The Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Brunswick, Ohio and Kirtland, Ohio
BRUNSWICK, Ohio - Road trips are an excellent way to bond with family, friends, or even solo. The journey is as essential as the destination when it comes to an adventure like this. If you are starting from Brunswick and planning to head northeast to Kirtland, make a stop in Cleveland, OH, to witness the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. After that, you can take the scenic route through Eastlake, Willowick, and Wickliffe. This trip is filled with scenic routes and things to do for everyone. Here are the top five things to do.
1. Headlands Beach State Park
If you're looking for a peaceful place to spend the day on the lake's shore, this park is a perfect getaway destination. Headlands Beach is the largest natural sand beach in Ohio, with more than 1200 acres of warm sand and beautiful scenery. Besides the beach, visitors can hike, picnic, and bird-watch. This location is a perfect way to relax and unwind.
> Interesting Fact: Headlands Beach State Park is home to the largest natural sand beach in Ohio, stretching for one mile along Lake Erie's shoreline and spanning 1200 acres.
2. Chagrin Falls
Chagrin Falls is a charming village, surrounded by stunning natural scenery and an exciting downtown area, making it the perfect place to visit. The town is named after a waterfalls that you can admire and get near from three viewing platforms. Visitors can also browse local shops, dine in gourmet restaurants, and explore the town's history in several museums.
> Interesting Fact: The Chagrin River tumbles over sandstone ledges to create the stunning waterfall, giving the town its name.
3. Holden Arboretum
The Holden Arboretum is a 3600-acre natural paradise, home to over 20,000 varieties of plants, including threatened species. Visitors can explore the different gardens, such as the rhododendron garden and the conifer collections or walk along the Canopy Walk, a 500-meter elevated walkway overlooking the forest. The Arboretum offers many educational opportunities and an excellent way to connect with nature.
> Interesting Fact: Holden Arboretum is home to many signature plants. One of the highlights is the Dawn Redwood, a tree species once thought to be extinct.
4. Lake County Captains
Love sports? Then include Lake County Captains in your road trip. Lake County Captains are a minor league baseball team affiliated with the Cleveland Indians. The games are affordable and have a festive atmosphere. Moreover, the field, a wonderful and newly renovated facility, has entertainment for all ages.
> Interesting Fact: The Lake County Captains are named after their homeport in Lake Erie. The stadium is located on the banks of the Grand River.
5. Penitentiary Glen Nature Center
Penitentiary Glen Nature Center is an excellent destination for the entire family. The park is home to several resident animals, including coyotes, red foxes, and raptors. Visitors can also enjoy the hike in the forests, learn about the ecosystems, or bike on the trails. The center provides various educational programs for children.
> Interesting Fact: The Penitentiary Glen Nature Center was once used as a fish and game hatchery and then became a temporary medical falicity.
This journey will take you on a 43-mile journey from Brunswick, OH to Kirtland, OH, where you can visit the Kirtland Temple, a sacred building, and one of the oldest religious landmarks in Ohio. This scenic route providing several opportunities for outdoor adventure and cultural exploration. The combination of nature parks, beaches, and unique cultural attractions make this road trip an excellent way to discover Northeast Ohio. This well-spent day trip route can be accomplished by car in about two hours if you do not stop much along the way.