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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“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.”
“Part of the reason I moved from Akron to Cleveland is to enjoy the lakeshore.”
“Love Lake Erie because it is beautiful and where I go to relax.”
“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.”
“In my almost 50 years of living in this area I've most enjoyed seeing the cleanup and preservation of our parks and rivers along with greater public access.”
“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.”
“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.”
“Riding my bike down to the lake.”
“Ice cream stand behind captain franks. Watching airplanes take off from E. 9th St. pier. Walking my dog at Donald gray gardens north of old muni stadium. Catching a train to CHI or Washington at the Amtrak station. Seeing a Indians opener with 80,000 fans.”
“The Browns stadium is my go to running route downtown. And the hills on W. 3rd & E, 9th bridge are REAL.”
“I liked Captain Franks.”
“I had only been birding for a few years when, about 15 years ago, I stopped at the E. 55th marina and surveyed the area inside the break wall. I was surprised to see a bird I immediately recognized from my bird book standing tall, still and silent along the edge of the water. It was an American Bittern. What I didn't realize is how uncommon this bird was to see. I have still never seen another one since then. The Erie shoreline is a fantastic stopover place for migrating birds and I am pleased with the wetlands area in the plans, a place I can imagine seeing a bittern again.”
“As a new Clevelander for about 19 months - my lakefront story was just the best! Calming, relaxing, and adventurous!”
“Enjoyed walking the lake front with my son”
“Kayaking and biking along the lakefront are my two favorite activities.”
“My sister bought a brick on North Coast Harbor to mark my 25 years in the convent.”
“Many happy Sunday mornings spent sailing on Lake Erie”
“I love to fish.”
“Crewing on a sailboat out of EYC.”
“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.”
“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.”
“I can walk to the beach with my family.”
“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 think its pretty. But I cannot swim. I fish.”
“I grew up on the ocean and moved to this amazing lake with an ocean-like view from my Cleveland house.”
“I grew up enjoying the amenities of Euclid Beach Park: the picnic pavilion, frozen custard and taffy, the rides, the penny arcade and the fishing pier.”
“Sailboat racing every week in summer.”
“Fishing, fishing, fishing.”
“Jump in the lake as kids.”
“My family enjoys the playgrounds at the lakefront parks.”
“Sunsets are the best. Its a very peaceful lake. But not downtown. Too much pavement.”
“I was on a speed boat.”
“I enjoy boat shows and festivals like Tall Ships. I am passionate about the lake.”
“Family walks at Edgewater, Lakewood & Huntington Beach Parks”
“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.”
“Being able to go down to the lake front for a picnic, some quiet reflective time, sunrises, sunsets”
“Love making out our small outboard boat, except when the water was rough! As kid - Euclid Beach was the place to be.”
“Fishing at the lake and picnics”
“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!”
“I take my grand children downtown often. It would be nice to have more places for them to play.”
“Peaceful walks by the water. I enjoy the peacefulness of the sound of the waves.”
“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.”
“Cherished memories were going down to Edgewater Park on the Fourth of July with my friends when I was in high school & college, hanging out on the breakwall rocks while we waited for the fireworks.”
“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 like to swim. Lake Erie should have more places to touch the water.”
“Night fishing off the break wall with neighbors and friends”
“I grew up swimming in the lake every day of the summer. People from outside the city seem to still think it's dirty. I'd like for people outside the region to realize that Lake Erie is beautiful and can be a recreational destination for visitors.”
“Witnessing the vows of a couple on the lake”
“Playing vball downtown.”
“I can walk to several small beaches and sit next to the lake. When I worked and got overwhelmed, only sitting near the waves, the calm water or the ice formations gave me perspective.”
“We homeschool our kids and we spend many hours a week at the lake and in the Metroparks enjoying nature and science.”
“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!”
“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.”
“My family has reunions and birthdays at Euclid Beach”
“I have enjoyed many activities on Lake Erie, specifically Edgewater Park where I play volleyball and participated in a yoga festival.”
