Lake Erie is a stunning sight that we, believe it or not, sometimes forget about. When you see it daily, it becomes a familiar part of your routine and loses some of its ability to wow you with its majesty. Fortunately for Clevelanders, the entirety of Lake Erie's southern shore is abundant with parks that offer us new perspectives of the lake's beauty. Many of the parks are surprisingly close to home, and a quick visit as the sun is retreating into the horizon will restore in you incredible awe for this vast body of water. Fuel up the car, because we're about to go on an adventure featuring stops along the following Lake Erie drive.
Prepare to immerse yourself in complete beauty, because this quick road trip will take you to the best parks on Lake Erie's southern shore.
1. Lakefront Reservation
Lakefront Reservation is, without a doubt, one of the more magical places in Greater Cleveland. Located right on Lake Erie's shore, this park along this Lake Erie scenic drive has gorgeous trails and swimming beaches. It's a splendid place to enjoy the seasonal migrations of birds and butterflies alike. This is a downright dreamy place to visit at dusk, as there's nothing like a Cleveland sunset.
2. Kenneth J Sims Park
Next up on our scenic drive to Lake Erie, we're headed into Euclid to take in the splendor of a little-known spot on the lakeshore. This park is petite, (at only about 32 acres in size), but birdwatchers and nature lovers covet it. The park's playground is fun for visiting children, but adults will find themselves wowed by the on-site English Tudor-style estate, Henn Mansion.
3. Sunset Park
The appropriately named Sunset Park, along this Lake Erie scenic drive, out in Willoughby is a breath of fresh air. At only two acres in size, this is one park that's often overlooked by nature-loving locals. However, its stunning sloped bluff landscape offers one of the most spectacular views anywhere on the coast. The park also features swing benches, which provide a serene space to cozy up for a romantic evening.
4. Overlook Beach Park
At three acres in size, Overlook Beach Park is another site that's easily overlooked. However, its 375-foot-long beach offers a stunning way to spend the day in the sun. Much of this park along this Lake Erie drive is void of shade, meaning that you should certainly plan to bring sunscreen on your trip. Pack a picnic and dine in the lakefront gazebo, or wade in the water and feel the sand beneath your toes.
5. Mentor Beach Park
During your drive to Lake Erie, make sure to stop at Mentor. Mentor, as it turns out, is a splendid area to immerse yourself in lakefront beauty. This 13-acre park includes swings that face the lake, offering a lovely place to enjoy a little bit of the Lake Erie breeze.
6. Headlands Beach State Park
The one-mile-long sandy beach of Headlands Beach State Park will leave you feeling like you've just spent the day somewhere tropical. As the largest natural beach in Ohio, this is a must-see site for nature lovers and sun-worshipers alike who plan to drive to Lake Erie. The beach is accented by the presence of plants that are usually only found on the Atlantic Coast, adding watercolor-like magic to the otherwise barren dunes.
7. Painesville Township Park
This 37-acre park has entertained visitors since the 1920s and it has recently undergone renovations under the care and guidance of Lake Metroparks. This park on your Lake Erie scenic drive is always open, and every season decorates its landscape in a new and spectacular way. The water is too unpredictable here to swim, but fishers adore this Lake Erie fishing spot. There's nothing dreamier than a sunset strut down the park's 200-foot pier.
8. Lake Erie Bluffs
You'll find lakefront views, wetlands, and meadows throughout this magnificent 600-acre park. The appropriately named Lake Erie Bluffs features beach bluffs overlooking both sandy and cobble beaches, creating a dreamy place to hike, fish, and camp. Lovers of the great outdoors are hooked to this dreamy destination, which is why it's an ideal way to end this road scenic Lake Erie drive adventure.
We think a drive to Lake Erie is often the best medicine if you start to feel the pangs of cabin fever. If you agree, let us know which of these spectacular waterfront parks is your favorite. Let us know if you have any recommendations of where to stop when taking a Lake Erie drive too.
Can't get enough of the outdoors, but can't quite convince yourself to leave the amenities of home behind? Don't worry, you can find the best of both worlds when you go glamping near Cleveland. We also suggest checking out AllTrails if you'd like to spend more time outdoors when you're in the Cleveland area.
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