When you find oneself with a bit of unexpected time on your hands, it can be rather overwhelming to figure out exactly how to spend it here in The Land. There’s so much to see and do that it’s almost mind-blowing, but it is always worth venturing outside of the Greater Cleveland area to discover something new. Northeast Ohio is overflowing with lovely destinations, many of which won’t cost you a dime. This outdoor adventure should top your local bucket list.

Welcome to the breathtakingly verdant Schoepfle Garden!

Lorain County Metro Parks/Facebook This unique park can be found at 11106 Market Street in Birmingham, and it is a hidden gem of the Lorain County Metro Parks system.

This enchanting getaway spans 80 acres, combining botanical landscapes with wooded walkways.

Lorain County Metro Parks/Facebook The park is bordered by the mighty Vermilion River, allowing the landscape to immerse visitors in a multi-habitat experience.

During your visit, you will encounter a statue of the garden’s founder, Otto B. Schoepfle.

Providence Care Centers/Facebook Schoepfle once worked at the Chronicle-Telegram in Elyria, where he rose to CEO after serving at the US Navy Coastal Office during WWII. He traveled to Europe to study botanical species and brought home a vision that helped the garden grow.

The founder’s home is also on the property, adding a quaint, farm-like charm to the breathtakingly vibrant landscape.

Lorain County Metro Parks/Facebook Schoepfle donated the garden to Lorain County Metro Parks in 1969, but he continued to live in his home until he passed away in 1992. His careful cultivation of the landscape shaped it into an eternal monument to his ingenuity.

A variety of themed gardens exist in the park.

Ann Steinemann with Russell Real Estate Services/Facebook The Formal Garden is the first that you’ll encounter, and it is characterized by wide pathways and exotic flowers. Nestled alongside this area is the Shade Garden, which provides a cool contrast to the warm colors of the Formal Garden.

But the most magical garden is the Children’s Garden, a fairly young addition to the park that combines music and nature flawlessly.

Lorain County Metro Parks/Facebook The garden’s founder was in love with both gardening and music, and those who carry on his legacy combined those interests in 2007 with the addition of this playful space. Not only will children love learning here, but they’ll adore attractions like the carousel and the Flute-A-Pillar.

Nothing compares to a whimsical ride on the carousel, which is open to the public on Friday mornings.

Lorain County Metro Parks/Facebook From 10 a.m. to noon, visitors can take advantage of this magical wonder at no charge. Your inner child will simply adore the colorful ride and this deal can’t be topped. The carousel is also open Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. through September.

During the summer months, the gardens change color almost weekly as species continue to bloom.

Lorain County Metro Parks/Facebook As the flowers are fragile, visitors are asked to take a leave-no-trace approach to their visit. Dogs and other pets are also not permitted.

In addition to the manicured gardens, the entire property is framed by a lovely natural woodland.

Lorain County Metro Parks/Facebook Indigenous trees and wildflowers greet visitors along shady trails, which are just as lovely as the landscaped portion of the park.

Even if you don’t make it to the park this summer, it is lovely in every season and must be added to your bucket list nonetheless.

Lorain County Metro Parks/Facebook Autumn brings costume parties and festivities to the garden, so plan to make a trip out to see it in the upcoming season as well. The park is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. through October 27th. Beginning on the 28th, the park hours will be 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

This garden is truly an enchanting gem and once you pay it a visit, you’ll never want to leave.

Lorain County Metro Parks/Facebook

This gorgeous garden is a summer daydream come true, and locals can’t get enough of it. Plus, who wouldn’t want to ride that lovely carousel?!

Lorain County Metro Parks/Facebook

This unique park can be found at 11106 Market Street in Birmingham, and it is a hidden gem of the Lorain County Metro Parks system.

The park is bordered by the mighty Vermilion River, allowing the landscape to immerse visitors in a multi-habitat experience.

Providence Care Centers/Facebook

Schoepfle once worked at the Chronicle-Telegram in Elyria, where he rose to CEO after serving at the US Navy Coastal Office during WWII. He traveled to Europe to study botanical species and brought home a vision that helped the garden grow.

Schoepfle donated the garden to Lorain County Metro Parks in 1969, but he continued to live in his home until he passed away in 1992. His careful cultivation of the landscape shaped it into an eternal monument to his ingenuity.

Ann Steinemann with Russell Real Estate Services/Facebook

The Formal Garden is the first that you’ll encounter, and it is characterized by wide pathways and exotic flowers. Nestled alongside this area is the Shade Garden, which provides a cool contrast to the warm colors of the Formal Garden.

The garden’s founder was in love with both gardening and music, and those who carry on his legacy combined those interests in 2007 with the addition of this playful space. Not only will children love learning here, but they’ll adore attractions like the carousel and the Flute-A-Pillar.

From 10 a.m. to noon, visitors can take advantage of this magical wonder at no charge. Your inner child will simply adore the colorful ride and this deal can’t be topped. The carousel is also open Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. through September.

As the flowers are fragile, visitors are asked to take a leave-no-trace approach to their visit. Dogs and other pets are also not permitted.

Indigenous trees and wildflowers greet visitors along shady trails, which are just as lovely as the landscaped portion of the park.

Autumn brings costume parties and festivities to the garden, so plan to make a trip out to see it in the upcoming season as well. The park is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. through October 27th. Beginning on the 28th, the park hours will be 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Have you visited the Schoepfle Garden? Share your experience with us in the comments below.

If you’re looking for more local gardens to explore, you simply must begin your journey here in Cleveland at the Cultural Gardens.

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