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.
“watching the sunset at Lakewood Park with my loved ones - including my dog”
“Lived on the lake in Euclid for several years. Watching storms approach on tempest-tossed Lake Erie is always memorable”
“Out on the boat as a kid!”
“The lake has been a huge part of our lives growing up and now in our children's life through the traditions of water sports, boating, kayaking, jet skiing, watching lake sunsets, walks by the lake and riding roller coasters by the lake. We are lucky to live near this natural beauty.”
“a good fisherman's wharf and all the tales that go with good eating with family and friends”
“Picnics at Edgewater, playful beach time in Vermilion, beach walks at Mentor Headlands, walks out the E. 9th Street peer when I could visit downtown as a teen.”
“laughing and having fun with friends in a beautiful setting”
“Family reunions and BBQs, fun date nights, and children's birthday parties.”
“Being on the E55th Fishing Pier and Cruising on the Goodtime III with family and friends”
“When my mother passed, I was attending college near the lake. I was depressed, and feeling overwhelmed by the emotions I was experiencing. One of the few things I could count on to calm my nerves was driving over to the lakefront and watching the swell of waves come towards the shore. Something about the movement always brought me peace.”
“Going to the lake reminds me of peace and happiness/ I think about the biggest things in life - good and bad - and I find peace in life.”
“I've lived close to Lake Erie, sometimes within walking distance, for 66 years. It's where l go to ground myself, to reset my nervous system, to sit in a chair and read, to be on the beach in the WINTER when there are no other people, sometimes to yell into the waves or cry in the rain, and I drive along the lake shore both east and west on my days off. The lake is an integral part of my life, and even now that l live in Elyria and have to make more of an effort to get there, I notice when it's been too long. Some people are desert people, some prefer the mountains. I need to be near the lake, and l consider myself very lucky to know where so many free access points are. Having that same open space downtown would be another jewel in Cleveland's city crown. I hope l live to see it!”
“I remember learning about Joseph “Black Joe” Hodges accompanying Moses Cleveland to the area that would become Cleveland… Can we tell this story?”
“going to the islands.”
“One of my favorite memories is on the goodtime - friends who are now married met there!”
“The success that is Edgewater, what it was to what it has become in over the past few years.”
“Fishing with family in the summer.”
“Going to Edgewater with my family to watch the fireworks every Fourth of July”
“Had a great time at the lakefront with my family walking around.”
“Enjoyed fishing with my family when I was growing up”
“Not a particular memory; more the notion of being able to easily access the beauty and wonder of Lake Erie.”
“memories fishing with family”
“Lake Erie is a place of relaxation and reflection for me.”
“I saw the Rolling Stones at old Municipal Stadium.”
“I was born and raised in Cleveland, and have lived here my entire life. Growing up by Lake Erie has been a formative life experience for me: while many people I know have grown up by lakes (lowercase "L", smaller lakes and ponds), my closest friends and I have all grown up by the Lake (capital "L", THE Lake Erie). Weekends on the beaches of NE Ohio, evenings boating, early mornings fishing, these have all been things that have shaped my desire to see Cleveland and the lakefront flourish. I have nothing but the warmest hopes for the future of the Cleveland lakefront.”
“Fishing, boating, walking along the stones at edge water.”
“Night fishing off the break wall with neighbors and friends”
“The recovery of the Cuyahoga River”
“I enjoy sitting at the lakefront and reflecting on life and relaxing my mind. I would like to see more flowers, benches, water fountains, playgrounds, historical statues, food places to eat.”
“I frequently walk to the end of the malls and am disappointed I can’t easily get to the lake.”
“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.”
“Edgewater Park on weekends to play volleyball”
“The lake is what ties The Land (room) together.”
“Like to exercise and the walking.”
“When I was a child my father always took me fishing there, I would like the lakefront to be safe and have more barriers.”
“Lakefront is amazing! We have our own beach! Let's keep it clean and nice”
“A day boating, and trips up the Cuyahoga River.”
“fishing and cookouts”
“family and friends hangs, fireworks, beach, ice cream”
“I fish with my mom near the Cuyahoga River. We keep the fish and eat them. One time I caught nine fish in one day.”
“I've enjoyed a wonderful brunch on the waterfront.”
“Flying kites at Edgewater. The rib cook offs - National titles at stake. Fireworks competitions”
“Fishing on the lake”
“Great memories of swimming in the lake in the summer and watching the fireworks and music events in the parks looking out to the lake.”
“As a kid, my parents always took my sister and I to Cedar Point. I always thought Lake Erie was magnificent.”
“Attending the regattas at Edgewater Yacht Club”
“Witnessing the vows of a couple on the lake”
“As a new Clevelander for about 19 months - my lakefront story was just the best! Calming, relaxing, and adventurous!”
“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!”
“I am a native Clevelander who enjoys the beautiful shores and blue waters of our Lake Erie. Some of my fondest memories include hanging out on the beach, sailing across its choppy waters, and bringing visitors from out of town to see our lake.”
“Fishing on the lake with my son is a really great memory for us both.”
“I took a Great Lakes Roadtrip and was thrilled to be able to step foot in Lake Erie. Sorry I missed what is to come but I can visit again and experience this amazing new lakefront park.”
“I've watched the fireworks from the deck of the Mather. I've seen Tom T. Hall perform a concert on the deck of the Mather. Those experiences can't be duplicated. I've ridden on a Tall Ship on the Lake - breathtaking.”
