Lorain, Ohio

A City Made for Exploring

Published in the February 2018 Issue May 2018 Feature Austa Cook

The centuries-old tones of fighting for liberty can still be felt ringing through the streets of Lorain, Ohio, today. With a county rich in African-American heritage, fugitive slaves passed through Lorain until around 1861 after Frederick Douglass advised they follow the North Star to freedom in Canada.

Today, the harbor is bustling with commercial and recreational boaters alike, protected by seawalls and a breakwater. For adventurers traveling up the Black River, be aware that you’re going to come across three bridges – the Charles Bessry bascule bridge (incidentally the second-largest bascule bridge in the world), the Norfolk and Western Railway Bridge, and the Henderson Bridge.

Marinas Galore

With as much action as there is around here, there’s an abundance of marinas ready to aid the visiting boater. Here’s a brief taste of what you can expect in the area.

Beaver Park Marina

Between the factory-trained technicians and the large ship store, this marina offers full services. There are about 20 transient slips available here, located conveniently between the city and the Lake Erie Islands.

Beaver Park North, Inc.

For boaters wanting to swing by the marina restaurant, fill up on gas, or stretch their legs on land, this marina is ready to serve. You can tie up along the channel for the day, but there are no transient slips available overnight.

Copper Kettle Marina

Perched on Beaver Creek in Lorain, this marina is right next to a public golf course. It’s close to the city life and just eight minutes from the open waters of Lake Erie, and offers 10 transient slips to visiting boaters.

Gene’s Marine Sales And Service, LLC

Found up the Black River just beyond the bascule bridge to the east, this mom and pop marina offers maintenance services, prop repairs and even painting. Operating since 1946, the historic Lorain lighthouse is just a 10-minute boat ride away.

Lorain Sailing & Yacht Club

Found in the Lorain Yacht basin up the Black River, this yacht club is one of the oldest on Lake Erie. With around four slips available for visiting boaters, there’s also a gas fuel dock and pumpout station.

Spitzer Lakeside and Riverside Marinas

These sister marinas are poised to offer easy access to Cleveland, Canada and the Lake Erie islands, with family- and pet-friendly amenities. Spitzer Lakeside Marina comes with full services and around 36 transient slips. Spitzer Riverside Marina is nestled further up the Black River just past the Charles Berry bascule bridge, with transient docking for about 24 boats.

Westlake Yachting Club

Also found at Spitzer Riverside Marina, this yacht club offers transient slips on a reciprocal basis as well as a gas and diesel fuel dock and a pumpout station.

Things To Do

For a chance to pay your respects, visit the Lorain Underground Railroad Station 100 Monument and Reflective Garden, which nods to the abolitionists who risked their lives helping slaves escape north. This historic landmark is at the Black River Landing.

Now that we mention it, the Black River Landing is a welcoming recreational facility also replete with pavilions, picnic grounds, walkways, and outdoor seating. Ground zero for big festive community events such as the International Festival in June, Port Fest on Independence Day, and Sunset River Cruises or lighthouse tours every summer weekend, there’s plenty going on to pique your interest.

If you’re a bird-watching fan, don’t forget to bring your binoculars. Lorain’s waterfront was just named a Birding Hot Spot by [Bird Watcher's Digest]. Other prominent wildlife are definitely the different species of fish. With Lake Erie dubbed the Walleye Capital of the World, if there’s one thing you should do here it’s drop a line. Craig Lewis of Erie Outfitters is an avid local fisherman who can attest to the quality of catches you can snag here.

“One of the reasons the fishing is so popular in the area is we have a lot of nearshore opportunities in the spring and fall for walleyes, as well as steelhead and yellow perch. The shoreline also offers opportunities for trophy walleyes early spring and late fall. With plenty of peers and lots of public access, it makes a great destination place to catch trophy walleye at night.”

Just make sure to bring your appetite when you head out, because there have been some truly massive catches.

“Recently we had a derby and the winning fish was a walleye weighing 14 pounds, 7 ounces. Not many places can you find an opportunity to catch a walleye so big,” Lewis enthuses.

Variety Of Dining

If you’re looking for other ways to fulfill your appetite, you can find everything from fine to casual dining here. Lorain even recently hosted the Best Burger Battle where 12 restaurants competed for the title of Best Burger in Lorain County. Yala's Pizza and Eliseo's Pizza is another local hotspot; originally owned by the Telloni and Armelie family, this Italian food is made fresh daily. Diso’s Bistro is another favorite, offering vegetarian and gluten-free options to diversify its delicious selection.

Let’s sum it up. Between the city’s moving history, lively fishing, tasteful restaurants, and fun community events, you’ll love every minute you spend in Lorain.

For More Information

Beaver Park Marina

440-282-6308

Beaver Park North, Inc.

440-282-1720

Copper Kettle Marina

440-822-3912

Diso’s Bistro

440-282-1195

Erie Outfitters

440-949-8934

Gene's Marine Sales and Service