Northeast Ohio is absolutely filled to the brim with natural oases, especially in and around Cleveland. Lovers of the great outdoors, however, have more than likely explored a good chunk of them. While going to the Rocky River Reservation a few hundred times is totally acceptable (after all, its beauty never grows old), it's easy to long for a new stretch of unspoiled landscape to explore. Turns out, you will find just that at Mentor Lagoons Nature Preserve & Marina, a site which made state history when voters affirmed eminent domain acquisition to save it from development. If you live in Northeast Ohio, you must plan a trip to this nature preserve near Cleveland as soon as possible!
Welcome to Mentor Lagoons Nature Preserve & Marina!
Once upon a time, the land on which this park is situated was at risk of being developed. As a result, the landscape was purchased and preserved by the City of Mentor in 1997 and 1998.
This charming and diverse 450-acre landscape is roughly 30 minutes from Cleveland, so it's an ideal day trip destination for lovers of nature.
Visitors will find that the marina and nature preserve boasts a number of unique features that make the site unlike any closer to home.
The nature preserve portion of the park spans 230 acres, and it hides unique flora like rare dune plants.
Unlike most city-operated parks, this incredible stretch of land includes 1.5 miles of shoreline. Its crescent-shaped shore is beautiful and untamed, making it a truly unspoiled beach.
And, interestingly, the park hides the largest unbroken bluff forest in the entire region.
There's an incredible diversity in this park, both in terms of flora and fauna. It is considered by many to be the top birding site in the region, and photographers adore this little-known site for that very reason.
Throughout this park, visitors can explore over three miles of hiking trails.
The trails vary in difficulty due to differing terrain, but they're open from dawn until dusk and are ideal for anyone who loves the outdoors.
If this park's acreage isn't enough to keep you entertained, you'll be happy to know that it is the western boundary of Mentor Marsh State Nature Preserve.
Mentor Marsh State Nature Preserve is, like this park, one of the finest birding areas in the region. Many Clevelanders have visited it, but a great number of those have missed Mentor Lagoons Park on the way. For a truly immersive day, you'll find that it is incredible to visit both outdoor spaces!
But you'll more than likely find yourself enchanted by the park and its distinctive vistas.
The marina, marsh, forest, and sandy shore can be appreciated from a number of overlooks. This gorgeous park will surely take your breath away.
And you'll surely be humbled by the area's rich history.
Artifacts of indigenous tribes have been found here, some dating back a few thousand years. This site was initially surveyed by a member of Moses Cleaveland's survey party and was set aside as a "Marsh Settlement."
No matter what brings you in, you'll find your breath taken away by the beauty of this beloved landscape.
Address: 8365 Harbor Driver, Mentor, OH, 44060
While this lovely park is often overshadowed by the nearby Mentor Marsh State Nature Preserve, it's every bit as enchanting as its older sibling. Have you ever visited this pretty landscape? We'd love to hear about your visit in the comments!
If you're ready for a road trip, you should plan a trip to Fossil Park!
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