In Northeast Ohio, life can be very fast-paced. From the congested city streets to the buzz of the workforce, it seems that there is an inescapable energy surrounding Cleveland. It turns out, though, that there are many tranquil spots where you can take in the surroundings and breathe. For some peace and quiet, check out these stunning Cleveland-area destinations:
- Wade Lagoon, 11150 East Boulevard, Cleveland
Erik Drost/Flickr Located in University Circle is a gleaming pool of sapphire water, the heart of Wade Park. It is adjacent to the southern entrance of the Cleveland Museum of Art (which is also free and peaceful) and is framed by beautiful landscaping and spectacular statues.
- Hinckley Lake, 1822 East Drive, Hinckley
Michelle/Flickr Hinckley Lake is the heart of the Hinckley Reservation. Not only is it serene, but it offers much to do, including kayaking, fishing, and swimming.
- Tinker’s Creek Nature Preserve, 1230 Old Mill Road, Aurora
Scott Smithson 722 acres of lush greenery make up the campus of this awe-inspiring nature preserve in Portage and Summit Counties. Its trails will take you through marshes and past ponds where you might encounter waterfowl and beavers.
- Bonnie Park, Valley Parkway and Albion Road, Strongsville
Erik Drost/Flickr This lovely little park is tucked away in the Mill Stream Run Reservation. Its picnic area is peaceful, and its petite waterfall will silence the lingering sounds of city traffic.
- Brandywine Falls, 8176 Brandywine Road, Sagamore Hills
Todd Petrie/Flickr This 65-foot waterfall is one of the many must-see destinations within the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. A boardwalk will get you up close and personal in the gorge, which will allow you to see the sandstone that once had a life as sand at the bottom of an ancient ocean.
- Rocky River Reservation, 24000 Valley Parkway, North Olmsted
Cathy/Flickr Rocky River Reservation was the first piece of land purchased by the Cleveland Metroparks in 1919. Today, it remains one of the most popular parks in Northeast Ohio, thanks in part to its many scenic views of the Rocky River.
- Coe Lake Park, Coe Street, Berea
Erik Drost/Flickr A gazebo and a shimmering lake are the stand-out features in this city-owned park. It offers spectacular views and solace from the hustle and bustle of city life.
- South Chagrin Reservation, 37374 Miles Road, Bentleyville
JB Banks/Flickr The rugged trails of South Chagrin Reservation will lead you deep into the woods for some peaceful alone time. It also features an unusual piece of art from 1885; the Henry Church Rock is a conglomerate of arrows, a dog, a baby, a woman, and even a skeleton. It is unknown if the piece is meant to tell a story or convey a message.
- Euclid Beach, 16301 Lakeshore Boulevard, Cleveland
The Zender Agenda/Flickr Formerly the grounds of an amusement park, Euclid Beach Park is today maintained and operated by the Cleveland Metroparks. Its beach, picnic tables, and remnants of the original amusement park will provide cozy places for you to relax and unwind.
Sometimes, a moment to connect with the natural world is all it take to melt away stress. We are fortunate that Northeast Ohio is speckled with features that make up the Emerald Necklace park system, as they are all spectacularly serene spots to relax. Which relaxing destination is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!
Erik Drost/Flickr
Located in University Circle is a gleaming pool of sapphire water, the heart of Wade Park. It is adjacent to the southern entrance of the Cleveland Museum of Art (which is also free and peaceful) and is framed by beautiful landscaping and spectacular statues.
Michelle/Flickr
Hinckley Lake is the heart of the Hinckley Reservation. Not only is it serene, but it offers much to do, including kayaking, fishing, and swimming.
Scott Smithson
722 acres of lush greenery make up the campus of this awe-inspiring nature preserve in Portage and Summit Counties. Its trails will take you through marshes and past ponds where you might encounter waterfowl and beavers.
This lovely little park is tucked away in the Mill Stream Run Reservation. Its picnic area is peaceful, and its petite waterfall will silence the lingering sounds of city traffic.
Todd Petrie/Flickr
This 65-foot waterfall is one of the many must-see destinations within the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. A boardwalk will get you up close and personal in the gorge, which will allow you to see the sandstone that once had a life as sand at the bottom of an ancient ocean.
Cathy/Flickr
Rocky River Reservation was the first piece of land purchased by the Cleveland Metroparks in 1919. Today, it remains one of the most popular parks in Northeast Ohio, thanks in part to its many scenic views of the Rocky River.
A gazebo and a shimmering lake are the stand-out features in this city-owned park. It offers spectacular views and solace from the hustle and bustle of city life.
JB Banks/Flickr
The rugged trails of South Chagrin Reservation will lead you deep into the woods for some peaceful alone time. It also features an unusual piece of art from 1885; the Henry Church Rock is a conglomerate of arrows, a dog, a baby, a woman, and even a skeleton. It is unknown if the piece is meant to tell a story or convey a message.
The Zender Agenda/Flickr
Formerly the grounds of an amusement park, Euclid Beach Park is today maintained and operated by the Cleveland Metroparks. Its beach, picnic tables, and remnants of the original amusement park will provide cozy places for you to relax and unwind.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
