This Metro Park is located on the east side of Lake county. I've been going there since I was a kid. It's right on the lake shore and the landscape is constantly changing. In some areas the erosion is really bad, so you have to pay attention to your surroundings and what trails are now closed.
I got married here in 2015, in front of the big stone sundial. A little history about the stone garden: " The memorial was dedicated on October 29, 1978 to Luanna Strock, wife of the park system's first naturalist Don Strock. The memorial includes a sculpted sundial designed by nationally-known sculptor Carl Floyd of Madison. The Lake County Unit of the American Cancer Society dedicated a memorial sanctuary of plantings in the field north of the parking lot."
My hubby and I were reminiscing about our wedding day in the stone garden. It's such a beautiful, well maintained park that is so worth going out of your way for. A bonus is that the bathrooms are heated and have proper plumbing. It's nice to pop in for a minute to warm up in between adventures.
There is still beach access, but you'll have to climb 93 creepy stone stairs each way to get there, but it's worth it. This park is a decent size, so plan for a day if you want to fully explore it. There is one big campsite available with a lake view, see the website for reservation info. It's a safe park that is patrolled.
We are very blessed to have such amazing parks within 10 minutes of our home. Their sister park further west up the coast, Lake Erie Bluffs, is also well worth checking out. read more