27 minutes drive away from Akron, specifically known for having one of the best football cultures in America, Canton often goes unnoticed as a tourist spot. There are a variety of different tourist spots that are unheard of by the masses. Whether you like visiting a museum, art gallery, or like visiting outdoor attractions, you will find them here.
Below, I have listed 14 hidden gems in Canton, Ohio, that will make your visit to the city even more exceptional. The list includes four indoors, five outdoors, and five hidden gem restaurants in Canton for an even better experience.
Table of Contents
Indoor Hidden Gems in Canton, Ohio
1. McKinley Presidential Library & Museum
Address: 800 Mc Kinley Monument Dr NW, Canton, OH 44708
For history enthusiasts, McKinley Presidential Library & Museum will be an interesting and exciting spot. As this space is dedicated to William McKinley, the 25th president of the US, you are going to learn a lot about American history here.
Firstly, the memorial is a towering monument set atop 108 granite steps and is surrounded by lush greenery, making it look even more beautiful. It is also considered as the last resting place of William McKinley.
The Presidential Library here is also an important place where you will see a vast collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents related to McKinley’s presidency and his leadership during the Spanish-American War.
Not only that, different exhibitions like the Keller Gallery, Start County Story, street of Shops, Discover World Science Center, and the Hoover Planetarium will keep the visitors engaged with a wide range of artifacts and activities. All of that makes this place an ideal visit for every type of visitor.
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2. Blue Water Majesty Museum
Address: 2810 Columbus Rd NE, Canton, OH 44705
Blue Water Majesty Museum is a small but one-of-a-kind museum that you will surely appreciate because of the handmade wooden models you’ll see here.
Inside, you will see exact replicas of sailing ships that were commonly used back in the 18th century. All of these models are made by the artist Larry Pulka. Most of these models contain no paint strains, and because they are built in different exotic woods, with original color looks beautiful.
A card is also placed near each model, describing its characteristics. Not only small but there are also some artifacts that are huge in size. During your visit, you also have the chance to meet and speak with Larry Pulca himself, who will give you even more insight about different pieces.
Pic Credit: Visit Canton
3. First Ladies National Historic Site
Address: 205 Market Ave S, Canton, OH 44702
Registered in the National Historic Site, the First Ladies National Historic Site is a hidden gem that you should definitely check out when you are in Canton.
The main purpose of this museum was to put a light on the lives and legacies of America’s First Ladies. This Victorian home once belonged to Ida Saxton McKinley, wife of President William McKinley.
As you enter, you will see that the overall decor, furnishing and furniture giving vibes of classic American mansions of the late 1800s. Apart from that, in the museum collection, you will see a wide range of clothes and some personal artifacts.
However, the overall collection is not extensive inside. There is also an education center where you will see the evolving role of First Ladies through multimedia and other exhibits.
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4. Canton Museum of Art
Address: 1001 Market Avenue North, Canton, Ohio 44702
The last indoor hidden gem in Canton on this list is the Canton Museum of Art, which is a must-visit for art enthusiasts. The museum is huge in size which spans over 33,000 square feet.
As you enter, you will see a wide range of art pieces all around. Some are hanging on the wall, some on pedestals, while some are placed on their own. The art pieces involved drawings, paintings, watercolors, prints, ceramics, and sculptures. The artists whose work you’ll see here involved both local and nationwide famous.
Apart from the permanent exhibit, they also have a rotating exhibit, whose theme keeps changing over time, and this museum also hosts different events from time to time.
Outdoor Hidden Gems in Canton, Ohio
5. Petros Lake Park
Address: 3519 Perry Dr SW, Canton, OH 44706
The first outdoor hidden gem in this list is Petros Lake Park. Weather you are looking for a place for a picnic with friends and family or just want to spend some time with greenery all around, this park is ideal to visit in Canton.
This 127-acre park is a favorite among locals for its lake views and green surroundings. While coming here, do come with your fishing gear, as fishing is allowed in the lake. The availability of pavilions, shelters, and benches makes this place ideal for a picnic.
At the same time, the trails surrounding the lake are well-maintained with different trees and flowers. The trails are suitable for every visitor and also ideal for morning and evening walks.
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6. Historic Ridgewood
If you like classic, vintage-designed mansions from the 19th and 20th centuries, head to the Ridgewood Historic District, an ideal neighborhood for these types of mansions.
The neighborhood features over 200 homes, most of them are primarily built between 1912 and the 1930s. Some of the styles include the Tudor Revival, Colonial Revival, Craftsman, and Prairie School. The streets are also well maintained with small parks nearby ideal for spending time at.
7. Gervasi Station Trailhead
Address: 5419 Johnnycake Ridge NE, Canton, OH 44705
For a simple and scenic hiking experience, Gervasi Station Trailhead is an ideal place. This isn’t a difficult trail by any means and offers scenic views alongside.
