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.
“fishing with my father on the lakefront”
“My family is from Alexandria, Egypt but settled in Cleveland suburbs in 1980. They thought Cleveland was similar to Alexandria as it is situated on a large body of water. The body of water resembles youth and love and community for them. With such natural beauty, it's important for it to be shown off, not hidden. Water gives life to people, it's scenic, and it makes people happy. More projects in the city should involve the water.”
“Fishing with ma. Great times.”
“Sunrise swims and paddling with friends is something that I cherish. No sunrise is the same and we are lucky to have the opportunity to do these things in Cleveland.”
“We made a giant hole in the sand - with my friends. We buried each other. It was funny.”
“I've only visited one time and went on the good time 3. Had a blast”
“fishing with dad. we were west siders but dad would fish at Gordon fishing pier. dad would drop me and my sisters at the aquarium. when we were done we would walk over route 2 on the bridge to meet dad at the fishing pier. we had sandwiches that mom packed us for lunch. great memory.”
“When I was young, we used to frequent Mentor Headlands Beach often to spend the day at the lake and have an afternoon picnic. Good memories!”
“Spent time with family.”
“Had a great time at the lakefront with my family walking around.”
“Always spent time at the lakefront. Missed it when I moved away.”
“So many memories of going to Euclid Beach Amusement Park with my grandmother, who went on all the rides along with me and my brother!”
“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.”
“When I was a child, I was in girl scouts. We had a father daughter day and I rode the Good Time III with my dad. I still have the polaroid photo we took in front of the boat. It was such fun time, spending quality time with my dad meant a lot to me.”
“I worked at the Port Authority Maritime when ships docked at the port. It was a great experience... about long shore men. Trade ships Flags/origin lots Irish”
“walking next to the lake”
“Black Joe was Cleveland’s guide from buffalo. He helped to navigate and guide Moses to Cleveland and Addendum.”
“Crewing on a sailboat out of EYC.”
“memories of the Airport, car races, air races, Air show.”
“One of my best memories of my father after he got sober is spending the day swimming in the lake and napping in the sun.”
“I remember when the aquarium was at Gordon Park. It was the only museum to walk to in my neighborhood. I miss that location as a park for families.”
“We were there recently on vacation. We loved Cleveland. We watched the air show. Had dinner at a restaurant and our fave was the Rock and Roll hall of fame.”
“My sister bought a brick on North Coast Harbor to mark my 25 years in the convent.”
“I like to swim. Lake Erie should have more places to touch the water.”
“Was a boater for 40 years. Spent a lot of time fishing, water skiing and much time at Put in Bay”
“The trollies in Cle were a wonderful way to get around.”
“Sailing”
“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 scale the giant boulders to get a view of the lake – a bit dangerous. I run/walk around the lakefront preserve and listen to nature – very peaceful. I go paddle boarding starting at Merwin's wharf. I enjoy food and drinks in the flats.”
“Running and biking along the shoreline”
“I had a neighbor who rode horse and carriage across the lake to lemington Ontario”
“Growing up my parents used to take my sister and I exploring by the lakefront and Lake Erie. As an adult I love walking/biking by the lakefront for exercise and to clear my head after a long week.”
“It's beautiful and always makes me feel like I'm on a vacation”
“fishing and fishing peers, the industry along with cleaner water helped bring the fun and jobs back to north coast”
“Going down to lakefront in winter”
“For me it is living there over 35yrs ago and being able to walkout to the end of my parents driveway and be able to see Lake Erie. For me Cleveland will always be my home no matter where I live.”
“Just really love Mentor Headlands State park on Lake Erie many good times and down the road from there is Scooters restaurant and it's the BEST”
“Just going to the lake every summer”
“The weeping willow tree at Edgewater is iconic. The tree is one of the most consistent places in my memory throughout my entire life. Visiting it and playing on the rocks around the tree are one of my earliest memories as a child - and I have visited it dozens of times at various points and periods in my life. This just speaks to the power and longevity of trees. I hope trees are incorporated in the final plan to create similar relationships with the lakefront for generations to come.”
“I've never been but am looking forward to it.”
“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.”
“Love going to Edgewater and my family visits the Cleveland History Center for memories of Euclid Beach Park's carousel”
“I learned to swim in lake Erie. Twice a year we would go to the Euclid beach. And then go into the lake. Looking for ship recks. That's when I found out commander Admiral Perry's 1st Mate was a black teenager at 16 years old that help fight the Battle of Lake Erie.”
“For years when we would be in the area for travel softball we always would take the time to visit the water.”
“Living downtown I always loved visiting this area but it was always a cold shoulder going north of the stadium. The land bridge would be the best start for this area creating better access and making the Malls useful.”
“I biked down to this area to hang out after I got my first covid shot at the Wolstein Center.”
“Boating!”
“I love taking my kids to the beach since my oldest was 2. Like to be able to do that via public transit without having to cross any major highways”
“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.”
