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.
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“We overlook the lake from our apartment and I look out on it every day.”
“Great Lakes Science Center and the pier.”
“Fishing with my father. On the beach with my son and dog.”
“Captain Frank's Restaurant the ship, history.”
“I remember lake day and fishing. Festivals at the beach.”
“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”
“The lake is a part of CLE. It's not separate, it's part of our city and our lives. It's beautiful, calming and powerful depending on the day and season. Edgewater is a prime example of excellent use of lake front space and enabling our community access to the water, and many places to play and hang with friends and family. I sail a fair amount each summer and knowing what a terrific asset Lake Erie is for life, for precious water, and for a 'feel' of CLE is part of the joy of living next to one of the Great Lakes.”
“The many hours spent at Edgewater beach as a young adult listening to WMMS tell you to "turn so you don't burn!"”
“Fishing with my mom and dad”
“Flying kites at Edgewater. The rib cook offs - National titles at stake. Fireworks competitions”
“I know how the lake looked in the 70's. The first time I went on a boat in the mid 90's and could see the bottom clearly at 20 feet down. The water was blue and beautiful.”
“Collecting colored lake glass”
“I've always felt connected to Lake Erie. Swimming, meditating, listening, and watching the lake is soothing and restorative. The amount of life at our fingertips is one to celebrate, respect, and protect.”
“Bring back a Captain Frank’s style restaurant. Also, the restaurant at the airport.”
“Favorite moments are at the lake. Sunrises, sunsets, peaceful sounds of seagulls, waves. These are some of my kids favorite moments as well”
“Witnessing the vows of a couple on the lake”
“Indy car races "Cleveland Budweiser 500" was always great! Cleveland air show longest running national air show. swimming at Edgewater park with picnics. Cleveland ribfest and Cleveland oktoberfest,”
“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.”
“the Mather museum and the USS Cod are great starting points!”
“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.”
“The lakefront has always been a place for Cambodian Refugees to gather as a community.”
“I have a lot of memories watching the sunset over the lake as a child with my family, occasionally we would eat dinner or ice cream on a summer night while watching the sun set. I also have fond memories of the beach on summer days, and watching the air show over the lake”
“I am a Principal in a nearby district. recently a science teacher in my building has been doing work with her students about the importance of keeping our 'Great Lake' as clean as she can be. Work at the Watershed in the Metroparks was done this year, analysis on local rivers was completed and ultimately our students visited Stone Lab to have an experience of a life time at put in Bay. The importance of this generation to understand the importance of keeping our 'Great Lake' beautiful is imperative.”
“Nice experiences including Rock Hall, GLSC and Voinovich Park. However, there was always a disconnect with the rest of downtown and instead of continuing the lakefront experience with a stroll into the core of downtown, we would get back in the car and go elsewhere.”
“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.”
“Coming down to capt Franks on date night cooking out at Indians season openers walking why my girlfriend (future wife) along the pier”
“I grew up swimming in Lake Erie, near Mentor Headlands.”
“We love watching the sunset at that small park on the lake in Rocky River.”
“Being on the E55th Fishing Pier and Cruising on the Goodtime III with family and friends”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“watching fireworks by the lake.”
“I remember fishing on the pier with my granddad.”
“boating and swimming (with my head above water!)”
“Love making out our small outboard boat, except when the water was rough! As kid - Euclid Beach was the place to be.”
“We love looking for beach glass and the metal balls that weight the ships down”
“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.”
“always love fishing - Walleye Capital of the World”
“Getting outdoors to enjoy with family.”
“I grew up (MANY years ago) on and around Lake Erie... The lake Erie Islands being the most significant to me. History is tied to the lake and ships like the Niagara and Porcupine and others - this could be part of Cleveland and Ohio ... not just Erie Pa.”
“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 lake. I go to all the concerts.”
“I've only visited one time and went on the good time 3. Had a blast”
“I worked on the Cleveland Lakefront Plan, adopted in 2004. Spent many many many days and evenings along the lakefront (west side, downtown, and east) to understand the natural and human-made interface between land and water. The convergence of Lake Erie and the Cuyahoga, experienced from the causeway by the lighthouse is breathtaking.”
“Part of the reason I moved from Akron to Cleveland is to enjoy the lakeshore.”
“Burning river festival was my first time being at Lake Erie's riverfront (I moved to Cleveland a year later!). Water quality and Lake Erie's history as a leader in improving water quality is something I find amazing.”
