Wade Park

Wade Park extends along East Boulevard south of Euclid Avenue and features a central lagoon surrounded by walking paths and green spaces. The grounds connect three major institutions: the Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland Botanical Garden, and Cleveland Museum of Natural History.

Jeptha Wade, a Cleveland industrialist, donated 63 acres of his private estate to create this public park in September 1882. This gift marked a turning point in the development of University Circle as a center for education and culture.

The Fine Arts Garden displays sculptures from the Cleveland Museum of Art collection, including a cast of Rodin's The Thinker. Visitors can walk among these artworks and experience how sculpture and green space blend together.

The park is best explored on foot, with easy-to-walk paths and clear landmarks to guide you. Visitors should plan time to visit one or more of the adjacent museums, as these can extend your visit considerably.

The cast of The Thinker displays visible damage from a 1970 bombing. This unintended mark preserves a moment of destruction within the sculpture itself, making it a physical record of an unexpected historical event.

Location: Cleveland

Location: Cuyahoga County

Inception: 1882

Elevation above the sea: 206 m

GPS coordinates: 41.51083,-81.61111

Latest update: December 12, 2025 07:59