This Unique Road Trip From Cleveland Takes You To Some Of The Quirkiest Historical Sites
×
Nikki Rhoades
Author
There’s nothing quite like a road trip near Cleveland. You’ll pass stunning landscapes, charming communities, and fascinating historical landmarks. If you want to get the most bang for your buck when it comes to history near Cleveland, check out this road trip to see historic places near Cleveland. Along the way, you’ll make both incredible discoveries and memories.
Check out the interactive map.
Dunham Tavern Museum & Gardens, 6709 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44103, USA
As the second home to sit on this plot of land on Euclid Avenue, east of East 55th Street, one would expect the Dunham Tavern to boast a later construction date than 1824. However, the first home was a mere log cabin that sheltered Rufus and Jane Pratt Dunham until their official home was completed. It once served as a stagecoach stop, and now one of the oldest places near Cleveland is a museum that offers a glimpse back in time. Read further on about the Dunham Tavern Museum.
Advertisement
Great Falls of Tinkers Creek, Willis St, Bedford, OH 44264, USA
All throughout Greater Cleveland, the power of flowing water fueled early industry. Many of our former mill towns have ceased to exist as their technology became obsolete, leaving mere ruins behind as a remnant of the hardworking locals that fought to establish the local industry. At the Great Falls of Tinkers Creek, visitors will spot remnants of an old mill town in its gorge. Learn more about visiting Great Falls of Tinkers Creek, one of several extraordinary historic places near Cleveland.
Advertisement
Leetonia Beehive Coke Ovens Park, 999 Cherry Valley Rd, Leetonia, OH 44431, USA
Abandoned and mysterious, this line of ovens in Leetonia often leaves visitors baffled. What were these ovens used for, and why are they abandoned? Built by the Leetonia Iron and Coal Company following the conclusion of the Civil War, these ovens purified coal and turned it into coke, an ingredient used to make iron and steel. Surrounded by splendid hiking trails, this historic landmark near Cleveland delights visitors longing to see one of the largest intact beehive coke oven sites in the nation. Get more details on what the Cherry Valley Coke Ovens are all about.
Related Stories
The Christmas Lights Road Trip Around Cleveland That's Nothing Short Of Magical
This Family-Friendly Road Trip Through Cleveland Leads To Whimsical Attractions, Themed Restaurants, And More
This Epic Road Trip Leads To 7 Iconic Landmarks In Cleveland
Beaver Creek State Park, 12021 Echo Dell Rd, East Liverpool, OH 43920, USA
Charles Arthur Floyd, also known as Pretty Boy Floyd, was a name feared throughout the Great Depression. Floyd was both tragic and notorious, a victim of the Depression that pursued a life of crime in favor of the alternative options. A bank robber, gunfighter, and murderer, Floyd died at the age of 30 when he was shot in a cornfield in what is now Beaver Creek State Park, making for an awesome historic place to visit near Cleveland. The area surrounding the park was also the site of the capture of Confederate General John Hunt Morgan during the Civil War, and remnants of history remain throughout the entire park. Find out more about what is in store for you when you visit Beaver Creek State Park.
First Ladies National Historic Site, 205 Market Ave S, Canton, OH 44702, USA
Our nation's First Ladies have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to improve a country that they adored, yet some of their influence has been forgotten by the general public. Two historic places near Cleveland, the Ida Saxton McKinley Historic Home and the Education & Research Center, ensure that their legacy will never be forgotten. The museum includes a collection that replicates the first-ever White House Library, relics from Ida McKinley's childhood, and all sorts of fascinating pieces of local and national history. Learn more about the First Ladies National Historic Site.
Farnam Manor Museum, 4223 Brecksville Rd, Richfield, OH 44286, USA
Constructed in 1834, this unique home has witnessed decades of change. The site on which the home is built has an even older history, as an old Native American trail runs through the site and a road on the estate was traveled by participants in the Battle of Fallen Timbers. Read the full story about Farnham Manor, a unique historic landmark near Cleveland.
Stanford House, 6093 Stanford Rd, Peninsula, OH 44264, USA
The lovely Cuyahoga Valley National Park is the only national park in Ohio, and it's unusual among the National Park District, as it is surrounded by large urban areas. Stretching across 32,572 acres, it's no surprise that this pretty place includes some of the oldest places near Cleveland. One of its more fascinating sites is the Stanford House, a site founded by one of the first homesteaders in what is now the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. He arrived in 1806 and established his beautiful Greek revival home circa 1830. Discover more details about the Stanford House.
Advertisement
Rocky River Reservation, Valley Pkwy, North Olmsted, OH 44070, USA
This lovely landscape was one of the first pieces of land purchased by the Cleveland Metroparks, and within its expanse is an ancient structure that fascinates locals. If you look closely, you'll spot ancient earthworks created by an early Woodland culture, a group of pre-Columbian peoples that lived in the region until roughly 1100 C.E. The structures are perched up on the top of a cliff, meaning the spot has enchanted locals for thousands of years. It is truly one of the best historic places to visit near Cleveland. Read more about hiking the Fort Hill Loop.
There’s fascinating history all throughout Northeast Ohio, and Greater Cleveland has its own fair share of fascinating stories. What’s your favorite historic landmark near Cleveland? Let us know in the comments below!
If you enjoyed these fascinating places, how about broadening your search? Check out these historic places in Ohio.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
More to Explore
Ohio History and Nature
What are the best state parks in Ohio?
After you've explored some historic places near Cleveland, make a plan to check out some of the best parks in Ohio:
- Hopewell Culture National Historical Park: Located in Chillicothe, this park is home to 2,000-year-old earthen mounds. You can even see six preserved earthworks.
- Hocking Hills State Park: This over 2,000-acre park is in Logan. There are several trails to explore, with some of the most popular being Old Man’s Cave and Cedar Falls. Another popular activity is heading to the John Glen Astronomy Park to stargaze.
- Salt Fork State Park: At 17,229 acres, this park in Lore City is the largest in the state. Among the many activities here include 15 hiking trails, camping, boating, swimming, fishing, and even archery.
What are the best historical attractions and landmarks in Ohio?
Looking for more historic landmarks near Cleveland? Or even anywhere in Ohio? Check out some of the best historical attractions and landmarks in Ohio:
- Rutherford B Hayes Presidential Library and Museum: Located in Fremont, this was the home of the 19th president. Today, you can tour the home as well as his presidential library.
- The Adena Mansion: Back in the years 1803-1810 and 1812-1816, Chillicothe was the capital city of the state. Today, you can visit the home of the sixth governor of the state and one of its first senators.
- Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial: Located in Put-in-Bay, this memorial is dedicated to the Battle of Lake Erie which occurred during the War of 1812.
Can I hike to historical sites in Ohio?
Turn your hike into a history lesson at these historical site hikes in Ohio:
- Towpath Trail: Located within four counties, here you can take an 87-mile trail to see leftovers of the Miami and Erie Canal.
- Indian Mound Reserve: Head to Cedarville to this 166-acre area to explore mounds made by Adena Indians, sometime between 500 BC and 100 AD.