Location: Mentor
Top Things to do in Mentor
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7 Nature & Parks in Mentor That You Shouldn't Miss
Mentor (/ˈmɛntər/ MEN-tər) is a city in Lake County, Ohio, United States. Mentor was first settled in 1797. The population was 47,159 at the 2010 census. In July 2010, CNNMoney.com ranked Mentor 37th in a list of the Top 100 Best Places to Live in America.
Restaurants in Mentor
1. Headlands Dunes State Nature Preserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By Ringo-Rango - Columbus, United States
My friend and I had a beautiful few hours eating lunch and relaxing in our chairs at the beach. It was rocky, pebble size, but easily walked with water shoes. It was clean and not crowded on a Friday. Very nice boardwalk that gave us the ability to walk over the marshy area. Unspoiled beauty.
2. Mentor Lagoons Nature Preserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 72 reviews
It's a natural destination! Escape to the tranquility of nature and explore the beauty of an unspoiled beach and miles of hiking and water trails. Located on the shores of Lake Erie, just 30 minutes east of Cleveland, you'll find 450 acres of green space with 1-1/2 miles of shoreline with rare dune plants, a riverine marsh and mature oak bluff. Over 150 species of birds have been recorded, making this a top birding location. Electric carts are available on a first come basis for the handicapped. Call 440-205-3625 in advance to reserve.
Reviewed By ElaineAndGreg - Chesterland, United States
We visited national parks, state parks, and other preserves, and for a city park the Mentor Lagoons Nature Preserve is astonishing. It's a little less than a square mile in size, but boasts a nature preserve, excellent walks, forest paths, a marsh, and great views on a Great Lake. Mentor Lagoons is, paradoxically, both easy to get to and a little hard to find. You basically want to take State Route 615 north from Route 2 or Interstate 90. About 2 miles north of route 2, you'll go straight north instead of to the west and you'll more or less snake your way through a nice residential neighborhood. I had no trouble finding it based on the signs and dead reckoning, but use your GPS in a pinch. When you get there, there are essentially two parts. You'll cross over a small bridge and see a marina to your left (west) and a smaller parking area along the marsh to your right. I though I might be in the wrong place as it almost looks like a small industrial park, but don't worry, you'll be in the woods shortly. Go to the right and park. There's an excellent, smooth path along with a stand with a map of sorts. Take the path north. From there you have lots of options. I wanted to see the lake on a nice fall day. The path isn't paved, but it is very, very well-maintained and level, although there is a slight incline. From there you can go to the lake, take forest trails, or walk along the edge of the huge marsh. It isn't crowded, but I came across a number of nice dog owners and other out just for a nice walk. The park is light on amenities - there are a few picnic tables, and not much else, but the paths are very nice. I walked along the lake, which was fun although a little difficult with the sand and stones. If you want an easier lakeside walk, there is an excellent path about 100 feet inland. You can also walk through some woodland trails, which I liked, although they can be a little muddy (this is a wetlands area, after all). This is beautiful park and amazing for one that is essentially one of a suburban town. If you want a pleasant walk and some nice views (and don't need lots of amenities) this is for you. If you want to grab something to eat either before or afterwards, you are only 10 minutes or so from countless restaurants in Mentor itself.
3. Mentor Marsh - Carol H. Sweet Nature Center
4. Veterans Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33 reviews
Reviewed By SunlovermidsouthUSA
My husband and I and our dogs just spent a week basically vacationing in Mentor Ohio, The metro park system in the greater Cleveland area is like nothing I have ever seen in broad travels. Our week of park hopping was fabulous. Perhaps my favorite was Veteran's Park. I liked it because of the body of water one could walk near, one could walk in shade on paths under tree canopies, the fun of a free library outside the rest rooms. Friendliness of people. Just great experience.
5. Eleanor B Garfield Park
6. Headlands Beach State Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 389 reviews
Reviewed By Sartorial79 - Parkersburg, United States
Headlands Beach State Park was a great little place to get away and relax. We enjoyed exploring the area. We particularly loved walking across the breakwater to check out the lighthouse. I would love to know more about the owner (how cool would it be to own a lighthouse?!?). We enjoyed watching the guys on jet skis and sailboats go by. I loved collecting little pieces of the “sea glass”. If you dig picking through rocks the way I do, you’ll be content here.
