Penitentiary Glen Reservation

8668 Kirtland Chardon Rd, Willoughby, OH 44094, USA

Address:	8668 Kirtland Chardon Rd, Willoughby, OH 44094, USA
Phone:	+1 440-256-1404
Site:	lakemetroparks.com
Rating:	4.8
Working:	6AM–11PM 6AM–11PM 6AM–11PM 6AM–11PM 6AM–11PM 6AM–11PM 6AM–11PM

Location

+−

Leaflet

Photos 100

Reviews 33

A Private User

A horrible experience! We found a baby raccoon and with the best intentions of helping him to grow up and live in the wild decided to drop him off at the Penitentiary Glen Animal Rehab Facility. After wrapping him in blankets and placing him in their weekend drop off cages we looked forward to hearing of his progress. After a week of no emails or phone calls we contacted Vickey at the Rehab facility who notified us that the raccoon was purposely killed upon intake. Penitentiary Glen refuses to disclose they kill ALL deer, skunks, and raccoons with out even evaluating their condition. There are NO signs or anything notifying of this sick policy at there facility or on there phone system. I would have never dropped any animal off at a "Rehab facility" if they do not even attempt to assist wildlife. I am completely disappointed with this program and do not recommend supporting their cause, what ever they claim it is.

Jacob Silvia

Penitentiary Glen is a beautiful park. The glen got its name not from a former corrections facility, but rather from the sheer (literally) depth of the eponymous landmark. Not only are there some wonderful trails to walk, but also a beautiful nature center and a scale train you (or your kids) can actually ride on (check their events page for dates of operation for the train). They also host a myriad of educational programs, including my personal favorite: Bug Day.

Fatima Oliva

I brought a precious baby skunk yesterday hoping it would get the help it needed,but I called today and they euthanized it . NOWHERE on the paper I filled out said they dont care for raccoons,skunks or deeer. So Im very upset if I knew that ,I would of kept the baby.i wish I can give you a zero star. Im hurt and dissappointed. He was just a baby . I do appreciate you save other animals but cant believe you cant save certain ones. Ridiculous .

Matt Becker

The Metroparks continue to impress with the latest update to Penitentiary Glen. The new nature play area has a pond, mini farm, pkay campsite, rocks to climb, hidden trails, science exploration, and more all in a well maintained campus thats safely fenced I so your young ones can explore. All this is I addition to the already fantastic animal rescue, trains, trails, band bird sanctuary.

Steve Hare

We went for a run on the trails. Being fall, it was simply gorgeous as the leaves are changing and the colors provided a distraction from the difficult run. We ran on the difficult trail, which meant a lot of "hiking" up a hill or over a creek. Theres a lot to do at Penitentiary Glen. Be sure to visit!

Damon Fryauff

Lots of programs for people of all ages. Lots of millage if trails rated at easy for people to walk. Massive park with a very wide variety of terrain to hike. Nature center has good services while taking into account the over population of certain species in the area.

Victoria Heasley

We enjoy walking through the visitors center and seeing the animals at the rehab. Today, they had squirrels that kept flying into the window, too funny! After, we walked around the center to the back side to relax. There really is a lot to do here. Love it!

Richard Guthrie

Great place for adults and kids to spend time out doors... There is something for everyone and season the new addition of the outdoor nature playground this summer is great for kids. I highly recommend a visit.

Carla Mincek

I love this place , and grew up in Mentor ,,the only thing in this day and age while not using my data on my phone please have wifi , I travel a lot its a shame you have wifi and will not give out password

Michelle Stead

So many fun things to do at this park! The new nature play area is great for kids. The paths and facilities are well maintained. My favorite is the wildlife center with rescued birds mamals and reptiles.

Kristen Triplett

Nice place to go with kids. Free train rides offered about 2 times a month. Staff usually has an owl to show the visitors who are waiting in line for the train. The new nature center is a sight to see.

red rover

They have a animal rehab building You can walk in and see such birds as an eagle, hawk, owl. They also have a honey bee display. Its a nice place to take a hike and pass the time away from the house.

Colin Ross

This is a fantastic park. There are miles of trails, nature sanctuary full of birds, nature center, railroad, and wildlife. Meadows, ponds, woodland, dry land, and water are all in this park.

James Drozdowski

Great place to bring young kids especially when the weather is nice. Hiking trails and large outdoor play area. The park service has planned activities and events through out the year.

Ann Jacobson

Beautiful, peaceful nature preserve. Well maintained trails. Some challenging hills, if thats what youre looking for. Leslie Nature Center. I love our Park systems in Northeast Ohio!

Joe hellman

Great for kids, lots of events and beautiful. If you go in on days that they arent having children events, it can also be a great place to read a book with a great view

Christine Braun

Very nice facility. I had an injured sparrow that I took to their wildlife center so it could be humanely euthanized. Very compassionate and knowledgeable staff.

Tim Borkowski

Amazing place. Wild life rehab and like 5 nature trails of various distances. They are constantly improving the place. And there is a train that kids can ride.

Diane Driskell

Very scenic and clean environment. Nice hiking trails. Large play area for children. Several live animals on display. One of my favorite places to visit.

Tina Ward

This park is so large and so beautiful. Whether hiking, running, or visiting the nature center to see the animals it is always good time spent in nature.

Katie Suchan

The animals are great to see and learn about, but the scenery is amazing. Theres lots of hiking trails. And they have an outstanding miniature railroad!

Benjamin Smith

Lovely forest and gorge, and an amazing model train track snaking through the woods! Check the website to find out when the trains are running.

Andy Pedersen

I got engaged here under a tree near the gorge. It will always be a top spot for us. Go visit! Its a fun place if you are into walking.

Andrew Ciszczon

Great metropark with an awesome nature infused play ground, good trails and some local wildlife. Restrooms and beautiful flowers as well.

Don Bri

Very nice park with lots of walking trails. During the Halloween season with used to have night rides on their trains through the woods.

Steve Freeman

Honestly, I could almost care less. However, my three year old niece loved it and had a blast, so thats good enough for me. Recommended!

Jessica Davis

This place has so much to do and is such a nice outdoor area. The only thing I wish was that there were restrooms closer to play areas.