Headlands Beach State Park

Headlands Beach State Park combined with the adjacent Headlands Beach State Nature Preserve and federal breakwall is a great way to connect with Lake Erie as it supports a number of outdoor activities including swimming, sunbathing, picnicking, hiking, biking, birdwatching, wildlife observation, and fishing. Located in Mentor, Ohio, the area is a must-see attraction for those exploring northeastern Ohio.

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Listed below are the most popular attractions at Headlands Beach State Park.

Headlands Beach is a 35-acre beach on Lake Erie providing great beach recreation activities, including swimming, sunbathing, hunting sea glass and viewing sunsets.

Headlands Beach State Nature Preserve features Lake Erie sand dunes that support highly specialized plant and animal life suited to survive in this hostile environment. Natural features include unique geology, wetlands, and prairie. The preserve features one mile of hiking trails for visitors to observe this rare ecosystem.

The federal breakwall provides excellent fishing opportunities for a variety of fresh water fish, including walleye, yellow perch, largemouth bass, and steelhead. Ohio fishing regulations apply, including a valid fishing license for those 16 years and older.

The northern terminus of the Buckeye Trail is located within the park. There is a post on which state senators Harry l. Armstrong and Ralph S. Regula painted the last blazes completing the Buckeye Trail from Cincinnati, on the Ohio river, to Mentor, on Lake Erie. Fred E. Morr, Ohio Director of Natural Resources, accepted the trail on behalf of the people of Ohio on October 10, 1970.

The lighthouse is private property, but adds to the scenery of the area providing scenic photo opportunities.

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Listed below in alphabetical order are the most popular activities at Headlands Beach State Park.

The half-mile long beach is the largest natural beach in the state of Ohio and accommodates many forms of beach recreation. Along with swimming and sunbathing, it is a popular destination for hunting sea glass and viewing sunsets.

Fishing is permitted at the federal breakwall located at the east end of the park where a great variety of Lake Erie fish can be caught, including walleye and steelhead.

The park is a popular picnic area due to the many scenic areas throughout the park featuring picnic tables and charcoal grills. There is a pavilion that can be reserved for large gatherings.

The park features a paved trail spanning the length of the park for biking and walking. The park is of particular interest for hikers as it features the northern terminus of the Buckeye Trail along with a 1.5-mile section of the trail for hiking.

The nature preserve provides great opportunities for birdwatching and observing wildlife amongst the rare ecosystem of the sand dunes.

 

Listed below in alphabetical order are the park amenities for Headlands Beach State Park.

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Rest Rooms: There are five restrooms in the park. They feature flush toilets, sinks, soap, hand sanitizer, air hand dryer, mirrors, baby changing station, multiple toilets and urinals, and water fountains on the exterior of the buildings.

Picnic Area: There are numerous areas for picnicking throughout the park. Some feature great scenery as they are located near the beach or nature preserve. There is a large shaded picnic area at the east end of the park. There are many charcoal grills in the picnic areas throughout the park.

Pavillion: The pavilion accommodates up to 40 people and features electric, picnic tables, preparation table and two charcoal grills.

Playground: There is a small playground near the pavilion on the west side of the parking area.

Parking: The entrance to the park and parking lot is paved and well maintained. Parking is free and the parking lot is spacious and generally provides more than enough parking, even on the busiest days of the year. The parking lot is mostly shaded by tall trees that provide cover for your vehicle on hot summer days.

Waste Management: There are multiple large dumpsters in the parking area and various trash receptacles throughout the park.

Listed below in alphabetical order are the park rules and advisory for Headlands Beach State Park.

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Fees and Hours

There are no fees to enter or use the park. The only possible fees would be to reserve the pavilion.

Hours are 8am to a half hour after sunset. Opening seems to vary depending on the time of year and seems to coincide with a half hour after sunrise.

Beach Rules (as posted)

These rules are for your safety, they are state law, and they are strictly enforced. There is no lifeguard on duty. For your safety, stay off buoys. Cigarette butts are considered litter.

• No alcoholic beverages
• No pets on beach
• No bottles on beach
• No swimming after dark
• No littering
• No grills on beach
• No flotation devices
• No unattended children

In case of emergency: call 911

Pavilion is reservable. Call 1-866-OHIOPARKS (644-7275) or visit www.reserveohio.com. If not reserved the pavilion is first come first serve.

Swimming: Swimming at your own risk is permitted in designated areas, as there are no life guards on duty. Certified life vests are encouraged, but inflatable devices are prohibited.

OTHER INFORMATION

Wetlands Restoration Project

A constantly flooded portion of the park has become home to a wide variety of native wetland plants and wildlife. Through support of the USDA Forest Service's Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Grant, steps will soon be taken to follow nature's lead and remove the parking lots and structures, in this portion of the park, to better allow this area to become a natural wetland.