“Love the Rock Hall music on the plaza...family friendly. A great start to come down and enjoy the area.”
“My dad grew up on Lake Erie in the 1920's,30's,40's. Times were tough for his family, but having Lake Erie as your literal front yard...WOW! I loved, and still love his childhood home.”
“Many happy Sunday mornings spent sailing on Lake Erie”
“We donated engraved pavers for Dad and Uncle Sam before they passed away”
“Went to the rip cookoff in 92 with my old college sweetie. Had not seen her in 21 yrs. Got married 7 months later. Still married (31 yrs)”
“Every time my parents visit, I take them to Huntington Beach. So I can (ugh) hear again how they used to "neck" there. Ha! Also stories of how my father and his father used to fish off the (original) Euclid Beach pier.”
“I learned to sail and race on Lake Erie at 21 years old and it changed my life.”
“My experiences with Lake Erie revolve around looking at it and not really in it or enjoying it. In contrast, my Great Lakes highlights involve swimming, paddle boarding, or floating in the SW Michigan area of Lake Michigan and the same water activities plus boardwalk/parks/restaurant cod the Beaches area of Toronto (who have transformed cleanliness of water over last couple decades).”
“family parties”
“Watching a beautiful sunset with the skyline in the background is magical”
“Captain Frank's Restaurant the ship, history.”
“Being peaceful”
“Years and years of windsurfing, all prior to much nicer access is today and looking forward to even better for SUPS, kayaks, etc!”
“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.”
“We take our jet skies to the area frequently and would love to see the area with human life rather than parking lots”
“We live on the lake in Eastlake and I love it so much! I grew up boating in Vermillion and now I boat here. I always have appreciated, loved and respected Lady Lake Erie, as I call her. She is a precious jewel, but tough at the same time. So many fun family memories and I love being out on the water!”
“Rowing, kayaking, SUP. Music festivals.”
“I love the lakefront!”
“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.”
“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.”
“eating good food at bbqs, fun and playing with younger siblings on the beach”
“I went on a speedboat and almost fell off it was so fast. I was with friends.”
“We overlook the lake from our apartment and I look out on it every day.”
“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!”
“The USS Cod is awesome.”
“I love the lake because its the most naturally beautiful place in Cleveland.”
“family and friends hangs, fireworks, beach, ice cream”
“I go to rrhof fairly often. Very fond memories there and love the architect”
“We used to collect rocks and sea glass and watch the sunset as a family”
“Fireworks during holidays and events.......... need good spot to watch with families fireworks off the lake,”
“My mom tells the story of walking me and my sister in a stroller to Edgewater when we were babies. She said she would walk everyday to the beach to keep her sanity as a young mom lol. I hope this can be a place stressed out Moms can come to relax with their babies”
“I've always had fun on the lake!”
“used to take my kids to lake when little. everyone should be able to”
“The Lake represents freedom, tranquility and beckons exploration and discovery. It also requires respect and understanding of its wonderment.”
“I was bringing a group of Asian American & Pacific Islander leaders from across the US on a tour of Cleveland, and when I asked if they wanted to see the lake they said yes! We got out at Edgewater Lake and the pacific islander (native/indigenous) put her feet in the water, she had a full body sigh and smiled and said “I feel connected now.” (To CLE)”
“Seeing the Hulett unloaders in action from a few yards away, and later paddling directly under their still masses shortly before they were dismantled. I've heard there is one languishing in pieces in Lorain. Would make a fun kids' ride for a final coup de grace! Bonne chance!”
“Always have grown up interacting with the lake - very special and important natural asset, and so excited to have these new lakefront experiences Downtown as a Downtown resident!”
“Coming to the Air Show with my family when I was a kid. Or going to the lake with my grandpa. Baseball and football games at the old stadium.”
“We love watching the sunset at that small park on the lake in Rocky River.”
“Going to the beaches in summer for family picnics Looking for beach glass after a storm”
“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.”
“rowing on the lake at sunrise”
“Edgewater is the prettiest beach. I walk my dog there.”
“I grew up on Lake Erie and there has always been the stigma with Cleveland as having nothing to do on the waterfront. Summers as a kid were spent on the water and at the sandbars on our boats and I've been able to give that same experience to my kids. Some of our fondest memories come from time on the lake.”
“Sunsets-watching them at the lake. We need more accessibility to lake and lakefront dining-we are ignoring this valuable resource currently.”
“Miss captain Frank’s Lobster House”
“Every visit from my hometown of Columbus to Cleveland with my family included a stop at Captain Frank's Restaurant on the e9th Street Pier. We would also visit for the annual family reunion at Labor Day weekend when we could also watch the Air Show.”
“The Lake Erie waterfront is the most diverse natural waterway on the planet,”
“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.”
“memories of tubing with friends on the back of a boat and kayaking with family in the lake”