Explore the breathtaking winter landscapes of Headland Dunes State Nature Preserve in Mentor, Ohio. From windswept golden-red dunes to the iconic Fairport Harbor West Breakwater Lighthouse, follow our journey along Lake Erie’s dramatic winter coastline.

Arriving at the Windswept Dunes

Our next stop on our Lake Erie winter coastal tour took us to the beautiful and uncompromising Headland Dunes State Nature Preserve. This park might be one of the most stunning places I’ve ever visited, and the winter backdrop made it even more breathtaking. It was our final adventure of the weekend, and if you’ve been keeping up with our recent travels, you know we had just come from the Lake Erie Bluffs trail. In that post I mentioned a fast-approaching winter storm, so I was nervous to add another stop after that hike. But what’s life without a little risk, right?

Thankfully, the drive to Headland Dunes only took about ten minutes, so the storm hadn’t yet escalated beyond some strong, blustery winds—just a casual dose of gale force, nothing to freak out over.

Stepping Into a Winter Painting

We parked in the back lot closest to the coastline and the old lighthouse Maggie and I were itching to see. The second we stepped out of the car, the wind hit us like a wall. Headland Dunes, unlike Erie Bluffs, offers almost no tree cover, leaving you completely exposed to whatever Lake Erie decides to throw at you.

And I’ll be honest—when Maggie said she wanted to squeeze in one more park, I wasn’t thrilled. I was cold, tired, and already dreading the three-hour drive back to Columbus. But the moment we stepped onto the trail, I was rewarded with the incredible sight of the dunes.

I’ve seen dunes before, and usually they’re not much to look at. But these were different—covered in a rich, golden-red brush that billowed constantly in the wind. The contrast between the vibrant dunes and the dark gray sky made the entire scene feel like we were walking into an old painting.

Discovering the Trail to the Lighthouse

We wandered deeper into the dunes, taking photos and soaking in as much beauty as we could while battling the elements. About a quarter mile in, we reached an informational board explaining how far it was to the lighthouse. At first, we thought it was off-limits due to a restricted area marked on the map.

Thankfully, we misread the sign—the restricted area applied only to a sensitive strip of dunes the rangers roped off to protect the ecosystem. Beside it, a sandy trail ran parallel to the coast. Follow it for about half a mile, and it takes you directly to the lighthouse.

Walking the Peninsula of Fairport Harbor

The wind intensified the closer we got to the open shoreline, and the thick sand made the trek feel longer than it was. But the views were unbelievable. To our left, the dunes rippled in the wind; to our right, the icy waters of Lake Erie met the beach of Fairport Harbor.

We’d kayaked this very section earlier in the year, so seeing it again—this time so wild and moody—was surreal. Off in the distance, we spotted the historic Fairport Harbor Lighthouse, where we once climbed for some sweet ribbons. Seeing it again from this new vantage point was nostalgic.

Reaching the Fairport Harbor West Breakwater Lighthouse

Eventually the dunes gave way to open beach, and at the end of the peninsula stood the Fairport Harbor West Breakwater Lighthouse—strong, stoic, and battered by the dark winter waves.

One of the coolest things about this lighthouse is how close you can get. You can’t go inside—it’s still an active lighthouse—but standing beside it as waves crash around the breaker wall is incredible. With the gray skies, winter winds, and churning lake, the whole scene felt dramatic and cinematic. And thanks to the weather, we had the entire lighthouse to ourselves.

The dunes behind us rippled like a field of fire in the wind, matching the energy of the stormy lake. It was one of the most breathtaking views I’ve ever witnessed.

The Windy Trek Back and Heading Home

The hike back was slower. On the way out, the wind had pushed at our backs; now it fought us the entire way. Walking more than a mile in open terrain with gale-force winds trying to shove you sideways isn’t exactly relaxing, but it was well worth the effort.

About 45 minutes later, we finally made it back to the warmth of the car and began the long drive home to Columbus. It’s always bittersweet when an adventure ends, but the holiday weekend gave us unforgettable sights. And even though returning home means returning to reality, writing about these parks—and flipping through the incredible photos (courtesy of my wonderful wife)—lets us relive those memories all over again.

Final Thoughts

As the final stop on our Lake Erie Winter coastal series, Headland Dunes State Nature Preserve felt like the perfect exclamation point to the weekend. After exploring bluffs, trails, and shoreline overlooks along the lake, this park delivered something entirely different—raw exposure, endless dunes, and an intimate encounter with the power of Lake Erie in winter. Standing beside the lighthouse with icy waves crashing at our feet captured everything this series has been about: embracing the elements, chasing quiet moments, and finding beauty in the off-season. It reminded us that Lake Erie isn’t just a summer destination—it’s a year-round landscape full of drama, solitude, and unforgettable adventures, and one we’ll keep returning to whenever the winds call us back to the coast.

Quick Tips for Visiting Headland Dunes State Nature Preserve in Winter

• Dress for serious wind: Winter temperatures feel much colder here due to strong Lake Erie winds. A windproof jacket, gloves, and a hat are essential—even on milder days.
  
• Wear waterproof footwear: Snow, ice, and wet sand are common along the beach and trails. Waterproof hiking boots will make the experience far more comfortable.
  
• Expect deep sand: The trail to the lighthouse runs through thick, loose sand. Be prepared for a slower hike, especially when walking into the wind.
  
• Respect restricted dune areas: Roped-off sections protect sensitive ecosystems. Stay on marked trails to help preserve the dunes.
  
• Check the weather before you go: Winter storms roll in fast along the lake. Always monitor wind advisories and changing conditions.
  
• Bring a camera (and protect it): The golden-red dunes against a gray winter sky are stunning, but blowing sand and spray can be tough on gear.

Interested in adventuring more? Check out all of our articles!