I visited the Headlands Beach State Park in Mentor, Ohio this weekend for the very first time. That’s hard to believe since it’s only 50 miles north of my home.
On my way up to the beach, I took Old State Road (State Route 608) which goes through Middlefield. About three miles north of Middlefield is Headwaters Park, which is at East Branch Resevoir in Huntsburg. It has all sorts of trails, camping spots, and places to launch a boat. Several people were riding horses. A few Amish families were having cookouts/gatherings. I’ll need to visit again, maybe even set-up camp, or something, for a night or weekend.
Headlands Beach
Anyhow, after arriving at Headlands Beach with Maggie, I parked towards the western-most parking lots. They have ample parking and bathrooms with water fountains throughout the park:
At the main entrance there is a strange statue of a man and woman perhaps kissing or talking to each other:
Behind the statue is a small building that is boarded-up, sadly. I’m wondering if it used to be a food/beverage facility, since the beach doesn’t have any vendors.
The beach itself is massive relative to other beaches I’ve been to around the Cleveland area. Interestingly, I read that Headlands Beach is one of the Midwest’s largest natural sand beaches.
Below are some photos. The second and third images show the beach looking westward. The fourth image of the beach is looking to the east; if you look closely, then you’ll see a lighthouse in the distance (to the right of that red umbrella).
Sand Dunes
My favorite parts of Headlands Beach State Park are the sand dunes and Nature Preserve trails on which to hike or jog.
In the fourth picture below, the lighthouse is more visible in the background.
Lighthouse
The Lighthouse is actually between the village of Fairport Harbor to the east and the Headlands Beach.
The village of Fairport Harbor is located 30 miles east of Cleveland on the shores of Lake Erie. The Fairport Harbor West Breakwater lighthouse sits just north of the village at the mouth of the Grand River…. The lighthouse can be accessed through the Headlands Beach State Park in Mentor, OH by walking the breakwall, which is maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers.
A Poem
This poem was written on a rock leading to the lighthouse:
though i seem to be
a stranger now
i once was everything
to you
Closing Words
On the return trip, I drove south on State Route 44, which passes through the great town of Chardon, the home town of an awesome band (a husband-wife duo), mr. Gnome, which I saw live several times:
During a visit to Chardon’s historic downtown square, you’ll see families strolling down the brick sidewalks and vendors selling produce at the Friday farmers market. The small-town way of life is what makes this Geauga County gem a destination, one that city and civic groups are working to preserve by converting the square’s second-floor offices into residences and passing a ballot initiative allowing Sunday liquor sales. Now visitors can sip mimosas with weekend brunch.
Anyway, I plan to visit Headlands Beach State Park again, ideally this summer or fall. I seriously think it’s my favorite beach in the Cleveland area with respect to its size and those sand dunes.
What are your thoughts? Have you been to this beach or others along the shores of Lake Erie?
