Award-winning parks, best-in-the-Midwest patios, cultural institutions that rival bigger cities…Cleveland really does have it all. These locals live and breathe nature, whether they’re directly involved in parks and recreation or they’re outdoor enthusiasts. Visit these al fresco attractions as the temperature rises—or really any time of year.
When she’s not working at The Northeast Ohio Hispanic Center for Economic Development, Jenice Contreras (who’s president and CEO there) is learning about animals at the zoo with her two grandchildren. The Asian Lantern Festival is one of her favorite events, and she’s not alone in that. Randy McShepard, one of the co-founders of the Rid-All Green Partnership, agrees. “The zoo is near and dear to my heart,” he says. It’s truly a staple for all Clevelanders.
A nature lover’s paradise, North Chagrin Reservation is home to A.B. Williams Memorial Woods, Buttermilk Falls, and the breathtaking Squire’s Castle. Dancing Wheels performed at the castle during the pandemic, offering dinner (a picnic basket) and a socially distanced show. Take a note from their book and gather friends for a meal on the lawn or venture deeper into the park for a number of other hidden gems. “The well-maintained trails and knowledgeable nature center staff make this a perfect spot to explore the beauty and wonders of our region’s great outdoors,” Alex Nichols, the Parks and Recreation Director for the City of Cleveland, says.
Also out in that direction, Mentor Headlands awaits with a beach stretching 35 acres. With “breathtaking views and a serene experience that rivals an ocean shoreline,” it’s well worth the drive, says Nichols. Grab your fishing poles and head to the east end for a chance to catch walleye and other Northeast Ohio breeds. Go for a swim and then get your family together for a barbecue. Or take a hike along the Buckeye Trail and take in the scenery.
Not to be outdone, Edgewater Beach brings beauty to the other side of town. McShepard applauds the excellent programming there. Diana Hildebrand, Founder of DevahD Cycling, says it’s one of her favorite places to soak in the fresh air—”a natural retreat right in the heart of the city.” Check a script sign picture off your list while you’re at Edgewater before you check out the other sites. Rachel Nagle, Outdoor Recreation Manager for Cleveland Metroparks, recommends launching your kayaks, boats, and stand-up paddleboards at Wendy Park, home to the Whiskey Island Paddlefest. “When I’m out on the water with guests, everyone always wants to pause and soak in the view of downtown Cleveland. It reminds all of us why we love to live, work, and play in the CLE!” she says.
Nagle also points to Wallace Lake at Mill Stream Run Reservation as a Northeast Ohio gem for paddling, fishing, swimming, and biking. “The 17-acre lake was once an old quarry,” she explains, echoing the rich history of The Land. Visit the newly opened Wallace Lake Grille so you can dine in the open air. A shaded picnic garden, beach access, and accessible community spaces round out this gorgeous spot. “This beautiful stretch of green space is part of why they call the Metroparks the ‘Emerald Necklace’—and once you see it, you’ll understand why! It’s a true showcase of Cleveland’s natural beauty, and it never fails to wow visitors and locals alike,” says Bella Sin, Executive Producer of Cleveland Burlesque and local burlesque queen.
“I love seeing the diversity of the communities here in Cleveland, and they each have a story to tell, which is reflected in their gardens,” says Josh Jones Forbes, owner of Out Fitness Collective and Marketing and Communications Director at Cleveland Neighborhood Progress. Nichols adds that the gardens have museum-quality outdoor displays that honor the identities of each group. You’ll find events here, such as One World Day as well as spectacular performances. Mary Verdi-Fletcher, President and Founding Artistic Director of Dancing Wheels Company, has had her troupe perform there, and you can usually catch opera singers in the Italian Garden each summer, too. While you’re exploring, consider visiting the surrounding neighborhoods St. Clair-Superior, Glenville, University Circle, or popping into the Rockefeller Greenhouse.
