Akron-Canton Ohio Museums & Hall of Fame Attractions

Akron and Canton Ohio are situated south of Cleveland along the Ohio-Erie Canal. Akron is approximately 40 miles south of Cleveland and Canton is approximately 24 miles further south of Akron.

The area was once known as the “rubber capital of the world” and is now a world-renowned center for polymer research and development with over 400 related companies.

You will find an amazing array of worthwhile places to visit in the Akron/Canton area, especially many unique museums. The locations described below each have a “hot link” directly to the individual website for your convenience. Enjoy!

2080 South Cleveland Massillon Road, Copley, OH 44321

330.665.3466

Akron Fossils & Science Center

This unique science center features fun activities, guided tours and fossil exhibits from around the world. They also feature mini golf, zip-line rides and an outdoor adventure park. The center is committed to teaching “creation science and intelligent design models” (vs. evolutionary models). Note: FREE admission for teachers every Friday.

217 South High Street, Akron, OH 44308

330.375.2390

Akron Police Museum

FREE admission. The history of the Akron Police Department is highlighted with exhibits dating back to the 19^th century. Examples of displays include photos, equipment, uniforms and confiscated weapons.

123 6th Street SW, Canton, OH 44702

330.455.3603

The Canton Classic Car Museum

The museum was established in 1978 by the late Marshall Belden, Sr. Exhibits include 45 rare and unusual automobiles plus thousands of historical memorabilia including: vintage toys, steam engines, automobilia, historic photography and much more.

138 Charleston Street, Cadiz, OH 43907

740.942.4989

Clark Gable Birth Home - Gift Shop and Museum

“The King of Hollywood,” Clark Gable, was born on February 1, 1901, in this reconstructed home in Ohio. The home remains furnished in the style of years gone by. Clark Gable memorabilia is on display including a 1954 Cadillac, and there are fun items for purchase in the gift shop.

Walsh University's Hoover Park, 2020 East Maple Street, North Canton, OH 44720

330.490.7090

Hoover Historical Center

The Victorian boyhood home of Hoover Company founder William H. Hoover is now a beautiful historical center. Take a walk down memory lane with antique manual vacuums, vintage ads, World War II products and elegant Victorian décor. Interactive tours are available.

1265 West 4th Street, Mansfield, OH 44906

419.529.2573

Mansfield Fire Museum

Experience the many aspects of the history of fire service including a reproduction of the turn of the century Fire Station and antique alarms. An old bucket brigade, horse drawn equipment, and internal combustion powered equipment display amazing changes over the years. Be sure to take time visit the historic North Main Street where you will find places like the Coney Island diner and an old-fashioned drugstore with an authentic marble soda fountain.

Museum/Saxton McKinley House 331 S. Market Ave. Canton, OH 44702

330.452.0876

National First Ladies' Library

This unique national resource is the first and only facility of its kind, devoted to educating people about the contributions of First Ladies as well as other notable women in history. The in-house facility and also the virtual library serve as educational resources worldwide.

2121 George Halas Dr. NW, Canton, OH 44708

330.456.8207

Pro Football Hall of Fame

This museum is a wonderful tribute to the players who have made professional football America’s most popular sport. Many renovations and improvements have taken place since its opening in 1963. Once only 19,000 square feet, this internationally recognized travel destination boasts 85,000 square feet. Additional renovations are currently taking place which will expand the museum to 118,000 square feet in 2013, its 50^th anniversary.

800 Mc Kinley Monument Drive NW, Canton, OH 44708

330.455.7043

William McKinley Presidential Library & Museum

The museum is dedicated to collecting and preserving significant materials and records related to the presidential history of William McKinley and Stark County. The global audience for this center has expanded past the local community and offers educational programs and interpretive exhibitions.

If you haven’t already, I hope you get the opportunity to visit this fascinating area.

Just north of Akron/Canton, you will find additional attractions in Cleveland Ohio. Check out my article Cleveland Ohio Museums & Hall of Fame Attractions. Thank you for stopping by!

This is Sharyn's Slant