As a boy, I spent many nights with my father fishing off the break wall at Edgewater. These experiences – the sights, the smells, the sounds, the feel of the water’s spray as the waves crashed into the stones before us, the sift glow of the Coleman lantern and the smell of the butane, the camaraderie with the other fishermen… these are foundational memories that help keep me in touch with my father even though he passed away many years ago.
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We're listening.
We’ve heard many stories from Clevelanders, reflecting deep connections with Lake Erie, and cherished memories of friends and family.
These stories paint a more detailed picture than traditional histories can. They show the nuance and humanity of our interactions with the lake, and they speak to the heart of our vision for a renewed lakefront.
If you like, please share your own lakefront story. We know it will be a valuable addition to our collection.
Share Your Story
Share your memories of Cleveland’s lakefront. We review submissions before they show up on this page.
Every visit from my hometown of Columbus to Cleveland with my family included a stop at Captain Frank’s Restaurant on the E 9th Street Pier. We would also visit for the annual family reunion on Labor Day weekend when we could also watch the Air Show.
I have gone to the lake for my entire adult life. Lake Erie is my sanctuary, my spot for reflection and relaxing. When out of town guests are visiting, a trip to beautiful Lake Erie is a must.
Ice cream stand behind Captain Frank’s. Watching airplanes take off from E. 9th Street Pier. Walking my dog at Donald Gray Gardens north of old muni stadium. Catching a train to Chicago or Washington at the Amtrak station. Seeing an Indians opener with 80,000 fans.
May seem silly, but my dog absolutely hated water. I think that something traumatic happened to him having to do with water. I went to Lake Erie with a friend and our dogs. Lake Erie was the first time that not only went into the water of his own accord, but actually frolicked in it. There were other dogs who were playing and that helped him to forego his great fear. So amazing for him, but also so cool to see what the power of community can do for us!
My family used to live in Cleveland in the 1970’s, before I was born. I moved here because of school (Case Western Reserve U) but also because of the great stories they would tell about the lake and fishing and hiking. I recently learned how to fish and love it! Following the family tradition.
“My Grandma used to take me to The Great Lakes Science Center when I was a kid. I loved it there! They had an observation deck where you could see the lake and birds like to land around there. I remember getting up close and seeing seagulls, ducks, and geese. One time I even saw a seagull snatch a fish from the lake! That was always fun. I love birds.”
“Fishing with my father. On the beach with my son and dog.”
“Love making out our small outboard boat, except when the water was rough! As kid - Euclid Beach was the place to be.”
“I love the beach at Edgewater.”
“As a boy, I spent many nights with my father fishing off the break wall at Edgewater. These experiences - the sights, the smells, the sounds, the feel of the water's spray as the waves crashed into the stones before us, the sift glow of the Coleman lantern and the smell of the butane, the camaraderie with the other fishermen...these are foundational memories that help keep me in touch with my father even though he passed away many years ago.”
“I photograph the lake and beautiful sunrises and sunsets”
“I grew up near Edgewater so going to the beach in the summer was a thing! We have enjoyed the concerts at Edgewater, we attend Kelly's Island in the summer with family & friends and we have taken our grandsons to Edgewater Beach as well as to the playground area.”
“Fishing, fishing, fishing.”
“Going down to Edgewater with my mom.”
“After high school, which was on the lake, my best friend and I regularly went back for sunset and late night walks because of the connection to that space during school. Had many meaningful conversations there.”
“I graduated from Vermilion High School and spent many days at the lakefront with friends. Being near the lake, either on the beach or on the rocks, were such strong, beautiful memories for me.”
“Our favorite family moments with our kids (6,4,2) happen around Cleveland's lakefront. We love grilling and having picnics at Edgewater and Wendy Park, walking along the beach and waterfront and spending time on the Solstice Steps at Lakewood Park or at the beach at Huntington. I cannot wait for the downtown and tourist population to have this opportunity right in the heart of the city.”
“plenty of memories here from sports and concerts to the Mather, cod, burke, cap'n franks, flying at burke & of course the rock hall (never been to sci center though).”
“This is a beautiful spot for different types of families needs. We found quite, beauty & an incredible tribute to the artists- the rock & roll hall of fame.”
“I take my grand children downtown often. It would be nice to have more places for them to play.”
“A stories comes to mind… My great aunt moved to Cleveland to pursue a better life. She was a bootlegger and would get liquor supply shipment from Whiskey Island.”
“I almost drowned when I fell in. What looked like hybrid of a giant porpoise and a manatee with arms saved me by gently nudging me to the surface and pulling me to shore. People who saw it say it was a rescue diver, but I don't believe them. Definitely a manatee with arms.”
“A day boating, and trips up the Cuyahoga River.”
“Going to Browns games in the fall”
“My mom has a dock at 55th and enjoys paddling with inflatable kayaks. I grew up in Lakewood and loved Lakewood Park, Edgewater, Perkins Piers, the Gold Coast, Huntington in Bay. Used to layout and read books on the large rocks. Loved water skiing. The ability to just relax and be while enjoying nature. Skipping stones. People do like looking for sea glass.”
