North Chagrin Reservation–Squires Castle

Ohio Birding Day Hike
North Chagrin Reservation Trails

About Squires Castle
This beautiful old gatehouse from the 1890s is modeled after German and English baronial castles and is a unique feature of North Chagrin that is a popular destination for people of all ages. Squire’s Castle should be on your “must see” list for North Chagrin Reservation. The open expanses in front of the castle are great for games and picnics, and the castle itself is a popular spot for weddings or an opportunity to explore the past.

There is a picnic area adjacent to Squires Castle.

Tips for birding North Chagrin Reservation
The North Chagrin Reservation is a stop on the Lake Erie Birding Trail.

About North Chagrin Reservation
Since the 1920s, North Chagrin Reservation has been a special combination of outdoor recreation areas and wildlife sanctuaries. An interesting feature of the reservation is Squire’s Castle. Built at the turn of the century by F.B. Squire, it was to serve as the gatehouse of his country estate, but plans for the remainder of the estate never materialized.

Located in Mayfield Village, Willoughby Hills, and Gates Mills, the reservation includes a nature center and nature education building, a number of trails and picnic areas. Sanctuary Marsh and Sunset Pond are both popular areas to observe waterfowl. The reservation is also home to Manakiki Golf Course, located off SOM Center and Eddy roads in Willoughby Hills.

The Nature Center overlooks Sanctuary Marsh, where native plants create a fine wetland community attracting a host of waterfowl, mammals, insects, reptiles, amphibians, songbirds and shorebirds. Marsh wildflowers bloom throughout the spring and summer. Take a trip across the 300-foot boardwalk for an especially beautiful experience. Nearby, Sunset Pond is known throughout the area as a home for Canada geese, wood ducks, mallards and rare black duck. The trails surrounding North Chagrin Nature Center are paved for easy access to all visitors.

Located near North Chagrin Nature Center is the Nature Education Building. This satellite facility can be reserved by teachers as a field classroom. The facility is also open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from noon to 4:30 pm to park visitors. Enjoy the wildlife observation window, where one-way glass permits up-close observation of birds with an audio system that brings the sounds of nature indoors. Step into the Forest Nightlife exhibit where nocturnal animals and night sounds surround you. Live owls offer visitors the rare opportunity to learn more about these secretive nocturnal birds of prey.
From North Chagrin Reservation webpage

Restrooms at locations identified on Chagrin Reservation map.