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Park Information | Nature Center | Special Events | Special Programs
Wildlife Center | Lake Shore Live Steamers Railroad Schedule | The Gorge
The Nature Store | Birthday Parties | Park History | Hallefarm | X-Plorer Packs
Annual Hummingbird Sighting Contest | Links
8668 Kirtland-Chardon Rd.
Kirtland, Ohio 44094
(440) 256-1404
Wildlife Center Hotline (440) 256-2131
Trail map (Viewable/Printable PDF)
Penitentiary Glen Reservation features 424 acres of forest, fields, wetlands, and over 7.5 miles of hiking trails. The park is named for the deep gorge that divides it, which is easy to get into and difficult to get out of. Naturalists lead exciting programs year-round including nature-inspired events, programs, and classes. Picnic at the sheltered pavilion and listen to the sounds of nature.
Penitentiary Glen Reservation has been designated by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife as a "Watchable Wildlife" site.
Discover native Ohio wildlife at the Kevin P. Clinton Wildlife Center.
- Park Hours: Sunrise to ½-hour past sunset.
- Park Amenities: Accessible facilities, picnic area with grills, All People's Trail, drinking water, restrooms, hiking trails, cross-country skiing, Nature Center, Wildlife Center, The Nature Store gift shop, and a bridle trail.
- Directions: Take I-90 to Rt. 306 south for about one mile. Turn left onto Rt. 615. Turn right (east) onto Kirtland-Chardon Road and continue for two miles. Penitentiary Glen Reservation is located on the right (south) side of the road.
- Shelter Rental: Lake Metroparks Registration Department, (440) 358-7275.
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The Nature Center houses hands-on exhibits, art shows, an award winning "Window on Wildlife," and The Nature Store.
Hours:
- Nature Center: 9 am - 5 pm; Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas
- Wildlife Center: 9 am - 5 pm; Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas
- The Nature Store: New extended hours: 9 am - 5 pm daily
Admission: Free
Rentals: The Nature Center is a great place for seminars, showers, reunions, holiday gatherings, and meetings. For more information, call Lake Metroparks Sales and Corporate Services Department at (440) 256-2138 or 1-800-366-3276.
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- Spring Art Show, April 18 - May 24
Please call ahead before your visit during special exhibits.
Private functions may be scheduled.
- Earth Day, April 19*
- Railroads in the Parks, May 3*
- African Violet Show and Sale, May 16 & 17*
- 23rd Annual Amateur Photography Contest Show, June 6 - July 26
- Snakes 'n Such, June 13*
- Combined Rose Show, June 20 & 21
- ** The Big Campout, June 27 & 28*
- Daylily Plant Show and Sale, July 11 & 12*
- Woodcarver's Show, July 26
- ** Super Star Party, August 15 *
- Western Reserve Photographic Society Art Show, August 22 - October 11
- Bug Day, September 13*
- ** 15th Annual Steelhead Expo, September 19
- ** Photo Affair 2009, September 20
- Wildlife Festival, September 27*
- ** Magical Whooloween, October 23 & 24
- NEW! Snowdrop's Adventure Game
Based on the short story, Snowdrop's True Colors
November 21, 2008- January 3, 2010
* Indicates a public train run date (weather permitting)
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Pre-registration required, call 440-358-7275 to register.
- Winter Hike, February 22
- The Big Campout, June 27 & 28*
- Super Star Party, August 15 *
- Steelhead Fishing Expo, September 19
- Photo Affair 2009, September 20
- Wildlife Festival, September 27*
- Magical Whooloween, October 23 & 24
* Indicates a public train run date (weather permitting)
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Lake Shore Live Steamers Railroad
Miniature steam-powered engines pull passengers through the woodlands of Penitentiary Glen Reservation to the rim of the gorge. Trains sometimes run in conjunction with a special event.
The railroad is operated by the Lake Shore Live Steamers Club.
2009 Train Schedule
Trains run 1 - 3 pm, weather permitting, on dates listed below and is free for all ages.
- April 19 - Earth Day
- May 3
- May 17 - African Violet Show and Sale
- May 31
- June 14 - Snakes 'n Such
- July 12 - Daylily Plant Show and Sale
- July 26 - Woodcarver's Show
- August 16
- August 30
- September 13 - Bug Day
- September 27 - Wildlife Festival
- October 4
- December 12
The trains also run during the following Special Programs
(Pre-registration required and fee applies)
- Super Star Party, August 15
- Magical Whooloween, October 23 & 24
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 How the Gorge Got its Name
Penitentiary Glen is known for the deep gorge that divides the park in two. Settlers in the early 1880s called the gorge "Penitentiary Glen," because it was difficult to get out of the deepest part, much like a prison or penitentiary. (Imagine trying to climb straight up a 100 ft. wall!) The gorge is a sensitive area and has restricted access because of its steep walls, exposed rock, and fragile vegetation. Naturalists lead guided hikes throughout the year. Ask in the Nature Center about our hikes. Or call Registration at (440) 358-7275.
