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
The 10 Best Free Things to do in Lake County, Lake County
Discover the best top things to do in Lake County, United States including North Chagrin Reservation, Lake Metroparks Penitentiary Glen Reservation, Chapin Forest Reservation, Girdled Road Reservation, Debonne Vineyards, Mentor Lagoons Nature Preserve, Mentor Marsh - Carol H. Sweet Nature Center, Maple Ridge Vineyard, Eastside Relics, Squire's Castle.
Restaurants in Lake County
1. North Chagrin Reservation
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 142 reviews
Reviewed By Z5329UVgregm - Cleveland, United States
This is an exceptional metro park, easily accessible with a beautiful paved all purpose trail, bridle trails and off pavement hiking trails for all ability levels. The historic squires castle is a must see and a wonderful setting for a picnic. An extremely well maintained and clean park, enjoy.
2. Lake Metroparks Penitentiary Glen Reservation
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 59 reviews
Reviewed By Bobo185 - Chardon, United States
I went to Penitentiary Glenn Reservation in Mid-November for a good walk. This is one of my favorite parks and I used to volunteer here. There are many well maintained trails here, but I had never hiked the entire Rabbit Run Loop Trail…what a great hike. This trail is mostly unimproved, has two creek crossings, and takes you into nooks and crannies of the park the other trails miss. Good footwear is a must. My walk was just at 3 miles from the parking lot with a fair amount of up and down. Highly recommend.
3. 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.
4. Girdled Road Reservation
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By Bobo185 - Chardon, United States
I visited Girdled Road Reservation on two days in mid-November. My goal was to get in a good walk and hike all the trails. This park is for more serious hikers as there are steep descents and accents on the trails. Each of the three parking areas have at least one trail that is fairly flat and stays up on the ridge. The harder trails descend into the valley. The trails were well groomed and marked and I saw very few people during my walks. The first day I parked at the Radcliff road entrance and combined the Green Darner, South Meadow Loop, and Oak Leaf Loop Trails for a nice walk of just over 4 miles with a total altitude change of 299 feet. This route only requires you to down and back up once. The second day I parked at the Skok Meadow entrance. I combined the Skok Meadow, Creek Crossing, part of the Oak Leaf, Chickadee, Valley View Overlook, and Surveyor’s Loop Trails for hike just under 5 ½ miles. This route requires you to go up and down the valley 2 ½ times with a total altitude gain of 526 feet…you will feel the burn on the last climb out. There is a cool swing bridge crossing on the Creek Crossing Trail and lots of little waterfalls to see. Great park for walking and getting into shape while enjoying great views.
5. Debonne Vineyards
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 237 reviews
Located in Madison, Ohio about an hour east of Cleveland, Debonne Vineyards is now the largest estate winery in Ohio, boasting over 175 acres of vines. Debonne Vineyards central location in the Grand River Valley wine region benefits from a climate moderated by the thermal effects of eastern Lake Erie. Our family commitment to excellence begins in the vineyards and is reflected in the quality of our premium Debonne Vineyards varietals and the original Chalet Debonne blends. Debonne Vineyards is also the first Ohio winery to open up a micro-brewery, Cellar Rats Brewery.
Reviewed By jkzoo - Mansfield, United States
Beautiful setting and friendly staff - love the fact that they have a brewery as well, We at outside and enjoyed a late lunch among the flowers and with views of the vineyards. Food was excellent and reasonably priced.
6. 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.
7. Mentor Marsh - Carol H. Sweet Nature Center
8. Maple Ridge Vineyard
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Small family run vineyard and winery specializing in estate bottled, European Style, dry wines. New French Oak Chardonnay (Montrachet-style), European oak barrels without the oaky flavors of American Oak. Bourgogne and Bordeaux style wines of exquisite taste and distinction. Warm, friendly, intimate tasting room or open pavilion next to the horses and vineyard. Prices range from $12.50 to over $75 per bottle. Specializing in Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Meritage and Cabernet Franc. Other wines include: Riesling, Pinot Gris, Cuvee, and dessert wines. Bring a lunch and enjoy the Pavilion. Home-made, grilled pizza, and other specialties available by appointment. Free water to drink when sampling more than (3) wines. Located on a country dirt/gravel road and secluded in a treed setting where it is easy to leave the cares of the city behind and enjoy the intimacy of a small wine community.
9. Eastside Relics
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By lydiaa127
Very nice selection and variety of nostalgic pieces. The store offers a huge array of everything from vintage furniture to collectibles,artwork to military items. It's a nice addition to Downtown Willoughby.
10. Squire's Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 76 reviews
Reviewed By BuckeyeAdventures - Cleveland, United States
Visiting the castle takes about 15min, so plan on doing something extra when you're going there. I saw people hiking, biking, having a picnic, playing frisbee, taking pictures or just strolling around.
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