Lorain county is located in northern Ohio just west of Cleveland on the shores of Lake Erie and uses Elyria as its county seat. The county population on July 1, 1999, was 282,100, an increase of 10,974 over the 1990 census.

Due to its proximity to the Big Lake and its beautiful natural landscape formed of marshlands, lush woodlands, natural springs and rocky shorelines, Lorain county is an ideal location for catching a glimpse of more than 300 species of birds, and bald eagles, warblers and great blue herons are regular visitors, as well.

The 21-mile stretch of shoreline attracts hordes of anglers seeking to harvest a bit of the bountiful crops of walleye, smallmouth bass and yellow perch. A sand bar that extends from Lorain north to the Canadian line forms a natural barrier in about 30 feet of water where the walleye herd bait fish upon which to feed. From the middle of May through the third week of June is considered "prime time" for those "in the know."