Lorain County, OhioJust One of the Ways to Enjoy the North Shoreby Marilyn LoeserIf you live in Ohio or are visiting the Buckeye State this summer, you can’t go wrong by heading to the “North Shore” and the many family and historic destinations lining the Lake Erie shoreline.  In addition to big city museums, theaters and zoos, the world-famous Cedar Point Amusement Park and miles of sandy beaches, travelers can create interesting, fun and restful itineraries by adding any number of attractions, restaurants and world-class accommodations to their vacation plans.
Lorain County is an excellent destination for recreation and rest. Mostly rural, simply driving along country roads, stopping at antique shops and farm markets takes the “busy” out of hectic lives and offers the slow pace many of us crave when we’re on vacation. HistoryAuthorized in 1822 by the state government, Lorain County was created by taking portions of three surrounding counties. Part of the Connecticut Western Reserve, the county was named for the Lorraine region of France. By 1846, Elyria — the county seat — had a population of 1,500 as well as six churches, a private school, 10 stores and a newspaper office, a woolen mill, an axe factory, and a sash and blind factory. Many of the early settlers were opposed to slavery. In the central part of the county, Oberlin College was established. It was the first institution of higher education in the nation to admit women and African Americans into the same classes as white men. Oberlin was also a major stop on the Underground Railroad.  The best way to understand Oberlin’s rich history is to visit Oberlin Heritage Center. Knowledgeable guides explain through exhibits and historic building — an 1836 Little Red Schoolhouse, the 1866 Monroe House and the 1884 Jewett House — the area’s rich history.
 Other sites of interest in Oberlin are the Martin Luther King Jr. Park and the Weltzheimer/Johnson House — a Frank Lloyd Wright Usonian House designed in 1948 and completed in 1950.
Amherst is another community with a wonderful and interesting history. Established by German immigrants between 1811 and 1816, Amherst soon became known as the “Sandstone Center of the World” with nine sandstone quarries operating at the peak of production. Sandstone is still quarried here. The sandstone was used in construction and was an important source of grindstones. Today visitors can learn about Amherst’s sandstone history by visiting the Sandstone Museum. Made up of old buildings saved from destruction and moved to the corner of South Lake Street and Milan Avenue, a visit here is like a trip back in local and Ohio history. The museum includes two homes, a chapel, grange building, blacksmith shop and an octagon barn. Lorain — the city — was the first permanent settlement at the mouth of Black River. First established in 1807 as Mouth of Black River, it was later renamed Charleston and finally Lorain in 1874.  The lighthouse at the mouth of the Black River is the city’s most famous landmark, but Lorain is also known for its involvement in the Underground Railroad.
The Lorain Underground Railroad Station 100 Monument and Reflective Garden is located at the Black River Landing. The historic landmark pays homage to the abolitionists who risked their lives by helping slaves escape to Canada. Another interesting destination in Lorain is the Moore House Museum. The museum is dedicated to city history and is housed in the l906 Neoclassical Revival-style home of former Mayor Leonard M. Moore. Exhibits include items belonging to Lorain's first mayor, Conrad Reid; artifacts connected to the history of the lighthouse; displays outlining the city’s industries and businesses, and period fashions. And, of course, all along Lorain County’s northern boundary is Lake Erie. Boating, fishing and swimming are always in vogue during the summer here. For more informationOberlin and Lorain County: www.visitloraincounty.com Oberlin Heritage Center: www.oberlinheritage.org
Sandstone Museum: www.amhersthistoricalsociety.org/ Accommodations Fairfield Inn & Suites, Avon: https://www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel-/
cleav-fairfield-inn-and-suites-cleveland-avon/
Interstate 90/State Route 2 slices through Lorain County. Fairfield Inn & Suites is located just off I-90/US 2 at Exit 151. The hotel is centrally located making it perfect base for exploring Lorain County.
Airport Lorain County is just west of Cleveland. The airport is only 30 minutes from Elyria, the county seat. | 