Things to Do in Mentor, OH
A mentor is a historical, scenic, family-friendly city in northeastern Ohio that offers a plethora of entertainment and recreational opportunities. From historic buildings to state parks and lakes, and much more, you’ll have a great time exploring the city!
Take relaxing nature trips, hike scenic woodland trails, be amazed by the city’s plethora of scenic vistas, immerse yourself in culture and history, and create new memories with your loved ones. These are just a few of the numerous activities available in Mentor, Ohio.
So, if you’re thinking about visiting this charming city soon, here are the top 20 things to do in Mentor!
Table of Contents
Best 20 Things to Do in Mentor, OH
1. Headlands Beach State Park, Mentor
Headlands Beach State Park is a beautiful public beach park in Mentor. The best beach in the state, it attracts visitors not only during the summer but all year. The park’s goal is to provide you with a complete experience of nature and its wonders, rather than just the beach and the waters.
A number of hiking trails will take you through the entire park for those looking for some exercise and adventure. If you’re visiting with children, there’s a playground to keep them entertained. The park is also a photographer’s and birdwatcher’s dream, as it is home to a variety of migratory birds.
2. James A. Garfield National Historic Site
If you’re looking for a fun and unique way to spend an afternoon in Mentor, the James A. Garfield National Historic Site is a must-see! The James A. Garfield National Historic Site offers a variety of programs and educational materials that educate visitors on the life and legacy of James A. Garfield, the twentieth President of the United States.
The house is furnished with original 1880s furnishings and antique Victorian furniture, including 80% of President Garfield and his family’s possessions. You can stand on the front porch where the late president held his front porch campaign, which was a significant event in his political career.
For a more informative experience, take a guided walking tour around the house and stroll around the peaceful property. Visit this historic home today to learn about and pay tribute to the late U.S. president.
3. Mentor Lagoons Nature Preserve
It’s an excellent place to see wildlife, and because it’s so beautiful, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to photograph it. There are many birds and people walking their dogs here. There are some pleasant walking paths, as well as trail options and names. Mentor lagoons nature Preserve are also bike paths for those who want to ride their bikes around the area. If you want to go kayaking, you can rent a kayak.
The cost is also extremely low, at only ten dollars per hour. You can also go hiking at this location, and I discovered many 4-6 inch river crossings while hiking, so bring your water shoes. Overall, it is a pleasant place to visit, and it is open from 8 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. It has 4.7 out of 5 stars and positive reviews.
4. The Himalayan Cave
A visit to The Himalayan Cave will relax both your mind and body. Aqua massage, float pods, infrared sauna, salt booth, and a salt cave are among the holistic therapies and treatments available at our Mentor, OH spa. We have the only float tank on the East Side, which can help you relieve stress, inflammation, and fatigue, among other things.
Try one of our salt booths to relieve seasonal allergies and skin conditions – it’s the best 15 minutes you can spend on your health! Our caring staff is here to help you find the best treatment for your needs and escape into pure bliss. We offer special pricing and packages because we believe that everyone, regardless of income, deserves to feel their best. Make your appointment today.
5. Eleanor B. Garfield Park
This 65-acre park is right in the middle of Mentor. Garfield Park, one of our largest parks, has an outdoor pool (summer only), an All People’s Playground, baseball/softball diamonds, a basketball court, a picnic pavilion, a five-acre fishing pond, soccer fields, lighted tennis courts, barrier-free restrooms, and a wildlife area.
The Garfield Recreation Building is a multi-level facility that has a rental area. The First Floor Lounge is a comfortable, barrier-free space that can seat up to 50 people (The 2nd-floor Ballroom is no longer available for rent and is used strictly for city purposes).
6. Wildwood Cultural Center and Park
Mentor has many treasures, one of which is the Wildwood Cultural Center & Park. The estate, which is located on Little Mountain Road just north of downtown Mentor, was built in 1908 by the John G. Oliver family and was purchased by the city of Mentor in 1980.
The natural beauty of the area draws visitors from all over to explore or relax in this lovely park filled with lush trees and beautiful gardens, ideal for a relaxing afternoon in the sun. The park has 34 acres of scenic hiking trails where you can stop and admire the local flora and fauna while having a picnic in the park’s expansive grassy areas.
If you want to spend a relaxing day surrounded by nature, the Wildwood Cultural Center and Park is the place to go.
7. Great Lakes Mall
This Mentor mall has a lot of smaller shops and is very attractive and clean. There’s a theatre and a decent food court and restaurant here, among other things. There is also a children’s section in this mall. It is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day of the year and hosts a variety of events and activities.
