There's nothing more magnificent than the landscape in Northeast Ohio. In and around Greater Cleveland, locals enjoy all sorts of natural masterpieces carved by the hands of Mother Nature herself. The most impressive local attractions are doubtlessly the number of caves and waterfalls near Cleveland. Both largely owe their existence to Ohio's history as an ancient ocean during the Cambrian Period, and both are coveted by locals and visitors alike. Prepare to be amazed, because these stunning places are awaiting your visit. Read on to learn more about the adventure you'll have when you take the following road trip.
Are you ready to explore Northern Ohio like never before?
Paine Falls is one of the prettiest Cleveland waterfalls that you can drive up to. Located in a surprisingly urban milieu, this waterfall and the surrounding acreage are under the careful management of the Lake Metroparks.
Stoneybrook Falls is a waterfall that many locals tend to overlook in their time spent in Northeast Ohio. This charming cascade is hiding in Penitentiary Glen Reservation, and though it is less than 10 feet in height, it's overflowing with beauty.
At the center of the town of Chagrin Falls is an incredibly beautiful Cleveland waterfalls. This urban beauty is located right off of the main street, and it's hiding behind the iconic Chagrin Falls Popcorn Shop. The powerful waters of the Chagrin River once fueled the community as the early industry was taking root.
Amazingly, these Cleveland waterfalls are man-made thanks to an old railroad company that redirected the creek once upon a time. Today, Mill Creek Falls is 48 feet tall... and the biggest waterfall in Cuyahoga County. You'll find it in Garfield Park Reservation, surrounded by stonework from New Deal-era projects.
Brandywine Falls is one of the most breathtaking waterfalls that you'll get to see when you explore caves and waterfalls near Cleveland. At 65 feet in height and featuring a crest that varies between 20 to 50 feet, this spectacular waterfall is big, bold, and gorgeous. It's tucked away in Cuyahoga Valley National Park and can be accessed via a long staircase hike.
Blue Hen Falls is beautiful all year long, but it's particularly striking to visit these Cleveland waterfalls in winter. Though only 15 feet in height, this modest trickle is coveted by local hikers and photographers alike.
Mary Campbell Cave is 130 feet wide and 12 feet deep, but it's full of legend. The story tells that the cave was once a campsite for Mary Campbell and her Lenape captors amidst the tensions of the French and Indian War. Whether or not this cave made Mary the first child of European descent in the Western Reserve, it's long been a topic of interest amidst the local community. In any case, these are fascinating caves to explore during your epic road trip adventure!
As one of Ohio's best "caves to explore," Seneca Caverns is too cool to pass up. This spectacular subterranean world was discovered in 1872, yet it continues to amaze visitors to this very day.
In the isle of South Bass Island, visitors are amazed by Perry's Cave. Discovered by Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry just 52 feet beneath the ground and now residing under a Butterfly House in Ohio and gift shop, this cool cave certainly has a story to tell.
Located right across the road from Perry's Cave and hiding under a winery, Crystal Cave is the largest geode in the world. Located at a depth of about 30 feet below ground, this surprising subterranean world is covered in celestine. Unfortunately, much of this crystalline rock was harvested from the cave for firework production. This stop is sure to be one of your highlights on this caves and waterfalls near Cleveland road trip.
As you can see, there are a number of caves and waterfalls near Cleveland, but these spots are some of the best. Which of these beautiful spots is your favorite? Tell us in the following comments section!
While these pretty places are among the most beautiful spots in Cleveland, take a look at other stunning locations near Cleveland, like the Cleveland Cultural Gardens, for more adventure.
One thing that is particularly lovely about living in Ohio is the many landscapes we get to admire - our sights range from sprawling meadows and forests to cityscapes and small towns, and each view is as lovely as the last. With such a diverse world around us in Northeastern Ohio, we are constantly gifted with stunningly beautiful drives. If you are ever in the Cleveland area and looking for a moment to steal away and enjoy the natural world, you must check out these delightful scenic drives in Northeast Ohio:
Beginning in the Valley View area and stretching all the way down to Akron is a stunning drive that runs (somewhat) parallel to the Cuyahoga River. Along this drive, you may encounter the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, a farm or two, the Jaite Hill Historic District, and even a ski resort. You will love the views offered within the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. This road is part of the 110-mile Ohio and Erie Canal America's Byway route, a path that leads to key cultural sites within our state.
