Requested Programs

In addition to all of the programs listed in Parks Plus!, Lake Metroparks offers hands-on learning adventures that are customizable. Below are some ideas based on programs we’ve provided in the past. Fees apply. 

Recreation Outreach Adventures
Recreation outreach adventures are designed for groups wishing to have an hour of outdoor fun. All equipment and instruction is provided. Programs are designed for a minimum of 10 and maximum of 30 participants. Programs are $5 per participant. For additional information or to schedule your group activity, contact the Karen Reis at 440-358-7275 x1277.

Draft Horse Driver Training
Ages 18 and older, Fee: $20 for two hours
Learn to drive a team of draft horses at Farmpark with one-on-one instruction. Additional lessons are available after initial session. Call Jonathan Squibbs at 440-256-2122 x3141 to schedule training.

Scenic Bus Tours
Lake Metroparks bus: 3 hrs. $120 minimum/$60 per additional hour
Your bus: 3 hrs. $100 minimum/$50 per additional hour
Lake Metroparks offers great opportunities to see waterfalls, wildflowers, fall colors and other gorgeous sights. Let us do the planning as we guide you on a bus tour of the park district. We can use Lake Metroparks’ 25-passenger bus or we can step aboard your own bus. Call 440-256-1404 x2125 for more information.

History Bus Tours
Lake Metroparks bus: 3 to 4 hrs. $20 per person
Your bus: 3 to 4 hrs. $100 per hour; mid-April through early November
Call 440-358-7275 for more information and to schedule your tour. Lake Metroparks offers your group the chance to choose your own adventure and enjoy a relaxing morning or afternoon discovering historic structures, places and topics. All trips involve some moderate walking across varied terrain. 

• Historic Lake County: Western Half: Several of Lake County’s most historical sites including landmark buildings, famous homes and sites are featured. 
• Historic Lake County: Eastern Half: A mix of historic structures, famous homes, estates and historical sites are featured. 
• Historic Lake County: Historic Markers: This tour highlights several of Lake County’s 27 designated sites. Included are a local park, historic buildings and views of some of our notable history. Half-mile hike included.
• Historic Lake County: Lake Metroparks' Hidden Gems: Tour some of the park system’s hidden gems including Blair Ridge Park, Skok Meadow, Lakeshore Reservation and more. Moderate trail walking required.
• Ghost Stories of Lake County: This tour will share the stories and sites of some of Lake County’s most famous wayward spirits. A local lighthouse, haunted woods and structures will be seen on these roads less traveled.
• Explore a Slice of Concord Township: Tour Concord Township’s historic hidden gems including an 1840 one-room schoolhouse, a 200-year-old barn, Girdled Road, Chair Factory Falls and more. 
• Underground Railroad Historical Sites Tour: Learn about the history of the Underground Railroad. Destinations include Big Creek at Liberty Hollow, Painesville and Fairport Harbor. A moderately difficult hike across varied terrain is required.
• Lake County’s Dual Lighthouses: Learn the history and tour the Grandon Lighthouse in Fairport Harbor before a hike out to the Fairport West Breakwater Lighthouse that replaced it. Half mile hike across sand required. $4 per person heritage preservation fee added.
• Historic Lake County: Fairport Harbor: This iconic port was host to some of the county’s most memorable moments in history. A village hike will highlight some notable structures and the NHS lighthouse will be open to visit. $4 per person heritage preservation fee added.

Adult Nature & History Programs
Fee: $50 per program, out-of-county fee applies
Invite us to your facility or visit Penitentiary Glen Nature Center for a one-hour program on one of these special topics. Have fun and learn something new with us! Call 440-256-1404 x2125 for more information. Minimum ten people.

• Butterfly/Hummingbird Gardening & You: A PowerPoint program highlights flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds to your garden. Learn to identify common butterflies of Ohio. Garden tour available at Penitentiary Glen (weather permitting). 
• Down Memory Lane: A PowerPoint program highlights the days when the Halle family called Penitentiary Glen their summer home and working farm. A short hike can be included if presented at Penitentiary Glen Nature Center. 
• Nature Center & Garden Tour: Enjoy a relaxing afternoon discovering art shows, nature exhibits, butterfly gardens and songbirds. Take home a souvenir from The Nature Store. Our friendly staff awaits your arrival.
• Our Lost Culture: the Whittlesey: The prehistoric Whittlesey Culture inhabited much of Lake County. What happened to them? Where did they live in Lake County? And where is there evidence in Lake Metroparks? Find out the answers to these and many other questions with a PowerPoint presentation and artifacts found in the parks. This program is designed as an indoor, sit-down presentation. 
• Life of a Trapper: The year was 1920 and a Willoughby man named Lawrence Orr Linton ran a trap line from Willoughby to Chardon. His legacy is etched into ancient beech trees, a gravesite and word of mouth stories. During this indoor presentation you will discover the struggles he faced earning a living, and how the Ohio landscape has changed since his time. This program is designed as an indoor, sit-down presentation. 
• Backyard Birds: Learn all about your feathered backyard visitors! Program includes identification tips for the top ten backyard birds, birdfeeders and types of feed. This program is designed as an indoor, sit-down presentation. 
• Getting Started with Birding at Lake Metroparks: Birding is one of the most popular pastimes in America and it is still growing! This presentation will help the interested person get started as a new birder. We will discuss the types of equipment you will need and how to use it properly. Also, you will find out where the best places to bird in Lake Metroparks are and learn about some of the interesting birds that live there.  
• Remembering Halle’s: Holiday Traditions & Local History: Program includes a display of Halle memorabilia, a Mr. Jingeling Song sing-along and a PowerPoint program highlighting The Halle Bros. Co. and their connection to Lake Metroparks (available November and December only).