Lorain County Metro Parks District

Amherst Beaver Creek Reservation

913 North Lake Street, Amherst, Ohio 44001

This park features 108 acres of mature woodlands and floodplains, a 1.4 mile paved loop-trail and day-use area with reservable shelter, playground, soccer field and visitor's center. Whether you're looking for a place to have a picnic, let the kids run free or just want to walk the paved trail from creek bed to pine grove, come and check us out! For one of the smallest of the metro parks, this reservation has a surprising variety of both natural habitats and activities.

Brighton Reservation

St. Rt. 511
Wellington, OH 44090

Hours:
**Not open to the public**

*Please Note: This reservation is not open to the public.*

Brighton Reservation is located in Brighton Township and sits on the Black River. The area is a secondary growth forest which has re-grown after a major disturbance. The park encompasses two miles of preserved habitat along the Black River. Purchased through federal funds, the metro parks are able to preserve the stream bed but it must remain in its natural state.

BudMar Farms Reservation

45820 N. Ridge Rd., Amherst, OH 44001

Hours:
**Not open to the public**

*Please Note: This reservation is not open to the public.*

Caley Reservation

18207 West Rd., Wellington, OH 44090

Caley Reservation is a semi-developed park reserved for wildlife and nature study. Its 529 acres include wetlands, forest, fields and two large ponds. Wellington Creek runs roughly through the middle of the reservation. Two popular activities include wildflower hikes and fishing, but visitors are welcome to simply come and enjoy the quiet and natural beauty of this unique park.

Carlisle Reservation

Carlisle Reservation, 12882 Diagonal Rd., LaGrange, OH 44050

Duck Pond Picnic Area, 12550 Diagonal Rd., LaGrange, OH 44050

Equestrian Center, 13630 Diagonal Rd., LaGrange, OH 44050

Carlisle is the largest of the Lorain County Metro Parks, encompassing 1,917 acres when included with Forest Hills Golf Course which lies at the northeastern end. Carlisle Reservation also offers a large variety of events and activities throughout the year, and is home to the administrative offices for the entire park system. From Holiday Lights to horseback riding to stargazing, Carlisle Reservation is a place you’ll want to get to know better.

Cascade Park

387 Furnace St., Elyria, OH 44035

Cascade Park offers rivers, waterfalls, and hemlock forests just minutes from downtown Elyria. Inside this 145-acre park the east and west branches of the Black River cascade over Berea sandstone converge. Lorain County Metro Parks assumed operations of Cascade Park in 2014 through a partnership with the City of Elyria.

Cassell Reservation

815 Highbridge Rd., Vermilion, OH 44089

Cassell Reservation is a precious natural area with unique geologic features, mature Lake Plain Forest, native prairie openings, and rare plants; a spectacular place to take a walk. This reservation first began in 2004 with an initial donation of land by the Ken Cassell family and Cassell Enterprises, Inc. Through additional acquisitions (substantially funded by Clean Ohio grants) and a 2023 land donation from the Sommer Realty Company, Cassell Reservation now stands at nearly 290 acres.

Charlemont Reservation

48600 New London Eastern Rd., New London, OH 44851

Charlemont is a 785-acre undeveloped park located in the main farming region of southern Lorain County and is the only reservation in the Lorain County Metro Parks system that allows hunting (rabbit and pheasant). The park is also a favorite of horseback riders (park closed to horseback riding from third week of October to December 31st for hunting season), who are free to enjoy the equestrian trails built and maintained by the Lorain County chapter of the Ohio Horse Council.

Columbia Reservation

25145 Royalton Rd., Columbia Station, OH 44028

This 405-acre reservation was opened in August of 2003. As a wetland reservation, Columbia hosts a number of created ponds built around waterways near the west branch of the Rocky River. With miles of trails, a playground, miniature golf, concession stand, and a shelter, you can bring the whole family out for some fun!

Forest Hills Golf Course

41971 Oberlin–Elyria Rd., Elyria, Ohio 44035

Hours:
Weekdays: 7:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
Weekends: 7:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.

