Northeast Ohio is full of out of the way places to build a unique day trip experience. Personally, I love hiking – especially in the fall so I went online to search for a new trail to explore and Wildwood Cultural Center popped up in my search results.
Although I’m familiar with a number of local parks including Veterans Park, Mentor Lagoons Nature Preserve, and Garfield Park, this one somehow slipped past my radar. The park is home to 2 miles of winding trails over 34-acres as well as a 25-room manor house dating to 1908.
It was beautiful fall day and the drive down Little Mountain Road was a treat as the trees were coming alive with full autumn color.
As I pulled into the drive, I was surprised to see the size of the parking lot. I was even more pleased to see that I practically had the park to myself and was able to park right next to the trail head.
I was alone with nature as soon as I stepped into the forest and it wasn’t long before I came across my first musical station which made a beautiful chiming sound that made the forest feel very serene.
One of the unique things at Wildwood is the series of musical stations that help ground you with your surroundings. The intricate trail network weaves its way through the lush property, offering a number of different experiences along the way including a magical fairy garden.
Ultimately, all paths lead to the magnificent Tudor-style mansion.
After admiring the exterior, I made my way to the front entry to see if it was open. It was!
I was instantly transported into the early 1900s with rooms and furnishings replete with detail.
The foyer features wood paneling and a grandfather clock with a carved wood stairwell opposite the main door. To the left is a living room complete with fireplace, built-in shelving loaded with books and leaded-glass windows with stained detail. A patio room at the far is wrapped in windows, bring the outdoors in.
The formal dining room is paneled in wood and features another fireplace and more of the same leaded-glass. The adjoining breakfast room is also filled with windows and overlooks the rear patio.
I decided to explore upstairs and as I made my way up, I was greeted by a sweet employee who took the time to give me the rest of the tour and tell me a bit about the history of the house.
The second floor features a number of converted bedroom suites which are now offices. The biggest surprise was the third-floor ballroom!
I learned that that the home was designed and built in 1908 by renowned architect Abram Garfield (son of the president) as a summer home for the Oliver family. In 1939 Mr. Oliver passed and left his estate to his daughter Margaret, who along with her husband moved to the estate and became full-time residents. When Margaret passed in 1973, she left the estate to her two daughters May Targett and Catherine DeWitt.
The daughters maintained the home and grounds for several years until Mentor officials offered to purchase it in 1980 for the purpose of preserving it as a public space. The grounds were opened immediately to the public, and the home was restored soon thereafter. Shortly thereafter, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
As I made my way back outside – and back to 2025 – I couldn’t help but reflect on what a gift to the community Wildwood represents.
Countless unique memories have been made here on this historic property over the past 45 years; it has been home to a thriving annual fine arts festival, summer camps, musical performances, book readings, and a backdrop for weddings and other special occasions.
If you’re in or around Mentor and have a few hours to spare, Wildwood is the a perfect place for family outings, a nice walk, or a quiet picnic. Make your walk as long or as short as you want it…the kids will love the musical stations!
Learn more at www.wildwoodmentor.com.