“Not much. Just love living near our beautiful lake”
“Spent some time at this area looking at the lake, watching others, taking in the park, etc. It appears to be popular but there are no places to eat.in the evening or on weekends.”
“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.”
“Always spent time at the lakefront. Missed it when I moved away.”
“bike rides and sunsets”
“I love to fish.”
“Growing up with the ability to spend the day at the beach no matter what your economic background. Affordable activity that could be enjoyed by all generations.”
“Playing vball downtown.”
“great office building views”
“A little bit of everything. I like the cold and nature.”
“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.”
“I liked Captain Franks.”
“We are sailors who love being out on the water.”
“We are fortunate we belong to CYC and live in Rocky River where we walk to the lake front beaches daily and have easy access to Lake Erie. We have had a lot of visitors this year and they truly love experiencing the lake. I get very excited to show off Cleveland area. I totally think it is very underrated. I think it is hard for visitors not having as easy access to the beautiful Lake Erie. Last Saturday, we hopped on our jet skis, the lake was perfectly flat, as we approach downtown Cleveland, I couldn't help to be thankful to live in such a beautiful. But thought it would be nice other people could enjoy the beautiful Lake Erie with a beach and hotel on the water. Was recently in Erie, PA and was very impressed with their waterfront development.”
“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.”
“Heard so many reminiscings about Euclid Beach Amusement Park. Additionally recall the original Cleveland Aquarium. I also certainly have fond memories of learning to fish from the piers. Polar plunge. Lake effect snow.”
“Lakefront is amazing! We have our own beach! Let's keep it clean and nice”
“I was one on the lake front singing 'American Woman'”
“rowing on the lake at sunrise”
“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.”
“Grew up going to Lake Erie and enjoying its beauty, scenery, and recreation. Very special place and should be celebrated and enjoyed more than it already is!”
“I go with my friends to Edgewater. Ice cream and cocktails is a must!”
“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.”
“I have played sand volleyball at Voinovich Park the last 3 years. It is a great place to play, so adding more space like Voinovich for everyone to enjoy would really enhance the lakefront.”
“eating good food at bbqs, fun and playing with younger siblings on the beach”
“love being by the lake - I live nearby and walk there weekly”
“Edgewater is the prettiest beach. I walk my dog there.”
“The trollies in Cle were a wonderful way to get around.”
“I take trips to the lakefront when I need to reset my mind and my day.”
“Every year of my life I visit Cedar Point and I enjoy being on the lake and the backdrop it provides”
“The lake is our most precious resource and it's beauty can be healing to all. I have enjoyed watching the sunset and being inspired by the colors and sense of opportunity and hope that the lake offers.”
“Just bought a home here.”
“Dead fish on the beach when I was growing up - it kept me away for a long time. Give me a reason to go back. But I'm not going in the water. I like the pool idea.”
“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!”
“I rode the school bus everyday down the Shoreway and would dream of all the amazing things that could happen along the lakefront and in the city so it is exciting to be a part of the process.”
“The view touches your soul”
“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!”
“We homeschool our kids and we spend many hours a week at the lake and in the Metroparks enjoying nature and science.”
“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.”
“we take long family walks after dinner, ever since the pandemic”
“Great time at Euclid Beach Park.”
“Last year I visited Cleveland and enjoyed everything I saw. One of my favorites was the Aviation Museum of Women. The best place I went to was the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.”
“I grew up in Cleveland and visit often. Memories of the lakefront, Municipal Stadium, Euclid Beach, etc. are bountiful and deeply rooted. A waterfront district celebrating the arts, culture and history of our city as a beacon to the rest of America and the world would be ideal. I have a deep sense of pride of place in Cleveland - let's create a lakefront district that shows the world why that is so for so many of us from "the Land"!”
“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)”
“Spending the day on the lake and enjoying the 4th of July Fireworks. Kayaking and swimming off of kayaks in the open water.”
“I take my grandkids to the beach”
“Taking the kids to lake beaches is awesome.”
“Tailgating has always been one of my fav experiences especially at Burke and muni. I think that should be preserved as much as possible as we are known for that and people look forward to make memories with friends family and football fans.”
“I've enjoyed a wonderful brunch on the waterfront.”
“I was on the beach and I saw my teacher on a boat in the summertime. It was funny.”
“Our family spent summers and my grandparents' cottage in Madison, and we learned to swim in Lake Erie. It is a fantastic asset that Cleveland needs to make the most of.”
“I've had several great experiences taking kayaks from Rocky River Reservation out on the lake. Paddled to a shallow spot where boats had dropped anchor and people were swimming and enjoying the lake.”