As the temperature continues to rise around Cleveland, there are few better ways to beat the heat than a day at the lake. These beautiful lakes in Cleveland are some of the best lakes in Ohio.

1. Hinckley Lake
Hinckley Lake, Hinckley Township, OH 44233, USA
Flickr/Chuck Allen




This stunning lake is found on the Hinckley Reservation, close to other natural wonders like Whipp's Ledges. This is one of the Cleveland lakes that is perfect for small watercraft, fishing, and other summer activities.
2. Punderson Lake
Punderson Lake, Newbury Township, OH 44065, USA
Flickr/Sam Howzit
One of the most beautiful lakes in Cleveland is located in the middle of Punderson State Park, this small, isolated lake is as beautiful as it is fun to experience. Boating, fishing, swimming, and so much more is all open to the public thanks to incredibly well-maintained public beaches and boat launches.
3. Wallace Lake
Wallace Lake, Berea, OH 44017, USA
Wikimedia Commons
This incredible lake is numbered among the top Cleveland area fishing spots . It was enlarged in 1941 by manmade channels that jumpstarted the local fish population. There are so many incredible fish just waiting to be caught here that Wallace Lake is the site of the annual Cleveland Metroparks children's fishing derby.
4. Sunny Lake
Sunny Lake, Aurora, OH 44202, USA
Flickr/Mike
True to its name, the summer sunshine sends dazzling waves of light dancing across this Cleveland lakes waters. There are plenty of wide-open swaths of water that are ideal for boating, fishing, and all your favorite lakeside activities.
5. Wiegand's Lake
Making Memories at Wiegand Lake Park, 9346 Kinsman Rd, Novelty, OH 44072, USA
Flickr/Richard Durrah
Wiegand's Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Cleveland and one of the area's most popular wedding locations. One look at the breathtaking natural lake and lush greenery that surrounds it will make it easy to see why it is in such high demand. There are few places in northeast Ohio that are more picturesque than this small lake.
6. Coe Lake
Coe Lake, Berea, OH 44017, USA
Flickr/Eric Drost




The second lake on this list of Cleveland lakes from Berea, Coe Lake is hardly a second fiddle to its bigger neighbor. The scenery here is spellbinding, and the majestic fountain that casts shimmering water high into the air is only the beginning.
7. Shaker Lakes
Shaker Lakes, Cleveland Heights, OH 44118, USA
Flickr/Frank Mixson
Cleveland's Nature Center at Shaker Lakes is one of the best ways to get more in touch with the glory of the great outdoors. This is one of the beautiful lakes in Cleveland where you can see swarms of wild ducks that prowl the water honking desperately for scraps and birds that soaring overhead. This natural oasis is a wonderful way to see the aquatic side of the Forest City.
8. Shadow Lake
Jane Zhao/Google
Located within the sprawling, lovely South Chagrin Reservation in Bentleyville, and part of the Cleveland Metroparks network, Shadow Lake is one of northeast Ohio's best-kept secrets. The sparkling clear waters and isolated woodland scenery combine for an experience unlike any of the other Cleveland lakes.
9. Lake Erie
Flickr/Erik Drost




Of course, no discussion about the best Cleveland lakes is complete without the greatest of them all. This sprawling Great Lake runs across the entirety of Ohio's north coast, but it's on the banks of Cleveland where it shines the most. Virtually every Clevelander has forged a lifetime memories on the waters of Lake Erie, and it will continue to bring relief from the summer heat for generations to come.

Did your favorite lakes near Cleveland Ohio make it on our list of beautiful lakes in Cleveland? Tell us about what you look for when searching “lakes near me” in the comments.

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More to Explore

Swimming, Fishing, And Hiking In Cleveland

Libby Monson | June 01, 2022

Where are the best spots to go swimming near Cleveland?

We have to make the most of the beautiful weather in Cleveland. So when things heat up, it's time to get outside and find that perfect swimming spot. There are many great places to go swimming near Cleveland. Of course, you can't go wrong on the shores of Lake Erie:

  • Villa Angela Beach at 850 Euclid Creek Parkway is an ideal swimming beach with a white sand beach and plenty of room for a picnic.
  • Munroe Falls Metro Park Edgewater Beach is another good choice on the banks of Lake Erie. The area is crowded, but the water is clean, and the sunsets are spectacular!

 

What are the best fishing spots near Cleveland?

 

There are plenty of great fishing spots near Cleveland. The Rocky River Reservation is a scenic park that features the Rocky River. If you are after steelhead, this is the place to go. Rocky River is considered one of the top 150 best fishing spots in the country for steelhead so pack up your gear and head to this magnificent metro park.

What are some good hikes near Cleveland?

 

Hikes near Cleveland are always a great activity but taking a hike to an emerald lagoon is an experience. The Lake Isaac Trail in Big Creek Reservation is an easy loop trail that begins and ends near Lake Isaac. Lake Isaac is one of the Cleveland lakes created thousands of years ago by glacier movement. You'll start near the lake and then wander along the one-mile forest loop before returning to the lake. Be on the lookout for deer, foxes, and mink, as this trail is an active wildlife corridor.

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