After you check out Parade the Circle, you’ll want to clear some time in your schedule for the Cleveland Botanical Garden. Tom Arbour, the Curator of Living Collections there, says that “the grounds of the garden offer a respite from the busy life around University Circle,” and that’s definitely true. Check out the rose garden in June; take in the azaleas and rhododendrons in the waterfall garden; or peruse the Western Reserve Herb Society’s carefully tended herb garden to learn about the plants’ historical uses.
In West Park, there’s a different kind of beauty that’s recently blossomed. Thanks to a $1.4 million renovation last year, Impett Park is safer and more inclusive than ever. Forbes mentions the accessible playground features ziplines—both a standard zipline as well as one designed for all abilities. “It’s set a new standard for what City of Cleveland playgrounds can be,” he says.
Accessibility is crucial for outdoor areas, but especially when it comes to performances, it’s not always easy to find locations for Dancing Wheels Company, according to Verdi-Fletcher. That’s why Cain Park is so special to her. “The open air is so freeing. It’s just a wonderful environment,” she says. Open June through August and offering a wide variety of events, this is a place that needs to be on your summer bucket list.
If you’re looking for a challenge, Cleveland Metroparks has you covered with their Trail Challenge, presented by MetroHealth. The other green spaces are great, but make sure you check off Bedford Reservation by “hiking and biking through forested trails, rocky ridges, and flowing streams,” says Hildebrand. “It’s a beautiful space to get outside, stay active, and enjoy nature close to home. The natural features make it feel like a true outdoor escape.” Ride horseback along the bridle trails. Enjoy a round or two at Shawnee Hills Golf Course. And for unforgettable scenery, search for the Great Falls of Tinker’s Creek.
What started as disposed dredge materials from Cleveland Harbor has grown into a striking space for bird-watching and lake-watching. “Turning an industrial site into a nature preserve sounds like a crazy idea, but it’s happened multiple times around the state,” Arbour explains. “Nature is resilient, and this is a wonderful place to see migrating birds dripping from the trees.” This urban oasis is new to Arbour, but it’s quickly become a treasured spot for him—and soon to be on your “best of” list as well.
For another getaway from city life, stop by Cleveland Public Library’s Louis Stokes Wing. This peaceful little park has been host to events such as Literary Cleveland’s Inkubator and writing-driven programming from the library. “It’s the perfect quiet spot to enjoy lunch, dive into a good book, or just unwind in the shade,” says Sin. She also recommends visiting the library itself, with its stunning architecture.
After decades of dreaming, Contreras and her team finally got Centrovilla25 up and running this year—a bright and welcoming Latino Market and Food Hall in the heart of Clark-Fulton. Create your own feast with food and drinks inside, then set up a picnic outside at the plaza. “The key feature of the grand opening is that the patio area will be open; they’ve got those big garage doors from the marketplace,” says Forbes. While the public has yet to experience it, Contreras assures it’s a special part of Northeast Ohio: “The [plaza] makes me want to take off my shoes and sink my toes into the grass.”
About a mile down the road is the city’s beloved West Side Market, which has been in continuous operation since 1912. Contreras is excited for the synergy between Centrovilla25 and the West Side Market, and on a sunny day, it might be nice to walk, wheel, or bike between the two markets. The West Side Market’s fruit and vegetable corridor as well as the pop-up patio that began last year, allow market-goers to get some fresh air. They have big plans to expand their outdoor offerings over the next few years, so it’s something for everyone to look forward to.
Latina-owned Dahlia Coffee made a splash when they opened at their new location in Cudell, and now they have plenty of outdoor seating when you’re ready to catch some rays. “You can grab a delicious Mexican Mazapan Latte and a warm, flaky empanada, then head outside to either the cozy front patio or the peaceful garden out back—yep, the Wi-Fi reaches both!” Sin says. Ideal for freelancers looking for a temporary office space, a gathering of friends, or even a weekend date, it’s a great spot for chill vibes. “And the best part? There are always adorable puppies around!” Sin adds.