Founded in 1825 along the Little Cuyahoga River, Akron lies south of Cleveland in Ohio’s north-east. It has been nicknamed the “Rubber Capital of the World” due to its long history of tyre manufacturing and was where the K-12 American education system was established in 1847.
Things to do in Akron
Art enthusiasts shouldn’t miss a visit to the Akron Art Museum, which houses an architecturally striking building in the heart of Akron. Its impressive collection dates from 1850 to the present day and includes several notable examples of American Impressionism and Pop Art. In addition to Modernist paintings by locally-based artist William Sommer, the museum hosts travelling exhibitions and community-based art projects.
Listed as a National Historic Landmark is Stan Hywet Hall, which was formerly home to the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company founder, F.A. Seiberling. Explore the elegant rooms of the Tudor Revival-style manor house and the Gothic-inspired conservatory, then see the Gate Lodge where Alcoholics Anonymous was born. The artfully landscaped grounds were designed by the renowned American landscape architect Warren Manning.
Akron lies at one end of the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, which connects north to Independence. It takes you on a picturesque journey through the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, with the opportunity to spot deer, beavers and eagles along the way. If you don’t want to ride the railway both ways, you can bike or hike part of the Towpath Trail that follows the historic Ohio & Erie Canal.
Getting around Akron
Akron-Canton Airport is a 20-minute drive from the centre of Akron and has flights to destinations across the United States. Buses connect Akron to destinations across Ohio and travel throughout the city. The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad comes and goes from Akron Northside Station.