Lakeside Chautauqua
Lakeside Chautauqua
4.5
About
For more than 140 years, Lakeside Chautauqua has welcomed families to the Lake Erie shore to take part in a summer Chautauqua experience dedicated to nurturing mind, body and spirit. Lakeside Chautauqua is an historic community in Ohio that offers an abundance of spiritual opportunities, educational lectures, cultural arts performances and recreational activities during its 10-week summer programming season. It is also a year-round destination for groups of all sizes.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
143 reviews
Excellent
96
Very good
25
Average
9
Poor
5
Terrible
8
Jack D
Strongsville, OH62 contributions
Jul 2022
Hardly worth the bother. Yes, LC sports a gorgeous, old fashioned boathouse-but that pretty much does it. It cast $20 just to take a car into this gated community--and then you can plan on spending a good additional hour trying to find a public parking space, because they are all reserved by the "residents". Even on a weekday. Oh, and bring plenty of cash because not a single establishment-food or gifts-accepts credit cards. Can you say join the 21st century? Or even the 20th. Stick to the nature parks on marblehead and you will have a much better time. Spent a good 1/2 hour walking to get a place to eat lunch, and it was marginal at best. The uppity attitudes of the "residents" certainly doesn't help. They act like they are doing you a favor by "allowing" you to spend your hard earned cash there. Never again.
Written July 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Beckie P
1 contribution
Aug 2021 • Family
Lakeside draws awesome people who really are optimists... but this is an honest review.
Pros:
1) Friendly community
2) Nice playgrounds
3) Splash pad
Cons:
1) Annual prices went up due to the addition of the new swimming pool. I feel like Lakeside was purposely deceitful in keeping info that this new pool was going to be closed M-F (starting August 8th) although the prices remained high ($17/day per person over 12) due to staffing issues. I tried to stay connected before our trip online and even with people who lived there and although it was announced they reduced it to every other day, they never announced anywhere that it would be closed M-F.
2) Events that were listed on the calendar were canceled due to the regatta (but they should have known that the regatta was occuring and update event calendar ASAP)
3) If you arent intimately familiar with Lakeside, it is difficult to understand where events are taking place.
Bascially, the 2 largest draws for my family and why we were OK with the steep prices were things that weren't available. Lakeside was potentially purposely decietful or maybe just poorly managed.
We are optimists and still had a great vacation but spent significantly more $$ visiting places outside of the community that we had not anticipated as we would have preferred an easy going vacation with the lake and pool combination.
Pros:
1) Friendly community
2) Nice playgrounds
3) Splash pad
Cons:
1) Annual prices went up due to the addition of the new swimming pool. I feel like Lakeside was purposely deceitful in keeping info that this new pool was going to be closed M-F (starting August 8th) although the prices remained high ($17/day per person over 12) due to staffing issues. I tried to stay connected before our trip online and even with people who lived there and although it was announced they reduced it to every other day, they never announced anywhere that it would be closed M-F.
2) Events that were listed on the calendar were canceled due to the regatta (but they should have known that the regatta was occuring and update event calendar ASAP)
3) If you arent intimately familiar with Lakeside, it is difficult to understand where events are taking place.
Bascially, the 2 largest draws for my family and why we were OK with the steep prices were things that weren't available. Lakeside was potentially purposely decietful or maybe just poorly managed.
We are optimists and still had a great vacation but spent significantly more $$ visiting places outside of the community that we had not anticipated as we would have preferred an easy going vacation with the lake and pool combination.
Written August 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jubilee Jer
Springfield, OH1,830 contributions
Apr 2021 • Couples
I visited here for a week every summer while I was a child and we rented a cottage during the United Methodist Conference every year. I haven’t been to lakeside in over 40 years. Many things remain the same several things have changed.
I did not realize there was a fee to enter lakeside and that it was a gated closed community. We visited here in early April before they started charging for entrance in May so we got in without a paying the fee. I guess we came at the right time to go down memory lane. I probably would not have entered if they wanted me to pay to enter.
We really enjoyed walking along the shore line and out on the peer. Many memories of playing in the park, watching movies at the theater, riding bikes as a child. The entire community was very peaceful and quant.
I did not realize there was a fee to enter lakeside and that it was a gated closed community. We visited here in early April before they started charging for entrance in May so we got in without a paying the fee. I guess we came at the right time to go down memory lane. I probably would not have entered if they wanted me to pay to enter.
We really enjoyed walking along the shore line and out on the peer. Many memories of playing in the park, watching movies at the theater, riding bikes as a child. The entire community was very peaceful and quant.
