Crane Park, situated along Lake Erie’s eastern shores, provides an idyllic beach and marshland habitat. Crane Park serves as one of the last strongholds for bald eagles in Ohio as well as numerous other birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians such as fox snakes, painted turtles, green frogs, bullfrogs, spotted salamanders fish and wetland insects – and has an extensive trail system to enjoy them all!
Recently, Crane Park opened a sustainable and eco-friendly garden. This garden’s aim is to enhance its aesthetic while teaching others how to cultivate flowers and vegetables – this initiative was coordinated by Northeast Earth Coalition Inc. of Montclair with Friends of Crane Park with assistance from Montclair Center BID as well as other volunteers.
As well as its beach, the park features a disc golf course and hiking trails. The Summit Trail climbs to an elevation of 620 feet through old growth trees, stone cairns, and rock outcroppings; steep terrain requires hiking shoes. Hikers should bring along a walking stick. Parts of this path run adjacent to Disc Golf Course fairways for easy hiking access.
The Shot Tower is all that remains from Hounslow Gunpowder Mills, which operated here during the late 1700s. A popular site of explosions at this location, now the Shot Tower appears more likely to have been used as a windmill to recirculate water rather than for shooting lead shot. Later transformed into a park managed for nature conservation by London Wildlife Trust with assistance from Richmond upon Thames Council.
Crane Park is part of an expansive network of open spaces along the lower Crane River that includes grassland, heathland and woodland areas. As such, it serves both as a Local Nature Reserve and Site of Metropolitan Importance for Nature Conservation.
History buffs will appreciate this park for its archaeological interest and management aimed at wildlife and visitors. Ideal for strolling with family or exploring its wildlife and history. Also home to lapwings, golden plover and snipe birds!
No entrance fee applies to the park; however, please keep in mind that its gates close each evening at sunset. If traveling and planning on arriving after its normal gate closing time, speak with a gate attendant regarding an alternative entry method.
Crane Park Gazebo West Caldwell NJ can be easily reached using Moovit. Moovit provides an all-in-one transit app that makes finding bus and train times to Crane Park Gazebo West hassle-free.