As you travel on Riverview Road, make a pit stop to check out the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. Enjoy a tour in this video from That Train Couple with a nice ride through the Cuyahoga Valley:
The Cleveland Metroparks are collectively nicknamed "The Emerald Necklace," and the title is well deserved. Valley Parkway is one of the most beautiful drives in the Metroparks, stretching from the intersection of Detroit and Sloane beside the Rocky River down to the North Royalton area. This drive is a treat in any season, but it is especially mesmerizing in the autumn when the trees paint the skyline a golden hue.
While most people immediately think of University Circle when they hear the name of this road, it actually provides an opportunity for a scenic cruise through the Cultural Gardens in Rockefeller Park just up north. In fact, it also cuts through Gordon Park and Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve, so you will be treated to views of stunning natural features (as well as some man-made stone walls and bridges) along this route.
This road cuts through the charming town of Peninsula and makes its way into Richfield via the National Park. Along this route, you will be immersed in views of charming small-town life and the enchanting Ohio wilderness.
Take a motorcycle tour of Boston Mills Road in this video from Finding Fascination:
Canal Road runs alongside the remains of the Ohio Erie Canal, and parts of it brush through Bacci Park and along the Towpath Trail. It is, like Riverview, part of the 110-mile America's Byway route. With a rich history and an even richer natural environment, Canal Road makes for an unforgettable trip.
Hinckley Reservation is one of the loveliest Cleveland Metroparks, and a drive through its stunning campus will relax and ease you. Take a lunch break at Hinckley Lake or Whipps Ledges to enjoy nature at its finest. This is one of our favorite scenic drives near Cleveland.
Embark on a coastal cruise! This road just west of Edgewater Beach gets you close to the Lake Erie shore via a short route full of rolling greenery and lush trees. Stop at Edgewater Park for one of the best panoramic views of downtown Cleveland.
Cruise alongside the Chagrin River for some truly rewarding scenery. This road cuts from the North Chagrin Nature Reservation to the South Chagrin Reservation, and the area in between is speckled with historic architecture.
From Hinckley to Hudson, this road is overflowing with scenic views. With features including quaint villages and historic homes and the grandeur of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, this road is ideal for long-distance cruises.
As you enjoy the beautiful drives near you along State Route 303, be sure to stop at Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Check out a tour in this video from Kemp Outside:
There is much to see in and around the greater Cleveland area, and though it is known for its bustling city streets, it also hides miles of scenic views that will leave you captivated. We hope you have the opportunity to enjoy some of these scenic drives in Northeast Ohio.
For even more road trip opportunities throughout Ohio, be sure to check out this list of unforgettable scenic drives. Perhaps, renting an RV from RVShare and making it a road trip would be a fun way to explore our great state of Ohio.
In the half-decade that I've been writing for OnlyInYourState, I've heard it time and time again: "I'd love to explore with you." Truth be told, I'd like to take you on my adventures, too. While most of the articles we write for the Cleveland page empower you to embark on your own adventures within driving distance of home, I wanted to take you on a personal summertime excursion with me.
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What better summertime destination near Cleveland is there than Put-in-Bay? This island, sometimes called the "Key West of Lake Erie," has oodles of attractions that the whole family can enjoy. I headed to the island bright and early to provide plenty of time to explore some of its attractions but, quite honestly, one day alone wasn't enough to explore everything on the island. There's so much to do here that you could spend a whole weekend exploring... and you definitely should. There are plenty of welcoming places to stay overnight but, for this article, we're just going to take a quick day trip. Ready? All aboard Miller Ferry, because that's where our adventure begins!
The trek from Cleveland to Miller Ferry takes a little bit over an hour, so you'll want to wake up bright and early if you intend to spend the whole day at Put-in-Bay.