Written April 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
snpkelley
Uniontown, OH428 contributions
Aug 2020 • Friends
I love this place! Aside from the fact that it's ridiculously expensive to get in, it is always a retreat and a place I would love to stay longer. I did not appreciate having to wear a mask outside while playing shuffleboard far from anyone around me I don't know. This is a bit over the top.
Written August 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
writerbarbking
Cincinnati, OH175 contributions
Aug 2020 • Friends
If you are looking for vibrant nightlife, Lakeside is not for you. If you need high speed excitement, motorboats and alcohol to feel great about your vacation, do not come to Lakeside. If you are looking for peace, serenity, and a beautiful place to reconnect with family, friends, nature and faith, you’ve found your place.
Written August 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lyss
3 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
So we decided to take our small
Summer vaca at the Lakeside Chautauqua campground ... with a good old fashioned tent. Which there was suppose to be an all Tent strip small but regardless all tents is what it showed online and on map they gave us... we get there an have to pay a daily car fee and entry fee costing over 100$.. we had to show it every time to get in or even out. We get in there and have to grab our site assignment from a box... get to the site and it’s the worst tent camp site. 45$ a night plus tax and it felt like we were in someone’s small yard.. we had cable lines in our site. Not allowed to have a fire pit unless you bring it and it can sit off the ground.. or you can rent one for 25$ ... nothing to cook on like most camp sites come with grills attached. You just get an electric and water hook up.. the campsite manager was never in her little office even during the hours of 10-2.
We were surrounded by RV’s full Of unfriendly people that acted like they have never seen a tent before.. walking around lakeside my boys would say hi to people and everyone just gave them crazy looks or ignored them. The pier area is pretty cool but we decided to cut our stay there short and go camp elsewhere for one night due to all of this. Because we paid all this money but just wanted to spend as little time at the site as possible because of the experience.. this was our boys first actual camping experience.. and it was awful.. my parents took me and my sisters camping constantly and we loved it... I was sad this camping experience was a bit awkward for everyone.
Point being! If you wanna enjoy your summer vaca or camp vaca TRADITIONALLY with a tent and all... don’t go here... these are not accepting ppl and this is not what a camping trip should feel like..
ridiculous costs ridiculous fees unfriendly staff and the campers/ ppl that stay there summer to summer unfriendly town people the list goes on..
I don’t know how anyone can enjoy themselves here.
Summer vaca at the Lakeside Chautauqua campground ... with a good old fashioned tent. Which there was suppose to be an all Tent strip small but regardless all tents is what it showed online and on map they gave us... we get there an have to pay a daily car fee and entry fee costing over 100$.. we had to show it every time to get in or even out. We get in there and have to grab our site assignment from a box... get to the site and it’s the worst tent camp site. 45$ a night plus tax and it felt like we were in someone’s small yard.. we had cable lines in our site. Not allowed to have a fire pit unless you bring it and it can sit off the ground.. or you can rent one for 25$ ... nothing to cook on like most camp sites come with grills attached. You just get an electric and water hook up.. the campsite manager was never in her little office even during the hours of 10-2.
We were surrounded by RV’s full Of unfriendly people that acted like they have never seen a tent before.. walking around lakeside my boys would say hi to people and everyone just gave them crazy looks or ignored them. The pier area is pretty cool but we decided to cut our stay there short and go camp elsewhere for one night due to all of this. Because we paid all this money but just wanted to spend as little time at the site as possible because of the experience.. this was our boys first actual camping experience.. and it was awful.. my parents took me and my sisters camping constantly and we loved it... I was sad this camping experience was a bit awkward for everyone.
Point being! If you wanna enjoy your summer vaca or camp vaca TRADITIONALLY with a tent and all... don’t go here... these are not accepting ppl and this is not what a camping trip should feel like..
ridiculous costs ridiculous fees unfriendly staff and the campers/ ppl that stay there summer to summer unfriendly town people the list goes on..
I don’t know how anyone can enjoy themselves here.
Written July 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Craig K
Blue Springs, MO181 contributions
Jul 2020
I have been going since I was a kid and was able to return over 4th of July. Wonderful to see how it has progressed and stayed in it's roots as a wonderful place to visit as a couple or with families. You can rent a house for a week and enjoy the shuffleboard, swimming, fishing, mini golf, pickelball, entertainment etc... Absolutely a 10
Recommendations: Rent a golf cart for the week, Enjoy the local food, head to Put-in-Bay for the day, Visit Cedar Point (if they ever open) ...
