Headland Dunes State Nature Preserve: Cleveland Nature Preserve Guide

Closed4.8/5 (431 reviews)Nature PreserveMentorKid-Friendly
C
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TL;DR

Headland Dunes State Nature Preserve is a nature preserve in Mentor, Cleveland. Rated 4.8/5 by 431 Google reviewers. Spacious beach with walkways through dunes and picnic tables, as well as a lighthouse.

About Headland Dunes State Nature Preserve

Headland Dunes State Nature Preserve is a nature preserve located in Mentor, Cleveland, earning an impressive 4.8/5 rating from 431 Google reviewers. Spacious beach with walkways through dunes and picnic tables, as well as a lighthouse. It's a family-friendly destination suitable for visitors of all ages.

Hours & Location

Hours

  • Monday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Thursday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Friday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Saturday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Sunday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM

What to Know Before You Go

Check the official website for current hours, admission prices, and special events before visiting. Call (614) 265-6561 for questions or to confirm details.

Families & Groups

Headland Dunes State Nature Preserve is a family-friendly destination that welcomes children of all ages.

What Visitors Say

People say this nature preserve offers beautiful meadows, marshes, and a beach, with opportunities for birdwatching, hiking, and sea glass hunting. They highlight the peaceful, relaxing, and well-maintained environment, and the ample parking. They also like the family-friendly atmosphere and the friendly people.

RJD

The preserve is separate from the state park that is connected to it. The preserve has a boardwalk that takes you through the dunes and there are also trails that pass through the preserve. The dunes are a protected area and have signs posted where access is allowed. It is a beautiful area and I'm glad to see it being preserved. The other part of the preserve is a trail that takes you to a lighthouse.

3 months ago
Jennifer Finley

Fabulous beach, HUGE! At first there was some debris washing up along the shore line but it moved off rather quickly. The water was up to my neck about 10 feet off shore. Well maintained, wide walkways and a boardwalk to get to the beach. Picnic areas around as well as several bath houses for changing, etc. There is a dune preserve area that is very informative. Dogs are allowed on the paved pathway just before you enter the sand, and it's quite a popular place to take a stroll with your furry friend. There is ample parking that is marked for easy recall. I spoke with a gentleman that said they have a food truck at random times, not I did not see one (I was there on a Wednesday afternoon). There is a volleyball net and even a "shared" beach toy bin, what a great idea! I definitely recommend a visit to this lovely beach in North Eastern Ohio.👍

6 months ago
Vickie Parry

If you’re in the area this is a MUST. Doesn’t even feel like you’re in Ohio. Really cool spot you can hunt for sea glass and unique rocks. You can hike through the dunes to the light house and you can watch a beautiful sunset. There’s a ton of parking. I drove to the farthest lot and that’ll take you to the entrance to Hike to the lighthouse. Was not busy, very peaceful, and everyone was respectful. There were people swimming, however I saw warnings that water quality is poor and there are no life guards.

8 months ago
JM Miller

Beautiful part of lake Erie. The public beach is great for beach combing, but the tiny pebbles & broken shells are treacherous for your feet. If you're looking for a sandy beach this isn't the spot for you. There is sand but not at the waters edge. The lighthouse view is spectacular & you can walk right up to it. Bathrooms & showers are available & open during the warm months. Eagles, owls, foxes & other awesome wildlife can be seen in the area which is why it's an inviting area all year around. There's plenty of parking & the sunsets from the beach can be breathtaking.

a year ago
Lisa Skalecki

Gorgeous park! The dunes are relatively flat ( this is Ohio! ) but still a fun walk to the beach and to the lighthouse. If you walk to the lighthouse make sure to take water and wear a hat or cap, it's a long walk in the hot sun with only a few spots to take a shade break along the shore of the bay.

2 years ago

Parking

Headland Dunes State Nature Preserve offers a free parking lot, a paid parking lot for visitors. Free parking options make it easy on the wallet. Arriving early during weekends and peak hours is recommended to secure a spot.

Accessibility

Headland Dunes State Nature Preserve provides a wheelchair-accessible entrance, accessible parking. The venue is committed to accommodating guests with mobility needs. For specific accessibility questions or to arrange accommodations, call ahead at (614) 265-6561.

Photos of Headland Dunes State Nature Preserve

Headland Dunes State Nature Preserve Cleveland exterior
Headland Dunes State Nature Preserve Cleveland interior
Headland Dunes State Nature Preserve Cleveland atmosphere
Headland Dunes State Nature Preserve Cleveland atmosphere
Headland Dunes State Nature Preserve Cleveland atmosphere
Headland Dunes State Nature Preserve Cleveland atmosphere
Headland Dunes State Nature Preserve Cleveland atmosphere
Headland Dunes State Nature Preserve Cleveland atmosphere
Headland Dunes State Nature Preserve Cleveland atmosphere
Headland Dunes State Nature Preserve Cleveland atmosphere

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Headland Dunes State Nature Preserve?

Headland Dunes State Nature Preserve is a nature preserve in Mentor, Cleveland. Spacious beach with walkways through dunes and picnic tables, as well as a lighthouse.

What are Headland Dunes State Nature Preserve's hours?

Headland Dunes State Nature Preserve's hours are: Monday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Thursday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Friday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Saturday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Sunday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM. Hours may vary on holidays, so check the website or call ahead to confirm.

How is Headland Dunes State Nature Preserve rated?

Headland Dunes State Nature Preserve has a 4.8/5 rating based on 431 Google reviews, making it one of the higher-rated nature preserves in the Cleveland area.

Is there parking at Headland Dunes State Nature Preserve?

Headland Dunes State Nature Preserve offers a free parking lot, a paid parking lot for visitors. Free parking options make it easy on the wallet. Arriving early during weekends and peak hours is recommended to secure a spot.

Is Headland Dunes State Nature Preserve wheelchair accessible?

Headland Dunes State Nature Preserve provides a wheelchair-accessible entrance, accessible parking. The venue is committed to accommodating guests with mobility needs. For specific accessibility questions or to arrange accommodations, call ahead at (614) 265-6561.

Is Headland Dunes State Nature Preserve good for kids?

Yes, Headland Dunes State Nature Preserve is family-friendly and suitable for children of all ages.

Where is Headland Dunes State Nature Preserve located?

Headland Dunes State Nature Preserve is located at 9601 Headlands Rd, Mentor, OH 44060, USA, in the Mentor area of Cleveland. Get directions via Google Maps from the link on this page.