Gorge Hikes
The great gorge that gives Penitentiary Gully its name is always a magical place to hike on a summer afternoon. Be prepared to walk in the creek bed with your naturalist guide. Shoes that you don't mind getting wet are a must! The place is leisurely, but the terrain is rough.
Come and explore this unique place that is not normally open to the public. Instructor: Volunteer Guides and Pat Morse.
Call Registration at (440) 358-7275 for dates & more information.
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Mission | Gift ideas | Hours & Phone | REI
Spring is in the air and The Nature Store has "spread its wings!" Visit our newly expanded Nature Store and enjoy its:
- Extended hours:
9 am - 5 pm daily
Mission
The mission of Lake Metroparks Nature Store at Penitentiary Glen is to inspire, nurture and educate visitors through its unique selection of nature related merchandise for children and adults.
Gift ideas
 Regional field guides, “how-to” and nature books for people of all ages. - Educational toys, games, discovery kits and hand puppets.
- Nature themed gift items, jewelry, stationary & apparel.
- Accessories for the garden & field; bird feeders, wildlife homes, bat houses, walking sticks & compasses.
- Vortex optics featuring Audubon and Stokes binoculars for adults and children.
- Locally produced honey and maple syrup when in-season.
- Lake Metroparks/Penitentiary Glen merchandise including: mugs, pins, patches, magnets and apparel.
“In Nature All Things Are Unique and So Is Our Store”
 Hours & Phone
- Open 9 am to 5 pm daily
- 440-256-2128
- Visa, MasterCard & Discover Accepted
- Gift certificates available
The Nature Store at Penitentiary Glen supports Lake Metroparks mission of conservation, education, and stewardship.
REI
 Click here to support Lake Metroparks with purchases from REI.
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In 1912, the Halle family, owners of the Halle Bros. Co. in Cleveland, bought this property for their summer estate and working farm. The farm was managed by the Burnett family, who lived here year-round. The only remaining structure is the horse barn, which now houses the Nature Center. Wise use of the land has preserved this special area for today and the future.
The Halles' lifestyle was typical of many wealthy Cleveland families who lived in the city and spent summers in the country. Sam and Blanche Halle had a deep respect for nature and wanted their children to have the same. They hired Maude Doolittle, a school teacher from Massachusetts who loved nature, as a governess for the children during the summer months.
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A professionally designed and  installed educational interactive exhibit highlighting the ‘hey-days” of Hallefarm and demonstrates land use changes over time. This new exhibit explores the Halle family summer estate from historic local agricultural trends, to the present day 400 acre natural area preserved by Lake Metroparks.
The rich heritage of the Halle family while present on the property will be featured along with that of the Burnett family, caretakers of the estate.
The Hallefarm exhibit includes:
- A large photo album with over thirty early black and white photographs of Hallefarm.
- Ten touch boxes featuring artifacts from Hallefarm, i.e. Ann Halle’s spats, a draft horse shoe, hay hooks, and ice tongs.
- Large aerial photographs showing land use patterns over time.
- An interactive computer kiosk featuring past and current photos, audio and video. Visitors will be able to compare “then” and “now”.
- Exhibit counter tops with Corinthian capital bases, replicas from the cottage site.
- A companion map/trail guide offer a self-guided tour down memory lane featuring twelve stations along the Hallefarm trail with information about the history of the property.
- Stations include The Horse Barn (now the Nature Center), Apple orchard (Miniature Railroad), Rose Garden (Wildflower Garden), Swimming pool (Stoney Brook), and the Tack Room (Heritage Library)
Hallefarm will be a permanent addition to the interactive exhibits at The Nature Center. Admission is free to all ages.
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Guess when the first hummingbird will be spotted by the staff at
Penitentiary Glen Nature Center! Mail-in or drop-off postcard with your
guess of the date and time of the first sighting by May 1, and you may win a
new Hummingbird Feeding Station. Call (440) 256-1404 for rules and
information.
Explore the many habitats at Penitentiary Glen Reservation! Pick up an X-plorer Pack at the Nature Center! It's filled with seasonal activities that are fun and nature-ful. Begin your adventure today!Begin your adventure today! Free!
- X-Plorer Packs are available on a
first-come, first served basis.
- ID required to borrow packs.
- No registration necessary.
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Clubs that meet at Penitentiary Glen Nature Center:
Biological Diversity of Ohio:
General Nature:
Trails:
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