Forest Hills is an 18-hole golf course owned and operated by Lorain County Metro Parks, featuring holes of all difficulties, including a driving range, pro shop, and snack bar at the clubhouse. The course is always being improved one way or another, so if you haven’t been here for a while it might be time for another visit!

French Creek Reservation

French Creek Nature Center, 4530 Colorado Ave., Sheffield Village, OH 44054

Pine Tree Picnic Area, 4951 French Creek Rd., Sheffield Village, OH 44054

French Creek Reservation is home to 450 acres of wooded landscape as well as a beautiful Nature Center that is the home to French Creek Theatre, the park district’s very own Live Theatre program. The park is vast and features over 4.5 miles of trails through gorgeous forests and over and along 3 separate creeks. The French Creek Nature Center is not only home to French Creek Theatre, but also offers plenty of things to do and see, including programs and exhibits, wildlife observation area, and an indoor play area.

Indian Hollow Reservation

Sheldon Woods, 38744 Parsons Rd., Grafton, OH 44044

Royal Oaks, 1057 Parsons Rd., Grafton, OH 44044

Midview Soccer Complex, 16218 Chamberlain Rd., Grafton, OH 44044

With four reservable picnic shelters, mountain bike trails, two playgrounds, soccer complex, a field to fly your RC airplanes and over five miles of trails including a fitness trail, we're sure you'll find it a great place to visit, walk, picnic, bike or just relax and listen to the trees.

Although Indian Hollow is actually made up of five separate tracts of land that will one day be linked by trails, Sheldon Woods, Royal Oaks and the Midview Soccer Complex are the only parts presently open to the public. Sheldon Woods is made up of 180 acres of mostly wooded land bisected by the eastern branch of the Black River. The facilities are all on the western side of the river—two picnic shelters, a playground, and restroom facility.

Kipton Reservation

16000 St. Rt. 511, Oberlin, OH 44074

Kipton Reservation holds a reservoir which served as a water supply for the City of Oberlin until the early 1900s. Lorain County Metro Parks purchased the land in 1993 and the reservation is now primarily used for horseback riding. This park is a primitive area with a restroom, small picnic shelter, and grill.

Kopf Family Golf Course at Cherry Ridge

1211 West River Road, Elyria, OH 44035

Hours: Opens at 7 a.m.
Daily
May 1-October 31

Cherry Ridge Golf Club was donated to the Lorain County Metro Parks by the Kopf Family in 2020. The course was re-named the Kopf Family Golf Course at Cherry Ridge in recognition of the donation. The 9-hole regulation length golf course is currently operated and maintained by the Park District. The course includes a pro shop and snack bar in the clubhouse.

Kopf Family Reservation

32649 Electric Blvd., Avon Lake, OH 44012

Kopf Family Reservation opened in 2008 and boasts more than 3 miles of maintained trails that wind through streamside woodlands. A partnership between the Lorain County Metro Parks, the City of Avon Lake, Avon Lake School District and Avon Lake Public Library, this neighborhood gateway park offers visitors year-round opportunities for recreation.

Lakeview Park

1800 West Erie Ave., Lorain, OH 44052

Sunset Café:
11 a.m.-2 p.m., Monday-Friday
(Memorial Day-Labor Day)

Lorain County Metro Parks’ first lakeside recreational park, Lakeview Park, offers 35 acres along the north side of West Erie Avenue in Lorain, Ohio. This nearby neighborhood park, known for its Historical Rose Garden, spectacular sunsets and views of the Lorain Lighthouse, hosts a variety of recreational opportunities awaiting visitors of all ages, from swimming and sunbathing, to lawn bowling, beach volleyball, picnicking and much more!

Martin’s Run Reservation

Perry Court, Lorain, OH 44053

Hours:
**Not open to the public**

*Please Note: This reservation is not open to the public.*

Martin’s Run is located in Lorain and is a federally protected Class III Wetland. The park was donated by Lorain Land Development “Oster Homes”. Because of the delicate habitats within Martin’s Run, it must remain undeveloped.

