Penitentiary Glen Reservation
This post contains links to affiliate websites, such as Amazon, and we receive an affiliate commission for any purchases made by you using these links.
Penitentiary Glen Reservation is a 424-acre Metropark in Kirtland, Lake County, northeast Ohio. Featuring forests, fields, wetlands, and hiking trails.
About Penitentiary Glen Reservation
Penitentiary Glen was named by settlers because of the deep gorge that divides the park. With a vertical 100-foot ascent, once at the bottom, it was so difficult to get out that they considered it like a prison or penitentiary!
Activities at this park include hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, and birding. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources designated this as a ‘Watchable Wildlife’ site.
Cindy’s Insider Ohio Tips!
Be sure to find the creek and walk alongside it, it is truly beautiful. I love a stop at the animal sanctuary to visit the animals, especially the bald eagle!
Nature Center
The Nature Center features an interactive ‘Nature Calls’ exhibit where visitors can discover the sounds of the wildlife they may encounter in the park. There are seasonal art shows and a photography show each year. The Nature Center building may also be rented for private functions.
Nature Play is an acre of land for children to engage in nature discovery activities interactively.
Kevin P. Clinton Wildlife Center
Each year this Wildlife Center rehabilitates nearly 2,000 animals. Special attention is given to animals whose populations are in decline.
Trails
There are seven trails at Penitentiary Glen Reservation, six of which can be used by bikers, and one of which can be used by horseback riders. A trail map is available online.
Miniature Steam Train Rides
Lake Shore Live Steamers are miniature steam-powered engines that take visitors through the woodlands to the rim of the gorge on selected dates. These train rides are sometimes part of the park’s special events.
More Activities and Facilities
- 1 Non-Reservable Shelter
- 2 Reservable Shelters
- Camping by permit
- Gift Shop
- Picnic Area
- Playground
- Birding
- Fishing
- Cross-County Skiing
- Snowshoeing
Photo credits: Cindy Gordon of VisitOhioToday.com
Where is Penitentiary Glen Located?
- Address: 8668 Kirtland-Chardon Rd, Kirtland, Ohio 44094
- Phone: 440-256-1404 | Website | Facebook
Location Map for Penitentiary Glen
Let’s Visit Penitentiary Glen Reservation
Have you been to Penitentiary Glen Reservation? What was your favorite activity there? We would love to know! Leave a comment below and share your experience with us.
While you are in the area, you may like to visit Holden Arboretum which is also in Kirtland.
If you are enjoying a visit as a couple or a group of adults, or even a solo visit, Wineries in Geneva are relaxing and enjoyable places to visit. Our suggestions include Ferrante Winery, Hundley Cellars, and M Cellars. We also have a comprehensive directory of Ohio Wineries.
Hello! We have done our very best to ensure that the accuracy of events, hours, addresses, etc, are up to date. Please know that information can change due to weather, updated health and safety challenges, etc. If you find incorrect information, please send us an email at [email protected], and we can get it updated.
To be updated and stay connected, subscribe to our newsletter.
