Enjoy this deep dive into every reservation in our park district! Find the park that's right for you! | Pgs. 3-11
BUBBLE UP!
Enjoy bubbles in all forms at this can't-miss event that's fun for the whole family! From foam to bubble art this program has a station for every kind of bubble! | Pg. 11
James E. Ziemnik Director, Lorain County Metro Parks
2025 BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS:
Joseph E. Hribar • Chairman
Kenneth M. Lieux • Vice Chairman
Sherrill M. “Cookie” McLoda • Commissioner
James Walther • Probate Court Judge
Park Updates
FREE SUNSCREEN DISPENSERS COMING SOON
Lorain County Metro Parks, in partnership with Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, the City of Lorain, and Lorain County Public Health, is taking proactive steps to protect park visitors from the harmful effects of sun exposure. Free SPF 30 sunscreen stations will soon be available at numerous Lorain County Metro Park locations across the county.
Visitors will find easy-to-use, no-touch dispensers with bilingual signage in English and Spanish. By offering free sunscreen in public parks, Lorain County Metro Parks and its partners hope to make sun safety second nature for families and individuals enjoying the outdoors this summer.
The Honor Roll is our way of publicly thanking individuals, families, organizations, & corporations for their donations to the Lorain County Metro Parks be it through volunteer services, monetary gifts, or other. If you would like information about making a donation, please contact the Public Information Office at (440) 458-5121.
Janis & Al Abel
Steven A. Bridge
Chris & Mark Chonko
Cathy Ciehanoski
Chuck & Gay Gerbick
Jacob & Robyn Groshek and Family
Mary Ann and Steve Johnson
Gary Korzan
John Kirkpatrick
Karen Lanigan
Jim & Debbie Norris
Marsha & Mike Pylick
Lindsay Shockley
Gift given in Honor/Memory of:
In Honor of Tom Orbal by:
Susan Orbal
In Memory of Marilyn Murphy Butchko by:
Family of Marilyn Murphy Butchko
In Memory of Janice & Patrick Costello by:
Jim & Connie Janasko Lori & Dave Garcia
In Memory of William L. Glover by:
Muriel Koepp
In Memory of Barbara Ann Gross by:
Kallis & Janasko Family
In Memory of Scott Hale by:
Joyce Hale
Kent Kraley
In Memory of Gail Jones by: Thomas & Joanne Gast
In Memory of Ed Kershaw by: Barbara Gorenshek
In Memory of Gerald C. Koepp by: Muriel Koepp
In Memory of Carl & Cecelia Luftner by: Family of Carl & Cecelia Luftner
In Memory of Thomas F Overs Sr. by:
Robert & Lani Shannon
In Memory of Sandra L. Perkins by: Muriel Koepp
In Memory of Marvin W. Rinker by: Cindy Majoras, George & Ryan
Rosemary Lukenic Garden Club of Elyria
Pat Piroch
Berry & Breanda Taylor
Friends of Denise Gross & Marvin Rinker
Linda Lobertini
Tom & Lou Ann Fitch
Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Niemiec
Loretta Trafton
Virginia Green
In Memory of Paul Rodriguez by:
Mike Gomez
Jonathan Rose Companies
Joan Sigman
Sharon Tunstall
In Memory of Michael Sudina by: Sudina Family
Amherst Beaver Creek
Amherst HealthPlex at Hollstein Reservation
Black River Reservation
FUN FACT:
Opening in 2001, Amherst Beaver Creek Reservation has the distinction of being the first joint effort between a city and a metro park in the state of Ohio.
NATURE FACT:
Aquatic life is plentiful and includes fish, frogs, turtles, crayfish and insect nymphs along the creek bed. You should also see resident mallards and an occasional blue heron as well.
FUN FACTS:
• This 50,000-square-foot rec facility features an eight-lane swimming pool with a two-story slide, a therapy pool, a workout facility, and an indoor walking track and daily admission is only $8 (membership rates also available).
• The inclusive playground (featuring wheelchair swings, slide, sand pit, small fishing pond, and more) and splash pad offer a place for children of all abilities to play together.
FUN FACT:
The reservation features three separate picnic areas: High Meadows, Bur Oak and Day's Dam, each contributing its own special character to the variety and natural beauty of one of the county's most-visited parks.
