Al's Harbor

**Location & Access:** Al's Harbor is located in Oak Harbor, Ottawa County, Ohio, providing boat ramp access to Turtle Creek and direct frontal access to Lake Erie. This location offers paddlers and boaters a gateway to both a sheltered creek environment and open Lake Erie waters.

**Nearby Recreation & Wildlife:** The site is well-positioned for exploring the region's natural areas. Paddlers can access Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, a 1,500-acre refuge with historical roots in the Great Black Swamp ecosystem, as well as West Sister Island National Wildlife Refuge, an 82-acre protected area designated as a breeding ground for migratory birds. These refuges make the area excellent for wildlife viewing and nature-based paddling.

**Planning Your Visit:** Before launching, check with nearby facilities like Turtle Creek Marina & Campground (about 6 miles away on N. Humphrey Road) for additional services and information. Given the proximity to Lake Erie's open waters, paddlers should assess conditions carefully—Turtle Creek offers calmer paddling, while frontal Lake Erie access is best suited for experienced boaters with appropriate craft and safety equipment.