Squire's Castle

SQUIRE'S CASTLE: Part of Cleveland metroparks

COST: FREE

Hours: normal park hours--I can't find the times online but it seems like it's open until 10 p.m.

How do I get there?
Click here for a map of the North Chagrin Reservation
It's just south of Chardon Rd--and if you can't find it at first, follow the signs. They will take you right there. :)

Our take?

AMAZING, AMAZING, AMAZING! This place was SO cool! It has such a fascinating history and although it has been gutted and only the stone remains, it is so neat to walk through and imagine. The kids had a blast! And behind the castle are all sorts of walking trails for hiking and ejoying nature. There are also picnic tables and a few picnic shelters with grills that are available on a first come first serve basis.

Definitely worth the trip!!!

West Creek Reservation

WEST CREEK RESERVATION:

From their website:

The 9-mile West Creek meanders through a valley that harbors rocky gorges, forest-draped hillsides, and floodplains that each spring burst forth a variety of wildflowers, and flows through the cities of Parma, Seven Hills, Brooklyn Heights, and Independence where it eventually connects to the Cuyahoga River.

The 278-acre West Creek Reservation is geologically unique and biologically diverse, as the West Creek tributary not only provides natural beauty, but also a home to a variety of wildlife including white-tailed deer, scarlet tanagers, nesting pair of red tailed hawks and five species of oak: white, red, pin, scarlet and swamp white oak. In the wetlands nesting wood ducks, painted turtles, green frogs, cardinal flower and pickerelweed are abundant.

How do I get there?

This is right across from the picnic grove between State and Broadview. Click the link above to see the map (since there is not an actual address)

Our Take?

We have gone here many times now--it is a great place for photography, for nature watching, for evening walks, etc.This really has something for everyone. We love to go off the beaten path and down to the little creek to skip rocks and rest in the shade. We haven't even began to venture into the entire 9 mile span, but are always excited to see what's in store for wherever we get to explore when we DO go.

Great place to walk dogs too!

Wallace Lake - Mills Stream Run Reservation

FROM THEIR WEBSITE:

The history: Mill Stream Run Reservation is located in Berea, Middleburg Heights, North Royalton and Strongsville. Long ago nineteenth century communities like Albion, Sanderson's Corners and Slab Hollow sprang up to take advantage of the water power from the east branch of the Rocky River and its tributaries. After the sawmills and grist mills were established, businesses like a basket factory, taverns, blacksmith shops and tailors followed. At Berea, the river cuts through Berea sandstone carving potholes in the stone. Baldwin and Wallace lakes are former quarries that produced some of the finest grindstones in the world. The settlers were not the first to visit; artifacts have been found in the reservation that indicate Native American tribes frequented this area over 8,000 years ago. The reservation includes numerous species of wildlife and plant life, including ferns and wildflowers.

HOURS:
6 a.m. - 11 p.m.

You may want to CALL first to verify all information, since it is seasonal.
The number is: 440.826.1682

COST:

Paddle boat rentals: For a 2-3 person paddle boat, it's $4.00 per half hour. For a 4-5 person paddle boat, it's $8.00 per half hour.

Swimming: FREE

HOW DO I GET THERE?
Wallace Lake is located off Valley Parkway in Mill Stream Run Reservation, south of Bagley Road in Berea.

(because there isn't an exact address, see the trail map for details.)


Our take?

We were pleasantly surprised at this little hidden gem of a place! The swimming looked so fun--it was a nice sized area and had a little beach to play on or lay on! :) We went specifically with paddle boats in mind and headed there. There is a little cafe area (The Quarry Rock Cafe) where you pay for your rental (they have several food options as well).

The actual part of the lake you can go in with your paddle boat wasn't HUGE--but we felt like it was just right for a half hour ride. The water was calm and the scenery is really nice. They have life jackets for even the smallest--my 10 month old baby even got one! :)

We would love to check out the swimming another time, but this place is GREAT--for picnics, swimming, trails, running, biking, boating, fishing...it has it all!