Brookside OhioATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Brookside, Ohio.
1. Brookside Park
RECREATION AND RELAXATION HUB
Brookside Park is a versatile recreational area featuring multiple shelters, mini golf courses, and a large city pool for swimming. The park hosts summer concerts, offers numerous ball diamonds and soccer fields, and even serves as the venue for state girl's softball finals. Visitors can enjoy ice cream at the park while watching ducks in the stream or exploring various natural areas perfect for photography and picnicking.
2. Brookside Reservation
URBAN WILDLIFE REFUGE
Brookside Reservation is a 132-acre urban sanctuary that was one of Cleveland's oldest neighborhood parks before its acquisition by Cleveland Metroparks in 1993. The reservation serves as a recreation hub with baseball and soccer fields while providing refuge for diverse wildlife in an urban setting. It connects to Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and offers picnic areas and access to the All Purpose Trail for walkers and cyclists.
3. Brighton Park
RESTORED NATURAL SPACE
Brighton Park is a 25-acre park sitting on the restored former Henninger Landfill property within the Brookside Reservation. It provides a critical connection between the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, and surrounding areas. The park offers visitors a reclaimed green space in an urban setting with trail access and recreational opportunities.
4. Brookside Overlook
HISTORIC BASEBALL FIELDS VIEW
Brookside Overlook provides visitors with a sweeping panoramic view of the historic Baseball Fields of Brookside Reservation. The overlook is nestled in the urbanized section of the Old Brooklyn neighborhood of Cleveland, offering a unique perspective of the reservation. Visitors can appreciate both the natural and recreational aspects of this urban green space from this vantage point.
5. The Red Barn Ice Cream
SWEET TREATS DESTINATION
The Red Barn Ice Cream is a popular destination within Brookside Park offering various ice cream treats including sugar-free options for diabetic visitors. Families frequent this spot after enjoying other park amenities for a refreshing dessert break. The ice cream stand has become a tradition for many local families and park visitors seeking a sweet conclusion to their outdoor activities.
6. Meadow Ridge Picnic Area
SCENIC DINING SPOT
Meadow Ridge Picnic Area serves as both a picnic destination and trailhead within Brookside Reservation. The area offers amenities including electricity, grills, picnic tables, and access to nearby trails. Visitors can enjoy a meal surrounded by natural beauty before exploring the rest of the reservation.
7. Cherry Grove Picnic Area
PEACEFUL OUTDOOR RETREAT
Cherry Grove Picnic Area provides a tranquil setting for gatherings and outdoor dining within Brookside Reservation. The area features amenities for comfortable picnicking and connects to the reservation's trail system. Visitors can enjoy the natural surroundings while taking advantage of the designated picnic facilities.
8. Dickinson Cattle Ranch
EXPANSIVE LIVESTOCK EXPERIENCE
Dickinson Cattle Ranch is a notable attraction near Brookside offering visitors a chance to experience a working cattle operation. The ranch showcases longhorn cattle and provides educational opportunities about livestock and ranching. Visitors can tour the facilities and learn about the history and importance of cattle ranching in the region.
9. Great Western Schoolhouse
HISTORIC EDUCATION LANDMARK
The Great Western Schoolhouse stands as a preserved piece of educational history near Brookside. This historic one-room schoolhouse offers visitors a glimpse into 19th-century education methods and daily school life. The preserved building contains original artifacts and educational materials that help tell the story of rural education in Ohio's past.
10. Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION CENTER
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo connects directly to Brookside Reservation, offering visitors access to diverse wildlife exhibits and conservation programs. The zoo houses thousands of animals from around the world in naturalistic habitats designed for animal welfare and visitor education. Educational programs and seasonal events make this a year-round destination for families and nature enthusiasts.
11. Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail
HISTORIC TRANSPORTATION CORRIDOR
The Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail is a historic pathway that connects to Brookside Reservation through Brighton Park. This multi-use trail follows the route of the original canal towpath where mules once pulled canal boats loaded with goods and passengers. Today's trail offers hiking, biking, and jogging opportunities while connecting visitors to Ohio's transportation history.
12. CanalWay Center
NATURE AND HISTORY HUB
CanalWay Center invites visitors to discover the connection between nature and history in the Cleveland area. The center serves as an information hub for recreation opportunities and educational programs about the region's natural and cultural heritage. Visitors can relax, learn, and plan their exploration of surrounding attractions including nearby Brookside Reservation.
13. Brecksville Nature Center
ECOLOGICAL LEARNING SPACE
Brecksville Nature Center offers visitors opportunities to discover deep forested ravines, restored Ohio prairie with tall grasses, and glacial river valleys. The center serves as an educational hub for understanding the diverse ecosystems found in northeast Ohio. Nature programs and guided walks help visitors appreciate the geological and ecological history of the region near Brookside.
14. A.B. Williams Memorial Woods
OLD GROWTH FOREST PRESERVE
A.B. Williams Memorial Woods features a dense maze of giant trees in a stunning example of an old growth beech-maple forest. Named after Cleveland Metroparks' first naturalist, this preserved woodland offers visitors a chance to experience Ohio's natural heritage as it appeared before widespread settlement. The forest provides habitat for numerous plant and animal species native to the region.
15. Edgewater Park
LAKEFRONT RECREATIONAL AREA
Edgewater Park offers visitors a 147-acre recreational space along the shores of Lake Erie not far from Brookside. The park features a beach for swimming, fishing opportunities, and picturesque views of Cleveland's skyline across the water. Visitors can enjoy walking paths, picnic areas, and special events throughout the year in this popular lakefront destination.