LAKE ERIE | LAKE COUNTY
Willoughby, Ohio
ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
1. Classic Park
MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL | EASTLAKE OH
Classic Park is the home of the Lake County Captains, a Minor League Baseball team. This 6,157-seat stadium offers an intimate setting for fans to enjoy America's pastime. With its family-friendly atmosphere, affordable tickets, and exciting promotions, Classic Park provides a quintessential minor league baseball experience.
2. James A. Garfield National Historic Site
PRESIDENTIAL LANDMARK | MENTOR OH
James A. Garfield National Historic Site preserves the home of the 20th U.S. President. This beautifully restored Victorian mansion, known as Lawnfield, offers visitors a glimpse into Garfield's life and presidency. The site features guided tours, exhibits, and a visitor center, providing an educational experience about 19th-century American history and politics.
3. Holden Arboretum
BOTANICAL GARDENS & FORESTS | KIRTLAND OH
Holden Arboretum is a vast outdoor living museum spanning 3,600 acres. This natural wonderland features extensive gardens, forests, and a unique Canopy Walk and Emergent Tower. Visitors can explore miles of hiking trails, enjoy seasonal displays, and participate in educational programs, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
4. Squire's Castle
HISTORIC LANDMARK | WILLOUGHBY HILLS OH
Squire's Castle is a picturesque shell of an unfinished mansion in the North Chagrin Reservation. Built in the 1890s, this striking stone structure now serves as a scenic picnic area and popular spot for photography. Visitors can explore the castle grounds, enjoy the surrounding hiking trails, and learn about its intriguing history.
5. Lake Metroparks Farmpark
AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION CENTER | KIRTLAND OH
Lake Metroparks Farmpark is a unique family destination that brings agriculture to life. This working farm offers hands-on experiences with animals, crop harvesting, and cheese-making demonstrations. Visitors can enjoy seasonal events, tractor rides, and educational exhibits, making it an engaging attraction for all ages to learn about farming and food production.
6. Indian Museum Of Lake County
NATIVE AMERICAN ARTIFACTS | MENTOR OH
The Indian Museum of Lake County showcases an extensive collection of Native American artifacts. This small but informative museum features exhibits on local tribes, including tools, pottery, and clothing. Visitors can explore the rich cultural heritage of Ohio's indigenous peoples through guided tours and educational programs, offering a glimpse into prehistoric and historic Native American life.
7. Lake Erie
GREAT LAKE | LAKE COUNTY OH
Lake Erie, one of the five Great Lakes, offers a wealth of recreational opportunities along its shores. Visitors can enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, and stunning sunsets. The lake's beaches, such as those in Mentor Headlands Beach State Park, provide perfect spots for relaxation and water activities, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
8. Willoughby Brewing Company
CRAFT BREWERY & RESTAURANT | WILLOUGHBY OH
Willoughby Brewing Company is a popular local brewery and restaurant housed in a historic building. Known for its craft beers and delicious pub fare, this establishment offers a vibrant atmosphere for dining and socializing. Visitors can enjoy live music, seasonal events, and brewery tours, making it a favorite spot for beer enthusiasts and food lovers alike.
9. Chagrin River Park
SCENIC RIVERSIDE PARK | WILLOUGHBY OH
Chagrin River Park offers a serene natural escape along the Chagrin River. This picturesque park features hiking trails, fishing spots, and scenic overlooks. Visitors can enjoy bird watching, picnicking, and seasonal activities like cross-country skiing. With its beautiful river views and diverse wildlife, Chagrin River Park provides a perfect setting for outdoor recreation and relaxation.
10. Penitentiary Glen Reservation
NATURE PRESERVE & WILDLIFE | KIRTLAND OH
Penitentiary Glen Reservation is a 424-acre nature preserve featuring diverse habitats and wildlife. This scenic park offers hiking trails, a nature center, and a wildlife center with rehabilitation programs. Visitors can explore the butterfly gardens, enjoy educational exhibits, and participate in seasonal events, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and families.
