Cleveland Attractions
Our Recommendations (in no particular order)
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Probably the most famous and popular attraction in Cleveland is the “Rock Hall”. It opened in 1995 and is a must see for lovers of Rock and Roll. It traces the history of rock and roll and includes the famous Hall of Fame.
Christmas Story House
See the house from the movie A Christmas Story, located in Cleveland's Tremont neighborhood. The tour includes a museum which features original props, costumes and memorabilia from the film and an amazing gift shop.
Lake View Cemetery
Among the famous Clevelanders buried at Lake View Cemetery are John D. Rockefeller, Charles F. Brush, Ray Chapman and Garett Morgan. President James A. Garfield is also buried here in a beautiful memorial built in 1890. Most noteworthy is the Wade Chapel, which was designed completely by Louis Comfort Tiffany. It is a must see!
Playhouse Square
For an exciting night on the town, catch one of the many shows at one of Playhouse Square’s 11 theaters. Playhouse Square is the second largest theater center in the country! They offer everything from Broadway musicals, plays, concerts, poetry readings, dance and comedy shows. One of the most exciting things to do in Cleveland!
Cleveland Symphony Orchestra
The Cleveland Symphony Orchestra is recognized as one of the world’s best! Whether you are seeing a show in Severance Hall or under the stars at Blossom Music Center, you will be thrilled. The Orchestra was founded in 1918 and still amazes audiences today.
Cleveland Museum of Natural History
You can go back in time to the land of dinosaurs, explore the heavens or see up close and personal some of Ohio’s native wildlife at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History.
Cleveland Museum of Art
The Cleveland Museum of Art was founded in 1913. Its mission is to be “for the benefit of all the people forever” and to this day is still free to visit. It has collections from all over the world and includes the pieces from the world’s most famous artists.
Westside Market
Westside Market is Cleveland’s oldest public market and is located in the Ohio City neighborhood. They have everything from fresh fruits and vegetables, to meats, cheeses, seafood and baked goods. The Westside market is a real Cleveland tradition.
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
The zoo is part of the Metroparks system which covers 23,000 acres in Ohio. From armadillos, beavers, elephants, flamingos, wallabies and wolves you can experience them all at the zoo.
Cleveland History Center
The Cleveland History Center tells the story of Cleveland, from its founding by Moses Cleaveland (yes his name is spelled with an extra “a”) all the way to today. You can see artifacts from throughout the city’s history.
Additional Things to do in Cleveland
There are so many great attractions here in Cleveland. The above list is simply some of my favorites but you can also check out the following:
- Cleveland Aquarium
- Cleveland Botanical Gardens
- Cleveland Cultural Gardens
- Cuyahoga Valley National Park & Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
- Great Lakes Science Center
- Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA)
- International Women's Air and Space Museum
- Children’s Museum of Cleveland
- Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage
- Western Reserve Fire Museum
Sport's Fans - Don’t forget the Cleveland Guardians (MLB), Cleveland Browns (NFL), Cleveland Cavilers (NBA) and the Cleveland Monsters (AHL).
Other Near by Attractions
The Sanctuary Museum
The Sanctuary Museum in neighboring Lakewood and is open on Wednesdays & Saturdays. It contains art from old Catholic Churches that have closed. Everything from paintings, sculptures and stained glass. Many of the statues have been restored on site in the museum.
Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens
Stan Hywet was home to F.A. Seiberling (co-founder of Goodyear Tire). The house was completed in 1915. It is a 65-room Tudor Revival Manor House with 70 acres of gardens on the estate. Stan Hywet is located in Akron about 45 minutes south of downtown Cleveland.
Castle Noel
Castle Noel is America’s largest indoor, year round Christmas Attraction. It contains props and costumes from familiar Christmas movies, window displays from NYC’s finest department stores and a replica of the slide from A Christmas Story that you can slide down. Castle Noel is located 45 minutes south of downtown in Medina.