23 Bucket List Activities to Do in Cleveland Before Summer is Over

See The Kelley’s Island Glacial Grooves

Kelley’s Island

Did you know that there was a National Natural Landmark about an hour’s drive (and a ferry ride) from downtown Cleveland? The Glacial Grooves of Kelley’s Island are 400 feet long, 35 feet wide, and up to 15 feet deep. They were created by the slow movement of the massive glacier that created the Great Lakes and Lake Erie Islands and are a site to see!

Photo via @StevenKapes/Instagram

Kayaking the River

Cuyahoga River

There are few better ways to enjoy the sights of Cleveland than traveling through its main waterway in a kayak. The mighty Cuyahoga winds through Northeast Ohio carrying gigantic ore ships and weekend travelers, but it also affords you, the novice outdoorsman, the chance to kayak alongside them. Whether you're looking for a quick two-mile jaunt or a five-mile marathon down the river (which is very much clean these days, thank you very much), there's an option for you. Check out 41 Degrees North, River Cruiser Kayaking or Great Lakes Watersports for an awesome adventure.

Photo via @Kayak41North/Instagram

Go Stargazing

Nothing like staring up at the stars with a loved one on a clear night. Especially if there’s alcohol involved.

Photo via Scene Archives

Buy Your Groceries at the West Side Market

After celebrating its centennial and enjoying one of its busiest years in recent history, there's not much new to say about Cleveland's public market. It's the envy of folks around the country, stocked fully with the most delicious food in town no matter your taste and... well, come on: Just go buy your stuff there already.

Photo via Scene Archives

Get Lost at the Cleveland Museum of Art

One of the best art museums around sits on East Boulevard just waiting for you. The world-renowned collection spans continents and eras, from Italian Renaissance to modern, from ancient Greece to African, and more. Obviously, always more. Spend a day getting lost.

Photo via Scene Archives

Go Surfing

Lake Erie

Catching waves on Lake Erie seems like an urban legend, but trust us, it does happen! While winter is the best (and most insane) time of year to get some big surf action, there's still plenty of water to ride around on in warmer months. Since all of our local waves are caused by wind, you'll have to wait for the proverbial perfect storm to get some serious action. Edgewater is the best place to go.

Photo via @OhioLakeSurf/Instagram

Stand Up Paddling

It's just like surfing. Kind of. If you want the feeling of catching a wave without worrying too much about swallowing mouthfuls of Lake Erie water or coming into contact with whatever creatures lurk beneath its surface, stand up paddling may be more up your alley. Stand on something that closely resembles a surfboard and glide calmly through the water as you push off with a paddle: a sort of surfing and kayaking hybrid. Huntington Beach and Edgewater both have this activity.

Photo via @AlohaSUPOhio/Instagram

Do Something in the Metroparks

The Emerald Necklace is one of Northeast Ohio's most treasured assets and the envy of tons of other big cities. There's something for everyone. Walk, hike, bike, rollerblade, skip, jump, cross-country ski, bird watch, sleep, picnic, lounge, golf -- whatever. It's nature, and it's magnificent.

Photo via @CleveMetroparks/Instagram

Swim in Nelson Ledges Quarry Park

About 40 miles East from Cleveland on 422, you’ll find Nelson Ledges Quarry Park, where you’ll find one of the best campgrounds and natural sights around. Whether you just went to go camping, jump off the quarry or see some live music, you should visit this place. In August alone, there are three music festivals at the park.

Photo via @NelsonLedgesQuarryPark/Instagram