement parks, fire spelled its downfall; the original pier burned in 1901 as did its replacement in 1910. Much of Bay View Park is undeveloped and managed to support and expand the songbird habitat. Fishing is permitted along the shore. The site features a 1.25-mile gravel trail, which was completed in August 2012. The trail is dedicated to the late Howard Pinkley, a former community leader in Toledo’s Point Place neighborhood, and his late wife, Mary. Bayview Park is adjacent to Cullen Park (north) and Detwiler Park (west). The Point Place Path connects all three parks.