Oak Harbor

The village of Oak Harbor , with a population of nearly 3,000  is a wonderful place to live and visit.  We are situated on the north bank of the Portage River, in north central Ohio. It is 25 miles southeast of Toledo, 80 miles south of Detroit, MI, 120 miles north of Columbus, and 90 miles west of Cleveland. Access to Lake Erie, via the Portage River, is 10 miles due east from the village. 

The name Oak Harbor was chosen. "Oak" to emphasize the prominence of the wood in the surrounding area, and "Harbor", the importance of the river to the Village. Thus in January 1845, the Hartford Post Office ceased to exist and the Post Office named Oak Harbor came into being. The name of the Village itself was changed from Hartford to Oak Harbor on March 27, 1863. Oak Harbor was incorporated April 17, 1871.

The business and commerce of Oak Harbor and the surrounding area is largely related to agriculture.  There are however, many small manufacturing, commercial and businesses.  A stroll through such stores as the Oak Harbor Hardware with original hardwood floors still in place, the old Oak Harbor Hotel now home to many businesses such as Bad Bob’s Barbecue, and home town businesses such as River Ridge Creations and the Curiosity Shop, you sense the slow paced friendly atmosphere of Oak Harbor.

The annual APPLE FESTIVAL held the second week-end in Oak Harbor is an event sponsored by the Oak Harbor Area Chamber of Commerce with over 40,000 visitors..  Saturday the event kicks off with crowning of the Royalty Court, followed by,Talent Show, Grand Parade, , Tractor Pulling Contest, and an adult band to round out the day’s entertainment.  Sunday is “family day” with entertainment, 5k Apple Run, Youth Football Game, local choirs, antique car show and much more.

No visit to the festival would be complete without homemade apple butter cooked over an open fire by the local boy scouts, or apple dumplings from many of the vendors.  Don’t forget the most recent addition, home made kettle corn fresh from the copper kettle also cooked over an open fire.  Fresh apples provided by several of the local orchards are available, for sale

The Benton Carroll School system is a great school system for your children.  The high school is a fantastic place, complete with state of the art things for many interests.