Ten Places to Visit on a Rainy Day
Brecksville Nature Center, Brecksville Reservation
Visit Brecksville Nature Center, the oldest standing nature center in Cleveland Metroparks, opened in 1939. The cozy feel and cabin vibes will make you want to sit a spell, chat with a naturalist, and enjoy watching the birds on a rainy day.
CanalWay Center, Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation
Did you know that CanalWay Center has a canal boat replica where children can explore the life of canal boat families? Curling up with a book in the Nature Nook while listening to spring peepers call, or settling in to watch a nature-based movie in the theater, are all wonderful ways to spend a rainy afternoon.
Rocky River Nature Center, Rocky River Reservation
Come learn more about Ohio's state fossil fish, Dunkleosteus, at Rocky River Nature Center. See a life size model of this armored apex predator and learn about the area where these fossils were found.
North Chagrin Nature Center, North Chagrin Reservation
North Chagrin Nature Center offers a respite from a soggy day with its relaxing birdwatching window, live animal displays, and the kids' play corner. If you want a small excursion, you can even walk out to visit our live bird aviary and see what owls and turkey vultures do on a rainy day!
Watershed Stewardship Center
There is no better place to visit on a rainy day! The Watershed Stewardship Center is fitted to handle any storm. Watch the rain as it flows from our green roof, down rain chains, and into our bioswales. Slowing the flow of water and creating a thriving space for plants and animals to enjoy! Come inside and talk to the naturalists about what you can do at home to help protect our most valuable natural resource.
Oak Ridge Trail, West Creek Reservation
At the edge of Oak Ridge Trail is the West Creek Cliffs scenic area. The shale walls provide a beautiful view of the creek valley below. After a heavy storm, West Creek swells and spreads across the floodplain. On your way back take note of all the ways the water is trying to get back to the creek, a perfect example of water draining in the watershed.
Ohio & Erie Canal Tow Path Trail, Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation
Grab your rain gear and enjoy a walk along the canal on a rainy day. Keep your eyes out for waterfowl, beavers, and muskrats out enjoying the weather.
Viaduct Park, Bedford Reservation
Don't let the rain keep you away, this is the time that you can really feel the energy of the water as is rushes over The Great Falls of Tinker's Creek. While hiking along the paved trail you will learn how early industry used this energy to operate a saw mill, roller mill and to light the streets of downtown Bedford.
South Mastick Picnic Area, Rocky River Reservation
South Mastick contains two non-reservabale shelters: one is small for a picnic and the other is large for groups and activities. There is a grove of mature trees, trails, a playground and the Rocky River close-by to explore during breaks in the rain.
Euclid Beach Shelter, Euclid Reservation
This covered shelter sits where the Euclid Beach theme park used to stand, now offering spectacular views of Lake Erie. Watch the rain roll in over the lake, listen to the waves and gulls, and bring an umbrella to take a stroll down the pier to catch the view of the Cleveland skyline.
