Mentor, Rocks (and not just on Tuesday nights!)
Whether you're in Mentor on business, spending a long weekend with the family, or simply passing through on a day trip, Mentor is a destination that truly rocks!
Mentor Lagoons
Immerse yourself in history at the James A. Garfield National Historic Site which honors the life and legacy of our 20th president whose inspirational journey began in a modest log cabin and ended at the White House. Admission is FREE and visitors can explore the beautifully preserved home and delve into exhibits that showcase Garfield’s contributions as a scholar, abolitionist, soldier, congressman, and president, before his life was cut short by an assassin.
The nearby Wildwood Cultural Center features a historic 25-room English Tudor-style mansion nestled on 34-acres of private grounds with two miles of wooded trails. Wildwood is Mentor’s finest cultural gem and hosts a variety of programs and events including the popular Wildwood Arts and Wine Fest!
Did you forget to pack something or are you looking for the perfect last-minute gift? With over 300 stores, you’re sure to find exactly what you need in Mentor with its delightful mix of national retailers as well as unique boutiques and more.
Make sure you bring your appetite because over 170 eateries are here to satisfy. Whether you’re seeking upscale dining, cozy comfort food, or unique treats, there’s something for every taste and budget.
Lake County’s biggest stage comes alive with Mentor Rocks held Tuesday nights from June through August! Each week, over 8,700 music lovers flock to “the Amp” to enjoy performances from nationally recognized artists and top-tier tribute bands. Past headliners have included icons like LeAnn Rimes, Five for Fighting, Everclear, Lita Ford, and the Gin Blossoms. Mentor Rocks is more than just music. Over a dozen food trucks serve up delicious eats, from gourmet burgers to sweet treats, while beverage services (including options for those 21+) keep the party going. With free admission and parking, Mentor Rocks is the perfect way to enjoy summer evenings with family and friends.
Mentor is also home to 19 parks spanning over 1,200 acres, offering a variety of natural attractions and recreational opportunities. Over 260 avian species have been identified in the Mentor Marsh basin, making it a must-visit for birders. The 800-acre Mentor Marsh Nature Preserve is carefully managed by the Cleveland Museum of Natural History and is a critical habitat for migratory birds.
The adjacent 450-acre Mentor Lagoons Nature Preserve & Marina offers nearly two miles of scenic trails winding through woodlands, wetlands, and along the Lake Erie shoreline. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, visitors can rent kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards to explore the water. The preserve also features an ADA-accessible boardwalk and observation deck, ensuring everyone can enjoy the year-round beauty of the marsh. A 95-foot observation tower is scheduled to open in 2026 offering a peek above the treetops extending to Lake Erie. Transient docking is available at the marina.
Just minutes away, you’ll find Headlands Beach State Park, Ohio’s largest natural sand beach. The adjacent Headlands Dunes Nature Preserve offers a unique ecosystem of rare plants and wildlife along the trails as well as the ADA accessible boardwalk and observation deck that extends towards the shore.
Headlands Beach State Park
Remember to pack your clubs because Black Brook Golf Course is one of the finest municipal courses in the region. Black Brook offers 18 holes of challenging yet accessible play set against a picturesque backdrop. With well-maintained fairways and greens, it’s a favorite for both seasoned golfers and beginners. Opened in 1924, it was designed by the renowned Bertie Way who also designed the south course at Firestone Country Club, the Mayfield Country Club, and the Country Club of Detroit…and taught the game to John D. Rockefeller!
If you’re crazy about pickleball, Civic Center Park has 17 outdoor courts. Chances are great that you can find someone ready to play at any time of day!
If you don’t want to miss a day at the gym, be sure to visit the Mentor Community Recreation Center which features indoor soccer field, basketball, tennis, racquetball, pickleball, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, cardiovascular and weight training areas, group exercise rooms, and more. Day passes are available.
The Mentor Ice Arena boasts two full-size rinks, a practice rink, snack shop, and other amenities. The arena hosts a number of hockey tournaments and skating competitions from across the nation. Year-round open skate available.
There are endless opportunities for recreation and relaxation in the City of Mentor where you’ll see first-hand why Lake County’s largest city was named the #1 place in Ohio to Live by U.S. News and World Report!
Are you interested in joining our list? Email elyse@tourlakecounty.com to learn more about how to partner with Tour Lake County~