Fort Huntington Park

A Piece of History in Downtown Cleveland

Tucked away at the corner of West 3rd Street and Lakeside Avenue in downtown Cleveland sits Fort Huntington Park, a small green oasis amidst the urban landscape. The park commemorates Fort Huntington, a military post from the War of 1812 - though history buffs might be interested to know the actual fort stood about 500 feet northwest of where you'll be standing.

Monuments That Tell Stories

Walk through this compact space and you'll encounter several meaningful monuments that capture different chapters of Cleveland's story. There's a commanding statue of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, the Battle of Lake Erie hero who helped secure American control of the Great Lakes during the War of 1812. Nearby stands a genuine cannon captured from a British ship during that same battle - a tangible piece of history right in the heart of the city.

The park doesn't just honor distant history, though. You'll also find a statue celebrating Olympic legend Jesse Owens, who called Cleveland home. Perhaps the most moving installation is the memorial dedicated to Cleveland police officers who've fallen in the line of duty. Take a moment here and you'll be rewarded with beautiful views of Lake Erie stretching toward the horizon. Rounding out the memorials is a statue of John T. Corrigan, who served as both Cuyahoga County prosecutor and state senator.

From Then to Now

While the park was first dedicated back in 1937, it got a fresh look in the late 1970s. This redesign thoughtfully expanded the park's historical scope, adding tributes to more recent Cleveland figures alongside the original War of 1812 memorials.

Your Visit

Fort Huntington Park offers a quiet moment of reflection in the midst of downtown hustle. Its unique blend of green space and historical monuments creates something of an open-air museum right in the city center.

The open grassy areas provide perfect spots to relax, walk your dog, or simply take a breather from the surrounding concrete. You'll often see downtown workers and visitors enjoying lunch here, having picked up something tasty from nearby food vendors. It's a little piece of calm amid the urban energy.

Getting There

The park sits conveniently in downtown Cleveland and gets especially busy during Browns games when fans pass through. While you can easily access the park on foot, be aware that parking nearby can be tricky - typical downtown parking challenges apply here.