NATURE FACT:
Wildlife in the reservation is rich and varied, including beaver, eagle, wood duck, various songbirds and more recently as the meadows return, meadowlark and eastern bluebird.
Caley Reservation
FUN FACT:
Wellington Creek runs roughly through the middle of the reservation.
NATURE FACTS:
• Caley Reservation supports both extensive field and wetland habitats; each supporting a characteristic assemblage of plants and animals. Nesting birds in Caley’s fields include meadowlark, field and vesper sparrows.
• As far as trees go, mature stands of cottonwood, box elder, sycamore, walnut, elm, willow, and maple can be found in the bottomlands of this gorgeous natural park.
Carlisle Reservation
Cascade Park
11+ miles (asphalt, stone, & natural)
FUN FACT:
Carlisle is the largest Lorain County Metro Park reservation at nearly 1,700 acres and is home to the park district's administrative offices.
NATURE FACT:
The west branch of the Black River flows through the park and has created extensive wetlands and bottomlands along both its present and former paths, dominated by box elder, willow, walnut, sycamore and cottonwood trees.
FUN FACT:
Cascade Park features the confluence of the East and West branches of the Black River. Before converging, both branches feature waterfalls; the East (30’ high/50’ wide) and West Falls (35’ high/ 80’ wide), which are two of Lorain County’s most noteworthy and spectacular natural features.
NATURE FACT:
Even though the watershed is comprised of more than 50% agricultural farmlands, the bedrock of the Black River forms the backbone of Cascade Park. The bedrock was formed more than 300 million years ago when much of Ohio was covered by a tropical sea.
Cassell Reservation
HIGHBRIDGE: 815 HIGHBRIDGE RD., VERMILION
SUNNYSIDE: 880 SUNNYSIDE RD., VERMILION
Century Park
1955 EAST ERIE AVE., LORAIN
FUN FACT:
The park's eastern entrance on Sunnyside Road just opened to the public in 2024.
NATURE FACTS:
• Cassell Reservation is a haven for rare, acidloving plants (e.g. Sphagnum Moss, Blueberry, Bracken Fern, among others) including several listed by Ohio as rare or endangered. One plant, in fact, has been found nowhere else in the state.
• Along the trail visitors can see woodland populated with black oak, black gum, and sassafras; glacial rock strewn on the forest floor; and prairie openings ablaze with wildflowers.
FUN FACTS:
• The Lorain County Metro Parks assumed operation of the park in 2019 in partnership with the city of Lorain.
• The Harbor House is available for rentals for small events.
• Century Park sits along the North Coast Inland Trail (a roughly 100-mile-long hike and bike trail stretching across northern Ohio) at around mile 1.1 of the nearly 30-mile-long section located in Lorain County. The trail continues south into Longfellow Park and beyond.
FUN FACT:
Charlemont Reservation is the only reservation in the Lorain County Metro Parks district that allows hunting (in-season rabbit and pheasant hunting only).
NATURE FACT:
The Park District both mows and burns the fields at Charlemont on a rotational basis to maintain habitat for field-loving birds and other wildlife. Many bird species have nested here including Meadowlark, Bobolink, Sedge Wren, Dickcissel, Vesper, Grasshopper, and Henslow’s Sparrows. Charlemont is a great place to see raptors in winter as well.
Columbia Reservation
25145 ROYALTON RD., COLUMBIA STATION (440) 236-3254
Dorlon Reservation
Forest Hills Golf Course
FUN FACT:
Columbia Reservation is home to 'Sundaes in the Park' (open seasonally), an 18-hole dinosaur-themed mini-golf course and ice cream shop serving hard scoop ice cream, sundaes, hot dogs, and more!
NATURE FACTS:
• Plenty of wildlife calls Columbia Reservation home, including muskrat, deer, skunk, rabbit, raccoon, fox, coyote, wild turkeys, snakes, frogs and turtles as well as many other mammals.
• Columbia Reservation has more than 7 ponds or wetlands that provide homes to many wildlife and gorgeous views to park visitors.
FUN FACT:
Dorlon Reservation was the former Dorlon Golf Course that closed its doors in August 2018. The former course was well known as one of the first northeast Ohio public courses featuring more than 7,000 yards of play. After taking full ownership of the property in 2021, the Park District purposely left the land untouched. This intentional effort allowed the land to heal while additional planning took place. The park opened to visitors on March 4, 2024.
