Highlight On Access: Mary Jane Thurston Launch Ramp

Situated along the historic Maumee River, Mary Jane Thurston State Park offers a variety of day-use and overnight activities. The park is a favorite destination for boating and fishing, as well as hiking, hunting, horseback riding and mountain biking. The park's two lane launch ramp provides access for boating on 20 miles of open river.

The park was awarded $405,000 for launch ramp replacement through a Division of Watercraft Cooperative Boating Facility Grant in 2003. Along with replacing the two-lane ramp, an ADA-compliant restroom was added, as were two boarding docks and an ADA courtesy dock. The project was completed in July 2007.

An unusual type of wood was selected for the dock based on its durability -- a product called Ipe wood. This Brazilian hardwood starts out looking like red wood, but as it weathers, it turns gray. Or it can be stained to keep the red look.

More on the Park

Mary Jane Thurston, a school teacher from Grand Rapids, bequeathed her estate in 1928 for permanent use as a public park. After several land leases and transfers, the property was dedicated as Mary Jane Thurston State Park in 1968. The park area has expanded to include more than 550 acres. From the park, boaters have access to the river while history buffs can explore the remnants of an old canal.