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By BRENDA Yoooo, March is almost ending
Time really flies by so quickly.
Before you know it, this year will be done and boommm it’s 2026.
Being late March, People far away from the Equator are experiencing the signs of spring.
And guess what, the clocks already shifted which only means that longer hours of sunlight are here.
and thussssss, Tis the season to be OUTDOORSY…..la la la la la… la la la la
You see, all 4 seasons do come with their magic.
Especially in the realm of nature.
And in Cleveland, I experienced a mix of wonders that come with seasonal changes – from leafless trees in winter, to trees with literal flowers as leaves during spring, which then transform into a Golden Glow during Autumn after the lush green in summer.
Tree transitions in a year taken from different parts of Cleveland. From left to right: Winter, Spring, Summer, Autumn
Because of that, I found every reason to get on my bike, wear my hiking gear or get my running shoes on to explore the magnificence of nature that the seasons comes with
In this blogpost, I will be sharing 10 popular nature spots in Cleveland worth visiting and what seasonal-nature things to do while there.
1. Case Western Reserve University(CWRU)
Call it love for my school but CWRU campus is genuinely beautiful and worth the top spot.
It boasts beautiful natural spaces throughout its perimeter all year round.
One spectacular space within the campus is the Wade Oval, especially during spring.
As Cleveland awakens from winter, the city bursts into color with stunning floral displays.
As in trees, that will not have any evidence of life in the form of leaves because of winter, will burst into flowers as the days get warmer – very fascinating, right?
As these trees flower – Magnolia and cherry blossom trees to be exact, they create reflections in Wade lagoon’s calm waters, creating a breathtaking scene of color and tranquility.
The delicate pink and white blooms surrounding the lagoon make for a breathtaking sight, and this hidden gem is perfect for an afternoon of reflection or photography.
Furthermore, the lagoon transforms into a magical ice-skating rink in winter—perfect for relaxation and outdoor activities.
In autumn, the campus transforms into a golden wonderland with its tree-lined paths and historic architecture.
CWRU’s campus is also home to the Cleveland Museum of Art, one of the finest art museums in the country, with world-renowned masterpieces, stunning all year season exhibitions, and the peaceful Fine Arts Garden in summer.
2. Cleveland Botanical Garden
Being a garden lover, a trip to the Cleveland Botanical Garden every season is a must.
With its diverse plant collections and stunning seasonal displays, it’s a perfect way to welcome every season.
In spring, the botanical garden is a great place to witness the first signs of the season organized in themed gardens which fill the air with fresh floral scents and vibrant colors.
Summer transforms the gardens into a lush paradise with rich greenery, butterfly-filled meadows, and the buzzing life of pollinators in the Glasshouse.
Autumn offers a stunning showcase of fiery red, orange, and gold foliage, with crisp air enhancing the beauty of wooded trails and the themed Gardens especially the Japanese garden.
Finally, Winter turns the garden into a peaceful wonderland, featuring festive themed displays and holiday lights, evergreen displays, and the warm, tropical escape of the Rainforest and Desert Biomes inside the Glasshouse.
Some of the Holiday-themed displays in the Botanical Garden during Winter
3. Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNP) is a hidden gem in Ohio that offers stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and a variety of outdoor activities year-round.
The park’s mix of waterfalls, rock formations, and dense forests have something for hikers and nature lovers alike.
From left to right: Part of Ledges Trail in the first and second shot, Buckeye Trail and Brandywine trail
During spring, the melting snow and spring rains make waterfalls like Brandywine Falls and Blue Hen Falls especially powerful.
Plus the Brandywine Gorge Loop to Brandywine falls is a great tourist attraction in spring because of vernal pools that temporarily fill with water, attracting breeding salamanders.
The park is bestowed with a great deal of trails such as the Buckeye Trail, Ledges Trail, and towpath that are great for hiking and /or cycling in summer plus they offer some of the best leaf-peeping opportunities during autumn.
In winter, the park transforms into a peaceful winter wonderland, with snow-draped trees, frozen waterfalls and also features Holiday Train Rides that are a magical experience for families.
4. The Beaches
Cleveland might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of beach destinations, but the city’s Lake Erie shoreline offers stunning beaches that provide unique experiences especially in the summer.
Edgewater Beach is a local favorite for swimming, picnicking especially in summer and popular for its all-year-round stunning sunsets over Lake Erie.
As fish become more active, autumn is a prime time for fishing along the shores or at Edgewater Pier – and yes, I’ve flexed with a fishing rod in this exact spot just so I can show off that I too know how to fish.
Huntington Beach in Bay Village, on the other hand, offers a peaceful retreat with scenic trails and breathtaking lake views perfect for picnics and family retreats.
Strolling at the beach and picnicking
Euclid Beach Park, with its historic charm and wide sandy shore, is another fantastic summer escape and is great for catching the sunset all year round.
5.Holden Arboretum
Nestled about a 30-minutes drive out of Cleveland, the Holden arboretum is a true living museum of nature containing different species of trees, trails, gardens, water bodies and woodlands.
