Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Penitentiary Glen Reservation

    4.5 (13 reviews)
    Open 6:00 am - 11:00 pm
    Updated 2 weeks ago

    Penitentiary Glen Reservation Photos

    You might also consider

    More like Penitentiary Glen Reservation

    Recommended Reviews - Penitentiary Glen Reservation

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Stream crossing
    Steven B.

    A very nice medium sized park in Kirtland. The park provides a variety of activities, with some varied terrain for hiking: forests, fields, ponds, a marsh and a small gorge. There are several easier trails and one more difficult trail that takes you down and up the gorge. There is also a nature play area, a nature center and a wildlife rescue area. Always cool to check out the birds and animals on display that are recovering from various injuries. Well worth a visit.

    Anthony G.

    Great place for a winter hike. Clear trail. Amazing sounds and views. Warm fire was a nice way to end the hike.

    Danielle G.

    Great place! Great paved towpaths. Overlooks. A playground for the kids. Very cute little gift shop. Great nature center. Fun place for the whole family!

    Tracks for the mini trains.
    Valerie P.

    I love Penitentiary Glen! It's a great place for kids and adults alike. The wildlife rehabilitation area gives you an up-close look at various woodland creatures as they are nursed back to health--I was able to see a variety of birds during my visit, including a "teenage" bald eagle! The displays inside the wildlife center are interesting, and I got a kick out of trying to spot the queen in their bee colony. I also recommend birdwatching from one of the indoor rocking chairs; it's an excellent way to rest up after a long day of hiking! Speaking of hiking, the park hosts a plethora of trails, which are well-maintained and lovely. The trails aren't particularly difficult to traverse (though some can be lengthy), perfect for a leisurely stroll or the occasional runner. And if you have little ones, definitely make a point to visit when the mini railroad is in operation. Riding a tiny locomotive through the park remains a cherished childhood memory of mine, and it's something that I think most kids would get a kick out of. I believe the park also hosts a variety of other events as well, from art shows to stargazing parties. Truly, there's something for everyone at Penitentiary Glen!

    Crissy M.

    Nice walking paths. During daylight hours, you can see animals in for rehabilitation and permanent residents. On the weekends, they have miniature train rides for all.

    The pond, climbing hill and in the back wood columns.
    Jenn G.

    What a gorgeous place. Lovely park and animal preserve. They have events and special train rides all year long. Fabulous spot for a picnic or a dog walk on the trails. Their addition of PLAY is FANTASTIC! So PLAY. Quiet. Serene in some parts...and then my kids come in...lol. This set up for parents with young kids like myself is just what I have been looking for. In all honesty my kids are a little too young to get it (18 month boys) but if they were a year older it would be their favorite place on the planet! Sandbox, wooden stump wheel, hills to run up and down on, they love the log cabin and yurt- but they don't get that the "no wading" means so running into the water they see...hoping this stays around so soon I can not get soaking wet trying to force them to play and enjoy it as I know how special it is.

    Gorge Rim Loop Trail
    Greg K.

    Excellent park part of Lake Metroparks in southern Lake County that offers well-maintained trails, grounds, picnic areas and shelters. There is also a nature center good for kids and a wildlife center that rehabilitates animals hurt by humans (e.g. vehicular strikes, attacks by pets). Trails are wide, well-maintained and constructed, popular with trail runners. Snowshoeing is popular here in winter months. There's even a little kiddie railroad run by a local rail enthusiast group. Today, we were here to tender a poor baby groundhog our beagle got a hold of in our backyard but didn't quite kill. The weak animal survived the night so we brought him here to the Kevin P. Clinton Wildlife Center. The intake staff were very kind and professional, accepting the little guy with a short interview process. They even gave us an ID code so that we may track his recovery process. We know he's in safe hands and if he has any chance of survival it'll be here. NOTE: They don't rescue all animals due to state laws prohibiting intake of deer, raccoons, skunks, coyotes, and muted swans. But they do a great job rehabilitating squirrels, rabbits, and birds releasing those who aren't human-imprinted back into the wild. A truly noble cause in a world where wildlife continues to bear the brunt of continued human expansion.

