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Akron is a city in northeastern Ohio, set on a ridge along the Little Cuyahoga River, about 40 miles south of Cleveland. Its name comes from the Greek word for summit, because it sat at the highest point of the Ohio and Erie Canal, which opened here in 1827 and turned the young town into a busy industrial hub. In 1870 Benjamin Goodrich moved his rubber company to Akron, followed by Goodyear, Firestone and General Tire, and for most of the 20th century Akron was the Rubber Capital of the World.
Today Akron has about 190,000 residents and a down-to-earth, creative spirit. Its industrial past is visible at the Goodyear Polymer Center and in the restored factories of the downtown area, while Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens, the magnificent 65-room Tudor Revival mansion built by Goodyear co-founder F. A. Seiberling, is one of the finest historic house museums in the country. Akron is also the birthplace of Alcoholics Anonymous and the hometown of basketball star LeBron James, whose I Promise School supports local children.
The city is the gateway to Cuyahoga Valley National Park, which protects forests, waterfalls and the historic towpath trail of the Ohio and Erie Canal between Akron and Cleveland, with the scenic railroad running through the valley. In town, the Akron Zoo, the Akron Art Museum with its striking modern Roof Cloud wing, Lock 3 Park and the Akron RubberDucks minor league ballpark offer plenty to do, and Firestone Country Club and the Goodyear Blimp base at Wingfoot Lake add to the city's character.
The 65-room Tudor Revival mansion of Goodyear co-founder F.A. Seiberling, completed in 1915, with original furnishings, a music room, an English garden and a long birch allee. Allow about three hours for the house and gardens. Alcoholics Anonymous has roots in its gate lodge.
An outdoor living history museum in the Cuyahoga Valley, centered on the 1820s brick home of the Hale family, with a reconstructed 19th century village, glassblowing, blacksmithing and farm animals. Costumed interpreters bring the period to life. It is open seasonally.
An 1837 Greek Revival sandstone house built by the family of Akron founder General Simon Perkins, run by the Summit County Historical Society with period rooms. Abolitionist John Brown lived in a house across the street, which is also part of the site. Tours run seasonally.
A national park along the Cuyahoga River between Akron and Cleveland, with Brandywine Falls, the Ledges, covered bridges and the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, which stops at several stations. Entrance is free. The Ledges Trail and Brandywine Falls boardwalk are the most popular walks.
A Summit Metro Parks park in south Akron along the Tuscarawas River, with wooded trails, wetlands, a fishing pond and open meadows. It is quiet and good for birdwatching. Entry is free and picnic shelters can be reserved in summer.
A Summit Metro Parks nature center in west Akron with a visitor center, live animal displays, a rock garden, ponds and short trails including a suspension bridge and boardwalks. It is well suited to families and easy walks. Entry is free and the trails are open daily.
A multi-use trail following the historic Ohio and Erie Canal for more than 80 miles, passing through downtown Akron, its old canal locks and the Cuyahoga Valley. It is flat and ideal for biking. Combine a ride with the scenic railroad, which carries bikes for a small fare.
A downtown park next to a restored lock on the Ohio and Erie Canal, used as a festival space with concerts, an ice rink and holiday lights in winter. It sits close to the Towpath Trail and Canal Park. Check the city events calendar for free summer concerts.
A downtown museum with a striking glass and steel Crystal wing attached to an 1899 post office, showing modern and contemporary art, photography and regional works. The sculpture garden outside is open to the public, and a visit inside takes about an hour or so.
A compact zoo near downtown with animals including lions, jaguars, Komodo dragons, snow leopards, grizzly bears and penguins, set in themed areas along a loop path. It works well for families with young children and is easy to see in about three hours.
The downtown ballpark of the Akron RubberDucks, the Double-A affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians, set beside the Ohio and Erie Canal. Tickets are affordable and the park offers fireworks nights and family promotions. Games run from April to September.
One of the few surviving atmospheric theaters in the US, opened in 1929 with a Moorish castle interior and a ceiling of twinkling stars and moving clouds. It hosts concerts, comedy and touring shows. Join a building tour or simply see a show to view the decor.
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