Lakefront Reservation--Edgewater Park Perkins Beach Overlook

Lakefront Reservation--Edgewater Park Perkins Beach Overlook

1116 West Boulevard Cleveland, Ohio 44102

Lakefront Reservation website
Lakefront Reservation map

Also, see all the hotspots at:
Cleveland Lakefront Important Bird Area
Cleveland Lakeshore West Birding Drive

About this Location

To get to the Perkins Beach Overlook continue west on the shoreway to West Boulevard and turn north. Shortly on the right, you will enter the upper portion of the park. The bluff to the left (sometimes called Perkins Beach) overlooks a slightly protected bend in the shoreline where gulls and waterfowl may congregate. The upper parking area is an excellent lookout spot for spring hawk migration.

About Lakefront Reservation

See all hotspots at Lakefront Reservation

In 2013, Cleveland Metroparks assumed management of certain Lakefront State properties which include Edgewater Park, Scranton Peninsula, East 55th Street Marina, Gordon Park, Euclid Beach Park, Villa Angela, and Wildwood Park. While the City of Cleveland will continue to own the properties, Cleveland Metroparks holds a 99-year lease to manage and enhance the parks, with a commitment to outstanding stewardship. Euclid Beach Park, Villa Angela Park, and Wildwood Park join Euclid Creek Reservation, while Edgewater Park, East 55th Street Marina, and Gordon Park comprise Cleveland Metroparks' newest reservation, Lakefront Reservation.

From beaches to boat ramps and fitness trails to fishing piers, Lakefront Reservation is a true gem in the “Emerald Necklace” anchoring Cleveland Metroparks' presence on the shores of Lake Erie. Located in Cleveland, Lakefront Reservation is made up of three very distinct properties, Edgewater Park, Gordon Park, and East 55th Street Marina.

Edgewater Park with its 6,000 feet of shoreline features two beaches, a playground, reservable pavilions, and one of the best views of downtown Cleveland. A nearby fishing pier provides anglers access to Lake Erie while the boat ramps offer one of the few public boating access points on the west side of the city. Edgewater Beach, a 900-foot swimming beach is open with lifeguards daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. through mid-August.

Gordon Park was donated to the City of Cleveland by William J. Gordon in 1893 who stipulated the park always be open to the public and remain Gordon Park. Part of an Audubon Important Birding Area, Gordon Park provides the best viewing for a large number of diverse and rare gulls and ducks. The 1.3 miles of armored coastline and onshore fishing platforms provide excellent fishing opportunities and is known for winter catches of steelhead and salmon.

Anglers and boaters can take advantage of the 1,200-foot fishing platform, eight transient docks, and concession facility at the East 55th Street Marina.

The 17-mile Cleveland Lakefront Bike Trail traces the Lake Erie shoreline providing access to Edgewater Park, the East 55th Street Marina, Gordon Park, Euclid Beach Park, Villa Angela Park, and Wildwood Park.

Features

  • Restrooms on site

  • Roadside viewing

  • Wheelchair accessible trail

  • Entrance fee

Content from Dick Hoffman

Last updated November 11, 2023

Edgewater Park
Lakefront Reservation