You Could Spend Forever Exploring This Greater Cleveland Small Town, But We'll Settle For A Weekend
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Nikki Rhoades
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The Cleveland Metropolitan Area stretches into five counties (Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, and Medina) and hosts more than two million residents. This area, known to locals as Greater Cleveland, is rich with history and culture. Like The Land, this area is full of hidden gems, places of interest, and fascinating stories. Today, we’re going to take a visit to a historic small town near Cleveland that has these wonders and more. There’s so much to do here that you could easily fill an entire weekend up exploring the town on foot!
With a mere 8,000 residents, this Lorain County community is a fraction of Cleveland's size with just as much culture. Oberlin, Ohio is a mecca for history, the arts, community events, and more. This town is well worth a visit, as there's no place quite like it.
If you've ever read into American Civil War-era history, you have likely heard the name of this town. While it started as a religious community (with such strict morals that many locals practiced the Graham diet, which forbid the use of spices on food), it transitioned into an abolitionist town in 1835. The local college educated both Black individuals and women at a time when most institutions in the United States were not quite so lax with admission policy.
Due to the abundant opportunities for minorities to prosper, Oberlin became a place of safety in addition to a stop on the Underground Railroad. Here, many fugitive slaves were able to put down roots and live a relatively safe life. The townsfolk passionately defended equality and often became involved in political squabbles and events like the famed Oberlin–Wellington Rescue. Ultimately, these local abolitionists helped fuel the flames of discord that would become the Civil War.
Due to the abundant opportunities for minorities to prosper, Oberlin became a place of safety in addition to a stop on the Underground Railroad. Here, many fugitive slaves were able to put down roots and live a relatively safe life. The townsfolk passionately defended equality and often became involved in political squabbles and events like the famed Oberlin–Wellington Rescue. Ultimately, these local abolitionists helped fuel the flames of discord that would become the Civil War.
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"Learning and Labor" is the motto of the local college, and back in the day, it was taken rather literally. Tuition was offered to students at no cost in exchange for work maintaining the community. From construction to improvements, various bright pupils who otherwise might not have been able to afford an education were able to contribute to the growth of Oberlin as they studied.
Among early students, many dedicated their lives to improving situations beyond Oberlin. Lucy Stone, for example, helped organize the first National Women's Rights Convention and was a vocal proponent of abolitionist efforts. Another alumnus, John Mercer Langston, was a famous politician and abolitionist who was among the first Black individuals to hold public office in the U.S. If you recognize Langston's name, it's because he was the great-uncle of Langston Hughes, who also has local roots.
Among early students, many dedicated their lives to improving situations beyond Oberlin. Lucy Stone, for example, helped organize the first National Women's Rights Convention and was a vocal proponent of abolitionist efforts. Another alumnus, John Mercer Langston, was a famous politician and abolitionist who was among the first Black individuals to hold public office in the U.S. If you recognize Langston's name, it's because he was the great-uncle of Langston Hughes, who also has local roots.
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I've taken trips from Cleveland to Oberlin with the Oberlin Heritage Center as my only planned destination, happily winging the rest of my visit while I ponder the facts learned during each tour. Oberlin Heritage Center tours cost just a few dollars per person, and I've enjoyed several tours where my road trip buddies and I were the only people in the scheduled group. Alone with a historian, we had ample opportunity to ask questions and really dig into the nitty gritty of local history. Plus, we walked away with some free copies of The Rescuer, a periodical printed in the midst of the Oberlin–Wellington Rescue.
At the Heritage Center, there are several buildings to tour, though they're not all open at the same time. The three buildings open to tour have construction dates ranging from 1836 to 1884, so there's plenty of history to wade through. Filled to the brim with period-accurate antiques, each has a distinct vibe that's downright delightful to experience.
At the Heritage Center, there are several buildings to tour, though they're not all open at the same time. The three buildings open to tour have construction dates ranging from 1836 to 1884, so there's plenty of history to wade through. Filled to the brim with period-accurate antiques, each has a distinct vibe that's downright delightful to experience.
Oberlin Heritage Center, 20 W Vine St Parking, Oberlin, OH 44074, USA
History walks, customized tours, and guided or self-guided experiences are offered to visitors. There are also unique tours, like the Music in the Home Tour and the Historically Inaccurate Tour. If the latter is raising an eyebrow, you might be surprised by how fun it actually is. In the Historically Inaccurate Tour, you'll get to hear local and national historical myths... and you can also test your skills by seeing which stories you're able to challenge or debunk. Fact and fiction meet in this unique local experience!
The community is delightfully walkable, allowing you to park and adventure around town on foot. In fact, the Downtown Oberlin area is just a stone's throw from the Heritage Center, and the college campus is just a tad bit further down the way. If you're able to, it's worth walking on to the next destination on our list!
