LAKE ERIE | LAKE COUNTY
Perry, Ohio
ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
1. Lake Erie Bluffs
SCENIC LAKEFRONT PARK | PERRY OH
Lake Erie Bluffs offers stunning views of Lake Erie, with hiking trails, birdwatching opportunities, and a 50-foot observation tower. The park features 9,000 feet of shoreline, beach areas, and diverse habitats including wetlands and meadows. It's perfect for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and those seeking scenic lakeside adventures.
2. Lakeshore Reservation
SCENIC LAKESIDE PARK | NORTH PERRY VILLAGE OH
Lakeshore Reservation is an 84-acre park along Lake Erie featuring wooded and shrub habitats, paved and unpaved trails, and stunning lake views. It's a hotspot for birdwatching, especially during migration seasons. The park offers a serene environment for nature walks, picnics, and enjoying the beauty of Lake Erie's shoreline.
3. Bene Vito Urban Winery
CHARMING URBAN WINERY | PERRY OH
Bene Vito Urban Winery offers a warm and laid-back atmosphere with a variety of handcrafted wines. Located in Perry, it features live entertainment on weekends and a casual venue for private events. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, relax in the cozy setting, and experience the local wine culture.
4. Doc Howard's Distillery
LOCALLY SOURCED SPIRITS | PERRY OH
Doc Howard's Distillery offers a unique experience with locally sourced, hand-crafted spirits. Visitors can enjoy tastings of award-winning whiskeys and rums, including Spiced Rum and Hot Poker Whiskey. Open Fridays and Saturdays, the distillery provides a welcoming atmosphere for spirit enthusiasts and community members alike.
5. Lake Erie
GREAT LAKE | LAKE COUNTY OH
Lake Erie, one of the five Great Lakes, offers a wealth of recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, and beach activities along its shores. The lake's scenic beauty provides a stunning backdrop for outdoor adventures, wildlife observation, and peaceful shoreline walks, making it a must-visit natural attraction in the region.
6. Hell Hollow Wilderness Area
CHALLENGING SCENIC PARK | THOMPSON OH
Hell Hollow Wilderness Area, part of Lake Metroparks, spans over 800 acres and offers a challenging outdoor experience. Known for its 262-step stairway, it provides breathtaking views of Paine Creek Valley and waterfalls. Visitors can enjoy picnic areas, scenic overlooks, and trails like the Beechridge Loop, perfect for adventure seekers.
7. Headlands Beach State Park
OHIO'S LARGEST NATURAL BEACH | MENTOR OH
Headlands Beach State Park features Ohio's largest natural sand beach, stretching over a mile along Lake Erie. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, picnicking, and fishing. The park is adjacent to Headlands Dunes State Nature Preserve and offers views of the Fairport Harbor West Lighthouse, making it a perfect destination for beach lovers.
8. Madison Seminary
HISTORIC HAUNTED BUILDING | MADISON OH
Madison Seminary is a historic building with a rich past as a school, Civil War relief home, and mental health facility. Known for its paranormal activity, it attracts ghost hunters and history enthusiasts. Visitors can explore its eerie halls and learn about its storied history, including connections to Civil War spies and haunted legends.
9. Perry Nuclear Power Plant
NUCLEAR POWER FACILITY | NORTH PERRY OH
The Perry Nuclear Power Plant is a major nuclear power facility located on Lake Erie's southern shore. Spanning 1,100 acres, it features a single boiling water reactor. The site also includes a wildlife sanctuary, offering a unique blend of industrial and natural environments. While not open for public tours, it's a significant landmark in the area.
10. Hogback Ridge Park
WILD RIVER CORRIDOR PARK | MADISON OH
Hogback Ridge Park, located along the Grand River, offers a serene escape into nature. This 414-acre park features hiking trails, wildlife viewing opportunities, and a picnic shelter. Visitors can explore its unique hogback ridge, enjoy fishing in the Grand River, or simply relax in this minimally developed natural area.
11. James A. Garfield National Historic Site
PRESIDENTIAL HISTORY SITE | MENTOR OH
The James A. Garfield National Historic Site preserves the home of the 20th U.S. President. Visitors can tour the restored 19th-century house, explore exhibits on Garfield's life and presidency, and stroll through the beautiful grounds. The site offers insights into Garfield's famous front porch campaign and provides a fascinating glimpse into 19th-century American political history.
12. Holden Arboretum
BOTANICAL GARDENS AND FORESTS | KIRTLAND OH
Holden Arboretum spans 3,600 acres with diverse gardens, forests, and trails. Highlights include the Murch Canopy Walk and Kalberer Emergent Tower, offering treetop views. Visitors can explore various ecosystems, enjoy scenic hikes, and participate in educational programs. It's a paradise for nature lovers, botanists, and outdoor enthusiasts seeking a peaceful retreat.
13. Fairport Harbor Marine Museum and Lighthouse
MARITIME HISTORY MUSEUM | FAIRPORT HARBOR OH
This historic lighthouse, built in 1871, now serves as a museum showcasing Great Lakes maritime history. Visitors can climb the tower for panoramic Lake Erie views, explore nautical exhibits, and learn about lighthouse keepers' lives. The museum features artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays, offering a fascinating journey through local maritime heritage.
14. Mentor Marsh State Nature Preserve
WETLAND ECOSYSTEM PRESERVE | MENTOR OH
Mentor Marsh State Nature Preserve is a 691-acre wetland ecosystem, home to diverse plant and animal species. Visitors can explore hiking trails, observe migratory birds, and learn about wetland ecology. The preserve offers boardwalks, observation platforms, and educational programs, making it an ideal spot for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers.