Miller Nature Preserve

Main Entrance/Conservatory, 2739 Center Rd., Avon, OH 44011

Avon Wetlands,
35120 Riegelsberger Road,
Avon, Ohio 44011

Building/Conservatory hours:
10 a.m.-5 p.m., daily
(Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, New Years Day)

Butterfly House: 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m., daily (Mid June-Labor Day)

Orchid Café hours:
11 a.m.-2 p.m., Tuesday-Friday
(Open seasonally)

Miller Nature Preserve rests on 145 acres of woodlands in the heart of Avon. Visitors can find a visitor center featuring a café, gift shop, and event hall. The highlight of this preserve is the 5,000 sq. foot Conservatory, the first in Lorain County. Bring your family, friends, and camera to capture the beauty inside and outside.

The North Star Preserve

Henry’s Barn, 46223 U.S. Rt. 20
Oberlin, OH 44074

Hours: This facility is not open to the public as it is reserved for special programming and private events.

The North Star Preserve is home to Henry's Barn and is located on U.S. Rt. 20 in Oberlin, OH. It is located across U.S. Rt. 20 from the Oberlin Wal-Mart. The property was donated by Richard and Kathleen Nord with the idea that Henry's Barn would be built there. There is a rich history (detailed on the park’s page) with Henry's Barn and the deconstruction and re-imagining of a historic barn once inhabited by a former slave, Henry R. Thomas, that was located on the H.A. Johnson estate on South Professor St. in Oberlin.

Sandy Ridge Reservation

6195 Otten Rd., North Ridgeville, OH 44039

Sandy Ridge Reservation is a 526-acre wetland and wildlife preserve located in North Ridgeville. Since opening in 1999, the park has become one of the most popular sites for birding in Lorain County.

Schoepfle Garden

11106 Market St., Wakeman, OH 44889

Carousel Hours:
1-4 p.m., Wednesdays & Saturdays (May-September)

10 a.m.-12 p.m., Fridays in June-August

Schoepfle Garden is truly beautiful—77 acres of botanical gardens and natural woodland bordered on one side by the Vermilion River. The garden features collections of rhododendrons, roses, cannas, hosta, shade plants, and a variety of shrubs, topiaries and trees. Enjoy the natural beauty of the garden by participating in a guided tour or wandering at you own pace.

Sheffield Lake Reservation

Harris Rd., Sheffield Village, OH 44054

Hours:
**Not open to the public**

*Please Note: This reservation is not open to the public.*

Sheffield Lake Reservation was purchased through federal money. Sections of the park are a federally protected Class III Wetlands, so limited development opportunities are available within the park. As the community surrounding the park is developed, the park district is evaluating ways to best serve the area.

Splash Zone

95 West Hamilton Rd., Oberlin, OH 44074

Facility Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 6 a.m.-8 p.m.
Friday: 6 a.m.-5 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Outdoor Pool Hours:
Opening June 4, 2021

Welcome to Splash Zone! The aquatic and fitness center provides numerous recreational opportunities year round including aquatics, fitness, youth activities, and even an outdoor water park to cool off in the summer months. Splash Zone is open to members and non-members and offers plenty of fitness programs.

Tripphahn Reservation

35348 St. Rt. 303, Grafton, OH 44044

Hours:
**Not open to the public**

*Please Note: This reservation is not open to the public.*

Tripphahn Reservation was donated to the Lorain County Metro Parks by Charles Walter Tripphahn. His goal was to have his property developed into a park someday. The metro parks is currently evaluating how to best develop the property with unique programming opportunities.

Vermilion River Reservation

Mill Hollow & Bacon Woods, 51211 North Ridge Rd., Vermilion, OH 44089

Spanning two adjacent areas separated by the Vermilion River—Mill Hollow on one side and Bacon Woods on the other—this park is great for family picnics, and nature lovers. Mill Hollow opened in 1960, and became the very first Lorain County Metro Park and is still a favorite among Lorain County residents today as it is one of the most visited parks in the district.

Wellington Reservation

535 Jones Rd., Wellington, OH 44090

This 550-acre park was developed in 2005 through a collaboration between the Lorain County Metro Parks and the Village of Wellington and provides opportunities for hiking, biking, strolling, fishing, boating, and wildlife observation. A beautiful Visitor’s Center sits on the bank of the gorgeous, 21-plus-acre lake formed by the Wellington South Reservoir.