LAKE METROPARKS FAIRPORT HARBOR LAKEFRONT PARK
301 Huntington Beach Drive, Fairport Harbor, OH 44077
(440) 639-9972 (summer only) or (800) 669-9226.
Lake Metroparks Page
Swim, kayak & picnic at a Lake Erie beach. Parking pass available. The beach is in operation Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day (2019). The park is open 6 am to 11 pm. Gates open, concessions and paddle rentals available and lifeguards on duty (weather permitting) from 9:30 am to 8 pm.
Some of the Lake Metroparks activities are:
Adventure Camp for Kids
Sailing Camp
Boat Camp
Kayak Rentals – Call (440) 639-9972 for availability
Rubber-Band Airplane Fly-In
Pirate Triathlon/Kayak Triathlon
Spirit of American Youth Boating Education Program
LIGHTHOUSES
Fairport Harbor Historical Society Marine Museum and Lighthouse
www.fairportharborlighthouse.org
129 Second Street, Fairport Harbor
(440) 354-4825
Located at the mouth of the Grand River, the Fairport Harbor Marine Museum is the first Great Lakes Lighthouse Marine Museum in Ohio and in the United States.
A spiral staircase leads to the top of the 60-foot sandstone lighthouse, built in 1871.
The adjacent museum features lighthouse lenses, relics from Native American settlements along the Grand River, and artifacts pertaining to life on the Great Lakes. Gift shop. Admission charge. Special tours by appointment. Museum Hours: Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Legal Holidays – Noon to 6:00 p.m.
Fairport Harbor West Breakwater Lighthouse
Best viewed from Lake Metroparks Fairport Harbor Lakefront Park or the Fairport Harbor Port Authority at the end of Water Street. Parking fee. Bring comfortable clothes and shoes to walk the rocky breakwall, weather permitting. Lighthouse is not open to the public.
FINNISH HERITAGE MUSEUM
www.finnishheritagemuseum.org
301 High Street, Fairport Harbor
Phone: (440) 352-8301
In 1885 a group of 25 Finns arrived in Fairport and founded the first permanent Finnish settlement. By 1900 the number of foreign-born Finns in Fairport came to 700. To this day, Fairport’s population has a strong Finnish heritage. The museum has rotating exhibits and a coffee/gift shop, featuring private-label coffee and nisu, Finnish coffee bread flavored with cardamon. Admission charge. Group tours available; call to arrange day and time.
Museum Hours: Saturday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Sunday, 1-4 p.m. Memorial Day through mid-November, Wednesday, 1-4 p.m. Memorial day through mid-December.
WALKING TOUR
Historical Walking Tour of Fairport Harbor
(216) 509-6198
Learn about the history of the village, the Indians, the pioneers and early settlers, the Underground Railroad, landmarks, buildings, businesses and legends. Tours may be arranged by contacting visit@fairportharbor.org or calling the number listed above. Individuals and up to 10 participants, $5.00 per person. Group tours (minimum charge $50). Walking Tours sponsored by the Fairport Harbor Tourism Council.
SHOPPING
Finnish Treasures Gift Shop
316 High Street
Fairport Harbor, Ohio 44077
(440) 478-5485
A unique shopping experience! Imports from Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark, Estonia. Beautiful Littala glassware, handmade wall hangings, rugs, Kalevala Koru jewelry, Finnish knives, linens, imported coffee, foods and nisu, dolls, books, music, vases, candlesticks, handcrafts and more. Open noon daily, closed on Mondays.
OTHER RESOURCES
Fairport Harbor Heritage Foundation
For several years the Heritage Foundation has supported programs that engage families, individuals and businesses to help preserve our foundation along Lake Erie and support growth as our community needs develop.
Fairport Harbor Tourism Council
(440) 352-3620 ext. 9
Lake County Visitors Bureau
Find other local points of interest and helpful information at www.mylakeoh.com .
Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Trail
Fairport Harbor is a stop on the Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Trail, a 293-mile national scenic byway from Conneaut to Toledo. This signed route links historical museums, natural areas and other places to explore the rich history, charm and beauty of our Great Lake.