You will see a simple surrounding with different ponds nearby. Along with that, there are different benches available for visitors to rest. The trail is easy and is also ideal for walking, jogging, cycling, and biking as well. Overall, it’s a place to spend some time with family and friends.
8. Martindale Park
Address: 4053 Martindale Rd NE, Canton, OH 44705
Known for its serene atmosphere and well-maintained facilities, Martindale Park is a hidden gem in Canton that is worth visiting whether you are alone or with family.
The walking trails in the park are ideal for walking and jogging as it is surrounded by a serene landscape and a pond, which adds more beauty to the park. There are also different benches where you can simply sit and see different birds in the nearby trees.
The open green space and pavilions in this park make this a perfect place for a picnic with family.
9. Quarry Golf Club
Address: Sandstone Drive, 5650 Quarry Lake Dr, Canton, OH 44730
The last place on this section of the list is the Quarry Golf Club, which remains fairly maintained and also provides scenic views, which makes golfing here even more special.
It’s an 18-hole course, which is not easy and can be challenging for some beginners. But with the serene layout and water hazards in the course, you will surely enjoy your time here. There is also a restaurant here, which you should definitely check out if you ever feel hungry.
Indoor Hidden Gems in Canton, Ohio
10. Athens Restaurant
Address: 816 Harrison Ave SW, Canton, OH 44706
The first underrated restaurant on this list is Athens Restaurant. It’s a Greek restaurant with a wide range of Greek items on the menu.
The ambiance of the restaurant is quite pleasant, which makes the overall environment calm. Walls are filled with different photographs, paintings, and different cards. On the chairs, you will see statues of different sizes, among them, you will also see replicas of some celebrities as well.
On the menu, you are going to have options like Greek platters, meatloaf, different salads, pasta, wraps, different egg options, Greek breakfast, Greek sandwiches, Greek bowls, and desserts. The gyro bowls in this restaurant are among the best in the town.
11. Kabab & Curry
Address: 5114 Whipple Ave NW, Canton, OH 44718
For Indian food lovers, Kabab & Curry is a must-visit place where you will get a wide variety of authentic Indian food items.
The decor inside is quite unique, with an artificial wall dividing spaces and two types of seating options is also a plus point. The lighting is also good, with different paintings on the wall, making the ambiance pleasant.
The menu has an extensive list of options, which includes lunch special thali, butter chicken, biryani, pakora, samosa, veg platter, dosa, kabob, gulab jamun, and many other options.
12. Sparta Steakhouse and Lounge
Address: 1101 12th St NW, Canton, OH 44703
For those who like eating steaks, Sparta Steakhouse and Lounge will be an ideal spot. The ambiance inside gave vibes of what a steakhouse should be. The different lighting made the overall environment pleasant with different paintings, photographs, and designs on the wall adding extra, which in general, made the place an ideal one.
Their menu includes small and large strip steaks, filet, ribeye, chicken breasts, beef kabob, sirloin, chicken tenders, spaghetti, and wings, with side options like veggies and potato.
They also offer different seafood options, including crab, fish and chips, shrimp, lobster, octopus, Norwegian salmon, and different burgers and homemade desserts.
13. Willow Bistro
Address: 1212 30th St NW, Canton, OH 44709
Willow Bistro, unlike other bistro restaurants, offers much unique and classy ambiance, which makes it an attractive place. The dim lighting inside is the main highlight that makes the decor look even more elegant.
Different small lights on top of each table provide a unique experience with a wide range of paintings and photos on the wall that also look good. Not to forget, they also have a seating area outside as well.
On the menu, you are going to have options like massaman curry, burrito, taco, Alaskan padlock fish, different burgers and sandwiches, platters, sandwiches, panini, and dessert options like cakes and ice cream, along with a kids menu.
14. Sukho Thai
Address: 4430 Belden Village St NW, Canton, OH 44718
The last restaurant on this list is Sukho Thai, which is a Thai restaurant and also offers different Asian foods in Canton.
The overall decor inside is simple but attractive, with open spaces between tables and comfortable seating options the artificial wall also makes the environment look good, and you will see different designs on the walls and an LED TV.
On the menu, you will have options like egg rolls, tom yum soup, Thai dumplings, chicken pad Thai, miso soup, honey chicken, basin chicken, drunken noodles, salad, green curry, noodles, seafood pho, sushi, and many more.
FAQ’s
1. What is special about Canton, Ohio?
Football culture is the best in Canton and is undoubtedly the most special thing as well.
2. Is Canton expensive for tourists?
No, Canton is not expensive for tourists.
3. Is Canton a tourist spot?
Canton is not a primary tourist spot. Though it did attract a lot of football fans, but overall, it’s not well-known for being a prime tourist spot.
4. What is the best time to visit Canton, Ohio?
June to September is arguably the best time to visit Canton.