11. Lake Erie Bluffs
LAKEFRONT PARK | PERRY OH
Lake Erie Bluffs is a stunning lakefront park offering breathtaking views of Lake Erie. This 600-acre property features hiking trails, beaches, and a 50-foot observation tower. Visitors can enjoy bird watching, fishing, and kayaking while taking in the natural beauty of the lake and surrounding landscape, making it a perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
12. Wildwood Cultural Center
HISTORIC MANSION & GARDENS | MENTOR OH
Wildwood Cultural Center is a historic Tudor-style mansion set on 34 acres of beautiful grounds. This cultural gem hosts art exhibits, concerts, and educational programs throughout the year. Visitors can explore the mansion's period rooms, stroll through the manicured gardens, and participate in various community events, making it a hub for arts and culture in the area.
13. Mentor Marsh State Nature Preserve
WETLAND ECOSYSTEM | MENTOR OH
Mentor Marsh State Nature Preserve is a unique wetland ecosystem spanning over 800 acres. This important bird area offers hiking trails and boardwalks for visitors to explore its diverse habitats. Nature enthusiasts can observe a wide variety of plant and animal species, including migratory birds, making it an excellent destination for birdwatching and ecological education.
14. Coulby Park
COMMUNITY PARK & RECREATION | WICKLIFFE OH
Coulby Park is a popular community park offering a wide range of recreational facilities. This expansive green space features sports fields, playgrounds, and a fishing pond. Visitors can enjoy picnic areas, walking trails, and seasonal events, making it a favorite gathering spot for families and outdoor enthusiasts in the Wickliffe area.
15. Headlands Beach State Park
LAKE ERIE BEACH | MENTOR OH
Headlands Beach State Park boasts the longest natural sand beach in Ohio along Lake Erie's shore. This mile-long beach offers swimming, sunbathing, and picturesque views. Visitors can enjoy fishing, picnicking, and hiking trails in the adjacent Headlands Dunes State Nature Preserve, making it a popular destination for beach-goers and nature enthusiasts alike.
16. Osborne Park
LAKEFRONT PARK | WILLOUGHBY OH
Osborne Park is a scenic lakefront park offering stunning views of Lake Erie. This community park features a beach area, fishing pier, and walking trails. Visitors can enjoy picnic facilities, a playground, and seasonal events. With its beautiful sunsets and recreational amenities, Osborne Park is a popular spot for relaxation and outdoor activities.
17. Willoughby Public Library
COMMUNITY LIBRARY | WILLOUGHBY OH
Willoughby Public Library serves as a hub for learning and community engagement. This modern facility offers a vast collection of books, digital resources, and public computers. Visitors can participate in various programs, including book clubs, children's storytimes, and educational workshops. The library's welcoming atmosphere makes it a favorite spot for readers and lifelong learners.
18. Willoughby Hills Community Center Park
RECREATION & EVENTS | WILLOUGHBY HILLS OH
Willoughby Hills Community Center Park is a versatile recreational facility serving the local community. The park features sports fields, a playground, and walking trails. Visitors can enjoy the community center's indoor amenities, participate in fitness classes, and attend various community events. This park provides a perfect blend of outdoor and indoor activities for all ages.
19. Lost Nation Golf Course
PUBLIC GOLF COURSE | WILLOUGHBY OH
Lost Nation Golf Course is a popular 18-hole public golf course offering a challenging and enjoyable experience for golfers of all skill levels. The well-maintained course features tree-lined fairways and strategically placed hazards. Visitors can also enjoy the driving range, pro shop, and on-site restaurant, making it a complete golfing destination in the Willoughby area.
20. Gully Brook Park
NATURE PARK | WILLOUGHBY HILLS OH
Gully Brook Park is a serene nature park featuring scenic hiking trails and a picturesque stream. This hidden gem offers visitors a chance to explore the local flora and fauna in a peaceful setting. The park's well-maintained paths, wooden bridges, and natural beauty make it an ideal spot for nature walks, photography, and quiet contemplation.
