April showers may bring May flowers, but it seems like something is always blooming at Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve. This breathtaking site is an amazing site for birdwatching, hiking, picnicking, and more. During the warmer months of the year, the nature preserve is also celebrated for having one of the best wildflower trails in Cleveland... and that's true from spring to fall.
Neighboring the Cleveland Metroparks' Lakefront Reservation is a lovely nature preserve that will take your breath away.
A hike through this natural landscape is a true treat. There's great variety in the views it offers, which is an attractive incentive for hikers and wildlife alike.
The Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve is an 88-acre stretch of pure beauty.
Believe it or not, this area used to be a confined disposal facility.
Known as Dike 14, this former dumping site was where sediments from the polluted Cuyahoga River were once dumped. To prevent the shoreline from deteriorating, freighters were dumped just offshore, and even cars and other vehicles were left at the site. While the landfill wasn't the prettiest, you won't believe what nature has done with the place.
Today, the nature preserve has been almost completely reclaimed by nature.
A bit of manmade art decorates the site and trails are well-maintained, but the rest of the park is au natural.
You'd never guess that this 88-acre landscape started its life as a dredge impoundment. Today, it feels a bit like an urban oasis, especially with the views it offers of the Cleveland skyline.
In the warmer months, it feels like something is always in bloom.
From springtime through the early autumn months, there are oodles of blooms to admire.
The natural meadows at this site are filled to the brim with breathtaking Ohio wildlife. The native flora attracts butterflies, birds, and photographers whenever the sun is shining.
Today, Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve is one of the area's top spots for birding and butterfly watching.
In fact, the site, which opened to the public in early 2012, has hosted species of bird that haven't been spotted anywhere else in Ohio.
Around 280 different bird species have been observed here since the park started its life as an open mudflat. In the spring, keep your eyes peeled for Ruby-Throated Hummingbird. Summer brings birds like Mourning Doves and Northern Mockingbirds, but peak birdsong actually appears around October.
While you might assume that wildlife-watching starts to slow down in this area in the fall, the opposite is true. Migrating birds and butterflies fill the fall forest with beauty.
Botanical diversity is just as prevalent at this lovely park, and some would argue that flowers peak in June, July, and August.
Of course, blooming starts as early as March and stretches through September in different parts of this park. Hikers with a keen eye will always find something magical to admire.
There's always something lovely to see at Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve...
...even in the coldest months of the year.
Just don't forget your coat if you head out for a winter hike! Being so close to the lake, there's a bit of a breeze at the nature preserve.
Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve just might become your new favorite hiking spot.
Visit the nature preserve at 8701 Lakeshore Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44108.
What do you think? Does this nature preserve have one of the best wildflower trails in Cleveland, or what? We'd love to hear about your experiences here and along other splendid wildflower trails in the comments!
Want to experience more natural splendor in Cleveland? Swing by Lake View Cemetery in the spring to experience Daffodil Hill. Here, around 100,000 daffodil blooms add sunshine to a post-winter landscape.
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