Downtown Cleveland sits on the shores of Lake Erie, easily accessible via rapid transit train from the airport and other parts of the city. Downtown is home to the city's most popular attraction, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but also to many smaller attractions, some of which offer free admission.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, located on the Cleveland lakefront, celebrates the contributions of musicians, songwriters, record producers and radio personalities to the music genre, Rock and Roll. The building and circular front drive, designed by Chinese architect, I.M. Pei, is shaped to resemble a record player when viewed from above. Inside, the exhibits feature stage costumes, record covers, hand-written lyrics and thousands of pieces of music memorabilia. Most important is the music and visitors can listen to old favorites or learn about a new artist at listening stations throughout the museum. Don't miss the temporary exhibits, located on the top floor of the Hall. Recent installations have featured Bruce Springsteen, Jim Morrison, Bob Dylan and the Beach Boys.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is open every day except for Christmas and Thanksgiving. Admission discounts are offered to Cleveland area residents, seniors (65 and older) and children.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
1100 Rock and Roll Blvd.
Cleveland, OH 44114
216-781-7625
rockhall.com
The USS Cod is a retired World War II SS-224 submarine, permanently moored at downtown Cleveland's North Coast harbor, within walking distance of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The vessel, now a National Historic Landmark, has been preserved without any modification and visitors can climb up the ship's ladders and view the quarters and control room as it was during the sub's heyday. There are also several exhibits on shore, including a WWII-era torpedo and a five-blade propeller like the one used on the USS Cod.
The USS Cod is open from May 1 until September 30 each year. Discounts are offered to seniors (65 and older), students and military personnel.
USS Cod
North Coast Harbor
Cleveland, OH 44114
216-566-8770
usscod.org
Another Cleveland lakefront museum, the William G. Mather is a retired ore freighter that once plied the waters of Lake Erie. Today, the vessel is permanently docked behind the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and welcomes visitors from early May to late October. Visitors can take a self-guided or escorted tour of the 1925-circa, 618-foot long boat and catch a glimpse of what life was like for Great Lakes sailors in the early to mid-20th century. The William G. Mather is also the center of the action during the Tall Ships Festival, held every four years.
Hours for the William G. Mather vary by month. Discounts are offered to seniors (60 and older), students, children and AAA members.
William G. Mather Museum
305 Old Erieside Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44114-1003
216-574-6262
wgmather.nhlink.net/
Located in the lobby of downtown Cleveland's Burke Lakefront Airport, the International Women's Air and Space Museum features a changing array of exhibits that highlight the contribution women have made to air and space travel. There are vintage planes, flying helmets and suits and a fascinating section on the Mercury 13 women, the first female astronaut trainees.
The International Women's Air and Space Museum is open during Burke Lakefront Airport hours (which vary). Admission is free.
International Women's Air and Space Museum
Burke Lakefront Airport
1501 N. Marginal Rd.
Cleveland, OH 44114
216-623-1111
iwasm.org