NATURE FACT:
This beautiful reservation is home to various wildlife and trees, such as the Pin Oak and Swamp White Oak trees.
AMENITIES: 18-hole course, Driving range, Pro shop, Snack bar/Clubhouse
FUN FACT:
Forest Hills Golf Course is the home to the annual Citizen's Committee for Lorain County Metro Parks golf outing in July which typically offers participants a round of golf with a cart, lunch at the turn and an Antigua golf shirt.
NATURE FACT:
The Black River runs through the course and comes into play in six holes, and there are plenty of other ponds, bunkers and hills to keep things interesting.
French Creek Reservation
Indian Hollow Reservation
SHELDON WOODS: 38744 PARSONS RD., GRAFTON
ROYAL OAKS: 1057 PARSONS RD., GRAFTON
FUN FACT:
French Creek Theatre (located in the Nature Center) is Lorain County Metro Parks’ semi-professional, year-round theatre mounting new and classic works, as well as arts-based educational programming, to inspire, enliven and entertain.
NATURE FACT:
French Creek Reservation features over 4.5 miles of trails through 450 acres of mostly wooded landscape with high cliffs, deep ravines and three creeks-Sugar Creek, Fish Creek, and the reservation's namesake, the French Creek.
FUN FACT:
A trail was built in 2021 to connect the two popular sections of the park, Sheldon Woods and Royal Oaks (pictured below). Visitors are now able to park at either location and walk, hike, or bike the entire 6+ miles worth of trails this Grafton park offers.
NATURE FACT:
The Royal Oaks portion of Indian Hollow is a former golf course turned hiking/fitness trail and features beautifully scenic fields and three catch-and-release fishing ponds.
16000 ST. RT. 511, OBERLIN
FUN FACT:
Kipton Reservation is the former site of a reservoir (Kipton Reservoir) which once served as the City of Oberlin’s water supply. The now largely dry basin is grown over and ringed with forest.
NATURE FACT:
The reservoir served as Oberlin’s water supply until 1905 and it was at about this same time that Oberlin launched an effort to reforest portions of the site. The chosen trees included a mix of native and non-native species including white pine, catalpa, ash, red oak, black locust, larch, and Norway spruce.
Kopf Family Golf Course
at Cherry Ridge
1211 WEST RIVER RD., ELYRIA (440) 324-3713
FUN FACT:
The Lorain County Metro Parks assumed operation in 2020 after a donation from the Kopf Family.
NATURE FACT:
This gorgeous 9-hole course is almost completely surrounded by the Black River on all sides except for the small entryway drive.
Kopf Family Reservation
Lakeview Park
FUN FACTS:
• Kopf Family Reservation features a storybook trail along the 0.4-mile long Library Connector Trail.
• In 2023, the playground located near Belle Rd. was renovated.
NATURE FACT:
With close proximity to Lake Erie, the park’s streamside woodlands provide an important stopover for migrating species and a perfect nesting site for area raptors. Gable and Heider Creeks provide essential resources for wildlife.
FUN FACT:
Sunset Café (Open 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., Monday-Friday from Memorial Day through Labor Day) is located in the bathhouse right on the beautiful shores of Lake Erie and is open for lunch during the summer. Serving soups, salads, sandwiches and burgers, this is a great spot for lunch with a view!
NATURE FACT:
The historic Rose Garden (pictured below) features approximately 2,500 roses planted in 48 beds with connecting walkways, completing the shape of the Rotary Club emblem.
Miller Nature Preserve
North Coast Inland Trail
Sandy Ridge Reservation
FUN FACT:
In May, 2025, an additional 48 acres were added to the Miller Nature Preserve when the Upper French Creek Wetlands (pictured below) was opened to the public. The former Bob-O-Link Golf course site offers visitors over 1 mile of total trails.
NATURE FACT:
The 5,000 square foot conservatory is an indoor oasis featuring an orchid collection donated in part by Dr. Ibrahim Eren of Lorain. Other species include bromeliads, ferns, bonsai, desert plants, palms, cycads, and other tropical plants.
The North Coast Inland Trail begins at mile 0.0 at Lake Erie's Lakeside Landing in Lorain, then traverses nearly 30 miles throughout Lorain County. The entire hike/bike trail extends west nearly 100 total miles all the way to the Toledo area.
FUN FACT:
This wetland and wildlife preserve is a birdwatching paradise, attracting birders from all over the state. Since 1995, nearly 250 species of birds have been identified in the reservation.
