The Coupling Reserve

Located on State Route 13 in Milan Township, the Coupling Reserve is one of the most rustic and unique parks of the Erie MetroParks system as evident by our scenic photographs. Complete with an authentic Station House, caboose and box car, the coupling reserve is available for reservations for groups and/or families up to 26 people for up to five consecutive days. The station house is available from 8am to 10pm daily and bunk house lodging is provided in the red caboose and box car which are fully heated. There is also a large outdoor cooking and eating area behind the station house and 26 acres of outdoor area available for picnicking, hiking, fishing, cross country skiing and sledding  Huron River access is provided for canoeing and small boat launching.  The Coupling Reserve park is just a few miles from downtown Milan and well worth the time and effort to visit  For additional information, please call: 419-625-7783

The Coupling Reserve is a park built on two levels. The upper level which fronts on Rt. 13 is paved and intended primarily for family gatherings and meetings. The adventurous part of the coupling reserve is on the lower level which can be accessed by driving down a stone road that winds into the park. Besides the river ramp launching area with canoes, the lower area also features a grass park for picnicking and several small trails that lead, through the woods, from one grass park to another. There is also one longer trail that is very scenic and runs (for the most part) besides the Huron river and then inland past a pond (shown in panorama below) and finally back to the parking area. It should be noted that because this is low land, the walking paths do tend to be wet and slippery during the spring and can also be slippery after rains in the summer and fall.  The Coupling Reserve trails are generally flat with no inclines and provide a beautiful natures walk. However, as with many nature trails, some seniors will feel more comfortable using a walking stick or cane to help safely maneuver around slippery areas.