Listed below in alphabetical order are the most popular dining attractions near Headlands Beach State Park, including restaurants, pizza shops, and more.

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Azteca Mexican Restaurant & Margarita Bar

9515 Diamond Centre Dr, Mentor, OH 44060

Azteca Mexican Restaurant and Margarita Bar serves Mexican classics including enchiladas, fajitas, chalupas, and more. Open for lunch, dinner, and drinks at the bar. Located 3.3 miles from Headlands Beach State Park.

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Corduroy’s Pizza

9131 Jordan Dr, Mentor, OH 44060

Corduroy’s Pizza offers a great selection of pizza, pasta dinners, wings, burgers, sandwiches, salads, ice cream and more. Located 2 miles west of Headlands Beach State Park.

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Pickle Bill's Lobster House

101 River St, Grand River, OH 44045

Pickle Bill’s Lobster House offers a great variety of seafood in a relaxed environment with waterfront views and outdoor seating. Located less than 2 miles from Headlands Beach State Park.

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The Pompadour

320 High St, Fairport Harbor, OH 44077

The Pompadour serves creative small plates and handcrafted cocktails in a cozy environment. Open Thursday through Saturday 5pm-10pm. Located near the beach in historic downtown Fairport Harbor.

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Rego's Brickhouse Pizza

326 New 4th St, Fairport Harbor, OH 44077

Rego’s Brickhouse Pizza offers hand-pressed pizzas with fresh dough made in house every day, along with fresh salads, sandwiches, dinners, and more. Located in Fairport Harbor, just 5 miles from Headlands Beach State Park.

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Scooter's World Famous Dawg House

9600 Blackbrook Rd, Mentor, OH 44060

Scooter’s serves fresh made-to-order food, including three sizes of specialty hot dogs, hamburgers, ice cream treats, and more. Located less than 3 miles south of Headlands Beach State Park.

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Sunset Harbor Bar and Grille

625 Prospect St, Fairport Harbor, OH 44077

Sunset Harbor Bar and Grille serves seafood in a relaxed environment. The restaurant features indoor and outdoor seating along with the only lakefront dining in Lake County, Ohio. Located 5 miles from Headlands Beach State Park.

Listed below in alphabetical order are the most popular attractions for lodging near Headlands Beach State Park, including hotels, inns, bed & breakfasts, cabins, cottages, and other types of lodging.

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Extended Stay America Select Suites

5650 Emerald Ct, Mentor, OH 44060

Extended Stay America Select Suites offers spacious suites at affordable rates. Amenities include full kitchens, dining and work space, free Wi-Fi, cable with premium channels, and more. On-site guest laundry and pet-friendly rooms. Located 3.6 miles from Headlands Beach and other area attractions including The Cleveland Museum of Art, West Side Market, and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

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Hampton Inn & Suites

5675 Emerald Ct, Mentor, OH 44060

Hampton Inn & Suites Cleveland-Mentor is a 3-star hotel offering various amenities, including connecting rooms, free hot breakfast, free parking, free wifi, digital key, fitness center, pet-friendly rooms, meeting rooms, and more. Nearby attractions include the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Great Lakes Science Center, and the Metroparks Zoo and Rainforest. Located just 3 miles from Headlands Beach State Park.

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Residence Inn by Marriott

5660 Emerald Ct, Mentor, OH 44060

The Residence Inn Cleveland Mentor offers well-appointed suites and a full range of amenities to provide guests with everything they need for their stay, including suites with living area, desk space with natural lighting, updated bathrooms, fully equipped kitchen, and more. Located just minutes from Headlands Beach State Park.

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Steele Mansion Inn & Gathering Hub

348 Mentor Ave, Painesville, OH 44077

Steele Mansion Inn & Gathering Hub features lavishly decorated guest suites for guests seeking a perfect haven a cut above the average hotel. Great for fast-paced retreats, romantic weekend aways, business trips, or just about anything. All rooms offer breakfast buffet or breakfast choice included. Free Wi-Fi and in-house bar. Located just 4 miles from Headlands Beach State Park.

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Wingate by Wyndham at LaMalfa

5783 Heisley Rd, Mentor, OH 44060

Wingate by Wyndham at LaMalfa offers modern amenities, including free breakfast, free WiFi, free on-site parking for vehicles of all sizes, as well as a business center, heated indoor pool, and on-site gym. All non-smoking guest rooms are equipped with a flat-screen HDTV, microwave, mini-refrigerator, coffee maker, desk, and more. Nearby attractions include Holden Arboretum, James A. Garfield National Historic Site, and Fairport Harbor Lakefront Park. Located less than 10 minutes from Headlands Beach State Park.

