Geneva-on-the-Lake, located on the shores of Lake Erie, an hour’s drive east of Cleveland, was one of Ohio’s first lakeside resorts. In the early 1900s, the quaint place housed dozens of cabins and was popular with the “nobility” of the Midwest, including John D. Rockefeller, Henry Ford, and Harvey Firestone. Today, the area is a popular vacation destination filled with outdoor activities, game rooms, summer events, and several Lake Erie wineries.
Resort history
Erie, which means wildcat or “is long-tailed,” is derived from the tribal name of the Indians who inhabited the area until 1655. The lake was a popular travel route for natives and for frontier men who later they inhabited the area.
Geneva-on-the-Lake calls itself “Ohio’s first summer resort.” It all started in 1869 when the first lakeside picnic field, “Sturgeon Point”, was built. The point was named for the lake sturgeon that inhabits the waters around the point. Eventually, the developers added a horse-drawn carousel and Lake Geneva lore as the Lake Erie “Playground.” was born. The area is now known as Mapleton Beach and the original picnic fields are no more.
In the early 1900s, Midwestern inventors and entrepreneurs John D. Rockefeller, Henry Ford, and Harvey Firestone chose the location for their camping weekends. Little by little, the tents gave way to huts and cabins, but the site still retains its humble and accessible appeal.
Geneva-on-the-Lake’s Summer Fun Heritage Trail leads you to many of the old vacation homes and historic sites. Interpretive signage that tells the story of Geneva on the lake from 1869 to today.
Things to do and see
Among the many attractions in and around Geneva-on-the-Lake are the Lake Erie wineries, including Old Firehouse Winery and Lakehouse Inn and Winer and right on Geneva-on-the-Lake. Lake Erie Wine Country features more than 20 unique boutique wineries on a 50-mile stretch between Silver Creek, New York, and the town of Harborcreek, Pennsylvania, on the shores of Lake Erie.
Geneva State Park has a sandy beach where you can swim and a boat ramp for sailing and fishing. Lake Erie is known as the “Walleye Capital of the World.” You can also catch yellow perch, channel catfish, and steelhead trout. There are hiking trails and marshy areas ideal for bird watching. Geneva State Park has picnic areas and an archery range.
Overnight guests can choose from cabins, campsites, and one of the 109 rooms at the Lodge, many of which have views of Lake Erie.
The city offers a variety of events including concerts, a number of flea markets, and the Lake Erie Monster Pub Crawl.
There are several old-fashioned arcades in the center, as well as pubs and shops to explore.
Restaurants
Restaurants in Geneva-on-the-Lake range from casual lakeside dining to fine dining:
- Eddie’s Grill – Little has changed since its opening in 1950, Eddie’s is a regional institution. Their burgers, fries, hot dogs, and ice cream are traditional favorites.
- Crosswinds at Lakehouse Inn Winery – Located on the edge of Lake Erie, they serve great dishes, salads and sandwiches in a casual lakeside setting.
- Old Firehouse Winery – Another one of Geneva-on-the-Lake’s wineries , serving Mexican and American favorites with artisanal wines, live music, and a lakeside patio.
Places to stay
Accommodations in and around Geneva-on-the-Lake consist primarily of cottage communities, guesthouses and inns and campgrounds in resorts and Geneva State Park.
The beautiful Lakehouse Inn is right on Lake Erie and offers a winery, farm-to-table restaurant, and day spa.
The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake offers beautiful views of Lake Erie. The resort offers swimming, on-site dining and exciting family activities including a 2.5-hour canopy tour in the adjacent Geneva State Park and Adventure Challenge courses for adults and children.
