Akron has moved beyond its industrial history to compete for tourist dollars in northeast Ohio. The city was known as the Rubber Capital of the World for much of the 20th century. But with that industry waning, community leaders in the 21st century have developed tourist attractions to keep the city thriving. Akron draws travelers from Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Columbus interested in day trips. You can build an Akron vacation by learning more about attractions throughout the city.
The Akron Aeros play baseball from April through early September in the Eastern League. This minor league team was the Double A affiliate for the Cleveland Indians as of the 2010 season. The 9,097-seat Canal Park features an extensive picnic berm with low ticket prices for families. Fans can purchase jerseys, hats and souvenirs at the Infield Outfitters shop. The club schedules promotions like Friday night fireworks and T-shirt giveaways throughout the season. Families can join Orbit’s Kids Club to take advantage of giveaways and on-the-field activities for children.
Akron Aeros
300 S. Main St.
Akron, OH 44308
330-253-5151
akronaeros.com
The Akron Art Museum maintains pre-1950 paintings and sculptures in the Blake McDowell Jr. Galleries. Visitors interested in post-1950 work can walk through the Haslinger Family Foundation Galleries. This venue offers free admissions for children under 12 years old. Adults can tour the museum for free the first Sunday of each month. The museum operates guided tours about Ohio artists and modern art techniques throughout the year. Film aficionados can attend the annual Akron Film Festival at the museum during the last week of September.
Akron Art Museum
One South High
Akron, OH 44308
330-376-9185
akronartmuseum.org
The F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm is a 104-acre park maintained by MetroParks. Hikers can walk along 2.3 miles of trail including the Seneca Trail, a partially unpaved path that passes through forest. The park features two ponds and a campfire area for extended outdoor excursions. Among the three gardens distributed throughout this county park are Kremer Garden and Phenology Garden. The 10,000-square foot visitor center features educational displays about local plants and animals. The Nature Realm hosts regional events like the annual Fall Hiking Spree.
F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm
1829 Smith Road
Akron, OH 44313
330-865-8065
summitmetroparks.org
Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, a 19th-century estate that is now a National Historic Landmark, features a 70-acre garden, a restored conservatory and a manor house. Visitors can take guided garden tours once daily between Memorial Day and Labor Day. This venue is used for the Ohio Mart, an annual arts and crafts show scheduled for the first weekend of October. The Stan Hywet Symposium is an ongoing series of lectures in the manor house dealing with Ohio architecture and history.
Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens
714 N. Portage Path
Akron, OH 44303
330-836-5533
stanhywet.org