“As a child, I visited downtown weekly, usually to my grandfather's shoe store on Ontario. But, never to the downtown lakefront. I had seen the lake at the old Euclid Beach. As a Planning student, my thesis was titled "The Lost Waterfront, a Plan for the Cleveland Lakefront". At the time there was little connection to the lakefront from downtown. I had a vision of better connections, more recreation and development including housing. Similar to this new vision. I look forward to a downtown beach area, like other great large cities.”
“Sunsets are the best. Its a very peaceful lake. But not downtown. Too much pavement.”
“When I moved to Cleveland in 2011, I was immediately drawn to the power of the lake – to recreate and just watch the beautiful nature. But I learned that the water can be unhealthy depending on the day and year. We must protect the lady Lake Erie!”
“When I was young we would always go fishing there.”
“I've always had fun on the lake!”
“When friends and family visit me, I’m always trying to find some place to take them that will allow us to explore, walk about, maybe even ride around, in an open, inviting, yet active, and invigorating space. Cleveland has many places like this… but could have more near downtown!”
“We live on the lake and love the ever-changing backdrop. Calm as glass, turbulent lake effect, dreamy sunsets and icy glaciers - all amazing. We are always fascinated that the sunset shifts by 90 deg between summer and winter.”
“My lakefront story would be the seeing the lake shore from a mile or 2 out on the lake while fishing with my father.”
“always love fishing - Walleye Capital of the World”
“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.”
“Coming from Florida and NYC, both of which have amazing waterfront amenities, I was immediately struck by the immense natural beauty of Lake Erie and the untapped potential this city had if it could just link its people to the lake.”
“Love the inland sea we call LAKE ERIE. Used to live downtown. This would bring me back.”
“My happiest memory of the lake was when I got to experience walking on it during the winter when it was frozen. I took my dog out on the ice with me and we had a lovely winter adventure. I love going to Edgewater park.”
“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!”
“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.”
“Enjoy walking along the lakefront - Sims Park and Wildwood park.”
“The lake is such a natural beauty. I'm lucky enough to be able to boat all summer. I hope others can have more access to Lake Erie as it has been a body of joy for me and my family.”
“100 year old father loved fishing at the old Power House.”
“Fishing at all of my grandfathers "fishing holes" on Lake Erie.”
“memories of tubing with friends on the back of a boat and kayaking with family in the lake”
“In 1975, when I was in 8th grade, my science project was "Is Lake Erie Really Dying?" I did water quality experiments and decorated my poster area with objects found along the shores of Lake Erie, including "glass shapes" (glass bulbs with filaments - rejects from the Fisher-Body Plant), trash, plastic bottles, tampon applicators, pop-tabs and much more. I studied the fish species in Nine-Mile Creek that flowed into the Lake near my house. They were all carp. As kids, we thought nothing of taking pot-shots at rats and carp in and around the streams flowing into the Lake. There were always large numbers of dead fish washing up on the lakeshore. There was graffiti on the steel walls of the marina along I-90 that read "HELP ME I'M DYING". I believed it back then! Happily, Lake Erie has bounced back and many new fish species are thriving in the Lake. It is no longer dying and we should celebrate our lakefront in every way possible!”
“writing by the beach”
“My family enjoys the playgrounds at the lakefront parks.”
“It was nice, I was with my friends and family.”
“Going down to park.”
“Spent summer vacations at GOTL, Cedar point and Cleveland. Love Lake Erie!! have a son who lives in Cleveland now--love to visit. Also gone to very CIFF.”
“As a kid, Edgewater for swimming. Fishing at 72nd St. pier with my husband. Picnics, swimming, nature walks at Wildpark Euclid Beach.”
“boatin throughout the summer.”
“Going down to lakefront in winter”
“I am deeply connected to the water because of my opportunities to have access to Lake Erie. Gaining more access to the water and surrounding areas for people who do not live the water would be wonderful. Additional green space helps counteract the pollution from our industrial city.”
“I love the access to the beaches we have in NEO. Very scenic views of downtown plus a new beach would be awesome downtown. Feels like freedom to be on the water.”
“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.”
“Preserve, honor and enhance the beauty of our lake, showcase the gem of nature of which we are blessed..”
“Probably not very applicable, but I remember going fishing with my father off East 72nd pier.”
“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.”
“Because we live in Euclid next to Lake Erie, my mom and dad made us take swimming lessons every year until we were strong. Now we can enjoy the lake in a safer way. We made our children take lessons every year too. Sunsets in the Cleveland on Lake Erie are far superior to Key West, Florida - you should capitalize on this fact.”
“We introduced our daughter and her friends to Edgewater Beach at the Thursday night concert series. If you do the same in this new lakefront space, it will always bring new people together over food and music and the lake.”
“Cleveland Air Show has been integral for us for decades.”
“I spent most summer weekends at my grandparents cottage near Mentor Headlands playing in and on the lake. My brother had a boat when we were older and we spent lots of time on the lake and Cuyahoga river”
“I didn't grow up here but now I live close to the lake. I can hear cars, boats and aircraft at the same time someways. The lake is a frequent feature of my dreams though I can't see it from my house. I'm looking forward to a place that is convenient to access community living along the lake”
“Favorite moments are at the lake. Sunrises, sunsets, peaceful sounds of seagulls, waves. These are some of my kids favorite moments as well”
“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.”
“I have always enjoyed riding the good time cruises and spending time in that area. I’ve also enjoyed taking walks down and near the pier on my lunch breaks.”
“Too many to tell, maybe watching the sunrise walking on the ice a mile out a few years ago.”
“Reconnecting with fishing and nature in Lake Erie and rivers helped bring me out of serious depression and I am so thankful for the resource we have in our backyard.”
“I performed at the Rock Hall and afterwards we walked around the Lake. It was great. I play with my friends on the volleyball courts, too.”