21. Todd Field
SPORTS COMPLEX | WILLOUGHBY OH
Todd Field is a multi-purpose sports complex serving the Willoughby community. This facility features baseball and softball fields, tennis courts, and a track for various athletic activities. Visitors can enjoy watching local sports events, participating in recreational leagues, or using the facilities for personal fitness. Todd Field is a hub for sports enthusiasts in the area.
22. Daniels Park
COMMUNITY PARK | WILLOUGHBY OH
Daniels Park is a beloved community park offering a variety of recreational amenities. The park features sports fields, a playground, and picnic areas for families and sports enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy walking trails, a fishing pond, and seasonal events. With its diverse facilities, Daniels Park serves as a popular gathering spot for local residents and visitors alike.
23. Andrews Osborne Academy
PRIVATE SCHOOL CAMPUS | WILLOUGHBY OH
Andrews Osborne Academy is a prestigious private school known for its beautiful campus and academic excellence. While primarily an educational institution, the academy's grounds feature impressive architecture and well-maintained landscapes. Visitors can admire the campus from the outside or attend public events hosted by the school, showcasing student achievements and community engagement.
24. Lake Erie Coastal Trail
SCENIC BYWAY | LAKE COUNTY
The Lake Erie Coastal Trail is a scenic byway that follows the Lake Erie shoreline, offering breathtaking views and access to numerous attractions. This route takes visitors through charming lakeside communities, state parks, and historical sites. Travelers can enjoy scenic drives, stop at beaches, visit lighthouses, and explore the rich cultural heritage of Ohio's Lake Erie coast.
25. Mentor Lagoons Nature Preserve
COASTAL WETLANDS | MENTOR OH
Mentor Lagoons Nature Preserve is a unique coastal wetland ecosystem along Lake Erie. This 450-acre preserve features hiking trails, a marina, and diverse habitats for wildlife. Visitors can enjoy bird watching, kayaking, and scenic walks through forests and meadows. The preserve's natural beauty and recreational opportunities make it a hidden gem for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Willoughby, Ohio
LAKE COUNTY
LAKE ERIE | LAKE COUNTY
Willoughby, Ohio, a charming suburb of Cleveland, offers visitors a delightful blend of historical significance, natural beauty, and modern attractions. Known for its picturesque downtown, well-maintained parks, and strong sense of community, Willoughby provides a perfect escape for those seeking small-town charm with easy access to urban amenities. The city's rich history, dating back to its first permanent settlement in 1798, is evident in its architecture and local attractions.
At the heart of Willoughby's appeal is its historic downtown area, which has become a hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Visitors can stroll along Erie Street, exploring unique boutiques like A Bit of Skirt for fashion, Etc. on Erie for home decor, and Finestra Gallery for handcrafted artwork. The downtown district comes alive during events like Second Saturdays, offering a perfect opportunity to experience the local culture and community spirit. Art enthusiasts can visit Stella's Art Gallery, which showcases local artwork and offers various classes and workshops for those looking to unleash their creativity.
Nature lovers will find plenty to explore in Willoughby's parks and green spaces. Chagrin River Park, a crown jewel of the Lake Metroparks system, offers over 2 miles of trails winding through diverse ecosystems. Visitors can enjoy hiking, wildlife watching, and even fishing or kayaking in the Chagrin River. For a more secluded nature experience, Gully Brook Park provides 177 acres of protected valley, stream, wetland, and forest, with hiking trails that showcase the area's natural beauty. These parks not only offer recreational opportunities but also serve as important habitats for local flora and fauna.
Willoughby's culinary scene is another major draw for visitors. The city boasts a variety of dining options, from casual eateries to upscale restaurants. Beer enthusiasts can sample craft brews at Pulpo Beer Co., which offers Latin-inspired beers alongside delicious tacos and arepas. For a unique tasting experience, Lake Erie Distillery produces handcrafted spirits using locally sourced ingredients, including their popular Dill Pickle Vodka. The city's nightlife, centered around downtown Willoughby, features a lively mix of bars, live music venues, and restaurants, all within walking distance of each other. Whether you're interested in history, outdoor activities, shopping, or culinary adventures, Willoughby offers a diverse range of experiences that make it a must-visit destination in Northeast Ohio.