Rocky River Travel Guide

This is a beautiful Catholic Church and school that sits toward the center of town. The unique thing about this particular church is the presence of actual bells in the belfry. They chime on Sundays, at weddings, and funerals. It's much better than listening to the recording of "bell music" that comes from the Methodist Church down the street. (I am not Catholic..or Methodist)

Just past the entrance to the Metroparks, this dog park is VERY popular. It's actually the Lakewood Dog Park - the neighboring city to the East, but Rocky River is just across the street.

I had to mention this toy store by name here. It's a wonderful shop full of books, collectibles, old fashioned toys, and the latest gadgets on the market. It's lack of "in your face" displays are welcoming and you don't feel overwhelmed while browsing. Toys R Us hasn't put it out of business yet...hope it stays that way!

As I stated in the Intro, Rocky River is full of independent shops owned by locals. This stretch of Lake Road houses a bakery, glass shop, and photographer, among others.

The Rocky River Reservation is part of the Cleveland Metroparks System...an "Emerald Necklace" that surrounds the city with forests, parks, lakes, and meadows. Walking, biking, or rollerblading the multi purpose trail in the morning or at dusk, you are almost guaranteed to see White Tailed Deer, racoons or bats. There are 2 golf courses, a Nature Center, hiking trails, bridle trails, and fishing along the river...almost anything to suit your outdoor desires.

Originally built in 1912, it was destroyed by a tornado in 1956. It was rebuilt and rededicated and has been here ever since!

2 more images

I can't find definitive information on the history of this beach, but the man at the bait shop told me this: In 1764, Col. John Bradstreet was leading an expedition from Fort Niagara in the East to Fort Detroit in the West. The fleet consisted of 59 boats, powered by rowers and each carried 25-30 men. There were also 10 or so canoes in the fleet. The came ashore for the night on this spot. The boats could not be pulled very far in because they would break. A storm ripped through that night and wrecked about half of the fleet which left many men to walk to Niagara and the Colonel to bury the weaponry they were not able to carry on the remaining boats.

This is a popular wreck diving site as well as wind surfing and kayaking area. The fishing pier is seasonal as is the bait shop. Many people come here to search for stones, and artists sift through driftwood to carve. There is no swimming allowed here, but wading is okay.

Picture 1: The pier
2: The sign
3: Driftwood

Tucked amongst the pretentious lakefront homes in this hamlet sits this lovely park on the shores of Lake Erie. There is a beach (no swimming), pavillion, grills, playground, and plenty of lush green grass to spread a blanket on for a picnic. This is also called the "Doggie Beach" because people bring their dogs here to play fetch in the water.