Overall, it’s a nice place to go and watch a movie. It has a rating of 4.2 out of 5, which is quite good for a shopping center.
8. Carol H. Sweet Nature Center
Assume you’re looking for a place to relax, see some wildlife, and enjoy the beautiful fall colors. The Carol H. Sweet Nature Center is the place to be in that case!
If you’re looking for a relaxing and non-strenuous outdoor adventure, this is the place to go. The boardwalk in the center is a short walk that leads out into the marsh and connects to the shoreline of Lake Erie.
Get away from the hustle and bustle of the city at this Mentor nature retreat, where you can hike, meditate, and enjoy nature. Bring insect repellant to protect yourself from pesky bug bites and enjoy a comfortable nature trip.
9. Indian Museum of lake county
A Lake County hidden gem can be found on the back level of a shopping center. It is a museum dedicated to Native American history and homes. This location is unique and extremely rare.
It also houses nearly 60,000 artifacts, including antiques, in a small museum. It’s small, but it’s packed with useful information. The staff is extremely knowledgeable and pleasant, and they are eager to provide as much information about their museum as possible.
10. Water at Overlook Beach Park
Overlook Beach Park provides a lakefront setting for a picnic with friends and family. This charming Mentor park has a play area, a picnic area with BBQ grills, and a beautiful view of the water.
You can let the kids play in the playground while you relax with a good book and listen to the waves crashing on the shore. Overlook Beach Park is a great place to have a picnic, go for a stroll, or watch the sunset on the horizon.
If you want to spend some time relaxing on your trip to Mentor, make sure to include this hidden gem on your itinerary.
11. Mentor Civic Amphitheatre
It has a seating capacity of 7500 people and is a large amphitheater. It’s the best free thing to do in Mentor, Ohio. Rock concerts, operas, classical events, theater, live music, and other events are all free.
They have a wide variety of food vendors, making it a great place to visit as a couple, family, or group of friends. This location has advanced rapidly in recent years when compared to previous years.
Updates on upcoming shows and events are available on their official website, which is linked below. It is recommended that you limit this activity to no more than 2-3 hours per day.
12. Veterans Memorial Park
This lovely park is close to Marumsco Creek, Featherstone National Wildlife Refuge, and Occoquan Bay National Water Reserve. Veterans Park is a must-see for nature lovers and trail enthusiasts.
Swimming, soccer, football, baseball, softball, Little League, basketball, and volleyball leagues are also held at the park. Open gym days are held at the community center for basketball, dance classes, sports classes, pickle ball, playschool, summer and mini-camps, and other activities.
The Scott D. Eagles Skate Park is Prince William County’s largest skate park. It has a vertical ramp half-pipe, a 6,300-square-foot concrete course, and a kidney bowl 60 feet long for a challenging ride! The 50-meter outdoor pool has two two-story slides, a graduated entry with water features for children, and a nearby bathhouse with concessions.
Throughout the park, there are grills, picnic tables, volleyball courts, basketball courts, tennis courts, horseshoe pits, pavilion rentals, and restrooms. The Veterans Park office also handles pavilion rental reservations for Cloverdale Park and Rippon Landing Park.
13. See Life-Sized Fiberglass Animals at Judy’s Jungle
Judy’s Jungle is a one-of-a-kind attraction in Mentor if you’re looking for a fun and quirky place to take the kids! Judy’s Jungle is a sprawling garden filled with life-sized fiberglass animals that are hidden in plain sight.
This small, quirky garden is ideal for taking children of all ages to delight them with massive animal sculptures. Take a stroll through the garden, take some pictures with the fiberglass animals, and have the kids guess what each animal is called!
If you’re looking for a quick yet fascinating roadside stop on your way to Mentor, this hidden gem is a must-see.
14. All City Candy
This is the city’s sweetest spot, with thousands of chocolates and sweets to choose from. It’s also a great place to buy city gifts and souvenirs.
It’s the size of a 5000-square-foot store and contains all of your favorite candies. It is a very clean and well-organized candy store, and it is a great place to stop before heading home.
15. Mentor Civic Ice Arena
In this charming little arena just waiting to be discovered, cool temperatures and great fun abound. If you enjoy the traditional family fun of ice skating, the Mentor Civic Ice Arena is a must-see. The arena has a studio rink where beginners can get their bearings before moving on to the main rink.
A concession stand serves tasty foods and beverages, and a pro shop sells all skating equipment and accessories. Whether you’re planning a birthday party, watching hockey games, or learning to skate, they have everything you need all under one roof!
