Near Cleveland Is A Charming Midwest City With An Award-Winning Park, Historic Sites, And Outdoor Fun

Clevelanders are spoiled for choice when it comes to nearby day trips and weekend escapes. Birdwatching enthusiasts are 30 minutes from Ohio's sole national park. Numerous waterfront towns are within driving distance, and award-winning parks are right in your backyard. If you prefer the latter category, plan a getaway to Kirtland, a charming city located near Cleveland in Lake County. This Midwest destination is ideal for those who enjoy outdoor activities while feeding their curious minds. Home to nature preserves, arboretums, and family-friendly attractions, Kirtland allows you to explore green spaces in many forms. Whether you prefer meeting domestic animals, going on woodland walks, or admiring gardens on a leisurely stroll, these experiences are all part of the city's charm.

Kirtland visitors can spend a day at Lake Metroparks Farmpark, an award-winning park that opened in 1990. This working farm received recognition in its second year of operation when it was named the best new park, among other credits. Besides interacting with the creatures here, you can discover other outdoor spots, like the Holden Arboretum, where you can meander trails, and Penitentiary Glen Reservation, where more hikes and train rides await. Verdant greenery is only part of Kirtland's charm. History buffs can satisfy their yearning for knowledge at Historic Kirtland, a restored 19th-century village and historic site. Tour the grounds to learn about its history and step inside several structures.

Kirtland is not too far from Cleveland. You can get there within 30 minutes or less. Coming from Akron takes longer at 50 minutes — the drive is manageable from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, too, taking two hours and 10 minutes. Should you feel that one day isn't enough to check out all the attractions, book a stay at the top-rated Tall Oaks East, or browse for vacation rentals on Airbnb.

As a family-friendly city, Kirtland offers plenty of outdoor, hands-on, and educational activities – Lake Metroparks Farmpark is one of those places that combines all mentioned aspects. This working farm quickly earned acclaim, winning best new park in its second year and later becoming a top-10 educational destination for farming. Operating from Tuesday through Sunday, Farmpark provides a number of interactive experiences. These include horse grooming, sheepherding, and more. You can even try milking a cow here. If you're not too keen on doing it yourself, learn about machine milking instead.

Many animals live and thrive on this farm, and you're welcome to meet them at the Barnyard, Well Bred Shed, and Shepherds' Field. Farmpark showcases distinct livestock breeds, allowing guests to observe horses, sheep, pigs, and other creatures. Guests can gain insight into equine history, breed characteristics, and farm utility with up-close encounters. Not only that, but you can also get acquainted with honeybee ecology — the observation hive provides a window into how they live and work. Children can run around the playground and jump on a tractor-pulled wagon tour, too.

One person mentioned in a Google Maps review to "check ahead if you want to see certain things like baby animals recently born, sheep shearing, cow milking, sheep dog heading [sic], horse events, etc." Fun tip: If you're a Lake County resident, you can come here for free on the first Sunday and third Tuesday of the month, provided you have proof of residency. Since this is a working facility, you cannot bring your pets with you. For similar offerings at a larger scale, visit Malabar Farm State Park, an overlooked rustic destination with old-school farm beauty, camping, and hiking, an hour and 40 minutes away.

There are multiple other places for outdoor fun in Kirtland, one being the Holden Arboretum. This is not only one of the most gorgeous gardens to visit in the Midwest, but it's also the second-largest of its kind in the entire country. With more than 3,600 acres of space, you can roam its forests and gardens while engaging in outdoor fun. There are various highlights you can't miss, such as the Murch Canopy Walk, a 500-foot-long suspension bridge tour. Others include the 120-foot Kalberer Emergent Tower and Arlene and Arthur S. Holden Jr. Butterfly Garden. Take your time to explore the arboretum's 25-mile trail system, too.

The 424-acre Penitentiary Glen Reservation is worth a stop, where you can hike among its diverse landscapes. With woodlands, wetlands, and a gaping gorge, you can enjoy immersing yourself in its natural beauty along the trails. For an easy and rewarding hike, take the Gorge Rim Loop Trail. Stretching for just 1.3 miles, this dog-friendly path takes you to Stoney Brook Falls, with wildlife encounters along the way. There are a few other short trails in the park, which you can combine for a longer hike.

You can also learn about the city's past at Historic Kirtland. This 19th-century restored settlement — now home to a collection of historic buildings — served as the early headquarters of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Some of the historic sites are the Kirtland Temple, schoolhouse, the Newel and Elizabeth Whitney home, and Newell K. Whitney Ashery. You can go on a missionary-guided tour through the restored settlement and peek inside the preserved buildings. The next time you want a getaway near Cleveland, you may like the scenic waterfalls, shops, and tasty restaurants in Elyria.