A two hour drive from Toledo, Akron is a city with many tourist spots that are unheard of by the masses. Whether you want to visit an outdoor attraction like a park or nature preserve or simply like to visit a museum and art gallery, you’ll find it here.
There are various hidden gems in Akron that deserve massive appreciation but never get the hype they deserve. Below, I have mentioned 15 lesser-known tourist spots in Akron, which includes indoor, outdoor, and restaurants, to make your trip a memorable one.
Table of Contents
Indoor Hidden Gems in Akron, Ohio
1. Dr. Bob’s Home
Address: 855 Ardmore Ave, Akron, OH 44302
The first indoor hidden gem in Akron on this list is Dr Bob’s Home, which is a house museum and primarily attracts those with a keen interest in history.
It is the birthplace of one of the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous, which is a well-known drug rehabilitation center. Upon entering the house, you will see that it has been restored to its actual state, with different photographs, paintings, documents, and memorabilia inside.
Not only that, you will also learn about the twelve-step program. The volunteer will also share some interesting details about the house and Dr. Bob that will make the tour even more informative. Lastly, there is also a gift shop with an interesting collection of books and other items, which you should consider visiting before leaving.
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2. Akron Art Museum
Address: 1 S High St, Akron, OH 44308
For art lovers, the Akron Art Museum is a must-visit hidden gem. With a fine collection of both modern and contemporary art on display, it is one of the most exciting places to visit in Akron.
Firstly, the architecture of the building is itself a piece of art with a futuristic modern steel-and-glass structure. Though this museum started by showcasing some regional artwork on display in its early days, but today, you will find over 7,000 objects in this gallery, from contemporary art since 1850 to the modern art.
Among the art pieces, you will see different exhibition rooms for paintings, photographs, abstract art, mixed-media installations, and many other art forms. But among the most favorite is the sculpture collection inside, which is world-class.
Along with the permanent collection, you will also see rotating exhibits that keep changing over time. Lastly, before leaving, spend some time in the garden, which is adjacent to the building, where you will see different flowers and a stunning mural.
3. Hower House Museum
Address: 60 Fir Hill, Akron, OH 44304
Once was a family home of the Hower family, a prominent industrialist family in Akron. Today, the Hower House Museum is controlled by the University of Akron and operates as a museum.
The first thing that will catch your eye is the architectural style of this house from the outside. It is a Second Empire Italianate-style house, which was a popular architectural design in the US back in the 1850s. As you enter inside, you’ll notice that the whole mansion has been preserved to its actual state, which gives this mansion vibes of an upper-class family of the 19th century.
Everything is well preserved inside which includes furniture, photographs, paintings, etc. There are 28 different rooms, with each room offering something different. The staff is also knowledgeable and can also share some details about the house and the Hower family.
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4. Perkins Stone Mansion & John Brown House
Address: 465 S Portage Path, Akron, OH 44320
Perkins Stone Mansion & John Brown House are two historic homes in Akron. These two houses are the ones that not even many locals know about, but it would be an interesting visit if you like to learn about the historical figures of Akron.
Perkins Stone Mansion is a Greek-style revival mansion with exquisite architecture, while the John Brown House is a farmhouse on the very next street. In both places, you will see well-preserved interiors like furniture, paintings, etc. At the same time, you will also learn about Perkins Stone and John Brown and their contributions to Akron with different posters, photographs and documents.
Before leaving, spend some time in the garden area with lush green surroundings to end your visit on a high and click some in front of the mansions.
5. LeBron James Home Court Museum
Address: 532 W Market St, Akron, OH 44303
The last indoor attraction in this section is the LeBron James Home Court Museum. This underrated spot is a must-visit spot for LeBron James and Lakers fans in Akron.
Inside the museum, the most eye-catching thing is the replica of the childhood house of LeBron James. How the kid from Akron turned out to be one of the biggest stars of basketball, here you will see photographs and documents related to his early career.
At the same time, you will see countless photographs and paintings of LeBron James all over the place with different trophies, jerseys, and a locker room full of basketball jerseys of LeBron. Overall, it will be an exciting and fun visit in Akron, regardless of whether you are a LeBron fan or not.
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Outdoor Hidden Gems in Akron, Ohio
6. Indian Signal Tree
Address: Peck Rd, Akron, OH 44310
The first outdoor attraction is the Indian Signal Tree, which is possibly a 300-year-old gnarled bur oak tree. It’s not only a natural but also considered a historical landmark related to the indigenous people who once used to live here.
It is said that the tree was shaped like this by the Indigenous people as a trail marker or signal tree to guide travelers. This type of tree is rare and is among the only of its kind.
7. Cascade Valley Park
Address: 354 Sackett Ave, Akron, OH 44313
Cascade Valley Park spans over 1300 acres and offers countless outdoor things to do in Akron for both adults and kids. Whether you want to go picnic, hiking, biking, or just want to visit a naturally gifted place, visiting this park is a must.
For hikers, there is a diverse trail system in this park. Chuckery Trail, which is approximately 2.4 miles long is known for its connection with the Indian Signal Tree, and Highbridge Trail, which spans over 2.2 miles, is considered a moderately challenging trail. Along the hike, you will see a serene landscape around with different wildlife animals and plants.
However, the must visit trail is the Overlook Trail, which will lead you to the observation deck, where you can view the park from height. It’s a primary photography spot as well, which you shouldn’t miss while visiting the Cascade Valley Park.
Lastly, the Cuyahoga River is also an important destination in this park. you will see this river while hiking on Chuckery Trail.
