Ten Landmarks and Historic Places in Cleveland Metroparks
*A.B. Williams Woods, North Chagrin Reservation
Walk through a dense maze of giant trees in this stunning example of an old growth beech-maple forest, named after Cleveland Metroparks first naturalist.
**Look About Lodge, South Chagrin Reservation
This beautiful log cabin was built from more than 300 American chestnut logs during the WPA era. Completed in 1938, the lodge overlooks Sulphur Springs Creek and initially served as the meeting place for the Cleveland Natural Science Club.
*Tinker’s Creek Gorge, Bedford Reservation
Bedford's history began here as the power of the Great Falls of Tinker's Creek was harnessed between 1821-1913 for a sawmill, grist mill, and electric power plant. Downstream sits the Tinker's Creek Gorge, a National Natural Landmark.
**Brecksville Nature Center, Brecksville Reservation
Brecksville Nature Center opened its doors on June 11, 1939 as a WPA-era Trailside Museum. It is the last remaining of Cleveland Metroparks original three trailside museums.
Squire's Castle, North Chagrin Reservation
Built in the 1890s by Feargus Squire, this beautiful old gatehouse is modeled after English and German baronial castles and is a popular, "must-see" destination in North Chagrin Reservation.
**Historic Coast Guard Station, Lakefront Reservation
Designed by local architect J. Milton Dyer, Cleveland's Historic Coast Guard Station operated from 1940-1976. The "art moderne" construction is a lakefront gem that offers tremendous views of Lake Erie and the Cleveland skyline.
**Ohio & Erie Canal, Lakefront, Ohio & Erie Canal and Brecksville Reservations
Extending from Cleveland to Portsmouth, OH, the Ohio & Erie Canal once brought trade and prosperity to the state. Many sections of the Canal have been lost to time, but the historic route can be followed along the Towpath Trail in multiple Cleveland Metroparks Reservations.
**Fort Hill Earthworks, Rocky River Reservation
Fort Hill is an authentic earthworks site believed to have been created by the Early Woodland Indians over 2,000 years ago. Sitting atop a 155-step staircase lies a set of three human-made, long, earthen walls and ditches built on a shale cliff 90 feet above the Rocky River.
Henry Church, Jr., Rock, South Chagrin Reservation
Blacksmith and artist Henry Church, Jr. carved images including an eagle, shield, woman, quiver, and others in the sandstone along the Chagrin River. The carvings date back to 1885 and are a fascinating piece of local cultural history.
**Hope Memorial Bridge, Lakefront Reservation
A 5,865-foot long bridge that spans the Cuyahoga River, the Hope Memorial Bridge features four sandstone pylons, each with two faces featuring different means of transportation. Later dubbed the Guardians ("of Transportation" or "of Traffic"—a constant source of debate), these carvings inspired the new name of Cleveland's professional baseball team. The bridge can be seen from Scranton Flats and Cleveland Foundation Centennial Lake Link Trail.
*National Natural Landmark
**National Register of Historic Places