It's no surprise that Cleveland is known as Forest City. With such an earthy atmosphere and incredible collection of parks, the gorgeous landscape that surrounds Greater Cleveland is almost intoxicatingly beautiful. The best way to experience it has always been to immerse oneself in the wonders of the great outdoors, and an abundance of breathtaking trails has always ensured us the opportunity to do just that; however, a few destinations are best admired from local waterways, and the Cleveland Metroparks offers a truly unique way to visit them.

Collectively, the East and West Bank of the Flats are perhaps one of Cleveland's most underappreciated neighborhoods when it comes to natural beauty.

While it may seem industrial, this neighborhood is actually crisscrossed with lovely trails that lead to hidden splendor. For a map of the area's natural attractions, click here.

One of the most epic ways to appreciate nature in The Flats is aboard the eLCee2 Water Taxi, a unique ride offered by the Cleveland Metroparks.

This shuttle seats 17 and it even has room for up to four bicycles. It is ADA-accessible and dog-friendly.

You can board on the East Bank at next to Coastal Taco at 1170 Old River Rd. and get off between the Power House Complex and Music Box Supper Club on the West Bank, and vice versa.

The 26-foot yacht offers free rides from bank to bank, thanks to a partnership with ArcelorMittal Cleveland. This one of Cleveland's best free attractions and it truly should not be missed!

Additionally, the eLCee2 offers special nature, history, and custom tours through September, and visitors rave about the incredible views.

History tours typically take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays and take visitors on a tour of the river that carves through our city. Nature tours take place on most Wednesdays and will focus upon the wildlife that calls our urban paradise home. Tickets for these tours are $15 and should be purchased in advance. For more information, click here.

Even if you call Cleveland home, you've never experienced the city quite like this before.

The water taxi operates Fridays from 4 to 9 p.m., Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

One can explore nature by foot in any city, but Cleveland's water taxi is totally unique.

Summer isn't complete until you take a tour aboard the eLCee2 Water Taxi!

When one spends an entire lifetime in a city like Cleveland, it can be mind-blowing to discover how much you still have yet to see. The eLCee2 Water Taxi offers a truly unique way to experience Forest City from the water, and locals and tourists alike simply must embark on an adventure from the comfort of its canopied deck.

Have you taken a tour aboard the eLCee2 Water Taxi? We'd love to hear about your experience in the comments below!

For more outdoor adventure, check out these Cleveland trails every nature lover must explore.

Are you looking for more things to do in Cleveland? Check out this list.