8. Springfield Bog Metro Park
Address: 1400 Portage Line Rd, Akron, OH 44312
If you simply want to visit an easy and simple trail suitable for everyone, then head to the Springfield Bog Metro Park, which is a 1.6-mile loop trail with serene beauty all around.
In the park, you will see the prairie ecosystem, which is a rare sight in Ohio. This place was a farmland but now has transformed with the addition of native grasses and wildflowers. Yet, you’ll also see different fields there.
The hiking trail is easy, and along the hike, you will see stunning greenery alongside. The major highlight is the flowers you will see along the way. Every season, you will find different flowers that make the environment pleasant.
At some distance in the middle, there is an observation deck where you can view the whole park and surrounding from some height. Lastly, bathrooms are also available in the park, which is a plus point.
9. Copley Community Park
Address: 3232 Copley Rd, Akron, OH 44321
Copley Community Park is a perfect place for those looking for a family-friendly picnic site. This hidden park is well maintained and clean, with a pond inside, which makes it even more beautiful.
In this park, you will see lush greenery all the way, with different trees on the borders. Inside, you will also see a kid’s playground, a baseball/soccer field, and small walking trails for simple walking and jogging purposes.
Lastly, there is also a pond where you’ll see ducks, fish, and even turtles. Visitors feed the ducks and the fish here. Don’t forget that fishing is not allowed in the pond. And this side of the park, especially at the time of sunset and sunrise looks even more stunning.
10. Firestone Country Club
Address: 452 East Warner Road, Akron, OH 44319
The last outdoor lesser-known outdoor attraction in this list is the Firestone Country Club, which is an ideal visit for golf enthusiasts.
There are three different golf courses: the North course, the South course, and the Fazio course. Each is an 18-hole golf course. The overall golf course is premium and offers peaceful views as well.
There is a pro shop, and for practice facilities, they also have a driving range, putting greens, and a short game area. Not only that, you are also going to have a dining option as well.
Hidden Gem Restaurants in Akron, Ohio
11. The Merchant Tavern
Address: 1824 Merriman Rd, Akron, OH 44313
The first hidden gem restaurant in Akron in this list is the Merchant Tavern, which is an American restaurant with a patio area as well.
The ambiance inside the restaurant is quite cozy, with a set of different lighting and open spaces in the middle. On the walls, there are a combination of different posters and paintings that blend nicely with the decor.
On the menu, you are going to have options like chicken wings, calamari, a variety of different salads, sandwiches, and burgers, which are their main specialty as well. Along with that, they also offer salmon, chicken, steaks, and dessert.
12. Chowder House Cafe
Address: 1244 Weathervane Ln, Akron, OH 44313
For seafood lovers, this underrated place is a must-visit in Akron. In Chowder House Cafe, you will get a good range of items on the menu, but their seafood is what stands out from the rest.
The decor inside the restaurant gave classic local American restaurant vibes. The walls are filled with different artistic paintings while the seating area has two options, wooden and sofa. The space inside is quite open, with good distance between each table.
On the menu, you will get options like lobster bisque, twisted noodles, crab cake, clam chowder, lamb chops, fried fish, Mongolian salmon, risotto, lobster ravioli, short rib, dessert, and different veg options on request.
13. Dontino’s Fine Italian Cuisine
Address: 555 E Cuyahoga Falls Ave, Akron, OH 44310
Whenever you crave to eat Italian food in Akron, simply head to Dontino’s Fine, which is an Italian restaurant with authentic Italian taste and cuisine.
The decor inside is quite simple, with different pictures hanging on the wall and comfortable seating options. At the same time, the separate lighting options for each table offer a pleasant experience.
On the menu, they offer a range of Italian options, like spaghetti, lasagna, baked rigatoni, spinach pasta, a wide range of pizza flavours, pasta options like spinach pasta, fettuccini alfredo, rigatoni, ravioli, cutlet, shrimp, chicken filet, salmon, fish, a wide range of sandwiches, and many more.
14. Michael’s AM
Address: 1562 Akron Peninsula Rd #120, Akron, OH 44313
For breakfast, lunch, and brunch options, Michael’s AM should be your go-to spot whenever you are in Akron. The ambiance inside is pretty refreshing, with different small and separate lighting, and different seating options. The walls are also well-decorated with small pictures hanging on every side of the restaurant.
On the menu, you are going to choose from a wide range of options to chose from which include veg burritos, hash browns, avocado toast, breakfast burritos, egg, chicken, and lobster benedict, biscuits, breads, toasts, and many more.
15. Molly Brown’s Country Cafe
Address: 518 Canton Rd, Akron, OH 44312
With kids friendly environment, Molly Brown’s Country Cafe is the last place on this list. The cafe’s overall ambiance is fairly pleasant and attractive, with different paintings and photographs on the wall and a toy train navigating the restaurant on the ceiling. They also have different seating options with chairs and sofas.
On the menu, they offer hobo skillet, biscuit and gravy, omelet, quesadilla, steak, corned beef and hash, tuna, meatloaf sandwich, burger, burrito, cinnamon rolls, salad, and other options.
FAQ’s
1. What is unique about Akron?
The park system in Akron is unique, with over 6,000 acres of land covered with parks.
2. Is Akron expensive for tourists?
No, most tourists found Akron relatively affordable and not expensive at any point.
3. Is Akron a tourist spot?
Not as famous and attractive as other prime cities in the US, but Akron is a good tourist spot for the masses.
4. What is the best time to visit Akron?
July to September is the best time to visit Akron.
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