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Elyria is a city of about 53,000 people and the county seat of Lorain County in northern Ohio, about 25 miles southwest of Cleveland. Founded in 1817 by Heman Ely, it grew up where the east and west branches of the Black River meet, and the river's waterfalls once powered its early mills.
The city's historic center is Ely Square, a green surrounded by the old Lorain County Courthouse, churches and Victorian commercial blocks along Broad Street. Elyria is also known as the birthplace of the Easter Seals movement, founded here in 1919 by businessman Edgar Allen. The Hickories Museum, the grand home of industrialist and bicycle-seat inventor Arthur Garford, shows how the city's leading families lived a century ago.
The best of Elyria is outdoors. Cascade Park hides two waterfalls and sandstone cliffs in a gorge right next to downtown, and the Stocker Arts Center at Lorain County Community College brings concerts and touring shows. Carlisle Reservation, the Lorain County Metro Parks headquarters, lies just to the south, and the Lake Erie shore at Lorain is about 15 minutes away.
A city park in a deep sandstone gorge where the Black River's two branches tumble over waterfalls, with trails, picnic shelters, a playground and rocky ledges to explore. It sits just north of downtown. Wear good shoes on the rocks, and visit after rain when the falls are fullest.
The performing arts center on the Lorain County Community College campus in Elyria, presenting touring music, dance, comedy and theater in its main hall, along with student productions and a small art gallery. It draws audiences from across the county. Check the season schedule and park in the free lots.
The 1890s home of Elyria industrialist Arthur Garford, inventor of a popular padded bicycle seat, now run by the Lorain County Historical Society. Guided tours show the original woodwork, furnishings and family history, and the society hosts local history exhibits. Check opening days before visiting.
The historic heart of Elyria, a park-like square framed by the old Lorain County Courthouse, historic churches and brick commercial blocks along Broad Street. It hosts summer concerts and seasonal events. Walk the surrounding streets to see Victorian storefronts and local cafes and diners.
The headquarters reservation of Lorain County Metro Parks, just south of Elyria, with a visitor center and bird-viewing window, wooded trails along the Black River, picnic areas and an equestrian center. It is a good first stop to learn about the county parks, and staff can suggest trails.
The historic stone courthouse on Ely Square, completed in the early 1880s, is one of the city's architectural landmarks and still anchors the downtown civic district beside the newer Justice Center. Admire its facade from the square, then stroll to the nearby historic churches.
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