Facilities and Activities:
| General | Land, acres | 126 | | | Water, acres | -10 | | Day-Use | Fishing | yes | | | Hunting | yes | | | Hiking Trail, miles | yes | | | Picnicking | yes | | | Picnic Shelters, # | 1 | | | Swimming Beach, feet | 5264 | | Boating | Boat Rental | yes | | | Boating Limits | -2 | | Winter | Sledding | yes | | | Cross-Country Skiing | yes |
State Park Location Maps:
(click here to zoom and navigate local map)
(click here to zoom and navigate regional map)
View TOPO Maps!
State Park Photo Gallery:
volunteer positions open
State Park Event Calendar:
volunteer positions open
Nearby Parks:
Mentor Marsh State Nature Preserve
Chaplin State Forest
Geneva-On-The-Lake State Park
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| State Park Overview: |
 | The trademark of Headlands Beach State Park is its mile-long
natural sand beach, the largest in the state. In addition to its
popularity during the summer season with picnickers and
swimmers, the area is home to many plant species typically
found only along the Atlantic Coast. |
| Nature of the Area: |
| The northern shoreline of Ohio displays the dynamic effects
Lake Erie has on our changing landscape. The lake has been
a dominant force, shaping Ohio's natural and cultural
development for thousands of years. Erie, meaning wildcat ("it
is long-tailed") is derived from the tribal name of the Indian
culture who inhabited this area until 1655.
Lake Erie was originally much larger than it is today. As an eastern outlet opened via the Niagara River, the lake
drained down to its present size. Sand beaches from the former lake are still found along the northern shore. The
swamp lands adjacent to the beaches were once part of the lake itself.
Plants more common to the Atlantic coastal plain region can be found growing in the surrounding sand dunes. Sea
rocket, beach pea, seaside spurge, beach grass and purple sand grass persist on the dunes. |
| Reviews By Park Visitors: |
| Be the 1st to Review Headlands Beach State Park. You can rate it, post a comment on it, or do both. |
| |
| Trails: |
| Hiking trails are available in the adjacent state nature preserve. |
| Picnicking: |
| A scenic picnic area with tables and grills is provided. The picnic shelter may be reserved by calling, the main office
at Cleveland Lakefront State Park at (216) 881-8141. |
| Swimming: |
| As the largest natural sand beach in Ohio, Headlands offers recreation for swimmers and sunbathers. Change booths,
concession areas and restrooms are provided. |
| Fishing and Hunting: |
| A federal breakwall is located at the east end of the park offering fishing opportunities for smallmouth, largemouth
and rock bass; yellow perch; bluegill; walleye; coho salmon and carp. In addition, crappie, steelhead trout, sucker,
catfish and bullhead are common catches. |
| History of the Area: |
| Lake Erie was a principal avenue of transportation for Indians and frontiersmen alike. The Lake Trail, a heavily used
Indian path, ran along the south shore of the lake. Originally, the trail was used by the Iroquois. Later other Indians
and settlers found it provided access to the Ohio country.
Northeastern Ohio was given to Connecticut in an agreement by which that state gave up claim to all other land
running west to the Pacific Ocean. Connecticut named the 3.8 million acres the "Western Reserve." Proceeds from
the sale of this land were to benefit Connecticut schools. The Connecticut Land Company purchased the land for
roughly 35 cents an acre and began selling tracts of land. Easterners moved west, and by 1800 the population of the
Reserve was approximately 1,300.
Nearby Fairport attracted Finns and Hungarians, later Slovenians and Slovaks, who came to fish and unload coal
and ore from boats onto railroad cars by hand. The lake influenced development, and the harbor was a gateway for
settlers and trade. Fairport Harbor is one of the best located on the lake with access possible when other harbors are
closed.
Lake County, Ohio's smallest county, covers 231 square miles. With the lake's effect on the weather, the county
developed a substantial nursery and fruit growing industry utilizing the prolonged growing season. The county claims
one of the highest points in the Western Reserve. Known as Little Mountain, it is located about seven miles south of
Painesville and offers excellent views of the surrounding area and Lake Erie.
In 1951-52, the state of Ohio began acquiring land west of Fairport to create a state park. Originally opened in 1953
as Painesville Beach State Park, the name was changed to Headlands Beach two years later. Its large beach has
attracted huge crowds consistently since the opening. In 1957, the beach was closed when Lake Erie's waves and the
undertow created safety problems. For a while, the public enjoyed swimming in the creek until the area was filled in.
