This Whimsical Garden Near Cleveland Turns Into A Musical Wonderland Each Year
By Nikki Rhoades|Published August 03, 2018
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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.
When you find oneself with a bit of unexpected time on your hands, it can be rather overwhelming to figure out exactly how to spend it here in The Land. There’s so much to see and do that it’s almost mind-blowing, but it is always worth venturing outside of the Greater Cleveland area to discover something new. Northeast Ohio is overflowing with lovely destinations, many of which won’t cost you a dime. This outdoor adventure should top your local bucket list.
Welcome to the breathtakingly verdant Schoepfle Garden!
Schoepfle once worked at the Chronicle-Telegram in Elyria, where he rose to CEO after serving at the US Navy Coastal Office during WWII. He traveled to Europe to study botanical species and brought home a vision that helped the garden grow.
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The founder's home is also on the property, adding a quaint, farm-like charm to the breathtakingly vibrant landscape.
Schoepfle donated the garden to Lorain County Metro Parks in 1969, but he continued to live in his home until he passed away in 1992. His careful cultivation of the landscape shaped it into an eternal monument to his ingenuity.
The Formal Garden is the first that you'll encounter, and it is characterized by wide pathways and exotic flowers. Nestled alongside this area is the Shade Garden, which provides a cool contrast to the warm colors of the Formal Garden.
The garden's founder was in love with both gardening and music, and those who carry on his legacy combined those interests in 2007 with the addition of this playful space. Not only will children love learning here, but they'll adore attractions like the carousel and the Flute-A-Pillar.
Nothing compares to a whimsical ride on the carousel, which is open to the public on Friday mornings.
From 10 a.m. to noon, visitors can take advantage of this magical wonder at no charge. Your inner child will simply adore the colorful ride and this deal can't be topped. The carousel is also open Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. through September.
During the summer months, the gardens change color almost weekly as species continue to bloom.
Autumn brings costume parties and festivities to the garden, so plan to make a trip out to see it in the upcoming season as well. The park is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. through October 27th. Beginning on the 28th, the park hours will be 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
This garden is truly an enchanting gem and once you pay it a visit, you'll never want to leave.
