The best place on earth is in NE Ohio.
A history dating back to the Ice Age.
The Ice Age and the shifting of Earth's tectonic plates are to thank for the scenic Nelson Ledges. The spectacular rock formations are its well-known trademarks. The beautiful quartz and sandstone cliffs resulted from erosion that wore away the softer rock layers to form the Ledges.
The Ledges lie near one of the highest points in the state, which creates the watershed divide between the Ohio River and Lake Erie. This area was therefore of vital importance to Native American tribes — mostly the Delaware. Several Indian footpaths and canoe routes passed through the vicinity, making the area an important trade center for Native Americans and, eventually, pioneers.
Many arrowheads have been found throughout the state and quarry parks, and we are very proud and respectful of these timeless footprints left here so many years ago.
1800. First settlers arrived. 1950s. The spring burst. 1972. The park was founded.
First settlers & cheese country.
The first settlers developed the area into an important agricultural and dairy center that controlled southern markets.
In 1800, the Mills family left Becket, Massachusetts and became the first settlers in Nelson. Cheese-making was prominent, beginning almost as soon as the first settlers arrived. By 1834, the Northeast Ohio cheese industry even controlled the southern markets. Eventually, canal and railway transportation increased the area's importance.
The Ledges, as they are called, have always been a noted place of resort for pleasure-seekers and the curious. In the late 1800s, a small hotel was built as one of the principal points of interest for their accommodations. There were even carnival rides in the mid-1900s.
The day the quarry filled itself.
In the late 1940s and 50s, what's now Nelson Ledges Quarry Park was an operating rock quarry. It employed many people in the surrounding area, mining both quartz and sand.
As the story goes, one day in the late 1950s the machinery hit one of the many springs, and the 30-acre quarry filled within days, leaving peninsulas, rock shelves, and an island in the middle. The company abandoned the site.
A secret retreat for all.
Abandoned by the company, the quarry was soon visited and inhabited by the locals — free-loving hippies and bikers, who came with their painted buses, motorcycles, free spirits, and hopes of settling down. Unfortunately, they were in for a rude awakening. Thinking they had created the perfect paradise, officials caught wind of too much fun going on — gates were put up, and the quarry was closed.
Eventually, in 1972, the land and quarry were purchased by a young man who established the foundation of the campground we see today. In the years that followed, it has become even more of a hot spot for scuba diving, camping, swimming, sunbathing, and of course cliff diving.
The '70s and '80s were wonderful, and the memories were many. The laughter and good times seemed to flow endlessly. But the '90s brought a stir of events due to poor management, and ownership changed hands twice before 1995.
The Kelley era.
In 1995, Evan Kelley, a previous lifeguard and manager throughout the '80s and '90s, was given the opportunity to both purchase and improve the park. It was his dream to keep the quarry alive.
Evan expanded upon ideas and made many renovations — more children's activities, better facilities — without altering the natural beauty or spirit of the park. He also hired a wonderful staff that we consider to be our park family.
Together, we run the quarry with love and appreciation for what it provides us and everyone who comes here.
Read Evan and Kristina's letter about their daughter Jessica Rae Kelley — the quarry's return home, and the heart behind everything we do.
Our memories.
Fifty years of friends, festivals, and firsts captured on camera.
A place where the best times are had.
Friends come together, friends are made, people fall in love. Come be part of it.