Miller Ferry allows both passengers and vehicles, so you can transport your car to the island if you're planning to stay for a few days. However, if you're only staying for a few hours, you'll just want a ticket for yourself... there are golf carts, taxis, and buses to help you get around the island.
The ferry provides easy access to different Lake Erie islands, and the journey across the waterway is over in the blink of an eye.
The journey to South Bass Island where Put-in-Bay is located only takes about 15 to 20 minutes. If you decide to ferry to Middle Bass Island, that time is doubled... but the trip is scenic and eventful.
As soon as you arrive on the island, you'll want to rent a golf cart for easy transportation. E's Golf Carts was our chariot-conveyor of choice, and they're located mere steps away from the dock.
Whether you go with E's Golf Carts or another option, it's always wise to book online to ensure you get a ride. During our visit, several golf cart services were already sold out unless you had a reservation!
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E's Golf Carts offers a variety of options to accommodate your party. Since we had four adults total in our crew, we opted for a four-seater.
They offer anywhere from two-passenger to eight-passenger rides, so there's an option that's perfect for your crew. Golf carts allow you to set the pace for your own journey, and they're a popular option for small bachelorette parties and similar excursions.
Having skipped breakfast to allow for a speedy trip, the first thing on our minds upon arrival was food.
There are tons of delicious places to dine in Put-in-Bay... in fact, there's a great variety of restaurants despite the island being a bit small. No matter what your group is craving, there's likely a local restaurant that will hit the spot.
We've tried a lot of food over the years of visiting Put-in-Bay, but we opted for a restaurant we'd never visited before: The Keys.
From front to back, we got the hummus tray, cheese curds (which came with a delicious sriracha ranch), shrimp with asparagus and cilantro lime rice, and fries.
The food was delicious, and the drinks were almost as just as yummy. However, the live music was really what set the island-friendly scene during our early lunch.
Live music and happy hours are half the fun at this cool coastal eatery! Plus, a nearby bar allows you to enjoy libations as you listen.
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As the Lake Erie islands are, you know, on Lake Erie, the weather tends to get a bit breezy. Our crew needed some sweatshirts ASAP, so I recommended the budget-friendly gift shop at Heineman Winery.
The first gift shop we went to had sweatshirts priced at nearly $80, which is pretty on-par with what you'd expect for a tourist-heavy area. However, Heineman's sweatshirts range from $10 to $15, so it's the perfect spot to grab a cozy cover-up if you're cold. If you get stuck in the rain (we did not during this visit, but it has definitely happened to me during past visits to Put-in-Bay), the gift shop also has affordable ponchos.
After selecting our (fun Put-in-Bay branded) sweatshirts, we took a moment to explore the gift shop to look for other treasures.
Fossils, rocks, wine-themed collectibles, and more await savvy shoppers. Everything here is priced very fairly, so this is definitely one spot you'll want to keep on your radar during your visit.
Then, we naturally decided to grab a few bottles of wine for our crew to share.
Local wines tend to be sweeter and smoother than those grown in dryer regions. Heineman's Winery is the perfect place to experience local flavors, and they even ship to various states if you decide to order some more wine after you return home.
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Our first beverages were the Sweet Catawba and Cabernet Franc, and these two drinks satisfied those who love sweet and dry wines, respectively.
While this is not the only winery on Put-in-Bay, this is the only winery that produces its own wine and grape juice. Most of the grapes they use are grown on the island, though some are imported from nearby since there is so much demand to meet. You can tell which is locally harvested based on the cork or screw... corked wines often feature imported grapes, whereas ones with screw caps tend to be locally harvested.
After a few sips, we were ready to take a tour of the grounds. Tours include admission to Crystal Cave, a tour of the wine-making tools, and a token for a free drink.
The tours are pretty affordable, and they're super fun. They are, unfortunately, not wheelchair accessible... you'll be taking a steep staircase deep into the earth to see the cave, so some visitors may have to pass on this experience if that steep staircase is a concern or challenge.
