There’s something indescribably magical about nature in Northeast Ohio. The landscape is almost like a fairytale setting, complete with bountiful trees, unique flora and fauna, and stunning vistas. Some of the best landscapes in the region are preserved in state parks, and there are several state parks within driving distance of Cleveland. Today, we’re going to head out into one of the rural suburbs of Cleveland to check out a picture-perfect park that’s too stunning for words.

Punderson State Park is a 741-acre landscape that's famous for its stunning sunsets.
Steven Miller/Flickr
Punderson State Park is about 40 minutes or so from Cleveland, but it's well worth the road trip. Beautiful hiking trails, scenic vistas, and cozy tanning spots make it coveted by in-the-know locals.
Roughly 150 of those acres are covered by one massive lake, which cools off visitors during the warm months and provides a drinking spot to local wildlife.
Janet Wey/Google Images
Believe it or not, this lake is remnant of the last ice age in Ohio. It's a kettle lake, a depression formed when a massive chunk of ice (or a serac, if you're curious to know the scientific word) broke off a moving glacier and melted. This lake is actually the largest and deepest kettle lake in Ohio! 
Rich with wildflowers in the summer months, there's no shortage of natural diversity at Punderson State Park.
BarbaraJean Winston/Google Images
Keep your eyes peeled for year-round residents like bald eagles during your visit! In the spring and summer months, busy beavers, great blue herons, owls, and more can be spotted across the landscape.
Overnight options are also available, so this is a fun site to consider for your next camping trip.
Stacey Mocz/Google Images
With electric and non-electric camping sites, this family-friendly spot is perfect for campers of all kinds. Showerhouses, toilets, canoe rentals, and activities like basketball keep outings here from feeling too rugged.
If you prefer something a bit more upscale, you might prefer a stay in Punderson Manor.
Steven Miller/Flickr
This massive English Tudor-style home offers a more luxurious escape in the gorgeous park, complete with on-site restaurants and golfing. With 31 guest rooms and 26 cabins, there's no shortage of space for you!

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The manor is also purportedly haunted, so fans of local legend in particular will enjoy their stay!
Steven Miller/Flickr
One of my favorite things to do in the Cleveland area is to explore and debunk local legends, as there's always an ounce of truth hidden in these colorful stories. However, the stories at Punderson are a bit harder to decode. Visitors report that the ghost of a former owner haunts these halls, a teenage girl haunts the lake, and a mysterious lumberjack purportedly appears, often near the rafters... spooky.
Whether or not you believe the legends, the manor is well worth a visit... you'll love reflecting on its history.
Steven Miller/Flickr
Believe it or not, this spot took 27 years to build! When it opened in 1956, a project that had been persisting since the late 1920s was completed. Just think... the frame of this beauty watched as the Great Depression shook Ohioans, yet it still went on to be completed.
While the manor is indeed beautiful, visitors come to Punderson for the remarkable array of wildlife.
Walter Robinson Jr/Google Images
Check out the state park map to see all the hiking available to visitors. Some trailheads are located conveniently close to parking lots, so you don't even have to stay at the park to enjoy its natural resources.
And, of course, visitors also come to soak up the sun on their lakefront beach.
Tahereh Sedghizadeh/Google Images
The 600-foot public beach is one of several ways you can enjoy the lake. Outside of this pretty swim-friendly spot, you can also rent a canoe or paddleboard, go fishing, or picnic near the stunning lake.
Of course, there's also hiking, archery, disc golf, and more to enjoy.
Samantha Young/Google Images
In the colder months, this is also an excellent place to go sledding, snow-mobiling, or cross country skiing. Dog sleds are also permitted here when conditions permit.
All in all, this magnificent state park near Cleveland belongs on your bucket list.
Ritika Giju/Google Images
Look for it at 11755 Kinsman Rd, Newbury Township, OH, 44065.

While there are many state parks within driving distance of Cleveland, few merit a journey quite like Punderson. The park’s acreage is bisected by endless beauty, and it’s plain to see that this is a landscape worthy of legend.

Looking for something a bit closer to home? You can also check out our favorite hikes near Cleveland for additional outdoor adventure.

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Featured Addresses
Punderson State Park, 11755 Kinsman Rd, Newbury Township, OH 44065, USA