Top Things to do in Lake County
Top Hotels in Lake County
- 1. Hampton Inn Madison
- 2. Best Western Plus Mentor-Cleveland Northeast
- 3. Red Roof Inn Cleveland - Mentor/ Willoughby
- 4. Comfort Inn
- 5. Wingate by Wyndham Mentor OH
- 6. Hampton Inn & Suites Cleveland-Mentor
- 7. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Madison, an IHG Hotel
- 8. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Painesville - Concord
- 9. Steele Mansion Inn & Gathering Hub
- 10. Residence Inn by Marriott Cleveland Mentor
9 Nature & Wildlife Areas in Lake County That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Lake County, United States including Chapin Forest Reservation, Hach-Otis State Nature Preserve, Headlands Dunes State Nature Preserve, Penitentiary Glen Wildlife Center, Mentor Lagoons Nature Preserve, Mentor Marsh - Carol H. Sweet Nature Center, Lake Erie Bluffs, Chagrin River Park, Beaty Landing.
Restaurants in Lake County
1. Chapin Forest Reservation
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By Bobo185 - Chardon, United States
I went to Chapin Forest Reservation on Friday October 31st and Monday November 2nd with the goal of hiking all the trails. It had been many years since I had been here, and I forgot how unique the various rocks and geological formations were. This is a large park with over 6 miles of trails…more if you count the connectors… and two entrances. The main entrance to the park is off rt 306 and there is another entrance off Hobart Road. This park had quite a few people in it, but I was able to have alone time walking the trails too. Most of the trails are crushed stone but most all have some up and down. There are a few trails such as the Lucky Stone Trail that have sections that are more rugged, and I was glad I had on my hiking boots as it had been raining all morning. On Friday I started at the first parking area on the 306 entrance and stitched together the Sone cutters, Quarry, Turkey, and Lucky Stone loop trails for a hike of just under 4 miles. The only place I had to backtrack was the Turkey Trail as it connects the Quarry and Lucky Stone Trails together. The Stone Cutters trail is short, leading to a creek where you can see evidence of the stone blocks being cut out of the stream bed. The Quarry Trail has great views going all the way out to Lake Erie and the Fall color was excellent. The lucky Stone Trail takes you through some cool geological formations. Nice hike. On Monday I parked at the Hobart Road entrance and made a hike out of the Beach Woods, Whispering Pines, and Arbor Lane trails of just over 2 miles. This is a nice walk with only moderate up and downs. Most of the paths here are also crushed gravel but the short Whispering Pines trail is unimproved and there were quite a few trees over the path. A windstorm over the weekend may have contributed and it also took away most of the fall leaves too. I prefer the section off route 306.
2. Hach-Otis State Nature Preserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By SammyFarkas - Cleveland, United States
I always hike here sometimes because it is VERY CLOSE to my house and there are a lot of trails and I LIKE GETTING A WORKOUT in because there are a lot of numerous trails in this establishment and it is a public area for everyone
3. Headlands Dunes State Nature Preserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By Ringo-Rango - Columbus, United States
My friend and I had a beautiful few hours eating lunch and relaxing in our chairs at the beach. It was rocky, pebble size, but easily walked with water shoes. It was clean and not crowded on a Friday. Very nice boardwalk that gave us the ability to walk over the marshy area. Unspoiled beauty.
4. Penitentiary Glen Wildlife Center
5. Mentor Lagoons Nature Preserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 72 reviews
It's a natural destination! Escape to the tranquility of nature and explore the beauty of an unspoiled beach and miles of hiking and water trails. Located on the shores of Lake Erie, just 30 minutes east of Cleveland, you'll find 450 acres of green space with 1-1/2 miles of shoreline with rare dune plants, a riverine marsh and mature oak bluff. Over 150 species of birds have been recorded, making this a top birding location. Electric carts are available on a first come basis for the handicapped. Call 440-205-3625 in advance to reserve.
Reviewed By ElaineAndGreg - Chesterland, United States
We visited national parks, state parks, and other preserves, and for a city park the Mentor Lagoons Nature Preserve is astonishing. It's a little less than a square mile in size, but boasts a nature preserve, excellent walks, forest paths, a marsh, and great views on a Great Lake. Mentor Lagoons is, paradoxically, both easy to get to and a little hard to find. You basically want to take State Route 615 north from Route 2 or Interstate 90. About 2 miles north of route 2, you'll go straight north instead of to the west and you'll more or less snake your way through a nice residential neighborhood. I had no trouble finding it based on the signs and dead reckoning, but use your GPS in a pinch. When you get there, there are essentially two parts. You'll cross over a small bridge and see a marina to your left (west) and a smaller parking area along the marsh to your right. I though I might be in the wrong place as it almost looks like a small industrial park, but don't worry, you'll be in the woods shortly. Go to the right and park. There's an excellent, smooth path along with a stand with a map of sorts. Take the path north. From there you have lots of options. I wanted to see the lake on a nice fall day. The path isn't paved, but it is very, very well-maintained and level, although there is a slight incline. From there you can go to the lake, take forest trails, or walk along the edge of the huge marsh. It isn't crowded, but I came across a number of nice dog owners and other out just for a nice walk. The park is light on amenities - there are a few picnic tables, and not much else, but the paths are very nice. I walked along the lake, which was fun although a little difficult with the sand and stones. If you want an easier lakeside walk, there is an excellent path about 100 feet inland. You can also walk through some woodland trails, which I liked, although they can be a little muddy (this is a wetlands area, after all). This is beautiful park and amazing for one that is essentially one of a suburban town. If you want a pleasant walk and some nice views (and don't need lots of amenities) this is for you. If you want to grab something to eat either before or afterwards, you are only 10 minutes or so from countless restaurants in Mentor itself.
6. Mentor Marsh - Carol H. Sweet Nature Center
7. Lake Erie Bluffs
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By ebell883 - Painesville, United States
Walking alongside Lake Erie on we’ll maintained trails seeing Eagles soaring by is breathtaking Definitely climb the observation deck to get a fantastic view of the lake. Make the effort to take a hike and go down to the beach
8. Chagrin River Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By Bobo185 - Chardon, United States
I went to Chagrin River Park on a very warm and sunny Thursday around lunchtime in early November. There are three entrances, but you can walk all the trails from any of the entrances. There were at least a hundred cars in the parking lot and many people on the trails. The outer loops are a little less traveled. It is tucked in close to the freeway and some sections did have road or railroad noise. There are multiple shelters, restrooms, play areas, grills, and restrooms…and of course multiple access points to the river. My main goal was to get in a brisk walk. This park is great for walkers. It is relatively flat with well-marked, wide, paved or crushed-stone paths that are relatively long, so you do not have to be navigating the whole time. I stitched together a 3 ½ mile walk using all the paths with very little overlap. This is a very birdy place during migration, but I saw a ton of birds on this walk too. The trails take you through a mix of woods, meadows, and the creek. There is a pedestrian bridge to cross the river. This is one of the better parks in the area but is well used because of it.
9. Beaty Landing
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By Sparkythebear
Shelter, flush restrooms, access to the river for fishing, nice east trails for hiking, plenty of parking. Very nice park to visit.
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