During spring, hibernating butterflies wake up and migratory birds return making it the perfect paradise for butterfly and bird watchers.
The trails and gardens provide a perfect space for scenic walks and hikes during summer.
And autumn, that’s the arboretum’s PEAK season as visitors flood this place for its magical transformation into a painter’s palette of red, orange, and gold.
Two popular places to be at that are particularly popular are the Murch Canopy Walk and Kalberer emergent tower that offer unforgettable views of the autumn canopy.
View of the Autumn Canopy from the Kalberer emergent tower
Not a fan of winter’s coldness but the arboretum is, as it offers Cross-Country Skiing & Snowshoeing for winter adventurers.
6.Rocky River Reservation
Located in the Cleveland Metroparks, Rocky River Reservation is a nature lover’s paradise that offers stunning landscapes, outdoor recreation, and breathtaking nature experiences in every season.
It is a great place to do hiking, birdwatching, cycling and simply appreciating the beauty of nature any day of the year.
Being centred around Rocky River, it’s a perfect spot for fishing for steelhead trouts in autumn and winter
During spring’s blooming season, wildflowers surround the trails making hiking and cycling such scenically pleasing activities.
It is also home to the stunning two-tier Berea falls that not only flows under historic arched bridges but is also surrounded by a magnificent landscape that is worth exploring in spring and summer.
As with other places, Rocky River Reservation too offers an incredible autumn experience with the brilliant fall foliage which can be witnessed along the different trails it offers.
7. Lake View Cemetery
Yep, a cemetery makes it to the list.
Why you might wonder.
Its serene beauty, rich history, and stunning views of its green space offer a peaceful retreat especially in summer, giving it a rating of 4.8 on google reviews.
It’s surrounded by impressive monuments and lush gardens making it a place where history and nature intertwine.
It features an official arboretum that is a wonder to marvel and a spectacular leaf-peeping destination during Autumn.
It is also home to Daffodil Hill, one of the most magical spots to visit during spring time.
Thousands of bright yellow daffodils carpet the hillside, creating a dreamy landscape perfect for a peaceful stroll.
8. Shaker Lakes Nature Centre
Nestled in the heart of Cleveland’s Shaker Heights, Shaker Lakes Nature Center is a haven for nature lovers, birdwatchers, and outdoor enthusiasts.
No matter the season, this urban oasis offers stunning landscapes, wildlife encounters, and enriching outdoorsy experiences for all ages.
In spring, vibrant wildflowers bloom, and migrating birds return, making it a paradise for nature lovers.
Summer brings lush greenery, shaded hiking trails, and fun outdoor activities like guided night walks, running, hiking and butterfly spotting.
Living close to this place, it was the perfect spot for having a run in nature especially in summer.
Left: Shaker lakes waterfall. Right: Part of Shaker lakes Trail
Fall transforms the area into a colorful escape with breathtaking foliage and active wildlife.
Winter turns it into a serene wonderland with snowy trails and a perfect get away to engage in peaceful birdwatching amidst glistening snow-draped trees
9. Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is one of Ohio’s top attractions, offering an exciting experience in every season!
Spanning 183 acres, the zoo is home to over 3,000 animals from around the world, with immersive exhibits, seasonal events, and unique activities no matter the time of year.
From Kangaroos part of the Australian Adventure to elephants from the African Savanna, the experience of the zoo is quite immersive.
Standing close to my totem, the totem of the Njovu Clan from Buganda
Also, I found it quite fascinating to find out that lions whose original home is close to the equator can actually thrive in Cleveland’s minus-degree weather.
Regardlesssss, the zoo also houses an indoor Rainforest that stays at about 26°C (80°F) all year round.
There is just something for anyone any time of the year.
10. Greater Cleveland Aquarium
The Greater Cleveland Aquarium is one of the city’s most unique attractions, offering a captivating underwater experience in every season!
Located in the historic FirstEnergy Powerhouse along the Cuyahoga River, the aquarium is home to thousands of marine creatures, interactive exhibits, and seasonal events that make it a year-round destination for all ages.
Besides the seasonal entrants to the aquatic museum, the one thing that makes visiting this place worthwhile is that all its animals are indoors, making it a conducive atmosphere all year round.
Its 11,000-gallon underwater shark tunnel is a must-see experience as it gives the opportunity to come face-to-face with sand tiger sharks and stingrays.
Furthermore, it offers an interactive touch pool where visitors have the liberty to get hands-on with some of the aquatic animals like stingrays, sea stars, and horseshoe crabs as the aquarium staff share fun facts about said animals.
Cleveland: A City for All Seasons
To conclude, Cleveland is a city that naturally shines in every season, offering breathtaking beauty and exciting outdoor experiences.
No matter the time of year, Cleveland offers a variety of experiences that showcase the beauty of each season.
Whether it’s marveling at spring blossoms, soaking up the summer sun, embracing autumn’s golden hues, or enjoying winter’s crisp air, there’s always something to explore.
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