Lakeshore Reservation is a Lake County Gem
Updated on July 10, 2023.
Hiking became the predominant activity in our pandemic life and this habit has stuck.
Though we live in a community that accesses some of the most beautiful and spectacular park scenery anywhere, we still find it satisfying to explore other parks and recreation areas within an hour’s drive.
That’s how we found Lakeshore Reservation in Lake County, Ohio.
Getting To Lakeshore Reservation
The park is located, as its name implies, on the shores of Lake Erie.
From Cleveland, take Route 2 or I-90 East toward Painesville. The highway ends at Route 20. Continue east on Route 20 to Antioch Road (about 7 miles). Turn left onto Antioch Road and continue to the end.
You will find yourself at the entrance to Lakeshore Reservation.
If you are craving a treat after your stroll, stop in to visit Miss Candy whose shop is just a few miles east.
Easy Walking
One of the draws to this Metropark is its paved paths. Taking a hike is pleasant here, rain or shine. Though bicycles are permitted, you will find it’s popular for people in the mood to walk.
That’s probably due to the fact that the land is mostly flat and the entire loop trail plus “sculpture segway” is only about 1.5 miles.
It’s a perfect trail for pushing a stroller or guiding a tricycle, too. So, this park attracts a wide variety of people.
Do Your Stairs
If you want to make a workout, adding stairs and excursions on connecting trails and unpaved paths revs up your heart-rate and adds some distance.
You’ll feel you’ve exercised your body and spirit when you leave this place.
Sculptures
Another reason we love our walks here is because we get a little bit of art appreciation along with a reasonable amount of exercise.
This park has a sculpture garden located on a connector trail on the All Peoples Loop Trail.
Here the predominant sculpture is a giant sundial dedicated to Luanna Strock, wife of the park system’s first naturalist Don Strock. The memorial was designed by nationally-known sculptor Carl Floyd of Madison, Ohio.
Lunch, Anyone?
This park has two picnic shelters and a few other picnic tables near the walking paths. The shelters can be reserved, and you can also reserve a scenic and convenient lakefront campsite.
Currently, beach accesses are closed due to erosion problems. Otherwise, the beach would be another option for a lunchtime break.
History
Lakeshore Reservation was once a neighborhood of several private residences encompassing 84 acres of lakefront property.
As you walk, you may see some remnants of landscaping and hardscaping installed by former residents.
Luckily, one of the largest properties was owned by a local arborist named Charles Irish. His many plantings include non-native ornamental trees and shrubs growing among fields and woods filled with native plant species.
A Park for All Seasons
There’s a lot to catch your eye here, no matter the season. If you’re in the mood for something new, check out Lake County, Ohio’s Lakeshore Reservation.
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