The Lakefront Lodge adjoins the Willowick City Hall property. In the area overlooking Lake Erie, there are numerous picnic tables and benches, several medium-size trees, two portable restrooms, and a lodge that can be rented for parties and meetings. A wooden overlook provides good views of the lake. From there, you can also see two swallow houses. In mid-July, there were Purple Martins and Barn Swallows, but by mid-August, there were only House Sparrows in the houses. I haven’t been to the park during migration yet.

There are three rather rugged trails leading through shrubs and low vegetation down the steep hillside to the shore. When winds are from the north, there is no dry shoreline, but when winds are from the south, there is 5 to 10 feet of dry, pebbled shore, with concrete “steps” at the bottom of the hillside. Swimming is not allowed. From the shore, you can see Sims Park, 3.5 miles to the west. This might be a good vantage point for a closer look at birds spotted in the east from Sims.

This park is perfect for a short stroll, a picnic and watching the sun set over Lake Erie.

The 10-acre Lakefront Lodge, managed by Lake Metroparks, is located on Lakeshore Boulevard (OH-283) east of the East 305th Street and Bayridge Boulevard intersection in Willowick. Amenities at Lakefront Lodge include picnic tables, grills, a gazebo and the lodge itself, which was once a private residence. Benches overlook Lake Erie. Swimming and wading are prohibited.

Enjoy the overlook deck that provides access to people with mobility issues.