NATURE FACTS:
• Some notable bird residents include sand hill cranes, egrets, trumpeter swans, bald eagles, as well as the elusive great horned owl.
• In addition to the wide variety of bird species, the park is also home to a variety of other wildlife including white-tailed deer, fox, squirrel, muskrat, beaver, raccoon, coyote and mink.
Schoepfle Garden
11106 MARKET ST., WAKEMAN (440) 965-7237
Splash Zone Aquatic Center
95 WEST HAMILTON RD., OBERLIN (440) 774-5059
Vermilion River Reservation
2.2 miles (natural)
FUN FACT:
In 2007, the Children’s Garden was added to Schoepfle Garden. Inspired by Mr. Otto Schoepfle’s love of gardening, music and youth, the Children's Garden features various musically-themed toys and structures as well as a restored carousel. The Children's Carousel is free to ride and runs Wed., Thur., and Sat. from 12-3 pm and Fri., from 10 am-12 pm through August.
NATURE FACT:
The garden features collections of rhododendrons, roses, cannas, hosta, shade plants, and a variety of shrubs, topiaries and trees. ACREAGE: 77 Acres
AMENITIES:
8-lane swimming pool, Kiddie pool, Outdoor pool with slide, Fieldhouse with basketball/ volleyball courts (pictured below), Workout facility, Splash pad, Dog park
FUN FACTS:
• The outdoor pool is perfect for the summer months and features two different 24-foot tall water slides, tumble buckets, water jets, water cannons and a separate tot pool with a mushroom waterfall. The outdoor pool also features a concession stand as well as a playground.
• Splash Zone offers a large eight-lane indoor competition pool perfect for laps and water aerobics classes.
FUN FACT:
During museum hours you can walk through the original settler Benjamin Bacon's house, built in 1845, which features themes of daily living with an emphasis on the community life in Brownhelm.
NATURE FACTS:
The most striking feature of the park is the winding ribbon of shale cliffs carved by the Vermilion River. The park is known as a habitat for bald eagles and several other wildlife including Great Blue Heron, Greenback Heron and various geese and ducks.
Wellington Reservation
535 JONES RD., WELLINGTON (440) 647-2509
ACREAGE:
541 Acres TRAILS: 6+ miles (asphalt, stone)
FUN FACT:
The park sits on a 21-plus acre lake formed by the Wellington South Reservoir and is perfect for kayaks and paddleboats, which can be rented from the on-site livery (open Thur.-Mon., Memorial Day-Labor Day)
NATURE FACT:
The lake is home to largemouth bass, channel catfish, and a lot of bluegill. Visitors may bring their own non-gas motorized boats to fish in the 107 million-gallon body of water.
Yours to Explore
SPECIAL SEASONAL EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE PARK DISTRICT
'TRANQUIL REFLECTIONS' DISPLAY
Daily | 10 am-5 pm
Miller Nature Preseve
$2 | No reg. required
Connect the mind and body with the beauty and bounty of nature this summer at Miller Nature Preserve! Display themeinspired decorations and plantings will be positioned throughout the outdoor gardens and inside the Conservatory all summer long. Programming associated with the display theme feature a variety of ages and experience levels opportunities in the following areas all summer long:
GUIDED MEDITATION - Instructor-led meditations including Gentle Yoga Outdoors, Sound Bathing, and Forest Bathing.
CREATIVE MINDFULNESS - Arts and crafts workshops for all skill levels including Beginner Zentangle®.
ENGAGING THE SENSES - Educational exploration of sight, smell, touch, hearing, and taste.
CONNECTING WITH NATURE - Nature play, interpretive hikes, horticulture activities, and more!
Be sure to visit our programs webpage for dates and times of these accompanying programs! loraincountymetroparks.com/programs
BUBBLE DAY
Wed., Aug. 20 | 10:00-11:30 am
French Creek Reservation, Pine Tree Picnic Area
$1 per person | Registration required
Enjoy bubbles in all forms! From foam to bubble art this program has a station for every kind of bubble! Fun for all ages!
