Crane Park is situated along Lake Erie, one of the world’s largest freshwater lakes, making it a delightful spot to visit. Crane Park’s marshes support an abundance of aquatic wildlife such as fish, amphibians, amphibian-eating birds and much more!
Crane Park is a favorite birder spot, providing them with ample opportunity to watch migrating birds come and go during wintertime. Crane Park also serves as one of the last remaining strongholds for Ohio bald eagles with multiple nesting pairs nesting there each year. Furthermore, this area serves as home for numerous reptiles and amphibians like the fox snake, northern water snake, painted turtle, green frog, bullfrog, and spotted salamander species.
Visitors can wander the wetlands and forests or spend time at one of several playgrounds, splash pads, picnic areas, shelters or shelters. The nature center offers opportunities to learn about local wildlife and history while the Grade II listed Shot Tower was previously used for lead production is open to the public on Sunday afternoons.
As well as offering many attractions for all members of the family, the park also hosts various educational programs all year long, such as summer camps and field trips for students as well as guided nature walks for visitors. This summer the park will also be hosting a Stand-up Paddleboard Summer Camp open to children aged 8-15 years.
Attending our camp is free, though advance registration is required.
Crane Park features an attractive gazebo where visitors can sit back and take in views of the wetlands nearby. Seating capacity for around 200 people makes the gazebo the ideal location to host weddings or other special events.
Crane Park, nestled just south of Montclair Center business and entertainment district, is an unexpected gem in Montclair. Redesigned in 2017 as part of an upgrade project, Crane Park now features a community garden, native plant species, as well as several volunteer initiatives from groups like Northeast Earth Coalition, Friends of Watsessing Park, AAPI Montclair Bird Club and Montclair Backyard Habitat Project who have all worked tirelessly towards making Crane Park more welcoming to residents.
Not only is the park an excellent destination for families, but couples seeking an intimate setting to share an intimate lunch or propose are often drawn here as well. In particular, its gazebo has become a favorite spot for engagements and wedding proposals.
As part of its celebration and promotion of sustainability, Montclair Park hosted Drive Electric Day with NJ Sierra Club and Montclair Climate Action. Over a dozen privately-owned EVs were on display, while owners were available to answer any inquiries about owning and operating one.