Capital improvement projects started in 1967 created numerous parking lots, concession buildings, restrooms,
change booths and a treatment plant. Headlands Beach State Park remains very popular with swimmers and
sunbathers. |
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| Area Accommodations |
| | | B&Bs / Inns | | Fitzgerald's Irish Bed & Breakfast - Magnificent 16-room French Tudor. You will be charmed by its unique castle-like architecture and the Irish hospitality. Three guest rooms, each with private bath. 30 mi E of Cleveland. |
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| | Note to Park related businesses:
List your vacation cabin, weekend getaway, log cabin rental, romantic cottage, vacation home, resort, hotel, motel, bed and breakfast, country inn, campground, RV park, horseback riding stable, canoe livery, river rafting, outfitting, sporting goods store, guide service, RV rental or any other park related activity, park related attraction or park related service on Google or StateParks.com. (more).... |
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| Related Links: |
| Headlands Beach - Ohio has 73 state parks that offer a variety of outdoor experiences. | | Customers satisfied with Ohio Parks - The Ohio Department of Natural Resources links users information about Ohio's natural environment. | | Short Hikes - HOME PAGE. BUCKEYE TRAIL ASSOCIATION. SECTION BY SECTION. UPCOMING EVENTS. CIRCUIT HIKE. BTA WORK PARTIES. ON-LINE STORE. TRAIL ALERTS. PHOTO GALLERY. FEATURED HIKE. Short Hikes on the Buckeye... | | Images of the Red Phalaropes from Headlands Beach State Park, Lake Co. Ohio 12 November 20 - Images of the Red Phalaropes from Headlands Beach State Park, Lake Co. Ohio 12 November 2000. Here are some close-ups of the two juveniles. The National Geographic Guide states that juveniles... | | January 1997 Ohio statewide bird sightings - Statewide Ohio bird sightings in January 1997 | | Lake County, Ohio Visitors Bureau - Accommodations. Bed Breakfast. Inn's Hotels. Camping. Entertainment. Attractions. Events. Entertainment. Theaters. Movies. Sports Outdoors. Events. Arboretum. Golf. Bird Watching. Bowling. ... | | Dick Jean Hoffman's Local Bird Scene - Dick Jean Hoffman - the local bird scene - March-May 2000. JUMP. to Apr 27 to Apr 14 to Apr 1. to Mar 24 to Mar 15 to Mar 7 to Mar 6. check the Northeast Ohio RBA. Get Ohio Updates Statewide... | | City of Mentor, Ohio: Attractions - State Parks - Mentor 's 12 city parks add up to more than 800 acres of parkland offering more recreational opportunities than you find in many major cities. In addition, Mentor's coastal location makes it a... | | clevessf.dev.advance.net - Best Beach Access Lake County. Lake County wins hands down, with an incredible variety of lakeshore areas you can enjoy -- from the state's busiest lakefront park with a million or more visitors... | | Marsh Area Regional Coalition - The Marsh Area Regional Coalition is a group of government organizations, private conservation groups and individuals dedicated to the preservation and environmentally sound development of... | | Coldwell Banker Hunter Realty - Real Estate Listings in the Cleveland, Ohio and surrounding areas of northeastern Ohio. Includes specific information on real estate listings, homes, residential, relocation, photos, maps | | Untitled Document - In this section of the web site, we want to provide parents in NEWPALS cities with a list of community learning centers where they can enjoy educational opportunities with their children. We... | | THINGS TO DO IN OHIO - BEACHES - Ohio Beaches | | Fat Birder - World Birding > North America > United States > Ohio - birding... Ohio, United States. World Birding. UK Birding. Fun Pages. Signpost/Mail Lists. Webrings. Travel. Library. Bird Families. Ornithology. Sight & Sounds. Equipment/Supplies. News... | | Ohio Triathlon and Multi-Sport CalendarTriFind.com - ... Swim 1500 meters, Bike 24.8 miles, Run 6.2 miles Start Time: 7:00 am Location: Headlands Beach State Park Phone: (216)771-4499 email: daniel@cloud9sport.com Sign Up On Line At: Active.com (Mentor is ... | | The Dunes Mountain and River