16. Point Blank Cleveland
This is the best place to learn how to shoot because you can rent firearms and practice shooting at this location. It’s a fun place to go if you want to practice your shooting. The staff is extremely calm and courteous, and they will explain everything to you so that you are not concerned about the weapon you are holding.
They also sell items that are available in the store. This location has a rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars and both positive and negative reviews.
17. Black Brook Golf Course & Practice Center
Whether you’re new to golf or a seasoned pro, Black Brook Golf Course & Practice Center in Mentor has a unique piece of paradise for you. With its beautiful location and playing area, Black Brook Golf Course & Practice Center is an absolute must for both beginners and experienced players.
This charming golf course has a practice facility to help you improve your game, as well as golf lessons for beginners. Don’t go out to their snack bar after your tee time to get some hearty foods and cool off with a drink for an energy boost.
If you can’t go on a weekend getaway without playing golf, make a reservation at the Black Brook Golf Course and Practice Center.
18. Mentor mini golf course
It is an 18-hole family-friendly golf course that is suitable for golfers of all skill levels. There are various types of tracks available, and there is a ticket booth near the entrance. It’s a fairly clean place to play, and there’s a Dairy Queen right next to the golf course where you can get some ice cream afterward.
The employees at this establishment are extremely helpful and will correctly guide you. In the event of inclement weather, they also provide rainchecks. It is also strongly advised not to visit if there is a chance of rain, as you will have to wait 30 minutes after each thunderclap.
This golf course is also the most affordable in town, with each course only $5. The feedback for this location is also excellent.
19. Historic Steele Mansion Inn and Gathering Hub
If you’re looking for a cozy place to stay during your Mentor vacation, make a reservation at the Steele Mansion Inn and Gathering Hub! This charming inn was built in the 1860s for wealthy businessman George W. Steele; it is now on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Steele Mansion Inn and Gathering Hub is more than a hotel; it has lavishly decorated rooms to ensure guests’ comfort and enjoyment. This hotel is the ideal place to stay for a romantic weekend getaway, a family gathering, or a business trip! During your stay at the Steele Mansion Inn and Gathering Hub, you can enjoy an eclectic mix of history and modern conveniences.
20. Roll House Entertainment Mentor
It is an indoor amusement facility that offers arcade games, bowling, highway lanes bowling, group host parties, corporate retreats, and special events. It is a family-friendly establishment with excellent service and courtesy to guests. Adults are more likely to be found bowling than in the gaming section. There is also an escape room, which is a fun adult activity.
Overall, this location is fascinating, and visitors have given it high marks. However, due to the bowling alley’s constant crowding, you may have to wait.
Final Thoughts
A mentor is the ideal getaway destination for those who want to spend their time exploring nature, learning about history, and simply having fun with traditional bonding activities.
If you’re planning a trip to Mentor soon, keep this list in mind for an exciting time away from home!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Things to Do in Mentor, OH
Mentor, Ohio is well-known for what?
Mentor, located in Lake County, Ohio, was founded in 1797 as part of the Connecticut Western Reserve. The lakeside community is known for President James Garfield’s home, Lawnfield, as well as its parks and greenhouses. A mentor is now a thriving town of over 50,000 people.
What is the origin of the name Mentor, Ohio?
Charles Parker built the first cabin in the area in 1797, and by 1799, there were two families living there. The community was named after the Greek mythological character “Mentor.” Mentor grew quickly, owing primarily to its proximity to Lake Erie and the Ohio and Erie Canal.
What is Mentor Ohio named after?
Lake County is a county in Ohio, United States. The population was 232,603 as of the 2020 census. Painesville is the county seat. On March 6, 1840, the county was formed from land donated by Cuyahoga and Geauga Counties. It gets its name from its location on Lake Erie’s southern shore.
When was Mentor, Ohio incorporated as a city?
On December 18, 1963, Mentor Village is incorporated as the City of Mentor. Mentor’s first City Hall is established at the Village Hall on Mentor Avenue at Center Street.
Mentor, Ohio, is it a good place to live?
A mentor is a Cleveland suburb with a population of 47,075. A mentor is located in Lake County and is considered one of the best places to live in Ohio. Mentor provides residents with a sparse suburban feel, and the majority of residents own their homes. Mentor has many bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks.
Is Mentor, Ohio a Cleveland suburb?
A mentor is a Cleveland suburb located on the south shore of Lake Erie. The Mentor Headlands neighborhood, located in the city’s northeast corner, was settled in 1797 by Connecticut Land Company surveyors.
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