Headlands Beach State Park

About Headlands Beach State Park

Lake Erie was originally much larger than today and has influenced the changing landscape since its creation in the late 19th century.

The sandy beaches of the former lake are still on the northern shore, but the surrounding sand dunes have been overgrown with plants, some of which are more common on the Atlantic coast and the plains, while others are not.

Lake Erie is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the United States and the second largest in Europe. Indian path that runs along the southern shore of this lake, a path originally used by the Iroquois.

Lake County, Ohio's smallest county, covers 231 square miles and covers 3.8 million acres, which Connecticut calls the Western Reserve. Lake Erie State Park and surrounding areas offer unique views of the Great Lakes, the Ohio River and Lake Michigan.

In 1951-52, Ohio State began acquiring land west of Fairport to create the national park. As the largest natural sandy beach in Ohio, Headlands offers recreation for swimmers and sunbathers.

Visitors can swim in the stream while the area is being replenished, and as a picnic area visitors can picnic on the beach.

In addition to the state nature reserve, there are hiking trails and a picturesque picnic area with tables and barbecues. The south side of the park is bounded by the Great Lakes National Park and the Ohio River National Wildlife Refuge. Headlands is the newest nature reserve in Ohio and has the largest natural sandy beach and most natural waterfalls in the United States.

Electric carts are also available for physically handicapped people, wheelchair users and people with special needs.

Mentor Township is a short drive from the park, and Punderson State Park is half an hour's drive away. Near Fairport Harbor is the Fairports Harbor Marine Museum, which houses one of the largest collections of marine museums in Ohio. Also open to the public is the restored home of John F. Kennedy and his wife Mary Ann Kennedy, which is also open to the public.