Lake: Nature, trails and places to visit

Lake can be explored through a range of nature and cultural themes. Protected shorelines, hiking trails, nature activities and a working farmpark are among the highlights, along with an arboretum and maritime exhibits. If you’re looking for a hotel in Lake, you can start by considering which of these themes you’d like to focus on during your stay. The distinctions below offer specific points to help you decide.

Shoreline and trails along Lake Erie

Lake Erie Bluffs protects wetlands, meadows and largely undeveloped habitats along 9,000 feet of Lake Erie shoreline. Visitors can hike and fish there; the area also features gravel trails, overlooks and access to a natural beach. A 50-foot-tall coastal observation tower with a viewing platform offers 360-degree views.

Lake Erie Bluffs is less than half a mile from the Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Trail. This National Scenic Byway is 293 miles long. Trails are also an important part of what Lake County has to offer: Lake Metroparks operates 40 different parks and maintains more than 60 miles of hiking trails throughout the county. Sections of two rivers designated as wild and scenic at the state level, along with numerous tributaries, also flow through areas protected by Lake Metroparks.

Hiking, nature watching and the Farmpark

Penitentiary Glen Reservation has 8.5 miles of hiking trails and is designated a “Watchable Wildlife” area by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife. Naturalists lead guided hikes there throughout the year. With the X-Plorer packs, visitors can identify birds, plants and insects and create their own nature journal. Each year, nearly 2,000 injured or orphaned animals receive first aid and rehabilitation care at the Kevin P. Clinton Wildlife Center.

Lake Metroparks Farmpark offers a different focus: this 235-acre working farm and educational center includes fields, gardens and farm buildings. Its offerings include farm animals, a plant science center, exhibits on farm machinery and a playground. The 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 you go.

Gardens and an elevated walkway

The Holden Arboretum extends across Lake and Geauga counties and includes gardens, trails, lakes and meadows. Its Murch Canopy Walk is a 500-foot-long elevated walkway that runs 65 feet above the forest floor. From April through October, it is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.; check seasonal hours before your visit.

The measurements describe different ways to enjoy the outdoors: Penitentiary Glen Reservation has a network of 8.5 miles of trails, while the Murch Canopy Walk is a single elevated walkway, 500 feet long. You can therefore consider hiking trails and a walk above the forest floor as different focuses for planning your trip.

Connections and cultural offerings

Laketran Park-n-Ride connects Lake County to Downtown Cleveland and University Circle through eight locations. If you plan to use this connection, 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 before traveling as well.

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 put into operation in 1925 and built to replace the original Fairport Harbor Lighthouse. The Rabbit Run Community Arts Association and the Rabbit Run Theater offer cultural experiences and arts programs for people of all ages.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Willoughby, Mentor, Wickliffe, Painesville, Eastlake, Belmont County, Hocking County, Union.

For the broader travel guide: Ohio.