Listed below in alphabetical order are the most popular attractions for shopping near Headlands Beach State Park, including convenience stores, bait shops, and more.

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EZGO Food Mart (RediGo)

400 High St, Fairport Harbor, OH 44077

EZGO Food Mart is convenience store located 4.8 miles from Headlands Beach State Park.

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The Gourmet Soap Market

204 3rd St, Fairport Harbor, OH 44077

The Gourmet Soap Market offers soap and body essentials handmade glycerin soap, soapy sponges, loofah soaps, olive oil soaps, and award winning bath and shower bombs and scrubs. They specialize in creating custom shower and wedding favors, corporate gifts, spa bags, promotional giveaways and partner with businesses, financial professionals, realtors, casinos and more. Located 5 miles from Headlands Beach State Park.

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Harbor Bait and Tackle

1248 High St, Fairport Harbor, OH 44077

Harbor Bait and Tackle offers a great selection of bait and fishing tackle. Located less than 4 miles from Headlands Beach State Park.

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Headlands IGA Supermarket

4701 Corduroy Rd, Mentor, OH 44060

Headlands IGA Supermarket is a full service grocery store located 2 miles from Headlands Beach State Park.

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Steve’s Bait Shop

110 Water St, Fairport Harbor, OH 44077

Steve’s Bait Shop offers all full selection fishing tackle and bait. Hours vary with season. Located 5 miles from Headlands Beach State Park.

Listed below in alphabetical order are the most popular attractions near Headlands Beach State Park.

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Fairport Harbor Lakefront Park

301 Huntington Beach Dr, Fairport Harbor, OH 44077

Fairport Harbor Lakefront Park features a family-friendly beach on Lake Erie open year-round. Park activities include adapted programming, boating, fishing, geocaching, and swimming. Park amenities include 21 acres, accessible facilities, canoe/kayak access, electricity, emergency phone, fire ring, flush restrooms, grills, lakeshore access, paved trails, picnic area, picnic shelter, and playground.

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Fairport Harbor Marine Museum and Lighthouse

129 2nd St, Fairport Harbor, OH 44077

Fairport Marine Museum and Lighthouse features a lighthouse built in 1871 and a museum featuring exhibits about the history of the lighthouse, life on the Great Lakes, maritime artifacts, and more. Located in Fairport Harbor just 5 miles from Headlands Beach State Park.

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Mentor Marsh & Carol H Sweet Nature Center

5185 Corduroy Rd, Mentor, OH 44060

Mentor Marsh & Carol H Sweet Nature Center features one of the largest natural marshes along the shoreline of Lake Erie and became the first state nature preserve in Ohio in 1971. Hiking trails are open from dawn to dusk year-round. Special programs and guided hikes are at 2pm every Sunday the Nature Center is open and group programs are offered during the week by appointment. Call the nature center at (440) 257-0777 for more information.

Listed below in alphabetical order are local services for Headlands Beach State Park, including banks, gas stations, and other types of local services.

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7-Eleven

5711 Heisley Rd, Mentor, OH 44060

Nearest convenience store from Headlands Beach State Park. Located 3.1 miles away.

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BP

5711 Heisley Rd, Mentor, OH 44060

Nearest gas station to Headlands Beach State Park. Located 3.1 miles away.

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Burger King

5725 Heisley Rd, Mentor, OH 44060

Nearest Burger King from Headlands Beach State Park. Located 3.2 miles away.

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Dollar Tree

9580 Diamond Centre Dr, Mentor, OH 44060

Nearest dollar store from Headlands Beach State Park. Located 3.5 miles away.

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McDonald’s

5745 Heisley Rd, Mentor, OH 44060

Nearest McDonald’s from Headlands Beach State Park. Located 3.2 miles away.

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Sunoco

410 High St, Painesville, OH 44077

Gas station located just 4.7 miles away.

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Taco Bell

9500 Diamond Centre Dr, Mentor, OH 44060

Nearest Taco Bell from Headlands Beach State Park. Located 3.3 miles away.

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Walmart

9303 Mentor Ave, Mentor, OH 44060

Nearest Walmart from Headlands Beach State Park. Located 5.8 miles away.

Listed below are questions asked about Headlands Beach State Park.

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Q: Are dogs allowed at Headlands Beach State Park?

A: Dogs are allowed at the park, but must be on a leash, and no pets are permitted on the beach.

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Q: Are alcoholic beverages permitted at Headlands Beach State Park?

A: Alcoholic beverages are not permitted in the park.

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All content and photos are original and produced through actual visits to Headlands Beach State Park by William K. Rogers and the BloggerBill staff members. We strive to provide content that is as accurate as possible.