Cleveland Metroparks

See Cleveland from an entirely new perspective this winter with a visit to the Cleveland Metroparks, an expansive community resource that features more than 21,000 acres of diverse landscapes.

Sixteen reservations encircle the city, making this one of the largest park systems in the region. Wildlife areas, hundreds of trails, outdoor education facilities and special attractions make for a season of fun in northeast Ohio.

When the snow starts to fall, there’s no better way to spend the day than at one of the Metroparks’ many sledding areas. The Shawnee Hills Golf Course at the Bedford Reservation, Big Creek Reservation, Euclid Creek Reservation, Hinckley Reservation, Mill Stream Run Reservation, Rocky River Reservation and North Chagrin Reservation all feature impressive sledding areas. Many of the parks are also great places for cross-country skiing.

One of the area’s most exciting winter activities can be found at The Chalet in Mill Stream Run Reservation in Strongsville. Bring the entire family for a day of tobogganing on the park’s two, 1,000-foot refrigerated ice chutes. This exciting activity is open through mid-March.

The park system also features several seasonal events. On Feb. 28, come to the Rocky River Reservation for the History of Maple Sugaring event.

Families can see sap-collection methods and syrup-making processes used by both Native Americans and modern-day sugaring operations.

For additional information about individual parks and events, visit www.clemetparks.com.