A little bit country, a little bit Rock and Roll: Fall Photography Locations in the Cleveland Area

Fall in the Cleveland-area is stunning. Barns, fields, old-world architecture, and trees for days. My list is includes some popular and unconventional options for fall photography locations in the Cleveland area.

Tyler Barn, Rocky River Metroparks

Tyler Barn used to be an ugly white barn full of park equipment and a few years ago it got a stunning paint job. Now it is a bright red beacon for photographers, and the perfect backdrop for holiday cards. Bonus that is it surrounded by pine trees and fields of wildflowers and tall grasses.

Best for: People looking for a classic Holiday Card Feel. Rustic vibes to the max!

family at Tyler Barn, Rocky River Metroparks, Ohio

Rockefeller Greenhouse, Cleveland

The Rockefeller Greenhouse is a great go-to spot when you need a location with both indoor and outdoor areas. The greenhouse is family friendly and is surrounded by a gorgeous outdoor garden space. It is open 10am-4pm almost every day including holidays. It provides foliage and gorgeous natural light even if the Cleveland weather is not so great. It can be a busy place for family sessions on rainy weekends.

Best for: People needing a green filled spot with a built in safety net for bad weather

Gordon Square Murals, Cleveland

The Murals of Gordon Square provide great late-fall photo goodness when the trees have lost their leaves and the traditional Christmas tree backdrop is not your thing. Bonus that they are located in the same neighborhood as Sweet Moses, Brewnuts, Gypsy Bean, Near West Theatre and Lux.

Best for: Holiday cards that are uniquely Cleveland.

senior in front of Gordon Square mural, Cleveland, Ohio

Cleveland Cultural Gardens

The Cleveland Cultural Gardens are actually connected with the Rockefeller Greenhouse. Along with a tree filled extravaganza of fall colors, the gardens have great fountains, garden gates, and architectural structures. Even on gloomy days, the gardens provide a playground of amazing backdrops.

Best for: Foliage fans looking for a bit of an artistic flair.


family in front of Italian Garden, Cleveland Cultural Gardens, Ohio

Cleveland Museum of Art

The Cleveland Museum of Art grounds and architecture looks stunning any time of year. In the fall, the lagoon is glowing with red and orange trees and the pond is full of geese. Inside the museum atrium is open to photographers and provides a great rain location if the weather goes south.

Best for: Lovers of grand architecture, and outside green spaces with a built in safety net for bad weather.

Hinkley Reservation

Abundant trees, lake views, ledges and more. Hinkley Reservation is a nature lovers dream and the slightly slower traffic during the fall months makes it an ideal spot for pictures with an explosion of color.

Best for: Lake lovers.

David Fortier Park, Olmsted Falls, Ohio

You can't wander very far without running into another photographer at David Fortier Park, but for good reason. The quaint stone bridge and rock structures are breathtaking on a fall day. There is also a traditional covered bridge and other types of cool crumbling stonework that provide a ton of interest.

Best For: Nature Lovers to the max.

Cleveland City Streets

Alleyways, old buildings, unique signage, and crumbling architecture all make for fun and unconventional photos. This is a great option later in the season when the trees are bare and the weather is iffy. Sometimes darting in an out of buildings and parking decks can be more fun than the more conventional locations.

Best for: Adventure and fun seekers. People looking for more of a city feel.

Horseshoe Park, Shaker Heights, Ohio

Awesome foliage and a great play area. Horseshoe Park is ideal for families with kiddos and there are plenty of nature trails to wander along. It also proved some covered structures if the weather is looking not so great.

Best for: East side families with younger kiddos.

family at Horseshoe Park, Shaker Heights, Ohio

Wendy Park, Lake Erie Waterfront

Any time of year Lake Erie provides stunning natural backdrops. I love Wendy Park because it is the less populated sister to Edgewater Park and is also home of the Historic Coast Guard station. While it can get windy there is nothing like the expansive blue green backdrop.

Best for: Amazing fall sunsets and grand views on non-windy days.

senior girl with cello on the shore of Lake Erie