Triathlon - The Dunes Mountain and River Triathlon. Sunday June 30, 2002 Mentor, Ohio: The Dunes, Mountain, and River Triathlon. Swim 1500 meters, Bike 24.8 miles, Run 6.2 miles. Start Time: 7:00 am. ... | | Local Web Sites - ... Parks, Gardens, Outdoor Interest Cleveland Metroparks Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Cleveland Lakefront/Headlands Beach State Park Lake Metroparks Holden Arboretum GardenNet's Guide to Gardens- Ohio Stan ... | | Top 200 North American Birding Hot Spots - ... are always welcome. You should see almost 50 species of warblers, thrushes and vireos in early May. Headlands Beach State Park 41.73 N 81.33 N There are a whole series of birding spots along Lake ... | | Recreation & Sightseeing - BACK TO CONSTRUCTION HOME PAGE. Sightseeing: LAST UPDATED 6/5/01 10:15 A.M. ALL ARE WITHIN A ONE HOUR DRIVE OF AURORA. EXCEPT FOR THOSE NOTED WITH AN * AMISH COUNTRY. *Holmes County Chamber of... | | localarea - Life in Lake County. You won't face a long commute and heavy traffic at Controls Unlimited, Inc. Lake County is known as the Garden Spot of Ohio, home of the Ohio nursery industry. We have lots... | | www.lprca.on.ca - 105 - Headlands Beach State Park (Ohio) (day use only) (216-881-8141) This 128 acre site includes a mile long natural sand beach with dunes. The park is primary intended for recreational use... | | U.S. Parks and Protected Areas - LAKE ERIE WATERSHED. NEW YORK. Evangola State Park. Lake Erie State Park. PENNSYLVANIA. Presque Isle State Park. OHIO. Catawba Island State Park. Cedar Point National Wildlife Refuge. Chagrin... | | State Parks - Remember 9-11-01. Home. Places America Directory. -+- Antiques & Crafts. -+- Auto Services. -+- Bicycle Routes. -+- Bed & Breakfast. -+- Cabins & Cottages. -+- Camping. -+- Covered Bridges. -+-... | | Top 200 North American Birding Hot Spots - Birding.com Top 200 Birding Hot Spots ... You should see almost 50 species of warblers, thrushes and vireos in early May. Headlands Beach State Park 41.73 N 81.33 N There are a whole series of birding ... | | Dick Jean Hoffman's Local Bird Scene - March-May 1999 - Dick Jean Hoffman - the local bird scene. JUMP. to May 27 to May 16 to May 5 to May 2 to May 1. to Apr 28 to Apr 26. to Mar 8 to Mar 2. check the Northeast Ohio RBA. Get Ohio Updates Statewide... | | Short Hike: Headlands Beach State Park and Mentor Marsh - HOME PAGE. BUCKEYE TRAIL ASSOCIATION. SECTION BY SECTION. UPCOMING EVENTS. CIRCUIT HIKE. BTA WORK PARTIES. ON-LINE STORE. TRAIL ALERTS. PHOTO GALLERY. FEATURED HIKE. Headlands Beach State Park... | | Kate & Ken's Wedding, May 22, 1999, Headlands Beach State Park, Ohio - click image to continue. click here to return to the play index. click for 800x600 desktop picture. all wedding images ? herb ascherman. | | Kate & Ken's Wedding, May 22, 1999, Headlands Beach State Park, Ohio - | | Northeast Ohio Roads - Did you find what you needed from this page? Let me know! musxf579@kent.edu. Northeast Ohio Roads. Formerly "Road Photos of Northeast Ohio" Part of The Ohio Regional Road Pages. Both of the... | | Ohio 44 - From: To: Headlands Beach State Park. Contents and page maintenance: Marc Fannin (musxf579@kent.edu) Graphics and HTML code: Brandon M. Gorte General format: C.C. Slater Southbound Traffic. ... |
| Area Attractions: |
| Headlands Dunes State Nature Preserve, located at the east end of the park, is one of the last and finest remaining
examples of Lake Erie beach and dune communities in Ohio. Many plant species not found in northeastern Ohio
grow abundantly along the dunes, including sand-dropseed, Canada wild-rye, wafer-ash and wild bean. The
preserve is open to the public during daylight hours.
Bordering the southside of the park is Mentor Marsh State Nature Preserve, a National Natural Landmark. The
644-acre, marsh-swamp forest is jointly owned and managed by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division
of Natural Areas and Preserves and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. Open during daylight hours only, the
preserve is home to varied plant and animal life. A five-mile hiking trail, the Zimmerman trail, provides access to the
area.
