Cleveland is a unique city, and it is home to some unique sights. From its iconic skyline to tiny mom-and-pop shops, there’s much to love about The Land. However, some of its most hidden places are some of its best. Today, we’re going to take a trip to some of the best hidden gems in Cleveland. These places, both massive and impressive to tiny and awe-inspiring, will take your breath away. Ready to explore some hidden gems near Cleveland? Check it out:

Ready for a road trip? This map takes you to some incredible gems in and around Cleveland.
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1. Fort Hill Loop Trail
Fort Hill Loop Trail, North Olmsted, OH 44070, USA
Tim Evanson/Flickr
These structures may not look like much to the untrained eye, but they're actually a historic archaeological site hiding in plain sight. Tucked away in Rocky River Reservation, Fort Hill Loop takes visitors past authentic earthworks built by a culture that lived in the area until roughly 1100 C.E. At 2,000 years old, these structures are some of the most interesting hidden gems in the Cleveland Metroparks... and possibly all of Greater Cleveland.
2. The Sanctuary Museum
THE SANCTUARY MUSEUM, 12905 Madison Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107, USA
THE SANCTUARY MUSEUM (Formerly Museum of Divine Statues)/Google Images
The Sanctuary Museum is a true hidden gem. If it looks like a church from the outside, that's because it was, and its exhibits once decorated churches around the world. Here, restored pieces of religious art tell a story about human expression and worship, and each piece comes with a QR code that visitors can scan to dig in further. Stained glass, relics, and more delight visitors at this unique Lakewood museum.
3. Wendy Park
Wendy Park, Whiskey Island Drive, Cleveland, OH, USA
Erik Drost/Flickr
Wendy Park in Cleveland is full of history. It was once a farming community, and whiskey was distilled here back in the day. Today, it is just as populated as ever before... but its residents are critters rather than people. It's fairly petite at only 25 acres, but it is a wonderland for nature lovers. This quaint park on the Cleveland coast is one of the area's top birding sites. If that isn't enough, it's also a stop on the annual monarch butterfly migration, where hundreds of butterflies light up the landscape in shades of orange, white, and black.
4. Eastman Reading Garden
Eastman Garden, Rockwell Ave, Cleveland, OH 44114, USA
Stephen Cho/Google Images
There's no place in Cleveland that's quite like the Eastman Reading Garden. Part urban oasis and part outdoor art exhibit, this lovely Cleveland Library sanctuary is a reader's dream. Despite sitting off of a busy street in Downtown Cleveland, this little park is full of birds and pretty things to look at. Visitors adore its ambiance and history, as this cozy spot dates back to 1937.

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5. AsiaTown
Asiatown, Cleveland, OH, USA
The Goddess Vaughn/Google Images
AsiaTown is one of Cleveland's coolest and most colorful neighborhoods. The area hosts some of the best Vietnamese restaurants in the city, and it's also home to unique businesses and markets. When the sun sets, the area somehow becomes even more vibrant. Its Night Market scene, which typically operates between July and September, brings together food, music, and more for a moonlit cultural celebration.
6. Cultural Gardens
Cultural Gardens Apartments, 22705 Lakeshore Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44123, USA
Joel Graycar/Google Images
At the Cleveland Cultural Gardens, visitors can be taken on an international tour. Beautiful landscaping, exotic plants, fascinating architecture, and history combine to tell the story of the many unique cultures that have contributed to the Cleveland landscape. Plus, the gardens are situated in Rockefeller Park, one of the oldest and most beautiful city parks in Cleveland.
7. Wade Lagoon
Erik Drost/Flickr
You've likely been to University Circle, but many visit its prestigious institutions and overlook the incredible sapphire lagoon nestled at the center of the circle. Wade Lagoon is situated on land donated to the city by industrialist Jeptha Wade, who rests eternally in Lake View Cemetery. Wade began preparing his property to become a park in 1872, and he finally donated it to the city in 1882. Over the next decade, the city expanded the park into the lovely landscape it is today.
8. Little Italy
Little Italy, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
Anthony G. Reyes/Flickr
One of the greatest cultural attractions in Cleveland is Little Italy, which is home to some of the best Italian cuisine in Ohio. Here, restaurants, shopping, art galleries, and other places of interest line Murray Hill and Mayfield. Italian immigrants first began populating the neighborhood in the 1890s, and the energetic Feast of the Assumption festival is celebrated in the area to this day.
9. James A. Garfield Memorial
James A. Garfield Monument, 12316 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
Erik Drost/Flickr
Tucked away in Lake View Cemetery is a presidential resting place that's, quite honestly, fit for a king. The James A. Garfield Memorial is a gorgeous monument of Berea Sandstone that's open to the public on select occasions, and it is truly breathtaking. The reliefs inside tell the story of President Garfield's life, which started here in Greater Cleveland. While you're in the cemetery, walk around and peruse the many beautiful monuments and headstones in the area. You'll recognize names that have contributed to some of the most interesting places in Cleveland.
10. Buckland Museum of Witchcraft & Magick
Buckland Museum of Witchcraft & Magick, 2155 Broadview Rd, Cleveland, OH 44109, USA
Moira Baron/Google Images
What is the private collection of Raymond Buckland, the man who brought Wicca to the United States, doing in Cleveland? Well, it's kind of a long story, but the Buckland Museum is a must-see destination. Some of the most esoteric objects in the city can be found here, ranging from objects owned by Aleister Crowley to an actual demon in a box (please don't open it). Oddities abound at this cool local museum.

These hidden gems near Cleveland all belong on your bucket list. The next time you’re looking for unique things to do in Cleveland, we hope this list comes in handy! There’s so much to see in the area… which of these destinations is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!

Looking for more local fun? Check out Cleveland roadside attractions for places that are almost unbelievable. And don’t forget to bring your camera with you!

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More to Explore

hidden gems near Cleveland

Beth C. | November 18, 2022

What are some of the top restaurants in Cleveland?

The top restaurants in Cleveland include:

  • Salt
  • Rood
  • La Plaza Taqueria
  • Astoria Cafe & Market
  • Cent's Pizza
  • The Cleveland Bagel Company
  • Duck-Rabbit Coffee
  • Juneberry Table
  • Alea
  • Bright Side

 

As you can tell from the list above, Cleveland is a foodie's dream come true. From bratwurst to donuts and popcorn balls, there are so many unique foods to sample. Some iconic Cleveland foods include Gyros from Steve's, East Coast Original Frozen Custard, and Pierogi from Polish Village.

Is Cleveland a good place to visit?

If you're wondering if Cleveland is worth visiting, the answer is a resounding yes! Cleveland is brimming with culture, both local and global, and incredible adventures. Whether you're looking to delve into the arts, local restaurants, nearby small towns, or nature, you'll find no shortage of options.

What are some fun things to do in Cleveland?

Some of the top attractions in Cleveland include:

  • Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
  • Cleveland Museum of Art
  • West Side Market
  • A Christmas Story House
  • Progressive Field
  • Lake View Cemetery
  • Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
  • Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse

 

The above list includes some of the most popular Cleveland landmarks. Of course, there are plenty of hidden gems to discover throughout the city as well. Some of Cleveland's hidden gems include West Side Market, Greater Cleveland Aquarium, University Circle, Lakewood Solstic Steps, Edgewater Park, Cleveland Cultural Gardens, JACK Cleveland Casino, Playhouse Square, Superelectric Pinball Parlor, Good Night John Boy, and Rockefeller Park Greenhouse. Looking for more ideas? Check out our list of the best things to do in Cleveland, Ohio.

 

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