Lakeside in Ottawa County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Hotel Lakeside

— Lakeside Heritage Trail —

Photographed by Craig Doda, July 24, 2025

1. Hotel Lakeside Marker

Inscription. Since 1875, porch chairs have provided commanding views of Lake Erie from sunrise to sunset.

Erected 2023 by Lakeside Heritage Society. (Marker Number 2.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1875.

Location. 41° 32.731′ N, 82° 45.056′ W. Marker is in Lakeside, Ohio, in Ottawa County. It is at the intersection of Park Row and Maple Avenue, on the right when traveling east on Park Row. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 229 Park Row, Lakeside Marblehead OH 43440, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on the Lake Erie Shore

and in the Toledo Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American Midwest,

on the Great Lakes,

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France,

the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A different marker also named Hotel Lakeside (a few steps from this marker); Danbury Township World War Veterans Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Lakeside (within shouting distance of this marker); Dock & Pavilion (within shouting distance of this marker); Tower and Cross (within shouting distance of this marker); Donald & Coralen Bettinger Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Lakeside Pavilion (within shouting distance of this marker); The Carroll Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lakeside.

Also see . . .

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1. Welcome to the Lakeside Heritage Trail. One hundred and fifty years ago, the founders of Lakeside stood on the shores of Lake Erie envisioning a place for the faithful to gather in community. Since then, millions of people have been beckoned to this beautiful, peaceful sanctuary to deepen their connection to Lakeside’s timeless mission…

To enrich the quality of life for all people, to foster traditional Christian values, and to nurture relationships through opportunities for renewal and growth – spiritually, intellectually, culturally and physically – while preserving Lakeside’s heritage.

With the new year, we welcome Lakeside’s 150th Anniversary – a time to honor the past, celebrate the present and look to the future. This exciting Sesquicentennial Celebration connects us to the mission through enriching religious life programs, educational lectures, cultural arts performances and recreational activities. (Submitted on August 11, 2025, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio.)

2. 2. Hotel Lakeside. Then
Hotel Lakeside was erected in 1875. Along with the Methodist Episcopal Chapel (Heritage Hall), it is one of Lakeside’s two original public buildings.

This first section had 36 rooms, a dining room and an attached two-story outhouse. In 1879, an annex was built south of the main building. It consisted of 32 small rooms, for the purpose of

Photographed by Craig Doda, July 24, 2025

2. Hotel Lakeside Marker

housing the servants of hotel guests and hotel staff. In 1890, a hotel wing was added along Maple Street and nearly tripled the hotel’s capacity by adding 77 guest rooms. Indoor plumbing and electricity was added about that same time. In 1914, the front porch was enlarged and a concrete floor was installed, along with a fireplace in the lobby.

By the mid-twentieth century, deferred maintenance and neglect began to take their toll. The south annex was razed in 1963. Also in the 1960s, the second floor porches were removed for safety. By 1972, more than half of the rooms were unusable and the hotel was scheduled for demolition. A group of concerned Lakeside residents, determined to save and restore the hotel, formed the Friends of Hotel Lakeside to accomplish those goals. Lakeside’s Board of Directors later changed course and resolved to save and preserve the hotel.

For more than 40 years, The Friends of Hotel Lakeside were dedicated to preserving and upgrading the facility. The most important improvements included complete rewiring, new plumbing, installation of a sprinkler system, elevator access, new kitchen, foundation repair and restoration, as well as air conditioning of the dining room, lobby and all guest rooms. All of this has been completed with the help and cooperation of the Lakeside Chautauqua staff and the Lakeside Board of Directors.

Now

Photographed by Craig Doda, July 24, 2025

3. Hotel Lakeside Marker

The hotel’s long porch offers a commanding view of the lake and is a very popular gathering space for guests and visitors. The Victorian grace of the refurbished lobby invites guests and visitors to sit and reflect on times gone by. Just off the lobby is Artist N Cahoots, a shop featuring the work of local artists.

Sixty-nine hotel rooms are available in a variety of sizes from traditional to luxury suites, all with private baths. Visit Hotel Lakeside for reservations and additional information. (Submitted on August 11, 2025, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio.)

Credits. This page was last revised on August 13, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 11, 2025, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 73 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 11, 2025, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.