There’s never been a better time to visit one of our region’s parks
then right now as we enjoy the last few weeks of summer. Whether
looking to hike, swim, enjoy a round of golf or try something new
like stand up paddle boarding or zip lining, Northeast Ohio’s
parks offer something for everyone.
This month our region will also be part of the 100th
anniversary celebration of our country’s national park
system. On Saturday, August 13 Feast to the Beat, a national road trip tour traveling
the country, will be in town to celebrate our national parks,
American roots, food and music at Hart Crane Park in the Ohio &
Erie Canalway National Heritage Area, that includes the Cuyahoga
Valley National Park. The park is one of three Feast to the Beat is
stopping at this summer.
The event is just one opportunity to visit our parks this summer. Learn more
about some of our other great parks below, and be sure to visit
your local convention and visitor’s bureau to discover even
more ways you can enjoy your local park system!
Cleveland Metroparks: The Cleveland Metroparks include
18 reservations and more than 20,000 acres of land. Visitors enjoy
swimming, fishing, boating and horseback riding, in addition to
miles of trails.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park:
Located along the banks of the Cuyahoga River between Cleveland and
Akron, it is the 11th most visited national park in the
country. The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, biking, camping,
fishing, horseback riding, golfing and more all can be enjoyed in
the park’s 33,000 acres.
Erie MetroParks:
Located in Erie County, this park system includes 13 parks. Visit
places such as “The Barnyard” and the “Enchanted
Cottage
Geauga Park District: The Geauga Park District is home to 192 parks and
10,000 acres. Geauga’s Park District is a great place for
fishing, horseback riding, boating and camping
Lake Metroparks: Encompassing 33 parks and reservations, Lake
Metroparks boasts 6 lakefront parks, a 50 miles of trail to hike,
golf courses, educational programs, multiple nature centers and
Lake Farmpark, an agriculturally themed park.
Lorain County Metro Parks: With 23 parks and reservations covering 9,000 acres, the
Lorain County Metroparks features the Schoepfle Garden, which
contains 70 acres of botanical gardens.
Summit Metro Parks: This park system serving Summit County includes 14,100
acres and 125 miles of trails, and features a 33-mile Bike and Hike
trail and 13 miles of the Ohio and Erie Canal
Mill Creek Metroparks: Located in the Mahoning Valley, Mill Creek Park
stretches over 2,600 acres. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking,
Par-3 or championship golf, tennis, sand volleyball and
more.
Medina County Park District: Medina County is home to
15 parks that conduct year-long programs such as star gazing
parties, speaking engagements and a series devoted to exploring
nature.
Portage Park District: The Portage Park District operates four parks,
including Towner’s Woods Park, which covers 234 acres and is
located at the site of a 2,000-year-old Hopewell Indian
Mound.
Stark County Park District: Stark County maintains 12 parks which feature two
educational centers as well as outdoor, cultural and ecological
programs.