Recommendations: Rent a golf cart for the week, Enjoy the local food, head to Put-in-Bay for the day, Visit Cedar Point (if they ever open) ...
Written July 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sandy K
Marblehead, OH236 contributions
Jul 2020
Lakeside is a beautiful, quiet, peaceful place to enjoy a day of rest and relaxation. Visit the quaint gift shops, eat lunch along the lakefront, enjoy an outdoor concert. Despite fewer entertainment options due to COVID-19 restrictions, there's plenty still available to fill a day. Miniature golf, shuffleboard, basketball and volleyball courts are open, and canoe and kayak rentals are available. Always a rejuvenating visit!
Written July 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
William O
Johnstown, CO381 contributions
Aug 2019
Heard about this from friends and spent time at their cottage. Perfect place for all family, young and old. Lots of activities for both. Can spend a day or if able to rent a place more time. Many activities included with admission. Please look up the website for more information, and if we lived closer would probably spend part of each summer there.
Written September 5, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Tarrian M
3 contributions
Aug 2019 • Family
Seen brian regan at the hoover theather wenr back next day for fishing and water park. They even have a splash pad by the fishing dock. The people are so friendly cant wait to take my daughter back next year
Written September 3, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mindy H
8 contributions
I am looking to rent a cottage at Lakeside for most of July 2019. Does anyone have any leads other than the Sotheby's/LC Realty sites? Looking for a small place for 2 adults, 2 kids under 8 and a small (10lb) dog. Please let me know!
Daniel M
Stow, OH11 contributions
I rented mine through VRBO. It really is a question of how much you want to spend, but it looks like just two companies control most of the rentals. Consider renting just outside lakeside and just buying passes. Look east of lakeside. Updated houses and an easy bike ride into lakeside every day.
Has anyone tent camped here? If so how was it and were there lake view camp sites ?
Barbara B
Columbus, OH282 contributions
If you want to camp on the water I would go to East Harbor State Park. It is close to Lakeside and camping is on the water.
Amruta K
1 contribution
is it a dog friendly area?
Yes it is dog friendly, but if you're looking to stay within Lakeside, it can be difficult to find a place that is pet friendly. But as far as walking around and hanging out, you're definitely good to go!
Madeline A
Toledo, OH67 contributions
Is everything at Lakeside open year round?
Katherine B
Port Townsend, WA18 contributions
No, not everything. Most of the restaurants close. Hair/nail place and some of the restaurants open. Grocery store, etc. And the concerts/entertainment in the auditorium taper off in Sept. But there are some activities in Oct. and throughout the year. More people are living there year round than used to. More facilities opening year round. Fitness center just opened.
Spurdue1
Cincinnati, OH
What is the best way to get a nice house for the week for 9 people?
Switzl
Cleveland, OH10 contributions
Your best bet is to visit the Lakeside Chautauqua website.
Click the Accomodations tab, and check out the houses available for rent through the two Real Estate offices located in town. Lots of options in every price range. This is going to be an exciting summer with the new pool and wellness center scheduled to open in July. Hope to see you in Lakeside!
kuhnkathy33
Celina, OH
If you rent a house with your all adult family, how much are passes for 3 days?
crosstchr
Cleveland, OH31 contributions
The daily admission for adults is $21.25. Children under 12 and adults over 90 are free. The daily rate for cars is $10.50. Parking is very difficult unless your cottage has parking. Parking is available outside Lakeside at Danbury school for a nominal fee and there is a shuttle available to get you inside Lakeside. These rates were in effect for the 2016 season. I couldn't find info for 2017 rates. The website has not been updated yet. I would check back after January 2017 to find new rates.
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Suggest an editLakeside Chautauqua - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Lakeside Chautauqua
- Hotels near Lakeside Chautauqua:
- (0.02 mi) Fountain Inn
- (0.02 mi) Maxwell Hospitality House
- (0.03 mi) Evening Song Bed & Breakfast
- (0.04 mi) Keystone Guest House
- (0.07 mi) Idlewyld Bed & Breakfast
- Restaurants near Lakeside Chautauqua:
- (0.03 mi) Coffee and Cream
- (0.05 mi) Sloopy's Sports Cafe
- (0.04 mi) The Patio Restaurant
- (0.13 mi) Hotel Lakeside Dining Room and Cafe
- (0.95 mi) Brown's Dairy Dock
- Attractions near Lakeside Chautauqua:
- (1.95 mi) Marblehead Lighthouse
- (0.62 mi) Christi's Just for Ewe
- (5.36 mi) Miller Boat Line
- (6.54 mi) Merry-Go-Round Museum
- (0.84 mi) The House of Healing