The Historic Garfield Park Reservation Is One Of Cleveland's Best Kept Secrets
By Nikki Rhoades|Published March 16, 2020
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Nikki Rhoades
Author
Nikki is a lifelong Ohioan with a love for literature. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Akron and has enjoyed publishing her written work since 2007. She has a love of travel and does so frequently, though she believes that home is where the heart is — she continues to work in and around Cleveland as a digital content specialist to this day, working on everything from commercial scripts and social media posts to grassroots marketing initiatives.
There’s never a bad time to get lost in nature. Any dreary day can be made instantly interesting with a bit of fresh air and good spirits. Fortunately, Greater Cleveland has no shortage of incredible beauty. One of the most interesting and historic parks in Cleveland is Garfield Park Reservation, and it is a landmark every local deserves to see at least once. Here, over 100 years of history comes to life alongside the splendor of an untamed Ohio landscape. Check it out:
Way back in 1894, Cleveland purchased a few plots of farmland and set out to establish a public park.
Newburg Park opened in 1895, much to the excitement of locals. However, it was soon named Garfield Park, a name that would stick as the decades marched on.
Ever since its opening, locals have been frequenting this surprising natural landscape hiding in an urban community.
Pictured here is a crowd at the 1933 Polish Celebration in Garfield Park. The landscape they enjoyed is very similar to the one modern visitors get to take in.
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Over the years, this landscape has accumulated some surprising features.
In 1917, the park opened a swimming pool and sandy beach at its lake. The 1930s would bring incredible stonework to the park, but the park's crown jewel is a more natural water feature.
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Much of the park's beauty is man-made, including its waterfall.
At 48 feet in height, Mill Creek Falls is the largest waterfall in Cuyahoga County. In the early 1900s, a few railroad companies diverted a local stream. This resulted in this majestic and unexpected cascade.
However, its natural beauty has remained evident despite drawing thousands of visitors each year.
Despite being situated in an urban neighborhood of Garfield Heights, visitors will still stumble upon flora and fauna of all sizes at Garfield Park. Deer are common visitors here!
In the 1930s, the Works Progress Administration funded the placement of stone stairs, bridges, and more in Garfield Park. Though the 1960s and 1970s led to vandalism at several historic sites of interest, many beautiful stone structures remain to this day.
And, as the Cleveland Metroparks assumed management of this pretty place in 1986, you can check off another box on your local park bucket list.
Once the Cleveland Metroparks took over operations of this plot of paradise, they set out to restore historical structures and to tend to the natural landscape. Former lake beds and baseball fields have since been reclaimed by nature.
Visitors can take advantage of trails, pavilions, grills, and epic views at this gorgeous urban oasis.
Remember to take a hiking buddy with you, no matter what park you're heading to. Click here to find a map of trails in Garfield Park Reservation and other must-see parks.
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And no matter the season, a dose of splendor awaits visitors at this historic Cleveland landmark.
Garfield Park Reservation is arguable the best of the historic parks in Cleveland. Have you ever visited Mill Creek Falls in person? We’d love to see your photos in the comments!
If you have yet to visit Mill Creek Falls, you should definitely plan a visit. It’s one of the best waterfalls in Ohio!
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