Location: Mentor
Top Things to do in Mentor
What to do and see in Mentor, Ohio (OH): The Best Budget-friendly Things to do
Mentor (/ˈmɛntər/ MEN-tər) is a city in Lake County, Ohio, United States. Mentor was first settled in 1797. The population was 47,159 at the 2010 census. In July 2010, CNNMoney.com ranked Mentor 37th in a list of the Top 100 Best Places to Live in America.
Restaurants in Mentor
1. James A. Garfield National Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 361 reviews
The site is made up of a visitors' center, as well as the 20-room farmhouse Garfield lived in with his wife and five children.
Reviewed By ELO_Ohio - Shelby, United States
What a nice surprise this historic site turned out to be! The Garfield National Historic Site offered one of the more informative and entertaining tours I’ve been on in quite some time. The staff here really love their jobs and take great pride in interacting with visitors. Nice museum and film. Grounds well kept. Of course the focal point of the historic site is the Garfield house - an impressive structure that houses tons of authentic artifacts to the Garfield family, including the first presidential library. Kids were free; adults $10. Well worth it. If you are in the area, don’t miss this NHS dedicated to a man whom - had he lived - might have been one of America’s greatest presidents.
2. 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.
3. Mentor Civic Arena
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21 reviews
Come to the coolest spot in town. It's the only indoor ice skating complex in Lake County. With two regulation-size ice rinks, a studio rink, locker rooms and a snack bar, the Arena is open year round. Handicapped accessible and plenty of free parking. Skate rental available. Hosting a family gathering? The second floor community room is available for rent and overlooks the ice arena below.
4. Veterans Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33 reviews
Reviewed By SunlovermidsouthUSA
My husband and I and our dogs just spent a week basically vacationing in Mentor Ohio, The metro park system in the greater Cleveland area is like nothing I have ever seen in broad travels. Our week of park hopping was fabulous. Perhaps my favorite was Veteran's Park. I liked it because of the body of water one could walk near, one could walk in shade on paths under tree canopies, the fun of a free library outside the rest rooms. Friendliness of people. Just great experience.
5. Headlands Beach State Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 389 reviews
Reviewed By Sartorial79 - Parkersburg, United States
Headlands Beach State Park was a great little place to get away and relax. We enjoyed exploring the area. We particularly loved walking across the breakwater to check out the lighthouse. I would love to know more about the owner (how cool would it be to own a lighthouse?!?). We enjoyed watching the guys on jet skis and sailboats go by. I loved collecting little pieces of the “sea glass”. If you dig picking through rocks the way I do, you’ll be content here.