ALOHA BEACH BASH AT LAKEVIEW
Sat., Jul. 12 | 4:00-8:00 pm
Lakeview Park
Free! | No registration required
Experience the fun and excitement of a tropical paradise right here in Lorain at Lakeview Beach. Learn to hula or make your own lei. Build a sandcastle or join us for our Hula Hooping competition. Tropical and Hawaiian inspired food specials will be available in the Sunset Cafe for a fee. Enjoy Polynesian dance performances by Pacific Paradise Entertainment. Don't miss this free, fun, family event!
Picnic n’ Play
Wed., July 2 | 4:30-7:00 pm | Lakeview Park Wed., July 9 | 4:30-7:00 pm | Black River Res.: Days Dam Wed., July 16 | 4:30-7:00 pm | Cascade Park Wed., July 23 | 4:30-7:00 pm | Century Park
Come enjoy an afternoon in the park with your friends and family! Each week, travel to a different park to enjoy games, crafts, and a free meal! Registration is required for this FREE program. Parks have various hiking levels. This event is for all ages! Please call (440) 865-8786 with any questions.
Yours to Explore
SPECIAL SEASONAL EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE PARK DISTRICT
Sat., Aug. 9 | 4:00–8:30 pm
Lakeview Park, Lorain
Free | No registration required Enjoy food, live music, an unforgettable Lake Erie sunset, and a campfire on the beach! Recreation specialists will be on hand to allow participants to try kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and canoeing for free (age restrictions apply). All try-its are offered on a first-come, first-served basis and are weather-permitted. Plus, various organizations will also be on hand with information about local natural resources.
JR.
-LORAIN COUNTY METRO PARKS-
SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
VERMILION RIVER RESERVATION
Sunday Evenings | 6:00 pm
Vermilion River Reservation, Bacon Woods Amphitheater
July 6 | Legends of Rock (Elvis, Beatles, & 60's)
July 13 | Cloud 9 CLE (Classic & Contemporary Rock)
July 20 | RAS Trio (Rock)
July 27 | Summer of '65 (Tribute to the Great Artists of the 60's)
Aug. 3 | Country Honk (Modern Country)
Aug. 10 | Tim Blake & Michelle (Pop Favorites)
LAKEVIEW PARK
Every other Thursday Evening* | 6:00 pm
*No concert on July 3. Additional concert on Aug. 9
Lakeview Park (Lorain)
July 17 | 3 Birds and the Wire (Music of the 60's)
July 24 | Strukely & Cole (Pop/Rock of 60's, 70's & today)
Aug. 7 | Big Sky CLE (Fresh covers of 70's to today)
Aug. 21 | The LBs (Lonesome Bones) (Classic Old Country, Americana, Roots Rock)
LITTLE
GREEN CHOO RIDES
July 5, 10, 19, 24, Aug. 2, 7, 16, 21, and 30* | 10:30 am–12:30 pm
*Afternoon session will take place on Aug. 30 | 1:00–3:00 pm
Carlisle Reservation, Visitor Center
All aboard for a train adventure to discover nature’s wonders on the Little Green Choo! The train will run every 15 minutes. Weather permitting.
We offer general admission tickets only (First-Come, First-Served). Doors open 30 minutes prior to showtime! Tickets are on sale now at loraincountymetroparks.com/theatre or by phone at FCT Box Office (440) 949-5200. If you or a member of your party will be needing ADA compliant seating, please call 440-949-5200 ext. 226 to make a reservation.
Aug. 1, 2, 3*, 8, 9, & 10* | 7:30 pm & 2:00 pm
(*Aug. 3 & 10: matinee performances at 2 pm) French Creek Theatre, Ewing Hall
$10 per person
A NEW SEASON FOR THE ARROWHEAD NEWSLETTER
ANNIE JR.
Annie Jr. features everyone’s favorite little redhead in her very first adventure. With equal measures of pluck and positivity, little orphan Annie charms everyone's hearts despite a next-to-nothing start in 1930s New York City. This show is a production put on by the participants of our Theatre Camp. Campers channel their creativity and work as a team. At the end of the camp, they showcase their newly learned skills by putting on a production of ‘Annie Jr.’
The Arrowhead newsletter is transitioning to a quarterly seasonal publication starting this fall, as part of our commitment to sustainability. Digital editions will remain available online and via email, with printed copies offered throughout the county at public libraries and all LCMP Nature Centers. Additionally, free mail subscriptions are available for residents aged 65 and older or those with mobility or transportation limitations. For more details visit loraincountymetroparks.com/arrowhead. To subscribe, call (440) 458-5121.
