By Denise Koeth
Nestled along the scenic shores of Lake Erie, Lake County boasts the perfect blend of small-town charm and city conveniences, making it an ideal destination for those looking to visit or put down roots. From lush parks and picturesque beaches to unique arts and entertainment spots, this diverse region is brimming with opportunities for adventure, relaxation and everything in between. Find out what the area has to offer, then plan your visit.
The Great Outdoors
With 30 miles of Lake Erie shoreline, lush forests and sprawling nature preserves, Lake County is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Find beaches, hikes, gardens and more at these popular spots.
Located in Kirtland and covering more than 3,600 acres of beautiful gardens, forests and trails, the Holden Arboretum (holdenfg.org) is a great place to explore nature. It features miles of scenic trails through gardens, meadows and forests, as well as seasonal spaces, special exhibits, guided tours and workshops. Don’t miss the Murch Canopy Walk—a 500-foot-long treetop walkway—and Kalberer Emergent Tower, which takes visitors 120 feet up for stunning panoramic views.
You don’t have to travel far to enjoy a day at the beach, since Lake County offers two options. Ohio’s largest natural sand beach is at Headlands Beach State Park (ohiodnr.gov), located in Mentor. Picnicking is available throughout the park and a paved hike/bike trail runs along the park’s back dunes. Fairport Harbor Lakefront Park (lakemetroparks.com), located in Fairport Harbor, features a harbor-view boardwalk. The beach-level wooden platform extends from the parking lot toward the lake and includes benches and picnic tables.
Lake Metroparks llakemetroparks.com) operates more than 60 miles of trails and 38 parks across Lake County, offering endless opportunities for outdoor recreation, including scenic hiking and biking trails, fishing and kayaking on pristine lakes, nature centers and more. Check out Lake Metroparks Farmpark, a working farm where visitors can experience hands-on agriculture, meet farm animals, and learn about farming life; and go birdwatching at Lake Erie Bluffs, which offers diverse habitats and opportunities to see various bird species, especially during migration, with over 225 species documented.
Things to Do
Whether you’re looking for active recreation, social engagement or a fun night out, Lake County offers plenty of activities and ways to get involved.
The Lake County Captains minor league team, the High-A affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians, provides a great outing for baseball fans. Head to Classic Auto Group Park in Eastlake to catch a game and enjoy a laid-back atmosphere, affordable tickets, themed game nights and interactive entertainment. milb.com/lake-county
The Lake County YMCA offers three traditional locations in Painesville, Madison and Willoughby, each of which provides wellness programs, indoor pools, physical fitness classes and social activities for adults. It also operates The Outdoor YMCA in Perry and the Houston Fisher Pool in Eastlake, which make great spots to cool off during the summer. lakecountyymca.org
Several senior centers in Lake County offer robust programming and amenities such as art classes, fitness centers, pickleball, cornhole, bocce ball, book clubs, card groups, meditation and yoga classes, billiards, and much more. For details, check websites for the following locations: Kirtland Senior Center (kirtlandohio.com), Mentor Senior Center (mentorseniorcenter.com); Wickliffe Senior Center (cityofwickliffe.com); and Willoughby Senior Center (willoughbyohio.com).
The Grand River Valley Region (tourlakecounty.com) of Lake County is home to the area’s finest boutique and estate wineries, where you can sample award-winning wines, including Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, and the region’s famous Ice Wine. The area also boasts breweries and distilleries offering expertly-crafted beers and small-batch spirits. Enjoy tours, learn about the crafting process, and dine in a remarkable setting—all within a 10-mile radius.
If you’re looking for a rewarding way to stay active, connect with others, and make a positive impact in Lake County, check out the following volunteer opportunities:
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- Meals on Wheels – Deliver meals to homebound seniors. lccoa.org
- Lake Humane Society – Help care for animals or assist with adoption events. lakehumane.org
- United Way of Lake County – Support community programs through fundraising and outreach. liveunitedlakecounty.org
- Hospice of the Western Reserve – Provide companionship to patients or assist with office tasks. hospicewr.org
- Lake Metroparks – Volunteer for nature conservation, special events or visitor services. lakemetroparks.com
Highlights by City
Eastlake: Home to Classic Auto Group Park, where the Lake County Captains play
Madison: Rural areas include wineries, farms & nature preserves
Mentor: Largest city & commercial hub, home to Great Lakes Mall
Painesville: County Seat of Lake County; hme to Lake Erie College and Historic Downtown District
Willoughby: Vibrant historic downtown filled with shops & restaurants;kKnown for its arts & music scene
Arts & Entertainment
Lake County offers a variety of venues catering to music and theater enthusiasts. Here are some notable options:
Fine Arts Association, located in Willoughby, provides a range of performances, including plays, musicals and concerts. fineartsassociation.org
Lakeland Civic Theatre, at Lakeland Community College in Willoughby, hosts theatrical performances each spring and fall; it is open for Lakeland students and community members to join by audition. lakelandcc.edu
Mentor Civic Amphitheater hosts concerts and events, including the popular Mentor Rocks annual summer concert series that features national recording artists and popular cover bands. cityofmentor.com
Rabbit Run Theater, in Madison, is one of Ohio’s few remaining barn theaters. Each summer from June through August, it offers live theater in a picturesque setting. rabbitrun.org
Wildwood Cultural Center, located in Mentor, offers programs, courses and special events, including live musical and theatrical performances throughout the year, with the goal of supporting and encouraging the development of the arts in the community. cityofmentor.com
Photo by Al Susinskas. Courtesy of Lake Metroparks
