Lakewood OhioATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Lakewood, Ohio.
1. Lakewood Park
SUNSET VIEWS AND RECREATION
Lakewood Park is a sprawling 31-acre lakefront park resting on the coast of Lake Erie featuring countless recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy Foster Pool, tennis courts, sand volleyball courts, softball fields, and the Kids Cove Playground while families gather for free summer movies at the Lakewood Park Bandstand. The park is home to the famous Solstice Steps, an incredible place to watch the sunset over Lake Erie with views of downtown Cleveland's skyline.
2. The Sanctuary Museum
SACRED ART COLLECTION
The Sanctuary Museum is housed in the former St. Hedwig Church in the Birdtown neighborhood of Lakewood, which was founded in 1905 before being converted to a museum in the 2000s. The museum specializes in divine statues and religious artifacts that showcase spiritual artistry and cultural heritage. Visitors can explore a unique collection that preserves and celebrates religious art in a beautifully restored sacred space.
3. Beck Center for the Arts
THEATER AND ARTS HUB
Beck Center for the Arts serves as a vibrant community arts center offering a diverse range of performances and artistic programs. The center hosts student dance performances, painting exhibits, poetry readings, and theatrical productions throughout the year. Visitors can experience the creative pulse of Lakewood through various artistic expressions and educational opportunities offered at this cultural hub.
4. Rocky River Reservation
NATURE TRAILS AND WATERFALLS
Rocky River Reservation is one of Lakewood's most well-known natural attractions, offering extensive hiking trails where visitors can discover waterfalls, shady groves, and abundant Ohio wildlife. The massive metropark provides a peaceful escape from urban life with scenic views along the Rocky River. Visitors can enhance their experience by stopping at the reservation nature center to learn about the area's history and geology.
5. Oldest Stone House Museum
HISTORIC LOCAL HERITAGE
The Oldest Stone House Museum preserves an important piece of Lakewood's early settlement history. The historic structure offers visitors a glimpse into the life of early pioneers and settlers in the region. Through its exhibits and preserved architecture, the museum connects modern visitors with the heritage and development of the Lakewood area.
6. Lakewood Public Library
LITERARY AND COMMUNITY CENTER
Lakewood Public Library serves as both a literary resource and community gathering space for residents and visitors. The library offers extensive collections, digital resources, and regular community programming for all ages. Beyond books, the facility hosts educational events, art exhibitions, and serves as a cultural cornerstone of the Lakewood community.
7. Screw Factory Artists Lofts
CREATIVE WORKSPACE GALLERY
Screw Factory Artists Lofts houses a collective of local artists and creatives in a converted industrial space. The facility regularly opens its doors for public events where visitors can explore studios, purchase original artwork, and interact directly with artists. These lofts represent Lakewood's commitment to supporting arts and culture while repurposing historic industrial architecture.
8. Church of the Ascension
HISTORIC SACRED ARCHITECTURE
Church of the Ascension stands as a notable religious landmark in Lakewood with distinctive architectural features. The church offers visitors a glimpse of traditional sacred design and spiritual heritage through its structure and interior elements. Beyond its religious services, the church contributes to the community through various social and cultural programs.
9. Lakewood Skatepark
URBAN RECREATION SPACE
Lakewood Skatepark offers 9,500 square feet of smooth concrete surfaces and obstacles designed for skateboarders of all skill levels. The park includes viewing bleachers where spectators can watch skaters demonstrate their talents and techniques. This community recreation space represents Lakewood's commitment to providing diverse outdoor activities for residents and visitors.
10. Cleveland Curiosities
UNUSUAL ARTIFACTS COLLECTION
Cleveland Curiosities offers visitors an eccentric collection of odd, unusual, and macabre artifacts that challenge conventional museum experiences. The distinctive shop and gallery space showcases everything from taxidermy to historical oddities that captivate the imagination. Visitors seeking something beyond ordinary tourist attractions will find this unique establishment a memorable part of their Lakewood experience.
11. Madison Park
COMMUNITY RECREATION CENTER
Madison Park serves as a community gathering space offering varied recreational activities including Becks Pool for public swimming. The park provides green spaces, playground equipment, and sports facilities for local residents and visitors alike. Throughout the year, the park hosts community events and provides a relaxing environment for outdoor enjoyment.
12. West End District
DINING AND SHOPPING HUB
The West End District represents one of Lakewood's vibrant commercial areas featuring diverse dining options and unique retail establishments. Visitors can explore local boutiques, sample cuisine from various restaurants, and experience the community's local business culture. The district exemplifies Lakewood's blend of urban convenience and neighborhood charm with its walkable streets and distinctive storefronts.
13. Uptown Lakewood
TRENDY URBAN DISTRICT
Uptown Lakewood offers an energetic urban experience with contemporary dining options and modern retail establishments. The district attracts visitors seeking a more current, trendy atmosphere within Lakewood's diverse commercial landscape. Restaurants, cafes, and shops in this area often showcase the latest culinary trends and lifestyle products for a cosmopolitan experience.
14. Birdtown District
HISTORIC NEIGHBORHOOD EXPERIENCE
The Birdtown District represents a historic neighborhood with unique cultural heritage and architectural character. This area was originally developed to house workers from the nearby National Carbon Company and maintains many distinctive features from its industrial past. Visitors can explore local shops, restaurants, and historical landmarks that tell the story of this distinctive Lakewood community.
15. Solstice Steps
LAKE ERIE SUNSET VIEWPOINT
The Solstice Steps create an impressive lakefront promenade along Lake Erie's shoreline within Lakewood Park. This carefully designed public space provides tiered seating allowing visitors to enjoy spectacular sunset views and the Cleveland skyline across the water. The Steps have become one of Lakewood's most photographed and beloved landmarks, providing a peaceful setting for contemplation and natural beauty.