the 577 foundation

I spent a few hours here with a few friends and we had a blast! We all have a love of photography and this place offers so much for photographers. Would love to go back again.

The 577 Foundation is a hidden gem of Toledo. From the beautiful gardens to the opportunities for kids to learn about science and nature, it's absolutely worth an afternoon trip.

This not-so-little gem of an ecological center in one of Toledo, Ohio's suburbs is a real find. The woman who left her property to "teach people how to like the earth" had a great vision. The foundation operates the center with a minimal staff and many volunteers along with college interns. The original farm has been reclaimed for wonderful gardens and trails; community gardens; a children's garden; a ceramic studio, open to the public for classes and then space rental, firing, etc.; a library selling books for literacy and other community needs, a round greenhouse/biosphere; bee hives, composting...well, I hope you get the picture. My husband and I went on the invitation of his cousin's son, who has been working there as a college intern. We were delighted with what we found. Located in historic Perrysburg, there other walks to take, quaint restaurants, historic markers, etc. For almost anyone in Ohio, western Indiana, a great day trip. Fun for singles, couples and young families. Oh, and it's free!!!

So much to learn and the price couldn't be better - FREE!. My grandkids love the fossil digging and the maze. Walking down by the river is nice too.

Driven by a million times had no idea what it was... Glad I found it, pretty kewl ! Not a ton todo, but a sweet lil tucked away gem

You can walk through at your own pace and look at everything. It a nice place and you can take the river walk path down to the Maumee River.

This place is truly amazing. Overlooked in our own backyard. There is something here for kids of all ages. The geodesic biodome is very cool. My 3 year old loves the musical instruments. My older kids love the fossil area. Tip: Do not take strollers if you're going to do the riverwalk. It is multilevel. This is a family favorite and the kids repeatedly ask to go here. Completely free and not to be missed.

Anybody can teach and sign-up for classes, which are usually very affordable to take. Beautiful gardens with outdoor instruments, a play area, a river walk, a geodesic greehouse with a koi pond. And an annual fiber arts show! What's not to love?

Beautiful flower gardens. Unique Geodome environment to explore. Also has a children's garden and several exhibits of interest. No admission charge but will accept donations.

Used to take my kids here when they were small. Now that they are grown, I still go there just to walk around and enjoy the scenery and friendly people. A relaxing visit every time.

Virginia Stranahan founded and left her estate to The 577 Foundation in Perrysburg. Great gardens and a tropical biodome are among the features. There is a kid's play area with climbing wall, musical instruments, a fossil bed, and in the warmer months a stage area where your kids (or adults) can put on their own puppet show. A used book store offers many titles at very reasonable prices. There are also shops for making pottery and other crafts.

Super place to visit with children. Community gardens, outside instruments to play, authentic log cabin and my grandchildrens favorite, the fossil dig. Close to a park with big playground too.

An amazing place for children and adults. Browse the used book room, dig for fossils, enjoy the gardens and geodome, see bees inside the hive, walk the river trail, warch birds or just sit and read. One morning I encountered six dear grazing near the river walk! There is a children's garden where they can have a puppet show, make music, or climb through tunnels. There are no picnic areas, but plenty of restaurants nearby.

The 577 Foundation is a treasure. The late Virginia Strananan placed this family estate in trust so that it could never be broken up like so many of the old properties around it. It is now a wonderful horticulture center with horticulture, community education, community garden plots, gardens, library, and meeting space. The horticulturist, Vicki Gallagher, is especially engaging, knowledgeable, and accessible. I have visited many times and taken classes there.

Little known gem on the banks of the Maumee River. We thoroughly enjoyed our afternoon walking the grounds, exploring the history, and admiring the buildings and plantings. Close to the heart of downtown Perrysburg, so get lunch before or after your visit. Nice place!