Connecting People with Nature

Lorain Metroparks

First formed in 1957, today, Lorain Metroparks manages over 9,000 acres in 20 different parks around Lorain County.The links below will take you to the official Lorain Metroparks web page for each park.

Amherst Beaver Creek
Located in Amherst, Ohio, this small Lorain Metropark provides opportunties forthe park vistor to see mature hardwood forests, spring wildflowers, pine and spruce plantations, and gorgeous views of Beaver Creek as it flows through the park.

Black River Reservation
This metropark in Elyria, Ohio is one of the most popular in the Lorain Metroparks system. Situated along northeast Ohio's Black River, the park provides ample opportunity to explore bottomland forests, see tall sheer cliffs of shale, observe wildlife, and see prairie and meadow habitats as well.

Caley Reservation
This Lorain Metropark is located in Pittsfield Township, Ohio. At over 500 acres, the park is large enough to contain a number of different habitats. From successional areas, to forests, to fields to wetlands, The park visitor is sure to see a multitude of birds and other wildlife adapted to these diverse habitats.

Carlisle Reservation
This largest Lorain Metropark encompasses over 1,800 acres in LaGrange, Ohio. A great dioversity of habitats and activities ensures there is something for every park visitor here. From the forests, prairies, fields and wetlands, to the nature center and raptor center, this is a first class park.

Charlemont Reservation
Rochester and Huntington Townships are home to Charlemont Reservation of Lorain Metroparks. This park is over 750 acres of forests and fields. horse trails cross the park, providing routes for exploring the landscape. This is the only Lorain Metropark open for hunting, so excercise caution.

Columbia Reservation
This Lorain Metropark is located in Columbia Station, Ohio. The park is largely wetlands, with approximately 3 miles of trails providing access. Built as a wetland mitigation project, the wetlands in the park are still developing a full range of wetland functions and values, but they are already in great shape for waterfowl habitat. From teals, to canvassbacks, pintails and buffleheads, you will see about any waterfowl you can imagine here.

French Creek Reservation
This largely forested Lorain Metropark is located in Sheffield Village, Ohio. With miles of trails, a nice picnic area, and a nature center, this is a great place to learn about nature in northeast Ohio.

Indian Hollow Reservation
The Lorain Metropark is situated on mostly wooded land, through which runs the east branch of the Black River. Located in Grafton, Ohio, this is a great place for hiking, biking on the park's trails, or picnicking.

Kipton Reservation
Located in Camden Township, this Lorain Metropark has no developed facilities, but several primitive trails crisscross the landscape through the woods, meadows and wetlands of the park.

Lakeview Park
This Lorain Metropark is located in Lorain, Ohio and provides swimming access to Lake Erie. With a beach, playground and picnic areas, the park is more oriented toward recreation than Nature, but the views of Lake Erie at sunset are certainly a natural phenomenon you will not want to miss.

Sandy Ridge Reservation
This 300 acre Lorain Metropark is located in North Ridgeville, Ohio. Hosting a large diversity of migratory waterfowl, Sandy ridge is a birder's paradise. Among other spectacular species, this Lorain park is a great place to see Sandhill Cranes, and a resident pair of Bald Eagles.

Schoepfle Garden
Birmingham, Ohio is the site of this wonderful little park. With formal botainical gardens, a shade garden, and fifty acres of natural woodlands along the Vermilion River, Schopfle Garden is a place to peacefully explore the plant world and your own soul.

Vermilion River Reservation
Located in Vermilion, Ohio, this Lorain County Metropark provides not only a glimpse at the beautiful natural history of the area along five miles of trails, but also the opportunity to explore an historic farmstead. NeoNaturalist.com has reviewed the Bacon Woods Trails of Vermilion River Reservation. on our web site.

Wellington ReservationThis Lorain Metropark, located in Wellington, Ohio, entices visitors to explore the restored wetlands complexes and trails. Fishing is good here, as are the opportunities for non-motorized boating. (Electric motors are ok on your own boat).

To learn more about the Lorain Metroparks, please visit their official website at loraincountymetroparks.com.

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