As we made the descent into Crystal Cave, which is actually the largest geode in the world, we instantly appreciated the cool air of the inner earth.
Crystal Cave, which is an aptly-named natural feature, was discovered in 1897 when workers were digging a well. The crystals on its ceiling and walls range from 8 to 18 inches long, and they're stunning to see in person.
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Crystal Cave was cozy and petite, but boy, was it beautiful. Every inch of the cavern was lined with celestine, a soft tabular crystal that has amazed visitors since the cave's discovery.
While you may be tempted, remember to refrain from touching the crystals. The same is true of the stalagmites in the cave across the street... the oils in your hands will destroy these beautiful natural features.
After that tour wrapped up, we immediately got to see how one of the state's oldest wineries used to make wine...
There are some incredible historic tools awaiting visitors. You won't believe how wine-making has changed throughout the years! Long-gone are the days of barrel-aging wine but historic barrels are awaiting your visit.
...as well as how the winery makes its wine today.
You'll love seeing what goes into the process of winemaking. Amazingly, many aspects of the process are still done by hand - workers thread bottles, boxes, and other supplies through tools like corking machines. Even the recipe aspect of wine-making is done by hand rather than using a recipe, expert vintners taste the wine as they add sugar and other ingredients to ensure each bottle produced is satisfactory and delicious.
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Our cave-diving curiosity wasn't quite satiated after just one cave tour, so we decided to visit Perry's Cave right across the street.
Perry's Cave Family Fun Center has various attractions that the whole family will love. There's an antique car museum on-site, as well as a maze, gemstone mining, and more. Perry's Cave is its crown jewel, and it's quite a bit bigger than Crystal Cave at 208 feet long. It even features a hidden underground lake.
And, of course, we swung by the Butterfly House right next door to soak up some more natural splendor.
Visiting the Butterfly House is a must-do attraction. There are more than 50 types of exotic butterflies here, and they might even land on you. With beautiful plants and a spacious aviary, you'll feel like you're surrounded by tropical vibes.
Next, we back-tracked down the street to visit the Chocolate Museum, which was a fascinating and free experience.
The museum is pretty small, but it's a fascinating glimpse into how chocolate is made. You'll encounter antique memorabilia and chocolate-making tools, and you might even swing by the counter to try some locally-produced confections, too.
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The guys also decided to enjoy some beer and brats right outside in the Biergarten, which was a lovely place to unwind.
The chocolate shop, Biergarten, and Goat Soup & Whiskey are all located on Catawba Avenue in this same area. There's tons of delicious food here, though it is a bit removed from the Downtown Put-in-Bay dining scene. Truth be told, it's lovely to break away from the bustling part of the island for a bit!
After driving around the island for a bit to admire its architecture, we ended up at one of its most notable landmarks: Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial, otherwise known as Perry's Monument.
The stunning Perry's Victory & International Peace Memorial is a whopping 352 feet tall, and it towers over the landscape. You might even spot it from the boat as you're approaching the island! It's more than a century old, and it is taller than the more-famous Statue of Liberty.
You can purchase tickets at its Visitors Center. Admission is only $7, and it's arguably the most unique monument in Ohio.
Check out the National Park Service website for a virtual visit. It's worth seeing in person, too, but getting a glimpse and learning about its history in advance helps make your visit a bit more special.
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Then, we ended up on the beach to skip some stones and enjoy the birdsong along the forest-lined shore.
There's a great deal of nature on the island, and it has a variety of hiking trails to help you experience it first-hand. Some of the trails brushed right up against the beach, but the area was still fairly private. There were people there, but it was beautiful to unwind in nature for a bit before we went home.
Enjoying the sounds of Lake Erie was one of the highlights of our trip, and it was totally free.
They say the best things in life are free, and this experience definitely rang true for us. While Lake Erie gets a bad rap, it certainly has plenty of natural beauty.
When the sun set on our excursion, we were sad to leave. There was still so much to see and do... but our group decided to pay a visit to the island again in the fall, and we're already looking forward to that.
