Thirty miles east of Cleveland, nestled in Kirtland, Ohio, you’ll find Lake County Metropark’s Penitentiary Glen Reservation. Named for the deep gorge that divides it (which is easy to get into and little more difficult to get out of), Penitentiary Glen is open to the public daily from sunrise until one half hour past sunset. Admission is free. There are many different areas to explore including forests, fields, wetlands, hiking trails, the Nature Center and the Kevin P. Clinton Wildlife Center. 

Purchased in 1912 by the Halle family (owners of The Halle Bros. Co. in Cleveland), the park sits on more than 424 acres of rolling hills. The property, managed by the Burnett family who lived there year round, was used originally used for the Halle’s summer estate and working farm. The land has been expertly preserved and is now known as an environmental education interpretive center.

PARK HIGHLIGHTS: – Explore nature and history through “Window on Wildlife” observation area, public programs and special events, school and scout field trips, butterfly gardens and hands-on exhibits.

The Nature Center

The Wildlife Center – Learn about wildlife issues and conservation and visit rehabilitated wild animals.

Amenities – Penitentiary Glen features more than eight miles of hiking trails, a paved stroller-friendly accessible trail, bridle trail, picnic area, reservable picnic shelter with fire ring, playing field, scenic overlooks, fishing ponds and indoor restrooms.

Trails

• Easy: Glen Meadow Loop (.5 mile, asphalt surface)
• Moderate: Rabbit Run Loop (.75 mile, gravel surface), Gorge Rim Loop (1 mile, gravel surface), Halle Home Loop (.25 mile, asphalt + gravel surfaces with steps), Red Fox Loop (1 mile, gravel surface)
• Challenge: Kirtland Connector Trail (1.5 mile, gravel surface), Bridle Trail (3 miles, grave and dirt surface), Ohio Buckeye Trail (3 miles, grave and dirt surfaces)

Positively Cleveland traveled to Penitentiary Glen to view the Ruby-throated hummingbirds before their migration south for the winter. Each year, the hummingbirds return to Penitentiary Glen where they can be viewed through the award-winning “Window on Wildlife” in the Nature Center. You can view the photos here.

The Nature Center is open 9am-5pm every day. Visit www.lakemetroparks.com for more information on Penitentiary Glen and all of the Lake County parks. –Submitted by CA