Downtown Defiance Maumee River Boat Tour Itinerary

Begin your tour by launching your boat at the Pontiac Park boat dock located on East River Drive, a portion of the old US24. The boat launch is easy access and has a gentle slope when backing into the water. There is plenty of parking for trucks and trailers.

Once your boat is launched and you are ready to get underway, decisions need to be made as to whether to go up river or down river on the Maumee River or to head south at the confluence on the Auglaize River.

Up River Tour (West on the Maumee River)

Heading up river on the Maumee, boaters pass by the Defiance Public Library on the south side of the river. What do you see as you approach the downtown area? The Defiance Public Library is a beautiful Carnegie architectural structure and worth the glance. On the north side of the river, Pontiac Park is now visible and then you will pass under the Clinton Street Bridge. Boaters need to pay attention to the Defiance Boat and Ski Club’s painted notations on the bridge, making sure to go under the bridge between the piers as marked. 

Continuing up river, you will approach the historic homes of Holgate Avenue on the south. These homes have very large trees and backyards and remind you of yesteryear. Often times you will see fires lit in the evening with neighbors roasting marshmallows and hot dogs.

Tiffin River Boat Tour

Beyond the historic homes boaters will reach a fork in the river. On the south bank of the river is the Defiance Water Treatment Plant. Taking the fork to the north side, boaters are now on the Tiffin River. To motor boat on the Tiffin River, the water levels need to be high so spring time can be much better that fall. The Tiffin River is narrow and is perfect for jet skiing, canoeing or kayaking. When navigating on the Tiffin River, boaters get the feeling of Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer. The River is lined with very large trees and vines creating a shady retreat.

Down River Tour (East on the Maumee River)

Heading down river on the Maumee, boaters pass Kingsbury Park on the south side of the river. At this little league park, current major league ball players Chad Billingsley and Jon Niese began their boyhood dreams.  Kingsbury Park is certainly a fine field to look at and visit with spring and summer activity.

Continuing down river, trees line the north side as boaters approach a small island in the center of the river. Preston Island was once the location for a small amusement park in the early 1900’s. Oh to imagine life back then when a Ferris wheel and entertainment drew in crowds. Nature lines the north side of Preston Island while homes line the south banks.

Boaters continue down river and go under the State Route 281 Bridge. Trees line both sides of the river for miles and nature can be seen all around. The river is wider now. Homes start to line the north side and just beyond the homes, another boat dock can be found at the Independence Dam State Park.