Planning on visiting Akron, Ohio but not sure what you're going to do when you get there? Well you've come to the right place. Whether you're in town to attend one of the adult hockey camps at the University of Akron or you're stopping by on your way south, there are tons of things to do in the city that will keep you occupied for the duration of your stay. Whether you like sports or history, shopping or museums, hiking or listening to music, there's something for you to enjoy here. So while you're planning your tip, use our quick visitor's guide to plan your itinerary.
History and Architecture
The Ohio and Erie Canal, which was built in the early 1800s to connect the Cuyahoga and Ohio Rivers with Lake Erie, is no longer in use for freight traffic but preserved as a national historic landmark. The B.F. Goodrich Plant is also a historic attraction, as it was home to some of the first auto parts and strapping machine manufacturers. There are also many interestingly built historic and modern buildings in Akron to admire, including the Simon Perkins Mansion, which is built in the Greek Revival Style
Sports and Outdoors
The Ohio and Erie Canal has a trails system known as the Towpath associated with it that provides beautiful riverside hikes that will make you wish you knew some faux painting techniques so you could capture it and take it home. Lock 3 Park is one of the city's largest and often home to festivals such as the Soap Box Derby and a firefighter's competition. The Bridgestone Invitational is played at the Firestone Country Club and Canal Park is host to the Akron Aeros minor-league baseball team. There are no major league teams in the city, but minor league and college sports are popular with locals.
Museums and Attractions
Akron's biggest attraction is Stan Hywet Hall, a combined Tudor-style museum and garden that was once home to the founder of Goodyear. Some of his work can also be seen in the National Inventors Hall of Fame, which honors advancements in everything from food chopping to nuclear medicine storage. For those who are interested in psychology, the Archives of the History of American Psychology at the University of Akron are worth a visit. The city is also home to the American Marble and Toy Museum, the Goodyear World of Rubber Museum, the Akron Airship Historical Center, the Akron Police Museum, and the Akron Art Museum.
Shopping, Music, and Theater
Akron has some interesting shopping malls, including the downtown Quaker Square, which was built from the old Quaker Oats factory and features round dormitory rooms built from the storage silos. Highland Square is the place to go for antiques and to see shows at the historic Highland Theater. Lock 3 Park has an outdoor amphitheater where there's often live music and dream car raffles during the summer. The Akron Civic Theater is one of only five in the country that can project clouds and stars on the ceiling.
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