“The many hours spent at Edgewater beach as a young adult listening to WMMS tell you to "turn so you don't burn!"”
“I spend a lot of time by the north coast. I spent 9th grade there at the Great Lake Science Center at MCZ Stem High School and also took part and creating some of the speakers downtown around the playhouse square area.”
“I love spending time with family and friends on the lakefront.”
“Just visiting the museums as a kid.”
“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.”
“Grew up going to lakefront beaches, fond memories with my family”
“fishing and cookouts”
“Lake Erie has so many attractions and stories. The Nautica Queen, tales of the Lake Erie Monster, the pier near the RRHOF.”
“We made a giant hole in the sand - with my friends. We buried each other. It was funny.”
“Fishing with my children”
“As a child we always came to Huntington Beach in the summer for swimming and picnics in the park.”
“Going down to lakefront in winter”
“My Daddy loved the lakefront. I have pictures of me and my brother with my Daddy walking by the rocks near the lake. My Daddy died in 2005. He was 52. I'm now 53. He was cremated and told my stepmother that he wanted his ashes spread on Lake Erie so she did. When I think of the lake, I think of my Daddy.”
“Going to the beach in Bay Village is one of my favorite memories of growing up here.”
“Grew up in Cleveland and will always remember the different views of the city, Lakewood Gold Coast, Burke Lakefront Airport and other sites from different locations s as long the Lake.”
“Growing up, my family and I used to go for walks along the lake (on the west side since there weren't many walking areas along the lake downtown). I always enjoyed Edgewater and Huntington beach for all the interesting rock croppings you can journey out on. Downtown, I'd like to see something similar to what is along the water at Bangaroo Reserve at the Sydney Harbor.”
“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.”
“All summer we would take drives to be near lake Erie before air conditioning we would take a quick dip and dry while eating a picnic dinner and at sunset drive home . Great memories.”
“The lake teaches us to be one with the outside world and appreciate life more spiritually and in a loving way.”
“The Lake represents freedom, tranquility and beckons exploration and discovery. It also requires respect and understanding of its wonderment.”
“Loved going to Huntington Beach when I was young. Thrilled that Edgewater was redone.”
“My fondest memories are walking along the sandy shore with the waves lapping near.”
“When I was a child my father always took me fishing there, I would like the lakefront to be safe and have more barriers.”
“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 with ma. Great times.”
“great memories of casting (never catching!), going downtown with parents and seeing the lakefront (which wasn't much back then), but my #1 memory will always be enjoying the air show with my dad - nothing was better than sitting above the train tracks in a gravel parking lot, bringing our lawn chairs and watching the Blue Angels or Thunderbirds roar past us & over Lake Erie!”
“I remember as a child my mother bringing all 11 children to Mentor Headlands swimming, picnics and my husband and I would bring my 3 sons to Edgewater for picnics and fireworks. I'm creating the same memories with my 3 grandchildren.”
“Watching 4th of July Fireworks from the pier is my favorite thing to do on the lakefront.”
“I prefer to walk down by the lake. No other trails come close to the lakefront trails.”
“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!”
“Boating, sunsets, dining”
“Boat on lake Erie”
“Going to the lake and climbing on the rocks lettings the water splash on us as kids”
“The lake in winter when it's quiet and the snow mixes with the sand.”
“Lakefront is amazing! We have our own beach! Let's keep it clean and nice”
“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.”
“Wendy Park, Coast Guard station, Huletts (before they were torn down). All these seem as a time gone by. Good to go to a place that seems untouched and not commercialized.”
“I frequently walk to the end of the malls and am disappointed I can’t easily get to the lake.”
“Being peaceful”
“I love the beach at Edgewater.”
“great office building views”
“One of my favorite memories is on the goodtime - friends who are now married met there!”
“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 grew up swimming in Lake Erie, near Mentor Headlands.”