Bedford Heights OhioATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Bedford Heights, Ohio.
1. WhirlyBall / Laser Sport
UNIQUE ACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
WhirlyBall / Laser Sport offers a unique combination of bumper cars and lacrosse in a team-based competitive environment. Players ride in special bumper cars called WhirlyBugs while using scoops to pass and shoot a ball at targets, creating an exciting hybrid sport experience. The venue also features laser tag activities, making it an excellent destination for group outings and celebrations.
2. Winking Lizard Tavern
POPULAR LOCAL EATERY
Winking Lizard Tavern is a beloved local restaurant known for its extensive beer selection and casual American fare. The establishment offers a welcoming atmosphere with a menu featuring wings, burgers, sandwiches, and other pub favorites that appeal to diverse tastes. Its popularity stems from both the quality food and the convivial environment that brings together locals and visitors alike.
3. South East Gears & Cheers
MOTORCYCLE ENTHUSIAST GATHERING
South East Gears & Cheers serves as a community hub for motorcycle enthusiasts in the Bedford Heights area. The venue combines elements of a social club with motorcycle culture, offering a place for riders to gather, socialize, and share their passion. Events and meetups regularly take place here, fostering camaraderie among those who share an interest in motorcycles and riding.
4. Lock 37
HISTORIC CANAL LANDMARK
Lock 37 is a preserved lock along the historic Ohio & Erie Canal that offers visitors a glimpse into the region's transportation heritage. The site showcases the engineering marvel that once facilitated commerce and travel throughout Ohio in the 19th century. Today, it stands as an educational landmark where visitors can learn about the canal's importance to regional development and trade.
5. Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail
HISTORIC MULTI-USE TRAIL
The Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail is an extensive pathway spanning over 90 miles that follows the historic route of the canal system. Once used by mules pulling canal boats with passengers from 1827 to 1913, the trail now serves as a popular recreation corridor for cyclists, runners, and hikers. The pathway offers a unique blend of natural beauty and industrial history, connecting urban and rural landscapes throughout northeastern Ohio.
6. Bedford Reservation
SCENIC NATURAL LANDMARK
Bedford Reservation encompasses over 2,800 acres of continuous forest featuring a National Natural Landmark gorge carved by Tinker's Creek with picturesque vistas and waterfalls. The reservation offers numerous recreational opportunities including hiking trails, mountain biking paths, horseback riding routes, and picnic areas nestled within mature forests abundant with wildflowers. A scenic overlook along Gorge Parkway provides spectacular views of the landscape, particularly vibrant during the fall season.
7. Shawnee Hills Golf Course
SCENIC PUBLIC GOLF
Shawnee Hills Golf Course is a public golf facility nestled within the natural beauty of Bedford Reservation. The course offers golfers a challenging experience amid the picturesque backdrop of forests and rolling terrain that characterizes the region. Amenities include a driving range, putting greens, and cart rentals, making it accessible for golfers of various skill levels.
8. Astorhurst Disc Golf Course
FREE CHAMPIONSHIP COURSE
Astorhurst Disc Golf Course is a free 18-hole, par 65 course spanning 10,494 total yards within Bedford Reservation. The course features amateur, professional, and competition tee boxes, offering varying levels of challenge for disc golf enthusiasts. Constructed in-house, this course utilizes the natural landscape to create a fulfilling disc golf experience accessible to players of all abilities.
9. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
ICONIC MUSIC MUSEUM
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame celebrates the history and cultural significance of rock music through comprehensive exhibits, artifacts, and multimedia presentations. The iconic I.M. Pei-designed building houses memorabilia from legendary artists, interactive displays, and special collections that trace the evolution of the genre. Visitors can explore multiple floors dedicated to various artists, movements, and eras that shaped rock and roll history.
10. Cedar Point Amusement Park
THRILL-SEEKER'S PARADISE
Cedar Point Amusement Park is a premier destination featuring 17 roller coasters including the popular Dragster that delivers intense thrills to visitors. Beyond coasters, the park offers mini golf, a Caribbean-themed indoor waterpark, go-karts, and a waterslide-filled outdoor water park for diverse entertainment options. Five resort properties provide accommodation options for guests looking to extend their visit to this comprehensive entertainment complex.
11. Cleveland Museum of Art
WORLD-CLASS ART COLLECTION
Cleveland Museum of Art houses a globally renowned collection spanning 6,000 years of artistic achievement from around the world. The museum's permanent collection includes masterpieces from various periods and cultures, displayed in thoughtfully curated galleries that enhance visitor appreciation and understanding. Admission to the main collection is free to the public, making world-class art accessible to everyone while special exhibitions may require separate tickets.
12. Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION CENTER
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is home to over 3,000 animals representing more than 600 species across several themed areas including African Savanna, Asian Highlands, and Rainforest. The zoo's exhibits are designed to replicate natural habitats while providing educational information about conservation efforts and animal behavior. Interactive experiences such as giraffe feeding stations and elephant encounters offer visitors close-up interactions with wildlife while supporting the zoo's conservation mission.
13. Lake View Cemetery
HISTORIC MEMORIAL GARDEN
Lake View Cemetery serves as both a historical landmark and a peaceful garden cemetery spanning 285 acres of landscaped grounds. The cemetery is the final resting place for notable figures including President James A. Garfield, whose memorial is an architectural highlight featuring a 180-foot-tall monument and museum. Visitors can explore beautifully maintained grounds with remarkable sculptures, ornate headstones, and seasonal gardens that create a contemplative atmosphere.
14. Tinker's Creek
SCENIC RIVER TRIBUTARY
Tinker's Creek is the largest tributary of the Cuyahoga River, spanning 28.2 miles long and winding throughout much of Bedford Reservation. The creek has carved a spectacular gorge recognized as a National Natural Landmark, featuring dramatic rock formations and picturesque waterfalls. Hiking trails along the creek offer visitors opportunities to experience the natural beauty of this waterway and observe the diverse ecosystem it supports.
15. Sagamore Creek Loop
HIDDEN WATERFALL TRAIL
Sagamore Creek Loop is a hidden gem trail system nestled among steep forested slopes in Bedford Reservation. The trail offers hikers views of several small waterfalls and deep ravines carved by the creek over thousands of years. This scenic path intersects with the Buckeye Trail and Summit Metroparks trail systems, providing connectivity to a broader network of regional hiking opportunities.