Looking for some sports action this summer? Lorain County has a large number of exciting sports venues and events perfect for spectators and athletes alike.
- Baseball: No offense to a certain professional baseball club just east of Lorain County, but there's no telling what the summer will be like as far as Major League Baseball is concerned. Luckily, there are other options:
- Lake Erie Crushers: In their first year as the Frontier League's newest expansion team, the Lake Erie Crushers beat out twelve teams from all around the Midwest to win the League's championship. All signs point to an equally successful second season. The Crushers play at the new All Pro Freight Stadium in Avon. Opening night is May 21! Click here for a complete schedule.
- Lorain County Ironmen: The Lorain County Ironmen compete in the Prospect League, a Midwest summer league for the region's top collegiate players looking to gain experience and simulate professional baseball life. The Ironmen play at the Pipe Yard Stadium in Lorain. Click here for a complete schedule. Named after U.S. Steel, the Pipe Yard also hosts other local and regional ball teams throughout the season, including Oberlin College and local high school teams.
- Triathlons: Thanks to Lake Erie and its beautiful beaches, Lorain County is an ideal location for summer triathlons.
- 24th Annual Summer Spring Triathlon/Duathlon, Lakeview Park: Triathlon - 1/4-mile swim, 14.3-mile bike, 5K run. Duathlon - 5K run, 14.3-mi bike, 5K run. Click here for details and registration. (NCN Racing)
5th Annual Findley Lake Triathlon/Duathlon, Findley State Park: Triathlon - 1/4-mile swim, 14.3-mile bike, 5K run. Duathlon - 5K trail run, 14.3-mile bike, 5K trail run. Click here for details and registration. (NCN Racing)- Vermilion Harbor Triathlon/Duathlon, Linwood Park: Spring Triathlon - 750m swim/5K run, 20K bike, 5K run. Olympic Triathlon - 1500m swim/5K run, 40K bike, 10K run. Click here for details and registration. (HFP Racing)
- Running Races: Not into the whole triathlon thing? Here are some races that don't require you to get wet:
Back Roads and Beaches Multi-Sport Route: If you're training for one of these triathlons, or just enjoy challenging and picturesque bikes rides through the countryside, we encourage you to utilize the award-winning Back Roads and Beaches Multi-Sport Route. The route features scenic, low-traffic roads and bike paths that lead riders through some of Ohio's best landscape, while also highlighting some of the area's most relevant history, culture and arts and cutting edge environmental initiatives. Click here for a map of the route.
- Vermilion-Lorain Water Trail: Beginning along the shale cliffs of the Vermilion River in Brownhelm Township, the 27-mile paddle trail winds down the river before entering Lake Erie in Vermilion. Once in open water, the trail heads east and follows the shoreline to Lorain where it enters the Black River. Heading upstream, paddlers will pass the U.S. Steel Mill before the trail ends at the Bur Oak Area of the Black River Reservation. Different segments of the water trail cater to different experience levels. Click here for a map.
- Lakeview Park: Comprised of 20 acres of gorgeous, beachfront property, Lakeview Park is one of the city's most well-known summer recreation areas. The park has ample accommodations for volleyball, lawn bowling, and of course, swimming. Visitors often remark on the Historic Rose Garden and the view of the Lorain Lighthouse. In addition to triathlons, Lakeview also hosts the East/West Volleyball Open, July 24-25th.
- Findley State Park: This popular state park is located in southern Lorain County south of the historic Village of Wellington on State Route 58. Over 900 acres of woodland are available year round for hiking, biking, picnicking, fishing, kayaking, paddleboating, and camping enjoyment. In addition, Findley is equipped for disc golf and volleyball. On June 19th, bring the kids on out for the park's Youth Fishing Derby.
- Oberlin College: Nearby Oberlin College boasts an impressive array of athletic facilities, including the Phillips Recreation Center. Phillips and the surrounding grounds accommodate athletes interested in tennis, soccer, baseball, basketball, and swimming. For more information on the facilities available and usage restrictions, visit the Oberlin College Athletics website.
- Oberlin Splash Zone: Splash Zone, Oberlin's aquatic complex, consists of an 8-lane indoor pool, a tot lagoon, a large outside pool with two 24 ft. water slides and other water toys, a playground, a fitness room, an aerobics room and a party space. As of fall 2009, Splash Zone introduces its new field house, containing four basketball/volleyball courts and a three-lane walking track.
- Golf: The county features several quality courses including:
- Bob-O-Link Golf Course: 36 relatively flat and well-kept holes in Avon.
Forest Hills Golf Course: An intermediate course in Elyria maintained by the Metro-Parks, featuring the "most difficult hole in Lorain County, number 7." Set up a tee time online
here.
- Lorain Sports Hall of Fame: Interested in the history of sports in Lorain? The Lorain Sports Hall of Fame is dedicated to the preservation and display of Lorain'f rich sporting history. Check out the website for details and hours.
- Rebman Recreation: 48 lanes perfect for open bowling, league bowling, tournaments, birthday parties and other special events. Rebman Recreation is located on Oberlin Road in Lorain.
To request an Adventure and Visitors Info Guide to Lorain County, click
here or call 1.800.334.1673.
Paddle Power: Lake Erie is the pride and joy of North Central Ohio; it is the 12th largest freshwater lake with plenty of multi sport activity opportunities. It’s the shallowest and warmest of all the Great Lakes which has increased its popularity and made its recreation limitless. Its large variety of water trails allows for kayaking, canoeing, and boating. Take advantage of the well known Vermilion-Lorain Water Trail by choosing from one of nine popular access points including Mill Hollow, Lakeview Park and Beach, or French Creek. Need to rent a kayak? West River Kayak and Canoe is a great place to start, with hourly and day rates for kayaks, canoes, and bikes. Or paddle the Black River into Lake Erie with assistance from Great Lakes Kayaking. 
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