Adjacent to the Mentor Marsh State Nature Preserve is the 450-acre Mentor Lagoons Nature Preserve & Marina
owned and operated by the City of Mentor.
The newest nature preserve in Ohio, it boasts over five miles of nature trails and 1-1/2 miles of wild beach. The city
offers tours by foot, boat, and bike. Electric carts are also available so the physically challenged can explore. Call
440-205-DOCK, or visit www.cityofmentor.com.
Punderson State Park is located within a half-hour drive. This resort park includes a lodge, cabins, campground, golf
course and winter recreation area.
Nearby Fairport Harbor is the site of the Fairport Harbor Marine Museum. The museum is housed in the former
lightkeeper's dwelling adjacent to the 1871 lighthouse tower.
Within a short drive of the park is the community of Mentor. Holden Arboretum, east of town, includes walking trails,
visitor center, reference library and picnic area. The 3,100-acre site is especially colorful when spring flowers are
blooming. Lawnfield, the restored home of President James A. Garfield, is also open to the public. Tours highlight a
museum, original furnishings, the 1880 campaign office and a carriage house. |
| Area Campgrounds | | Willow Lake Campground
3935 N State Route 534
Geneva, OH
(440) 466-0150
| Country Lakes Family
17147 Gar Hwy
Montville, OH
(440) 968-3400
| Richards Campgrounds
16780 Thompson Rd
Thompson, OH
(440) 298-3870
| Heritage Hill Campgrounds Inc
6445 Ledge Rd
Thompson, OH
(440) 298-1311
| Indian Creek Camping Resort
4710 Lake Rd E
Geneva, OH
(440) 466-8191
| Geneva State Park
4499 Padanarum Rd
Geneva, OH
(440) 466-8400
| Kenisee's Grand River Camp
4680 State Route 307 E
Geneva, OH
(440) 466-2320
| Kenisee's Grand River RV Sales
4680 State Route 307 E
Geneva, OH
(440) 466-6320
| Geneva State Park: Campgrounds
Geneva, OH
(440) 466-5069
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| | Area Fishing Related Businesses | | Angler's Mail
6495 Pearl Rd
Cleveland, OH
(440) 884-7877
| Reptile Specialists
5561 Ridge Rd
Cleveland, OH
(440) 888-4194
| Parma Bait & Tackle
5341 Broadview Rd
Cleveland, OH
(216) 398-9877
| Atlantic Gun & Tackle
7594 Chippewa Rd
Cleveland, OH
(440) 526-1176
| L & D Bait & Tackle & Txdrmst
18508 Detroit Ave
Cleveland, OH
(216) 226-3474
| Frank's Tackle Co
10802 Madison Ave
Cleveland, OH
(216) 961-4000
| Travelrods Limited
14600 Detroit Ave
Cleveland, OH
(216) 221-3993
| Atlantic Gun & Tackle
5425 Northfield Rd
Cleveland, OH
(216) 475-5240
| Kulis Freeze Dry
725 Broadway Ave
Cleveland, OH
(440) 232-8352
| Parma Bait
5561 Ridge Rd
Cleveland, OH
(440) 888-4194
| Shine's Live Bait
1287 E 55th St
Cleveland, OH
(216) 431-9090
| Ted's Bait & Tackle
4417 Detroit Ave
Cleveland, OH
(216) 651-5321
| Chagrin River Gillies
1540 Chagrin River Rd
Gates Mills, OH
(440) 423-1291
| Erieshore Beverage & Bait
35608 Lake Shore Blvd
Willoughby, OH
(440) 942-3470
| Weldon Tackle
18613 Saint Clair Ave
Cleveland, OH
(216) 531-2907
| Minnow Bucket Inc The
8292 Lake Shore Blvd
Mentor, OH
(440) 257-7046
| Chagrin River Bait & Tackle
140 Forest Dr
Willoughby, OH
(440) 942-9716
| Pier Grill
3224 Cleveland Memorial Shrwy
Cleveland, OH
(216) 281-4900
| Fishing Pier
22464 Lake Rd
Cleveland, OH
(440) 356-5650
| Gander Mountain
9620 Diamond Centre Dr