15. Penitentiary Glen Reservation
NATURE CENTER AND TRAILS | KIRTLAND OH
Penitentiary Glen Reservation offers 424 acres of diverse habitats, including forests, fields, and wetlands. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, a nature center with live animals, and seasonal butterfly gardens. The park features a wildlife center, interactive exhibits, and educational programs, providing a comprehensive outdoor experience for all ages.
16. Classic Park
MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL STADIUM | EASTLAKE OH
Classic Park is home to the Lake County Captains, a Minor League Baseball team. The stadium offers an intimate setting for enjoying America's pastime, with seating for over 6,000 fans. Visitors can experience affordable family entertainment, theme nights, and promotional events throughout the baseball season, making it a popular summer destination.
17. Lake Metroparks Farmpark
AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION CENTER | KIRTLAND OH
Lake Metroparks Farmpark is a family-friendly agricultural science and cultural center. Visitors can experience hands-on farming activities, interact with animals, and learn about renewable energy. The park features demonstrations, seasonal events, and exhibits on topics ranging from maple sugaring to sheep shearing, offering an educational and entertaining rural experience.
18. Mentor Lagoons Nature Preserve & Marina
COASTAL WETLANDS AND MARINA | MENTOR OH
Mentor Lagoons Nature Preserve & Marina offers 450 acres of coastal wetlands and natural beach. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, birdwatching, and kayaking opportunities. The preserve features a marina for boating enthusiasts and provides a unique blend of recreational activities and natural habitat conservation along Lake Erie's shore.
19. Wildwood Cultural Center
HISTORIC MANOR AND GARDENS | MENTOR OH
Wildwood Cultural Center is a historic 1908 Tudor-style manor house set on 34 acres of landscaped grounds. Visitors can explore the beautifully preserved interiors, enjoy the gardens, and participate in cultural events and classes. The center hosts art exhibitions, concerts, and educational programs, offering a glimpse into early 20th-century architecture and lifestyle.
20. Indian Museum of Lake County
NATIVE AMERICAN ARTIFACTS | MENTOR OH
The Indian Museum of Lake County houses an extensive collection of Native American artifacts, including arrowheads, pottery, and tools. Visitors can explore exhibits detailing the history and culture of indigenous peoples who once inhabited the region. The museum offers educational programs and displays that provide insights into local Native American heritage.
21. Perry Community Center
RECREATIONAL FACILITY | PERRY OH
The Perry Community Center serves as a hub for local activities and events. It offers various recreational programs, fitness classes, and social gatherings for residents of all ages. The center provides a space for community engagement, sports activities, and educational workshops, fostering a sense of community among Perry residents.
22. Perry Township Park
LAKEFRONT RECREATION AREA | PERRY OH
Perry Township Park offers a scenic lakefront setting for outdoor recreation. Visitors can enjoy picnic areas, walking trails, and beautiful views of Lake Erie. The park provides opportunities for fishing, bird watching, and relaxing by the water. It's a popular spot for families and nature lovers seeking a peaceful lakeside experience.
23. Perry Public Library
COMMUNITY LEARNING CENTER | PERRY OH
Perry Public Library serves as a vital community resource, offering a wide range of books, digital media, and educational programs. The library hosts various events, including story times for children, book clubs for adults, and technology workshops. It provides a quiet space for study and research, supporting lifelong learning in the Perry community.
24. Perry History Center
LOCAL HISTORY MUSEUM | PERRY OH
The Perry History Center preserves and showcases the rich history of Perry and its surrounding areas. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of the region's past. The center offers insights into local heritage, including Perry's agricultural roots and its connection to Lake Erie's maritime history.
25. Perry Outdoor YMCA
OUTDOOR RECREATION FACILITY | PERRY OH
The Perry Outdoor YMCA offers a range of outdoor recreational activities and programs for all ages. Facilities may include sports fields, hiking trails, and outdoor fitness areas. The YMCA provides opportunities for physical activity, team sports, and nature-based programs, promoting health and wellness in the Perry community.
Perry, Ohio
LAKE COUNTY
LAKE ERIE | LAKE COUNTY
Perry, Ohio, is a charming village nestled along the shores of Lake Erie, known for its natural beauty and historical significance. Named after Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, hero of the War of 1812, the village boasts a rich heritage and scenic landscapes. Perry's most notable attraction is the Lake Erie Bluffs, offering breathtaking views of the lake and diverse recreational opportunities for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike.
The crown jewel of Perry's attractions is undoubtedly the Lake Erie Bluffs. This stunning natural area showcases the beauty of Lake Erie's shoreline with its 40-foot-high bluffs and a 50-foot observation tower. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, birdwatching, and unparalleled panoramic views of the lake. The park's diverse habitats, including wetlands and meadows, make it a haven for wildlife and a popular spot for nature photography.
Perry's agricultural heritage is still evident in its landscape, with fertile soil that once made it famous for onion cultivation. Today, the area is renowned for its nursery industry, with many local businesses shipping plants throughout the east coast. This agricultural legacy is complemented by Perry's commitment to preserving green spaces, as seen in the Lakeshore Reservation, another popular spot for outdoor recreation and lakeside relaxation.
While Perry itself is a small village, its proximity to other Lake County attractions enhances its appeal. Nearby, visitors can explore historical sites like the James A. Garfield National Historic Site in Mentor, or enjoy water-based activities along Lake Erie's shore. The village's quiet charm, combined with its natural beauty and easy access to larger attractions, makes Perry an ideal destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat with the option to explore the wider Lake County area.