Trails, Nature Play and Nature Center open. Kevin P. Clinton Wildlife Center accepting animals by appointment.
Penitentiary Glen Reservation features forest, fields, wetlands and 8.5 miles of hiking trails and has been designated by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife as a “Watchable Wildlife” site.
Discover the sights and sounds of wildlife at the interactive “Nature Calls” exhibit. Watch and listen to birds and other wildlife through the “Window on Wildlife.” Enjoy seasonal art shows and an annual amateur photography show. The Nature Center is open 9 am to noon Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Admission is free. The building may be rented for private functions when not being used for park-sponsored programs. Click here for more information.
The Nature Store is here to inspire, nurture and educate visitors through its unique selection of nature-related merchandise for children and adults.
Hours: 9 am to 4:30 pm daily Visa, MasterCard & Discover accepted Lake Metroparks Gift Cards available
Want to learn more about what can be found at Penitentiary Glen Reservation? Sign out an X-Plorer Pack and use the tools inside to identify birds, plants, insects and more. Plus, you get to fill out and keep your own nature journal! The tools, activities and journal change seasonally. What a great way to spend a day with your family, scout group or class! For more information, please call 440-256-1404.
Lake Metroparks offers snowshoeing opportunities for the entire family. From rentals to programs–we will have you out in the snow! Penitentiary Glen Reservation offers more than eight miles of trails that await your discovery on snowshoes. Rentals include snowshoes and optional poles. Novices are welcome! Choose from a quarter-mile loop of gently-rolling terrain, just right for beginners and families, to the more challenging 2.6 mile Rabbit Run Loop trail. A warm campfire awaits visitors on weekends. Visitors are also encouraged to warm up and relax in the Nature Center and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate at journey’s end. Chapin Forest Pine Lodge is also a great destination where snowshoes and cross-country skis are available to rent. Staff at both locations will go over the basics to get you started on the right foot.
For snowshoeing opportunities, call Penitentiary Glen Nature Center at 440-256-1404
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 limited access because of its steep walls, exposed rock and fragile vegetation. Naturalists lead guided hikes throughout the year. Ask staff in the Nature Center about access to the gorge and a guided hike schedule, or call the Registration Department at 440-358-7275 (fee may apply).
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.
Interested park visitors can explore the Hallefarm self-guided trail. The photographs and descriptions in the guide will take you back to another era, when Penitentiary Glen Reservation was a bustling farm and summer getaway. Maps can be picked up at the Nature Center or downloaded here.
Nature Play is an acre of interactive sites designed to engage children in creative and imaginative nature discovery activities. Nature Play is open sunrise to sunset. Click here for more information.
The Wildlife Center is closed until further notice due to COVID-19 safety protocols. Animal intake is by appointment only, call 440-256-1404 x2131.
The mission of the Kevin P. Clinton Wildlife Center is to relieve the stress of human impact on wildlife populations through education and wildlife rehabilitation. Our goal is to return healthy wildlife back to the wild.
Each year, nearly 2,000 injured or orphaned animals receive first aid and rehabilitation at the Kevin P. Clinton Wildlife Center. Patients include backyard wildlife such as rabbits and songbirds and endangered species such as the peregrine falcon and bald eagle. Many eventually resume their lives in the wild. Special attention is given to animals whose populations are in decline. Learn more.
The Wildlife Center is open 9 am to noon on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
2023 Public train runs:
Miniature steam-powered engines pull passengers through the woodlands of Penitentiary Glen Reservation to the rim of the gorge. The railroad is operated by the Lake Shore Live Steamers Club. Trains sometimes run in conjunction with special events.
NOTE: Some of our trains are steam powered and emit smoke, soot and cinders. As an alternative, guests may ask to wait and be placed on a non-steam powered train. All engineers and train crews operate under strict safety rules.
For your safety:
Wildlife crossword puzzle
Carnivores vs. herbivores vs. omnivores
What do turtles eat?
Explore an awesome display of nature featuring forest, fields, wetlands and more than 8.5 miles of trail.
This cozy campsite is nestled near the rim of the gorge.
Explore an awesome display of nature featuring forest, fields, wetlands and more than 8.5 miles of trail.