Mentor, OH
(440) 639-8545
| Grand River Tackle
1250 High St
Fairport Harbor, OH
(440) 352-7222
| A-Hoy Sara-J Fishing Charters
6861 Chadbourne Dr
Cleveland, OH
(216) 642-5556
| JT Sport Fishing Charters
3618 E 65th St
Cleveland, OH
Unverified listing
| A Reel Thrill Charter
5415 Amherst Dr
Cleveland, OH
(440) 887-0463
| Lake Erie Charters
905 Mannering Rd
Willoughby, OH
(440) 953-9507
| Fishing Boat Charter
4315 Royalton Rd
Cleveland, OH
(440) 237-9303
| TRW Rod & Gun Club
4323 N State Route 534
Geneva, OH
(440) 474-4201
| Ashtabula Rod & Gun Club Inc
6739 Ninevah Rd
Geneva, OH
(440) 466-6600
| Walleye Willy Fishing Charters
Madison, OH
(440) 428-2917
| A Lure Fishing Charters
6391 Iroquois TRL
Mentor, OH
(440) 951-1089
| Aqua Fantasea Fishing Charters
6076 Walden Ct
Mentor, OH
(440) 257-3231
| A Lure Fishing Charters
8911 Doral Dr
Mentor, OH
(440) 257-9544
| North Coast Beverage & Tackle
35579 Lake Shore Blvd
Willoughby, OH
(440) 946-4812
| A Lure Fishing Charters
Willoughby, OH
(440) 951-1089
| Deep Springs Trout Club
11069 Chardon Rd
Willoughby, OH
(440) 946-0630
| Hitman Sport Fishing Charters
35049 N Turtle Trl
Willoughby, OH
Unverified listing
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| | Area Resorts and Lodging | | Xanterra Parks & Resorts
12220 S Wintergreen Dr
Chardon, OH
(330) 723-5977
| Bluegreen Vacation Club
5595 Transportation Blvd # 110
Cleveland, OH
(216) 750-1100
| Last Resort Animal Haven & Pet
8370 Mayfield Rd
Chesterland, OH
(440) 729-7387
| Carino Collection Hotels & Resorts
15300 Pearl Rd
Cleveland, OH
(440) 878-9400
| TownePlace Suites by Marriott
7325 Engle Rd
Cleveland, OH
(440) 243-8564
| Marriott Hotels & Resorts: Cleveland Airport Marriott
4277 W 150th St
Cleveland, OH
(216) 252-5333
| Cleveland Marriott East
26300 Harvard Rd
Cleveland, OH
(216) 378-9191
| Courtyard by Marriott: Airport South/Middleburg Heights
7345 Engle Rd
Cleveland, OH
(440) 243-8785
| Radisson Hotels & Resorts: Eastlake
35000 Curtis Blvd
Willoughby, OH
(440) 953-8000
| Lake Metroparks: Chapin Forest Pine Lodge Ski Center
10381 Hobart Rd
Willoughby, OH
(440) 256-3810
| Radisson Hotel & Conference
35000 Curtis Blvd
Willoughby, OH
(440) 953-1356
| Marriott Hotels & Resorts: Cleveland Marriott Downtown at Key Center
127 Public sq
Cleveland, OH
(216) 696-9200
| Hyatt Regency Cleveland
420 Superior Ave E
Cleveland, OH
(216) 575-1234
| Radisson Hotel At Gateway
651 Huron Rd E
Cleveland, OH
(216) 377-9000
| Holiday Valley Ski Resort
Cleveland, OH
(216) 556-3700
| Marriott Hotels & Resorts
Cleveland, OH
(440) 542-2349
| Sheraton Airport Hotel Cleveland
5300 Riverside Drive
Cleveland, OH
Unverified listing
| Pera's Motel Apartments
4944 Golf Ave
Geneva, OH
(440) 466-8675
| Lakeview Resorts
5287 Lake Rd E
Geneva, OH
(440) 466-8773
| Holiday Inn Cleveland-S Indpnd
6001 Rockside Rd
Cleveland, OH
(216) 524-9280
| Mentor Figure Skating Club
8600 Munson Rd
Mentor, OH
(440) 205-8498
| Alpine Valley Ski Area & Party
10620 Mayfield Rd
Chesterland, OH
(440) 285-2211
| Alpine Valley Ski Area & Party Center
10620 Mayfield Rd
Chesterland, OH
(440) 729-9775
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| Directions: |
| 9601 Headlands Road, Mentor, OH 44060 |
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