“The lake is a true nature marvel. My favorite activity is to watch the sunsets. This has become a family activity that we keep on doing.”
“I used to work at the Justice Center and I would walk down West 3rd bridge to the ballpark for day games. The lake is our difference maker from other cities”
“boatin throughout the summer.”
“Anything that enhances the natural beauty of the lake is a place I like to visit. Just give me a park bench and sunset and I am happy!”
“I grew up boating and jet skiing on the lake. I think Lake Erie has a lot of nostalgia for the people who grew up here and that should be preserved as much as possible.”
“My mother and I share a lot of memories of Lake Erie. Spending time with family.”
“Captain Frank's Restaurant the ship, history.”
“I frequently walk to the end of the malls and am disappointed I can’t easily get to the lake.”
“May seem silly, but my dog absolutely hated water. I think that something traumatic happened to him having to do with water. I went to Lake Erie with a friend and our dogs. Lake Erie was the first time that not only went into the water, of his own accord, but actually frolicked in it. There were other dogs who were playing and that helped him to forego his great fear. So amazing for him, but also so cool to see what the power of community can do for us!”
“Father had a boat. Fished, saw the fireworks, traveled to the Islands. I know what it is to be out on Lake Erie in sun and storm.”
“Fishing at all of my grandfathers "fishing holes" on Lake Erie.”
“As a new Clevelander for about 19 months - my lakefront story was just the best! Calming, relaxing, and adventurous!”
“I prefer to walk down by the lake. No other trails come close to the lakefront trails.”
“Great memories with my son as he grew up. We live close to the lake in Euclid and started sailing after owning kayaks for years. We met Trash Fish Eddie this last weekend and learned about plastic pollution. We are so lucky to have a river and lake.”
“I have gone to the lake for my entire adult life. Lake Erie is my sanctuary, my spot for reflection and relaxing. When out of town guests are visiting, a trip to beautiful Lake Erie is a must.”
“Running and biking along the shoreline”
“I fish off of E.72nd Street Pier. I play catch with my family in different parks along the lakefront. I also go to football games downtown with my brother.”
“My kids and I love rock climbing, beach walking, playground exploring at Edgewater.”
“I was one on the lake front singing 'American Woman'”
“going to Euclid Beach as a child...I used to love having picnics with my family on the beach”
“fishing with grandpa; cleanliness of the lake is paramount”
“I was on the beach and I saw my teacher on a boat in the summertime. It was funny.”
“When I moved to Cleveland twenty years ago, a friend told me to look for a house on the east side and I followed her advice. My patient real estate agent showed me many houses in the inner ring east side neighborhoods and at some point as I was trying to orient myself in a new place I said, "Where is the lake? Isn't Cleveland on Lake Erie?" and she responded, "Oh that is kind of a west side thing." The first house we bought was in South Euclid but I have worked in Collinwood for 15 years and while we have a nice public beach here, it seems outrageous to me that the Great Lakes shoreline is not considered a public good like the ocean shore line is. I wish Cleveland would take eminent domain and put a trail all along the coast - even through Bratenahl as they did in Newport, Rhode Island.”
“I’d want to enjoy a clean, safe, continuous and traffic – free path where I can jog, walk or bike along the water-front. I’d want a mix of restaurants with great balconies to visit. Best if able to connect to the west side of Cuyahoga river. Let’s get this done!”
“Growing up in Collinwood and raising my own family here has spoiled me. I never take Lake Erie for granted. The lake is always in eyesight. I can hear it. I feel grounded in her presence. She is majestic and creates the most beautiful cotton candy swirled sunsets. The lakefront all along 90 towards the east side needs to be developed. All of Cleveland should have access and enjoy all the lake has to offer. The metro parks have been a godsend to our beaches.”
“As a child, my neighbor took us on Goodtime. Also my late father had a friend who had boat and he took us on Lake Erie.”
“memories of the Airport, car races, air races, Air show.”
“Captain Franks”
“I saw the Rolling Stones at old Municipal Stadium.”
“I was born and raised in western suburb of CLE, and I grew up going to the beaches on west side and east side, as well as piers and other locations. My dad worked downtown right at E 9th and Lakeside- and had a lot of stories as well. I never really thought too much about the lake until I moved away for college and then a job in Columbus - it felt wrong to not be by the lake. I have been a city of Cle resident now for 16 years and take my kids to the beach and pier.”
“We overlook the lake from our apartment and I look out on it every day.”
“The lake is what ties The Land (room) together.”
“Going to baseball games at the old stadium. Going to different events at the lakefront.”
“My father would fish (orange pale, bucket, fishing rods, tackle box, fishing hat).”
“I love the lakefront!”
“Sunsets are the best. Its a very peaceful lake. But not downtown. Too much pavement.”
“Anywhere on the lake front, the flats, etc is such a good time! Just look at places like Edgewater, Lakewood Park, and other parks along the lakeshore. People show up when it's nice! Places are packed. I don't live close to the lake anymore & miss it all of the time.”
“one time I went there and spoke briefly to a guy about fishing”
“I have had beautiful memories with my boyfriend of one-year and my family that I have been trying to reconnect with for two-years. I have memories and pictures I will have for years to come.”
