Oxbow Lake Wildlife Area, Defiance County Ohio, October 2025

October 17, 2025 marked our very first visit to the Oxbow Wildlife Area, and it turned out to be a fun little adventure! My husband suggested we take a hike by the lake, so we laced up our hiking boots and hit the trail.

The path started out nice and even, perfect for a relaxed stroll. But once we rounded a bend and entered the woods, the terrain shifted—it became a bit more rugged and hilly. Thankfully, the ground was dry and our boots had good grip, so we managed just fine.

At one point, I came across a small gully. Instead of tackling the steepest part, I decided to veer off to the right to find an easier spot to cross. That’s when I ran into a fallen tree blocking the way. I had to do a bit of maneuvering to get over it, but it added a little excitement to the hike.

Eventually, I caught up with my husband, and we continued on for a bit longer before deciding to turn back and head to the car. It was a great first outing—peaceful, a little adventurous, and a perfect way to enjoy the outdoors together.

Rural Defiance County is home to Oxbow Lake Wildlife Area, a quiet haven for wildlife watchers each autumn. As the trees turn gold and crimson, this 416-acre sanctuary comes alive with migrating birds, rustling deer, and crisp reflections on still waters.

The area features two serene lakes—Big Oxbow (38 acres) and Little Oxbow (4.5 acres)—surrounded by wetlands, meadows, and woodlands. Fall brings a flurry of activity, especially for birders. Beyond birds, white-tailed deer, fox squirrels, and muskrats are active as they prepare for winter. It's a peaceful time to walk the trails, or simply sit and take in the sounds of nature.

Oxbow Lake offers an underrated, unforgettable autumn escape for anyone craving quiet beauty and abundant wildlife.