Lake Metroparks
  • Parks & Trails
  • Events
  • Activities
  • Register & Reserve
  • About Us
  • News & Updates
  • Contact
  • Golf
  • Teachers & Schools
  • Get Involved
  • Webcams
  • Blogs
  • Accessibility
  • My Account
Jim Marquardt

Penitentiary Glen Reservation

  • Kevin P. Clinton Wildlife Center
  • Nature Play
  • The Apollo Project
  • Accessibility in Lake Metroparks
  • Year of the Salamander
  • Homepage
  • Parks & Trails
  • Penitentiary Glen Reservation

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.

Penitentiary Glen Nature Center

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. 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

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

  • Regional field guides, “how-to” and nature books for people of all ages
  • Educational toys, games, discovery kits & hand puppets
  • Nature-themed gift items, jewelry, stationery & apparel
  • Accessories for the garden & field, birdfeeders, wildlife homes, bat houses, walking sticks & compasses
  • Vortex optics featuring Audubon & Stokes binoculars for adults & children
  • Locally produced honey & maple syrup when in-season
  • Lake Metroparks/Penitentiary Glen merchandise including: mugs, pins, patches, magnets & apparel

​X-Plorer Packs

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.

  • ID required for borrowing packs
  • No registration necessary
  • X-Plorer Packs are available on a first-come, first-served basis

Sensory Packs

Sensory packs are drawstring bags filled with tools to experience Penitentiary Glen Reservation with ease. The packs include noise-canceling headphones (adult and child sizes available), fidgets and a timer. Each pack includes a booklet that contains a Velcro choice board with indoor and outdoor options, a visual schedule and a first, then schedule. A laminated copy of a social story is also included. Sensory packs can be borrowed from 9 am to 4:30 pm and must remain onsite. Please visit the Nature Center front desk to reserve a pack.

The Gorge

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).

Park History

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

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.

Kevin P. Clinton Wildlife Center

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.

Penitentiary Glen Reservation - Wildlife Center - wildlife - box turtle - Lake Metroparks

Lake Shore Live Steamers

2025 Public train runs:

  • April 27
  • May 4
  • May 18
  • June 8
  • June 29
  • July 20
  • August 24
  • September 7
  • September 21
  • October 12
  • December 6

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.

Safety Rules for the Glen Meadow & Orchard Railroad

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:

  • Children ages 10 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.
  • For safety reasons, pregnant women are not permitted to ride the trains.
  • All children must be able to sit in their own designated seat; lap sitting is not permitted.
  • Remain seated and facing forward with hands & feet inside train.
  • Sit still and do not lean.
  • Photography and videotaping are prohibited.
  • Follow instructions of railroad crew at all times.
  • Boarding may be denied any person due to safety reasons.
  • Any unsafe action or violation of above regulations may result in removal from train.
Interactive Trail Map Download Trail Map Upcoming Events Upcoming Programs
Location 8668 Kirtland-Chardon Rd. Kirtland, Ohio 44094
Hours 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Nature Center
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Kevin P. Clinton Wildlife Center
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM The Nature Store
6:00 AM - 11:00 PM Park
- Nature Play is open sunrise to sunset
- Nature Center and Wildlife Center closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Phone Number​440-256-1404
Activities
  • Biking
  • Birding
  • Camping
  • Cross-country skiing & snowshoeing
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Horseback Riding
  • Winter Activities
Amenities
  • 424 acres
  • Accessible facilities
  • Camping by permit
  • Cross-country skiing/snowshoeing
  • Drinking water
  • Electricity
  • Fire ring
  • Fishing
  • Flush restrooms
  • Gift shop
  • Grills
  • Limited bicycling
  • Limited bridle trails
  • Nature center/visitor center
  • Paved trails
  • Picnic area
  • Picnic shelter
  • Playground
  • Trails

SHELTERS & FACILITIES

  • Penitentiary Glen Reservation <br src= Glen Meadow Shelter">

    Penitentiary Glen Reservation
    Glen Meadow Shelter

    8668 Kirtland-Chardon Rd.Kirtland, Ohio 44094

    ​Explore an awesome display of nature featuring forest, fields, wetlands and more than 8.5 miles of trail.

    View Details
  • Reservable Penitentiary Glen Reservation Campsite

    Penitentiary Glen Reservation Campsite

    8668 Kirtland-Chardon Rd.Kirtland, Ohio 44094

    This cozy campsite is nestled near the rim of the gorge.

    View Details
  • Reservable Penitentiary Glen Reservation <br src= Rabbit Run Shelter">

    Penitentiary Glen Reservation
    Rabbit Run Shelter

    8668 Kirtland-Chardon Rd.Kirtland, Ohio 44094

    Explore an awesome display of nature featuring forest, fields, wetlands and more than 8.5 miles of trail.

    View Details
Lake Metroparks
  • Parks & Trails
  • Events
  • Activities
  • Register & Reserve
  • About Us
  • News & Updates

Get In Touch

11211 Spear Rd., Concord Twp., Ohio 44077
  • Local Phone: 440-639-7275
  • Visitor Services: 440-358-7275
info@lakemetroparks.com

Connect With Us

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Youtube
  • Flickr
  • Pinterest
Copyright 2025, Lake Metroparks
  • Rules & Regulations
  • Privacy Policy
  • Sign up for e-newsletter