“When I lived on W 73rd street, each morning I would be greeted by the lake on my drive while headed to the Shoreway. It just had a calming effect on everything for me.”
“I am born and raised in Cleveland. My father is a retired Cleveland Police officer and raised his family in the Edgewater park neighborhood. We spent our summers walking down to the lake for beach days. The water is a part of a true Clevelander!”
“Fishing at Lake Erie at E. 55th Marina”
“I love how the lake here in Cleveland has a thousand different personalities depending on where you are along the lakefront and many different spots.”
“Walking along the shore, with places to sit and enjoy looking at the lake.”
“walking next to the lake”
“The lakefront has always been a place for Cambodian Refugees to gather as a community.”
“I go to rrhof fairly often. Very fond memories there and love the architect”
“I love to fish.”
“I think of my first time visiting Cleveland. We went to Edgewater beach and spent a day in the sun, then walking along the docks. I loved how the large body of water made me feel, with its tides and serenity. I believe a great sunrise or sunset is the cure for almost everything.”
“I have enjoyed many activities on Lake Erie, specifically Edgewater Park where I play volleyball and participated in a yoga festival.”
“I look at places like Toronto with their access to Lake Ontario and think that could be us. With how much me and my family love going to Edgewater and Huntington Beach, I can't emphasize enough how much better access to Lake Erie would be for Cleveland. Our favorite thing to do with out of towners is to take them to see the lake. Every single time they comment on how they can't believe it's in Cleveland. People don't realize what a gem we have and it's because we as Clevelanders don't even have proper access to experience it. Cleveland could become a real destination, a place people want to be, and not just the punchline to a bad joke about our river catching on fire once. The lakefront deserves to be utilized to its fullest and this plan shows the obvious potential it has to be a place for countless memories to be made.”
“There was one time I was walking in a stream (I think near Lake Erie) and a crawfish swam over my foot and it startled me. I fell, but I am okay now. I'd never touched a fish before.”
“I've always had fun on the lake!”
“Fishing on the lake”
“I can't imagine living where there isn't water! So many memories especially at Lakewood Park and just enjoying the water on my drive to work! Just looking at water seems to calm me!”
“My grandparents would take me to the lake when I was little. They lived really close by and it was so peaceful I remember. I've been to the Flats for dinner for my birthday, too.”
“place of healing <3”
“Witnessing the vows of a couple on the lake”
“Fishing, seating, walking”
“Nature”
“My Dad and Uncle are big boaters and I grew up spending a lot of time on their boats. Great Lakes boating is its own wonderful thing as we heard from the first person to ask a question to the panel today and is the Captain of a wonderful group of Northeast Ohio boaters. Boating on the Lake is special.”
“I grew up spending summers on Lake Michigan - walking to the beach and good food right on the lake - we lived outdoors on summer vacation. I would love to give my children the same experiences but on Lake Erie. More restaurants please!”
“I remember going to a Indians game with my dad in the early 1970's and looking over the mall C wall toward the lakefront as a young boy and seeing the big gap between us and the lakefront became of the railroad track and the highway.”
“The Lake Erie waterfront is the most diverse natural waterway on the planet,”
“Our family went to the beach in Mentor Headlands, since our cousins lived in Wickliffe and Euclid. Not often, but when we did, it was a grand outing with plenty of food, softball with the uncles, badminton, some fishing.”
“Going to the old stadium as a kid, watching the Browns in frigid temps, whipping winds, and blinding snowstorms€¦and loving every second of it.”
“Some of my best memories in Cleveland are along the lakefront, even though I grew up south of Cleveland (in Brecksville). My favorite things to do in Cleveland are all centered around the Metroparks, walking paths, and the lake - opportunities to be in the community (even as an introvert!), meet new people, and walk my dog. I am so excited about this project - it's exactly what Cleveland needs to continue it's glow-up.”
“Picnics, swimming, concerts, fireworks and my Grandparents & Parents stories living along the lake near Euclid Beach.”
“Loved sitting waterfront hanging out and dining.”
“While teaching I brought my residentially-housed students to the Rock Hall Educational Programs, they felt magical walking behind the Rock Hall along Lake Erie.”
“I grew up on the baches of Euclid. There is not much Beach left, it's all cliffs. The waterfront is where I relax.”
“spending time with family and friends; Edgewater Beach fireworks; live music in Lakewood's lakefront park”
“watching the Browns Steelers game in a Steelers shirt Also loved the old Flats”
“I went kayaking once on Lake Erie with the Port of Cleveland.”
“The Browns 0-16 parade”
“Some of my daughter's first steps were at Voinovich Park. We would often walk down 9th street to hang out near the water and enjoy the atmosphere the lakefront provides.”
“sunrises with my dog at Edgewater.”
“My daughter (2yr old at the time) had her face strung by a bee at a friends house so she was hopped up on Benadryl. I brought her to the water’s edge (during a walk during the pandemic) that day and when she got to the water’s edge, she kept saying “wow, wow” and that was very moving for me.”
“I love the lake. So peaceful.”