Lorain County - Home to some of the best North Central Ohio Lake Erie beaches!

There is still plenty of time for summer swimming fun, and with the warmest water of any Great Lake, Lake Erie is an ideal beach location. Nestled in the north central shoreline of Ohio, Lorain County is home to some of the best beaches on Lake Erie. Whether you are interested in swimming, a family picnic, or simply sightseeing, Lorain County’s shoreline has it all. From Vermilion’s Main Street Beach in the The Harbour Town 1837 Historic District, to Veterans Memorial Park in Avon Lake, there is something for everyone. With so much to do, what are you waiting for?

Photo by Mark Teleha

Main Street Beach, located in the quaint historic downtown of Vermilion allows visitors to take advantage of the fantastic sunsets and lake views with their large observation deck located on the beach. The Vermilion Lighthouse and Inland Seas Maritime Museum provide an entire fun-filled day.

Lakeview Park stands as one of Lorain County’s most dynamic parks. With a beautiful stretch of sandy beach to go along with many amenities such as gazebos, picnic shelters, a playground, and a Bathhouse home to the popular Rose Café, this park is ideal for everyone. These 20 acres of lakeside land are also home to exciting recreation such as sand volleyball and lawn bowling. Stop by for spectacular sunsets and views of the Lorain Lighthouse or a look at the Historical Rose Garden, a landmark in Lorain County. Spend the night in Lorain and experience even more excitement. Grab dinner after a day at the beach at Jackalope Lakeside Bar and Rotisserie and depart from there on a Sunset Cruise. The opportunities are endless!

Century Park, located in Lorain is another great beach destination. Equipped with a snack bar, restrooms, showers, picnic shelters, grills, a playground as well as fishing access, you can’t go wrong!

Miller Road Park is yet another great location on Lake Erie’s Shore. This park’s 14 acres of land include a boat launch, fishing pier, gazebo, picnic pavilion, playground, restrooms, beachfront access to the lake including a handicap accessible ramp, and a ¼ mile walking path. During the summer it is also home to a summer concert series that is great for all ages. Spend the entire day and tour the historic Peter Miller House Museum located on the park premises.

Photo left: Courtesy of Holly Miller

 The Sheffield Lake Community Park and Boat Launch is one of Lorain County’s most exciting new additions. Thanks to recent renovations, a new handicap accessible fishing pier and a free two lane boat launch are available for everyone to enjoy. Complete with ample parking, a beautiful sandy beach, and tables and chairs close by; this is a park you can’t miss!

Photo courtesy of Sheffield Lake

Veterans Memorial Park is not only a beautiful beach, but it is also full of entertainment and history. With its lifeguard-staffed beach, this is an ideal swimming location. Also notable are its Veterans memorial, Lake House, historic Folger Home, and the Avon Lake Boat Club.

For those water enthusiasts who would prefer an indoor location, Splash Zone is perfect for you. This water park is complete with an indoor 8 lane pool, a tot lagoon, a 6,000 square foot outdoor pool with daring waterslides, outdoor concession stand, playground, fitness center, aerobic center, party room, and a field house with a three lane rubberized walking track and four volleyball/basketball courts. No matter the weather or time of year, Splash Zone is one of Lorain County’s most exciting and fun-filled adventure locations.

For more information on Lorain County, visit our website, email us at visitors@visitloraincounty.com, call us at (440) 984-5282, or find us on Facebook and Twitter. For more information on outdoor adventure in Lorain County, visit http://www.backroadsandbeaches.com/

A Summer of History in Lorain County

From historical landmarks, to art; Lorain County, OH is the heart of many significant historical movements and events, as well as home to many important historical figures. The Lorain County Historical Society and Museum, the Spirit of '76 Museum, and the North Ridgeville Historical Society and Museum are just three of the many historical landmarks Lorain County has to offer. Spend some time this summer exploring north central Ohio’s historical roots. Who says learning has to stop during the summer?

The Lorain Historical Society, itself, has an appealing history that dates back to over 120 years, when it was established in 1888. In 1975 the Lorain Historical Society purchased a former mansion known as the Hickories in Elyria, OH to use as the headquarters for the museum and historical society, where it remains today.

Photo courtesy of The Lorain County Historical Society

This home once belonged to Arthur L. Garford, local inventor, industrialist, politician, and philanthropist. Visitors can tour the museum Tuesday through Friday, 1–4pm and Saturday, 1–3pm. The Lorain Historical Society provides information on Garford’s past and influence upon Lorain County, as well as various educational programs and art displays that relate to the overall history of Lorain County.

The Spirit of ’76 Museum in Wellington, OH serves as an important historical tribute to Archibald Willard and his painting “Yankee Doodle”, now known as “The Spirit of ‘76”. The museum includes over 4,000 artifacts from the surrounding time period including Revolutionary and Civil War artifacts. The museum is open April 1–October 31, Saturday and Sunday, 1–3:30pm. (Photo courtesy of Town of Marblehead, MA)

Visitors will learn the history behind the local artist and how his painting has transformed into American and Revolutionary iconography and regarded as the nation’s most inspirational painting of all time.

Spirit of '76 Museum photo by Rona Proudfoot

Another facet of Lorain County’s history can be found in North Ridgeville, OH. Visitors can experience local history by touring the historical society’s museum, located on the first floor of the Olde Towne Hall.

The extensive collection of artifacts and mementos including farming/agricultural items, military items, antique furniture, historical papers, photographs, etc. were gathered over the years from area residents. The museum is open on the last Sunday of every month (except December) from 2–5pm. Also available for touring is the historic Jaycox School, a one-room school house on Jaycox Rd., also open on the last Sunday of every month (April–October) from 2–5pm. The North Ridgeville Historical Society is currently celebrating their bicentennial anniversary with special programs and events through October 2010. (Olde Towne Hall courtesy of North Rideville Historical Society)

Jaycox School photo courtesy of North Ridgeville Historical Society

For more information on Lorain County, visit our website, email us at visitors@visitloraincounty.com, call us at (440) 984-5282, or find us on Facebook and Twitter. For more information on other historical organizations or museums in Lorain County, take a look at our member directory.