Lake County may be Ohio's smallest county, but it boasts the largest natural sand beach in the state.
Located in Northeast Ohio along the shores of Lake Erie, Headlands Beach State Park lines the great lake with a mile-long natural sand beach and should be on everyone's list of places to visit in Ohio.
You may have heard of the beach, but have you heard of the adjoining Headlands Dunes State Nature Preserve? We're sharing all about a recent visit to this amazing outdoor space along Lake Erie.
Headlands Dunes State Nature Preserve is one of the last places in Ohio to find dunes of this kind. In addition to the sandy appearance, you'll find flora that has adapted to living in this unique ecosystem and is only found in the Great Lakes Coastal Region.
Some of the dune plants you'll see include switchgrass or beach grass, Canada wild-rye and sand bar willow which are important to establishing sand dunes. Other plants you'll see include cocklebur, sea rocket and seaside spurge and other rare plants that protect the sand dunes community from disappearing from the state of Ohio.
It's important that when you visit the dunes, you don't remove any of the plants or grasses that you find.
From the state park, take a walk or drive over to the parking lot at the far eastern end of the park to explore what I consider the true hidden gem, Headlands Beach State Nature Preserve.
Once parked, look for the trailhead. You'll see a sign for the nature preserve as well as another sign that states the rules as per the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
The rules are simple, straightforward and meant to protect the nature preserve so it can be enjoyed by future generations.
Stepping onto the natural beach with the wind in my hair and the spray of Lake Erie's waves on my face, I had a hard time believing that I hadn't left northern Ohio for the Atlantic Coast.
Part of the beach within the preserve is in its natural state with an accumulation of driftwood to walk over and around. The other half of the beach in the state park, where swimmers and sunbathers converge, is groomed.
The Fairport Harbor West Breakwater lighthouse situated near the break wall was built in 1925. This lighthouse was built at the mouth of the Grand River to replace the original (Grand RIver) Fairport Harbor Lighthouse, which serves as a maritime museum and sits on a hill in Fairport overlooking the lake.
The Fairport Harbor West light has been uninhabited since 1948. The lighthouse is undergoing top to bottom renovations to turn it into a vacation retreat that would offer amazing views of Lake Erie.
I'll keep my eye on this property, as it's definitely on my growing list of weekend getaways in Ohio.
I just need to remember to pack light, as the only way to access the lighthouse, other than by water, is to walk from the parking lot at Headlands Beach and follow the sandy trail through Headlands Dunes State Nature Preserve and across the beach.
While in the area, you may wish to visit Fairport Harbor Beach, another popular Lake Erie beach, or Mentor Marsh State Nature Preserve, the first dedicated nature preserve, that is recognized as a national natural landmark that protects one of the largest wetlands in the state.
Due to the proximity of the preserve to the highway, this makes a great stop on a road trip through the city of Mentor to stretch your legs and for little ones (or big ones) to run off some energy. You'll find plenty of free parking and restrooms.
Those visiting the adjacent beach will find more restrooms, a concession stand (during the summer months), and changing areas for swimmers or sunbathers. The lake water is tested daily and a sign at the entrance at the park alerts visitors to the water quality.
Address: 9601 Headlands Road Mentor, Ohio 44060
Phone: 440-466-8400
Website: Headlands Dunes State Nature Preserve
Cost: Free
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