There’s never a bad time to get lost in nature. Any dreary day can be made instantly interesting with a bit of fresh air and good spirits. Fortunately, Greater Cleveland has no shortage of incredible beauty. One of the most interesting and historic parks in Cleveland is Garfield Park Reservation, and it is a landmark every local deserves to see at least once. Here, over 100 years of history comes to life alongside the splendor of an untamed Ohio landscape. Check it out:

Way back in 1894, Cleveland purchased a few plots of farmland and set out to establish a public park.

Yolanda Manley/Google Images Newburg Park opened in 1895, much to the excitement of locals. However, it was soon named Garfield Park, a name that would stick as the decades marched on.

Ever since its opening, locals have been frequenting this surprising natural landscape hiding in an urban community.

Joseph E. Cole/Polish Americans of Cleveland Identifier: garpark001.jpg Pictured here is a crowd at the 1933 Polish Celebration in Garfield Park. The landscape they enjoyed is very similar to the one modern visitors get to take in.

Over the years, this landscape has accumulated some surprising features.

donald wilkinson/Google Images In 1917, the park opened a swimming pool and sandy beach at its lake. The 1930s would bring incredible stonework to the park, but the park’s crown jewel is a more natural water feature.

Much of the park’s beauty is man-made, including its waterfall.

Cleveland Metroparks/Facebook At 48 feet in height, Mill Creek Falls is the largest waterfall in Cuyahoga County. In the early 1900s, a few railroad companies diverted a local stream. This resulted in this majestic and unexpected cascade.

However, its natural beauty has remained evident despite drawing thousands of visitors each year.

Barbara Hobbs/Flickr Despite being situated in an urban neighborhood of Garfield Heights, visitors will still stumble upon flora and fauna of all sizes at Garfield Park. Deer are common visitors here!

Visitors adore the opportunity to admire historic stonework at Garfield Park Reservation.

Angie Tryon/Google Images In the 1930s, the Works Progress Administration funded the placement of stone stairs, bridges, and more in Garfield Park. Though the 1960s and 1970s led to vandalism at several historic sites of interest, many beautiful stone structures remain to this day.

And, as the Cleveland Metroparks assumed management of this pretty place in 1986, you can check off another box on your local park bucket list.

Cleveland Metroparks/Facebook Once the Cleveland Metroparks took over operations of this plot of paradise, they set out to restore historical structures and to tend to the natural landscape. Former lake beds and baseball fields have since been reclaimed by nature.

Visitors can take advantage of trails, pavilions, grills, and epic views at this gorgeous urban oasis.

Cleveland Metroparks/Facebook Remember to take a hiking buddy with you, no matter what park you’re heading to. Click here to find a map of trails in Garfield Park Reservation and other must-see parks.

And no matter the season, a dose of splendor awaits visitors at this historic Cleveland landmark.

Cleveland Metroparks/Facebook Visitors know to visit the West Side Market or Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, but Garfield Park is truly one of Cleveland’s underappreciated treasures.

Each visit to this pretty park is a trip through time.

Cleveland Metroparks/Facebook

Garfield Park Reservation is arguable the best of the historic parks in Cleveland. Have you ever visited Mill Creek Falls in person? We’d love to see your photos in the comments!

Yolanda Manley/Google Images

Newburg Park opened in 1895, much to the excitement of locals. However, it was soon named Garfield Park, a name that would stick as the decades marched on.

Joseph E. Cole/Polish Americans of Cleveland Identifier: garpark001.jpg

Pictured here is a crowd at the 1933 Polish Celebration in Garfield Park. The landscape they enjoyed is very similar to the one modern visitors get to take in.

donald wilkinson/Google Images

In 1917, the park opened a swimming pool and sandy beach at its lake. The 1930s would bring incredible stonework to the park, but the park’s crown jewel is a more natural water feature.

Cleveland Metroparks/Facebook

At 48 feet in height, Mill Creek Falls is the largest waterfall in Cuyahoga County. In the early 1900s, a few railroad companies diverted a local stream. This resulted in this majestic and unexpected cascade.

Barbara Hobbs/Flickr

Despite being situated in an urban neighborhood of Garfield Heights, visitors will still stumble upon flora and fauna of all sizes at Garfield Park. Deer are common visitors here!

Angie Tryon/Google Images

In the 1930s, the Works Progress Administration funded the placement of stone stairs, bridges, and more in Garfield Park. Though the 1960s and 1970s led to vandalism at several historic sites of interest, many beautiful stone structures remain to this day.

Once the Cleveland Metroparks took over operations of this plot of paradise, they set out to restore historical structures and to tend to the natural landscape. Former lake beds and baseball fields have since been reclaimed by nature.

Remember to take a hiking buddy with you, no matter what park you’re heading to. Click here to find a map of trails in Garfield Park Reservation and other must-see parks.

Visitors know to visit the West Side Market or Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, but Garfield Park is truly one of Cleveland’s underappreciated treasures.

If you have yet to visit Mill Creek Falls, you should definitely plan a visit. It’s one of the best waterfalls in Ohio!

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Address: Garfield Park Reservation, 11350 Broadway Ave, Garfield Heights, OH 44125, USA