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Like much of Oberlin, the Allen Memorial Art Museum is deliciously historic. Its founding dates back to 1917, and while the art is the natural draw, the buildings are a work of art, too. The original 1917 building was designed by Cass Gilbert, and it is truly stunning. Inspired by the elegance of old architecture, this edifice takes on elements of Renaissance architecture. Painted ceilings, columns, and ironwork immerse the senses in Old World beauty before you even lay eyes upon the exhibits.
A few decades later, the Robert Venturi addition was unveiled in 1977. This stunning new space was hailed as one of the very first examples of postmodern architecture in the nation! Thoughtfully catered to combine function and beauty, features like asymmetrical strip windows and contrasting pink granite and sandstone add a distinctly modern flair to the museum.
A few decades later, the Robert Venturi addition was unveiled in 1977. This stunning new space was hailed as one of the very first examples of postmodern architecture in the nation! Thoughtfully catered to combine function and beauty, features like asymmetrical strip windows and contrasting pink granite and sandstone add a distinctly modern flair to the museum.
Allen Memorial Art Museum, 87 N Main St, Oberlin, OH 44074, USA
An ever-rotating array of exhibits keeps visitors returning to the museum time and time again. From historic to modern artists, there's always a great deal of diversity in their offerings. You never know what you're going to experience during a visit!
If you're planning to hike to Oberlin from Cleveland, it's worth seeing if there are any special events taking place while you're in town. In addition to pop-up events and local festivals, tours of the Frank Lloyd Wright House are also frequently offered.
If you're planning to hike to Oberlin from Cleveland, it's worth seeing if there are any special events taking place while you're in town. In addition to pop-up events and local festivals, tours of the Frank Lloyd Wright House are also frequently offered.
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Oberlin Farmers Market, 69-85 S Main St, Oberlin, OH 44074, USA
Open every Saturday between May and October, this market is a must! Local makers and growers come together to offer the very freshest selection of produce, plus baked goods, maple syrup, handmade wearables, and so much more. The fun takes place in Downtown Oberlin, so it's right in the heart of the action. To help you get your bearings, it may be worth checking out a map of Oberlin before your visit.
Apollo Theater Oberlin, 19 E College St, Oberlin, OH 44074, USA
The Apollo Theatre is, like much of the town, historic. This Art Deco structure dates back to 1913, and it was originally used for vaudeville acts. Of course, that changed when the talkie movie concept debuted! This tiny movie house was one of the earliest adopters of talkies in the nation, captivating audiences when it showed its first talkie in 1928. To this day, seeing movies in the theater is a treat!
Tappan Square, 67 N Main St, Oberlin, OH 44074, USA
This 13-acre green space is just as integral to the founding of the city as the moral code of the ministers that founded Oberlin. Local legend maintains that the city's founders stopped in what would become Tappan Square to pray, and they realized that it was the perfect place to start a community. Today, art and features like the Memorial Arch make this massive park especially worth a visit.
It's also worth noting that the park, in addition to being part of the college campus, nods to Oberlin College's history in its name. Arthur Tappan, a passionate abolitionist and brother to an Ohio senator, was a successful businessman. Armed with a bit of cash and a very clear vision, he engaged in philanthropy that supported various causes like the abolition of slavery. Tappan co-founded the American Anti-Slavery Society and gave generously to several new colleges. His contributions to Oberlin College secured his legacy at this site.
It's also worth noting that the park, in addition to being part of the college campus, nods to Oberlin College's history in its name. Arthur Tappan, a passionate abolitionist and brother to an Ohio senator, was a successful businessman. Armed with a bit of cash and a very clear vision, he engaged in philanthropy that supported various causes like the abolition of slavery. Tappan co-founded the American Anti-Slavery Society and gave generously to several new colleges. His contributions to Oberlin College secured his legacy at this site.
You'll be enchanted by the charms of this small town about 35 minutes from Cleveland! If you fall in love during your visit, you might consider putting down roots here... and you may one day join its roster of incredible local residents that changed the world.
This adorable historic small town near Cleveland is only about 35 to 40 minutes from home, but it exists in its own bubble of charm. Life moves at a slower pace here, despite a healthy population of young people infusing the town with energy. If you haven’t visited this significant town and explored its historic roots, then Oberlin, Ohio, belongs on your bucket list.
Believe it or not, Oberlin wasn’t the only center of abolition in the Greater Cleveland area! Cleveland was nicknamed “Hope” on the Underground Railroad, and several landmarks on the old path to freedom still stand in the area.
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Oberlin, OH 44074, USA