LORAIN, Ohio – Good news for area residents who have been eagerly waiting to explore Lorain County’s natural treasures: the Lorain County Metro Parks has lowered the minimum age for its free senior bus tours from 65 to 55 years old.
The change comes after the parks system received feedback from community members requesting expanded access to the program. Now, Lorain County residents aged 55 and older can enjoy guided tours of the county’s natural destinations at no cost.
Several tour options are available through August, each featuring guided exploration of different parks along with lunch at scenic locations. Although tours begin at 10 a.m., participants are asked to arrive by 9:45 a.m. for check-in and boarding.
Space is limited to just 20 participants per tour and registration closes more than two weeks prior to each tour date to allow food service teams adequate preparation time for boxed lunches.
Upcoming tours include:
July 18: Burrell Homestead and Sunset Café at Lakeview Park – A journey through early Lorain County settlement history, with pickup at North Star Preserve in Oberlin.
July 22: Sandy Ridge Reservation and Orchid Café at Miller Nature Preserve – Birdwatching and wetland exploration, departing from Wellington Reservation.
July 23 and August 27: Miller Nature Preserve and Orchid Café – These tours feature a guided stroll through Miller Nature Preserve’s themed gardens and indoor conservatory. The July tour departs from Carlisle Visitor Center in LaGrange, while the August tour leaves from Indian Hollow in Grafton. There is a $2 admission charge.
August 4: Cascade Park and Sunset Café at Lakeview Park – Scenic gorge and waterfall exploration in Elyria, with pickup at Vermilion River Reservation in Vermilion.
While participants are welcome to bring their own packed lunches, boxed lunch options are available for $12 per person. The menu includes bottled water and a choice of wraps or salads with sides of potato chips, pickle spears or cookies.
Additional information is available online. Interested participants can reserve their seats by calling 440-458-5121. Given the limited capacity and the program’s popularity, early registration is strongly encouraged.
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