About Linwood Park
The Story Of Our Present & Past
``In Season`` Since 1884
All Linwood Park programs and amenities are fully operational during Linwood’s summer Season, which runs from the second Friday in June through Labor Day each year. The Park is home to 150 well-kept private cottages, many dating back to 1884-1895. Owners and seasonal visitors alike fill these historic homes all Season long. But we’re a lot more than just cottages!
Experience Linwood Park
Find yourself immersed in the natural beauty of large shady groves. Relax with family on our private Lake Erie beach or choose a park bench overlooking the lake.
For Beach Use Rules, click here.
Choose from an array of athletic venues, or take the kids to enjoy our treasured playgrounds. Spend long summer days on the lake with your paddleboard or kayak. You can visit The Stand for ice cream or lunch and pop by The Store for unique art.
Stop by The Chapel and The Tabernacle and listen to the chimes daily at noon and 6:00 pm. Our historic church bell has been a part of Linwood Park since our founding in 1884; it was a gift from Baltimore’s McShane Bell Company. This bell still announces the Tabernacle’s Sunday worship services every week.
The Linwood Christian Life (LCL) sponsors many other opportunities for renewal and growth throughout the Season. The LCL also publishes a weekly community newsletter called The Breeze — for the latest copy, click here.
The Linwood Park Cottage Owners Association (LPCOA) holds regular family events and activities throughout the Season. You won’t want to miss them!
Our History
In the early 1800s, Americans began to explore and develop the lands lying West of the Eastern Seaboard. During this time, camp meetings became popular among evangelical protestant groups. First in tents and later in permanent camp facilities, these weeks-long social and religious revivals spawned growth in the Western Reserve.
Encouraged by successful camps in Martha’s Vineyard, MA; Ocean City, MD; Chautauqua, NY; and Lakeside, OH; a group of Evangelical Church ministers in the budding Midwest region became eager to own and operate their own camp. And in December 1883, they organized a stock company to do just that.
The ministers purchased a picnic grove in Vermilion, OH, known as Linwood Grove. Development began almost immediately. The former dance hall became a dining hall, another existing building became the Chapel, and The Tabernacle and Linwood’s first 12 privately owned cottages were built onsite.
By the summer of 1884, the grove’s first camp meetings were held — and with that, Linwood Park was born.
Who Does What?
With so much to do, it’s no surprise that many “Linwoodites” pitch in to help. Read below to learn which hard-working volunteer group is in charge of your area of interest.
THE LINWOOD PARK COMPANY (LPC)
Owns, staffs, operates, and maintains all of the LPC buildings, grounds, and facilities. It is a privately owned Ohio corporation established in 1883.
THE LINWOOD PARK COTTAGE OWNERS ASSOCIATION (LPCOA)
Plans, organizes, and sponsors summertime activities for the entire Linwood Park community. It is an Ohio not-for-profit company established in 1931.
THE LINWOOD CHRISTIAN LIFE (LCL)
Provides worship services and Christian-based activities as well as publishing The Breeze weekly newsletter for the Linwood Park community. It is an Ohio 501 (C) (3) organization.