Here’s The Ultimate Bucket List For People In Cleveland Who Are Obsessed With Nature

Life in Northeast Ohio is, quite frankly, diverse. We have the concrete and glass of Downtown Cleveland, the rural stretches of country road and neighboring farmland, and a superabundance of peaceful suburban parks and gardens. Cleveland wasn’t nicknamed Forest City for no reason! Despite such variety in local milieus, this area is overflowing with nature. Whatever part of Northeast Ohio you call home, you’ll love pursuing adventure with a nature bucket list in Cleveland. Grab some bug spray and backpacks, because you’ll spend hours admiring the great outdoors on this epic adventure.

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The first land ever purchased for the Cleveland Metroparks was a tiny, 3.8-acre plot acquired way back in 1919. Over a century later, you may think that this location is lost to the sands of time, but it's now a part of Rocky River Reservation. In addition to hosting this important place in local history, this park also preserves historic earthworks made by an Early Woodland culture, a group that prospered in the area until the 1100s.

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Tucked away in historic University Circle is a magnificent public garden that has delighted visitors since the 1930s. Complete with a greenhouse and hosting 50 species of animals and six times that number of plant species, this site is truly a treat for lovers of nature. Plus, it's home to the most magnificent butterfly house in The Land!

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When you visit White Oaks Restaurant over in Westlake, the food is fantastic... but there's another star of the show. This dining space features massive windows that overlook a lush little creek bed; a space that is frequently inhabited by deer, raccoons, ducks, and other Ohio fauna. Complete with six fireplaces, this spot is a haven to nature lovers.

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It truly feels like summer all year long at Rockefeller Park Greenhouse, a magical little breath of fresh air hiding amidst Cleveland's Cultural Gardens. Located just off of MLK Drive, one acre of greenery is contained in this pretty greenhouse. Plus, it's free to visit!

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If the Cleveland Metroparks is an emerald necklace, this blue pool is a sapphire in the region's crown. Wade Lagoon in Wade Park is otherwise known as the lake in University Circle, and it is surrounded by the breathtaking Fine Arts Garden. Pressed up against scenic backdrops like the Cleveland Museum of Art, this historic park is a surprising dose of greenery amidst the hustle and bustle of busy streets.

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A cemetery? To those not in the know, this spot may seem to be a surprising addition to our list. However, Lake View Cemetery is a garden-style cemetery where birdsong surrounds visitors like a soundtrack. You'll spot all sorts of native fauna, and you just might find a hidden waterfall in its campus, too.

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The ever-resplendent Garfield Park Reservation, now in Garfield Heights, was originally a part of Cleveland. This park dates back to the 1890s and it is full of history, including a man-made waterfall (the tallest in Cuyahoga County) and Depression-era stonework that's every bit as beautiful today as it was back then. Despite the buzz of city life just outside the park, native Ohio species prosper here.

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Wendy Park on Whiskey Island is full of history and controversy. Cleveland's first permanent settler, Lorenzo Carter, established a farm on Whiskey Island. Following the rechanneling of the Cuyahoga River, the area grew more developed. However, you wouldn't guess that today. Wendy Park is a surprising natural haven located just a stone's throw away from the concrete jungle that is Downtown Cleveland. Each autumn, it transforms into an unbelievable butterfly forest as monarchs stop to fuel up for their southbound journey.

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Speaking of migrations, this is an annual journey worthy of a sci-fi movie. As the winter snows melt to form vernal pools, salamanders wake up and start looking for love. Seriously. On rainy March nights, this guys begin to seek out ancestral vernal pools as temperatures rise above 45°. Hundreds of these guys flood the local area, so watch your step! If you missed the majesty of this year's migration, you have to make time to see it next year. Brecksville Reservation is usually an excellent spot to look for these guys!

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There's only one national park in Ohio, and that's CVNP. Cuyahoga Valley National Park is over 32,500 acres in size and is tucked away amidst the rolling landscape of neighboring Summit County. This splendiferous spot is full of history, having hosted ancient indigenous cultures once upon a time, as well as natural wonder. Complete with ledges, waterfalls, hiking, and more, everyone should visit CVNP at least once.

This incredible nature bucket list in Cleveland will take you to the very best sights and sounds in Northeast Ohio. What other spots would you add to this list? Tell us in the comments!

Craving more nature? Visit the most relaxing spots near Cleveland, then share your experiences in the Ohio Nature Lovers Facebook group.