Ohio’s Diverse Lakeside Escape, ‘The International City,’ Nestled Between Toledo and Cleveland

If you’re looking for a Midwest vacation escape, the Great Lakes offer some of the best scenery and activities in the region. But what if you’re looking for beachside access, a diverse community, rich history, and a small-town feel? Well, you’re describing the city of Lorain in Ohio, which is also known as the International City.

Situated just west of Cleveland and Lakewood,  an underrated, walkable Ohio city with Victorian-era charm, Lorain has everything you could need or want from a Midwest destination. It’s nestled along the edge of Lake Erie, where it feeds into the Black River, giving it some beautiful lakeside views you won’t want to miss. The city also has deep historical roots you can explore, and it has some of the best restaurants in the area. So, while larger cities like Cleveland or Toledo get most of the attention, Lorain is truly a hidden gem just waiting to be uncovered and appreciated. 

As with most cities in the United States, Lorain experienced a boom of immigrants during the late 19th century. Given its position at the mouth of the Black River, Lorain became an industrial powerhouse in the region, attracting people of all walks of life looking for work and opportunities. However, unlike other cities that adopted a handful of immigrant populations, Lorain became a great melting pot with 55 distinct nationalities. Its moniker came about around 1890 and has stuck to this day. To celebrate its diversity, Lorain hosts the annual International Festival in the last full week of June.

While the steel industry still operates out of Lorain, the city is much more of a tourist hotspot than a commercial hub. The best places to experience the lakeside elegance of Lorain are at Lakeview Beach and Lakeside Landing, a public park at the entrance to the Black River. Out on the water, you’ll see the Lorain Lighthouse, which you can tour during the summer. The lighthouse also sells sunset dinner cruise tickets, including a special option to view fireworks on the Fourth of July.

Speaking of holidays and celebrations, Lorain knows a thing or two about hosting a festival. While the International Festival is one of the oldest and most popular, the city hosts various live events throughout the year. There’s the FireFish Art Festival, the Lorain County Fair, the North Ridgeville Corn Festival, and the Rockin’ on the River concert series. If you visit Lorain during the summer, there’s plenty to do during your stay.