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.
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 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
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.
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.
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).
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 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.
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.
2025 Public train runs:
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.
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:
Explore an awesome display of nature featuring forest, fields, wetlands and more than 8.5 miles of trail.
This cozy campsite is nestled near the rim of the gorge.
Explore an awesome display of nature featuring forest, fields, wetlands and more than 8.5 miles of trail.