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Headlands Beach
State Park
c/o Cleveland Lakefront
State Park
8701 Lakeshore Boulevard, NE
Cleveland, OH 44108-1069
(216) 881-8141
Park
Map
|
|
| Activity |
Facilities |
Quantity |
Fees |
| Resource |
Land, acres |
126 |
 |
|
Water, acres |
L.
Erie |
|
| Activities |
Fishing |
yes |
|
|
Hunting |
yes |
|
|
Picnicking |
yes |
|
|
Picnic Shelter |
1 |
|
|
Swimming Beach |
1
mile |
|
| Boating |
Personal
Watercraft Rental |
yes |
|
|
Boating Limits |
UNL |
|
| Winter
Rec |
Sledding |
yes |
|
|
Cross-Country
Skiing |
yes |
|
The trademark of Headlands Beach State Park is its
mile-long natural sand beach, the largest in the state. In addition to its
popularity during the summer season with picnickers and swimmers, the area
is home to many plant species typically found only along the Atlantic
Coast.
Nature of the Area
The northern shoreline of Ohio displays the dynamic effects Lake Erie has
on our changing landscape. The lake has been a dominant force, shaping
Ohio's natural and cultural development for thousands of years. Erie,
meaning wildcat ("it is long-tailed") is derived from the tribal
name of the Indian culture who inhabited this area until 1655.
Lake Erie was originally much larger than it is today. As an eastern
outlet opened via the Niagara River, the lake drained down to its present
size. Sand beaches from the former lake are still found along the northern
shore. The swamp lands adjacent to the beaches were once part of the lake
itself.
Plants more common to the Atlantic coastal plain region can be found
growing in the surrounding sand dunes. Sea rocket, beach pea, seaside
spurge, beach grass and purple sand grass persist on the dunes.
History of the Area
Lake Erie was a principal avenue of transportation for Indians and
frontiersmen alike. The Lake Trail, a heavily used Indian path, ran along
the south shore of the lake. Originally, the trail was used by the
Iroquois. Later other Indians and settlers found it provided access to the
Ohio country.
Northeastern Ohio was given to Connecticut in an agreement by which that
state gave up claim to all other land running west to the Pacific Ocean.
Connecticut named the 3.8 million acres the "Western Reserve."
Proceeds from the sale of this land were to benefit Connecticut schools.
The Connecticut Land Company purchased the land for roughly 35 cents an
acre and began selling tracts of land. Easterners moved west, and by 1800
the population of the Reserve was approximately 1,300.
Nearby Fairport attracted Finns and Hungarians, later Slovenians and
Slovaks, who came to fish and unload coal and ore from boats onto railroad
cars by hand. The lake influenced development, and the harbor was a
gateway for settlers and trade. Fairport Harbor is one of the best located
on the lake with access possible when other harbors are closed.
Lake County, Ohio's smallest county, covers 231 square miles. With the
lake's effect on the weather, the county developed a substantial nursery
and fruit growing industry utilizing the prolonged growing season. The
county claims one of the highest points in the Western Reserve. Known as
Little Mountain, it is located about seven miles south of Painesville and
offers excellent views of the surrounding area and Lake Erie.
In 1951-52, the state of Ohio began acquiring land west of Fairport to
create a state park. Originally opened in 1953 as Painesville Beach State
Park, the name was changed to Headlands Beach two years later. Its large
beach has attracted huge crowds consistently since the opening. In 1957,
the beach was closed when Lake Erie's waves and the undertow created
safety problems. For a while, the public enjoyed swimming in the creek
until the area was filled in. Capital improvement projects started in 1967
created numerous parking lots, concession buildings, restrooms, change
booths and a treatment plant. Headlands Beach State Park remains very
popular with swimmers and sunbathers.
Picnicking
A scenic picnic area with tables and grills is provided. The picnic
shelter may be reserved by calling, the main office at Cleveland Lakefront
State Park at (216) 881-8141.
Swimming
As the largest natural sand beach in Ohio, Headlands offers recreation for
swimmers and sunbathers. Change booths, concession areas and restrooms are
provided.
Trails
Hiking trails are available in the adjacent state nature preserve.
Fishing
A federal breakwall is located at the east end of the park offering
fishing opportunities for smallmouth, largemouth and rock bass; yellow
perch; bluegill; walleye; coho salmon and carp. In addition, crappie,
steelhead trout, sucker, catfish and bullhead are common catches.
Area Attractions
Headlands Dunes State Nature Preserve, located at the east end of the
park, is one of the last and finest remaining examples of Lake Erie beach
and dune communities in Ohio. Many plant species not found in northeastern
Ohio grow abundantly along the dunes, including sand-dropseed, Canada
wild-rye, wafer-ash and wild bean. The preserve is open to the public
during daylight hours.
Bordering the southside of the park is Mentor Marsh State Nature Preserve,
a National Natural Landmark. The 644-acre, marsh-swamp forest is jointly
owned and managed by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of
Natural Areas and Preserves and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History.
Open during daylight hours only, the preserve is home to varied plant and
animal life. A five-mile hiking trail, the Zimmerman trail, provides
access to the area.
Punderson State Park is located within a half-hour drive. This resort park
includes a lodge, cabins, campground, golf course and winter recreation
area.
Nearby Fairport Harbor is the site of the Fairport Harbor Marine Museum.
The museum is housed in the former lightkeeper's dwelling adjacent to the
1871 lighthouse tower.
Within a short drive of the park is the community of Mentor. Holden
Arboretum, east of town, includes walking trails, visitor center,
reference library and picnic area. The 3,100-acre site is especially
colorful when spring flowers are blooming. Lawnfield, the restored home of
President James A. Garfield, is also open to the public. Tours highlight a
museum, original furnishings, the 1880 campaign office and a carriage
house. |
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