Both the Grand and Chagrin rivers, designated scenic rivers, are dotted with marinas that offer easy access to Lake Erie and its abundant supply of walleye and perch. In fact, ESPN-2 televises the country's richest walleye tournament, held in late July each summer in Lake County. In addition, the village of Grand River has become a thriving entertainment district, with numerous successful restaurants providing riverfront dining for tourists. Additionally, Lake County is known as the Nursery Capital of Ohio, and for the mini Napa Valley region in Madison. Some of Ohio's finest wines are produced each year at the local wineries, including Chalet Debonne and Ferrante's.
Lake County is also rich in history.
In addition, the city of Painesville was part of the Underground Railroad. Another Lake County landmark can be found in Kirtland, where Joseph Smith Jr., founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, brought several of his followers to settle. By 1838, approximately 3,000 followers had settled in the Kirtland area, including future Mormon leader Brigham Young. Smith and several of his followers eventually left after great financial problems and adverse publicity. Most of the Mormons eventually moved west to Utah.