    See all

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Greg K.
    87
    220
    375

    13 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Ask the Community - Penitentiary Glen Reservation

    Review Highlights - Penitentiary Glen Reservation

    There is also a nature center good for kids and a wildlife center that rehabilitates animals hurt by humans (e.

    Mentioned in 3 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Parks 676 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Lakefront Lodge - Memoria

    Lakefront Lodge

    5.0(4 reviews)
    7.7 mi

    Wonderful location to watch the sunrise or sunset. Providing a panoramic view of beautiful Lake…read moreErie. Always some cool birds at this location. Super clean and they have a space that looks like you could rent for gatherings. Visit for a breathtaking view.

    Lakefront Lodge really is the absolute BEST place on this side of town to watch the sunset. You get…read morea panoramic view of the lake from a breathtaking vantage point of being up above. You are pretty much on a cliff's edge overlooking the sparkling lake. How picturesque! Usually a pretty quiet park, it's also a nice getaway during the daytime to just relax. It's very dog friendly place and great for bringing the whole family. This metropark has tons of places to unwind such as benches, swings, picnic tables, and Adirondack chairs - Even a cute little gazebo for some shade! Within the last few years, the park got a really nice deck installed that takes you out over the edge a bit. The deck also features various information plaques, mainly about the wonderful surrounding nature, facts about the lake, and the birds you may spot while there. You used to be able to walk down the hillside to the water, but I don't think the park wants visitors to do that anymore. While yes, it is a park, the name is Lakefront Lodge because of its on-site rentable building. This little space is great for throwing parties and showers (with a great view)! Totally recommend!

    Photos
    Lakefront Lodge - Ahhhh

    Ahhhh

    Lakefront Lodge - Endless sky

    Endless sky

    Lakefront Lodge - Information

    See all

    Information

    North Chagrin Nature Center-Cleveland Metroparks

    North Chagrin Nature Center-Cleveland Metroparks

    4.5(31 reviews)
    6.3 mi

    Lucky to have access to a great park system. Even in the winter months, the access, paths, and…read morescenery are great. Always wildlife to observe. Clean facilities.

    I visited Strawberry Picnic Area at North Chagrin Reservation over the weekend for a picnic. I have…read morebeen to this nature reservation multiple times, and always enjoy my experiences. It's one of my favorite local nature reserves. There are always a lot of groups in this area enjoying picnic tables and pavilion. The picnic area itself is well-kept and welcoming, with plenty of space to relax, enjoy a meal, or simply sit and take in nature. The meadow at the entrance has 2 convenient tables. The pavilion nestled more in the park has many picnic tables, grill, and fire place. It accommodates large parties. I have seen a lot of big groups have different holiday celebrations or just gather on a sunny day. What I enjoy the most is the space between picnic tables and inside the pavilion to offer privacy to various groups and a space to roam. The reservation also has a lot of great trails. They're far enough from the road to offer a serene experience. As I walked along the quiet paths and took in the scenic views around Strawberry Pond, I felt an immediate sense of calm. The sounds of birds calling and leaves rustling in the breeze added to the tranquil atmosphere. The bathrooms are conveniently available at the entrance. They are a little gross but available. The parking lot is pretty spacious. The picnic area is very easy to find, just follow the signage or your GPS. Whether you're walking the nearby trails or just lounging with family or friends, this place feels like a hidden gem. Overall, my time at Strawberry Picnic Area reminded me of the importance of reconnecting with nature and making space for simple, quiet moments. It's a place I'd return to in any season. I'll be back again in a few weeks.

    Photos
    North Chagrin Nature Center-Cleveland Metroparks
    North Chagrin Nature Center-Cleveland Metroparks
    North Chagrin Nature Center-Cleveland Metroparks

    See all

    Penitentiary Glen Reservation - parks - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...