KIRTLAND, OHIO Just head north for a little history and beauty

Mentor and Kirtland offer many lesser-known scenic and historical sites.
By PETER H. MILLIKEN
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
KIRTLAND, Ohio -- A mere 90-minute drive through the scenic Northeast Ohio countryside brings a Youngstown resident to a spectacular variety of historical and natural attractions.
Without encountering big city traffic, Mahoning Valley residents can enjoy a low-cost day or weekend excursion to these sites, which are only a few miles apart in Kirtland and Mentor.
Probably the best-known of the historical locations is the James A. Garfield National Historic Site, also known as "Lawnfield," on Mentor Avenue (U.S. Route 20) in Mentor. From his residence here, Garfield conducted his successful "front porch campaign" for the presidency in 1880.
Allow about two hours to see the video and tour the house and grounds. Open daily in the warmer months, the Garfield site is open only weekends, November through April.
Another significant historical site is the Kirtland Temple on state Route 306, which was built between 1833 and 1836 by the Latter-day Saints under the direction of their first president, Joseph Smith Jr. Allow at least an hour to see the video and tour the temple, which has long, steep stairways to its upper floors.
The nearby Historic Kirtland complex is a historical village featuring the Newel K. Whitney Store and other buildings connected to the early history of the Mormon Church.
Headlands Beach
The natural beauty of Northeast Ohio begins with Headlands Beach State Park along Lake Erie in Mentor -- the starting point for the 1,200-mile Buckeye Trail, which calls itself "the first and only long distance hiking trail located entirely within the State of Ohio." The beach is at the north end of state Route 44.
Adjacent to the state park is the Headlands Dunes State Nature Preserve, and behind it is Mentor Marsh -- one of Ohio's first nature preserves. The preserves are ideal places to see migrating birds and monarch butterflies and a vast variety of plants in dune, marsh and forest environments. The Mentor Marsh preserve has several miles of hiking trails and two scenic overlooks.
Further south, the Lake Metroparks system manages several sites of regional interest, all in Kirtland. Penitentiary Glen on Kirtland-Chardon Road features a deep gorge with scenic overlooks, miles of hiking and bridle trails and an opportunity for visitors to take a free ride on a miniature steam railroad. Snowshoes can be rented here in the winter.
Not far away is Chapin Forest -- a mecca for cross-country skiers, complete with ski and snowshoe rentals at Pine Lodge at the Hobart Road entrance and miles of groomed trails, including a 1-mile lighted trail for night skiing. Call (440) 256-2255 for information about hours of operation and snow conditions.
Visitors who use the forest's state Route 306 entrance and drive to the end of the park road can walk about a quarter of a mile to a scenic overlook with a view of the downtown Cleveland skyline about 20 miles away. The Buckeye Trail passes through the forest.
Lake Metroparks also operates Lake Farmpark -- a 235-acre park on Chardon Road with more than 50 types of farm animals, wagon rides, sheep and horse shows, themed gardens and solar and wind power exhibits. The farm is open all year.
Arboretum
Also in Kirtland is the 3,400-acre Holden Arboretum on Sperry Road, one of the largest facilities of its kind in the world.
This outdoor museum has more than 20 miles of hiking trails passing through its gardens, meadows, woods, ravines, wetlands and bogs and near its ponds and streams. Guided hiking and golf cart tours of the highlights are available.
The arboretum is closed Mondays.
All of the above attractions have free admission, except for nominal fees at the James A. Garfield National Historic Site, Lake Farmpark and Holden Arboretum.