Parks

Lake Metroparks was formed 50 years ago to conserve and preserve the natural resources of Lake County. The park system annually provides more than two million visitors with countless recreational and educational experiences at 27 diverse parks encompassing 7,015 acres.

Lake Metroparks includes two golf courses, Lake Metroparks Farmpark, and Penitentiary Glen Nature Center, a state-of-the art wildlife rehabilitation center. Farmpark, a 235-acre agricultural/ horticultural theme park, teaches families where food comes from in a fun way. A giant tomato works, cow milking parlors, restaurant, gift shop and 60 species of animals entertain and educate visitors about America’s most crucial, yet taken for granted industry – agriculture.

Nature parks feature 41 miles of trails including a 4.4-mile bike/hike trail, picnic pavilions, two rivers, softball diamonds and a cross-country ski center. Lake Metroparks is a five-time finalist for the Gold Medal Award, presented by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration.

In addition to Farmpark, Lake County is home to other ecotourist attractions such as the Holden Arboretum, also in Kirtland. The arboretum spans almost 3,500 acres and is acclaimed for both extensive regional cultivars and worldwide explorations for rare specimens; the American Association of Museums accredits Holden with 20,000-plants and plant groupings. Holden features an elevated viewing deck overlooking Little Mountain, a 125-acre, 1,266-foot peak elevation site; and the 425-acre Stebbins Gulch.

The 450-acre Mentor Lagoons Preserve offers an extensive trail system with 1.5 miles of wild beach. The 643-acre Mentor Marsh Nature Center combines marsh, forest and beach habitats with trails. Mentor Headlands State Beach Park and Sand Dunes Preserve is the site of Ohio’s longest beach.