Lake: Nature, Trails and Culture

Nature experiences in Lake County range from the Lake Erie shoreline to extensive hiking opportunities. Lake Erie Bluffs protects wetlands, meadows and largely undeveloped habitats along 9,000 feet of shoreline. River landscapes are also part of the picture: sections of two rivers designated by the state as wild and scenic, along with numerous tributaries, flow through the area protected by Lake Metroparks. Lake Metroparks operates 40 different parks throughout Lake County and maintains more than 60 miles of trails.

Shoreline, trails and expansive views

Lake Erie Bluffs offers hiking and fishing, as well as gravel paths, scenic overlooks and access to a natural beach on Lake Erie. A 50-foot-high coastal observation tower has a viewing platform with 360-degree views. Less than half a mile away runs the Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Trail, a 293-mile National Scenic Byway. This puts a specific shoreline area and a much longer scenic route side by side as different scales to consider when planning.

Penitentiary Glen Reservation adds 8.5 miles of trails to the hiking options. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife, has designated it a “Watchable Wildlife” area. X-Plorer packs help visitors identify birds, plants and insects and start their own nature journal. Naturalists lead guided hikes there throughout the year. At the Kevin P. Clinton Wildlife Center, nearly 2,000 injured or orphaned animals receive first aid and rehabilitative care each year.

Farmpark and arboretum offer different highlights

Lake Metroparks Farmpark is a 235-acre working farm and educational center with fields, gardens and farm buildings. Its offerings include farm animals, a plant science center, exhibits on farm equipment and a playground. Farmpark is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and closed on Mondays. No advance tickets are required for general admission. Check operating information before your visit.

Holden Arboretum spans Lake County and Geauga County; its grounds include gardens, trails, lakes and meadows. The Murch Canopy Walk runs through it as a 500-foot-long elevated walkway, 65 feet above the forest floor. It is open from April through October, Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. As opening hours are seasonal, it is a good idea to check the current schedule before visiting.

Culture and travel planning

The Fairport Harbor Marine Museum and Lighthouse houses artifacts about life on the Great Lakes and other maritime exhibits. The Fairport Harbor West Breakwater Lighthouse was first commissioned in 1925 and built as a replacement for the original Fairport Harbor Lighthouse. The Rabbit Run Community Arts Association and Rabbit Run Theater offer cultural experiences and arts programs for people of all ages.

Transport connections can also factor into choosing a vacation rental. Laketran Park-n-Ride connects Lake County with Downtown Cleveland and University Circle through eight locations; check routes and schedules before traveling. Laketran Dial-a-Ride provides door-to-door transportation to any destination in Lake County every day of the week. Check reservation and service information if you plan to use this connection. Your priorities can help determine where to stay: the shoreline and trails, the Farmpark and arboretum, or culture and connections to Cleveland each offer different starting points for your stay.

Places and other destinations

The local pages: Willoughby, Mentor, Wickliffe, Painesville, Eastlake.

Discover more destinations: Ross County, Putnam County, Crawford County.

Back to the main travel overview: Ohio.