There’s something magical about small towns near Cleveland… it’s as if they have captured a snapshot of time. Many suburbs in Greater Cleveland feature historic buildings, local businesses, dining destinations, and more. While these places are undeniably excellent places to call home, they’re also awesome weekend trip destinations. Gas up the car and prepare to hit the road, because we’re taking a road trip outside of the city limits to get to know the diversity of Northeast Ohio’s landscape. Let’s take a visit to the best small towns near Cleveland.

1. Olmsted Falls, Cuyahoga County
Olmsted Falls, OH 44138, USA
Google Maps
Olmsted Falls is a suburb southwest of Cleveland, and it's home to roughly 9,000 residents. The city, which was once part of Canada prior to the establishment of the Northwest Territory, is four square miles in size, and it's full of charm. Grand Pacific Junction, its historic business district, preserves the long-lasting story of this old-school community. This community is home to natural oases like David Fortier River Park, and the local residents are every bit as lovely as the landscape.
2. Kirtland, Lake County
Kirtland, OH 44094, USA
David North/Google Images
While Kirtland was once known as the headquarters of the Latter Day Saint movement, today it is home to just under 7,000 residents. The Kirtland Temple still stands, but it's one of several local places of interest... and while many of those sites are also historic temples, the local landscape has quite a bit to offer, as well. Stoney Brook Falls beckons to visitors in Penitentiary Glen Reservation, an outdoor space with a surprising connection to Cleveland. This community delights visitors all year long, as its landscape is as enchanting as its residents.
3. Middlefield, Geauga County
Middlefield, OH 44062, USA
Google Maps
Middlefield is a quaint "blink and you miss it" community in Geauga County. The area is home to one of the world's largest Amish settlements, and as a result, you'll find the area rich with meat shops, bakeries, and even a cheese co-op. This tiny village is home to just under 3,000 residents, and you just might pass a horse and buggy or two on the way there.
4. Vermilion, Erie & Lorain Counties
Vermilion, OH, USA
Tim Evanson/Flickr
Now here's a community that's so cherished that two counties wanted to claim it! Joking aside, this is one of the bigger cities on our list, boasting a bit over 10,000 residents. Vermilion has been called the Village of Lake Captains, and it has a delightfully nautical vibe all throughout the city. Complete with a historic district that's delightful for shoppers, a lovely little lighthouse, and even a beach, this community has the atmosphere of an East Coast fishing village with all the comforts of the Midwest.

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5. Chardon, Geauga County
Chardon, OH 44024, USA
J.F.C. Enlightenedmoma/Google Images
Chardon is only about 10 miles away from Lake Erie, so it's right in the heart of the lake's snow belt. Since its establishment in 1812, this community has enchanted residents and visitors alike. As the county seat of Geauga County, one might expect a hefty population in this tiny city, but just over 5,000 residents call it home. From scenic campsites to the culturally rich Chardon Square, this is one small community with much to offer.
6. Seville, Medina County
Seville, OH 44273, USA
Google Maps
Once upon a time, a pair of giants fell in love after meeting at P.T. Barnum's circus... and then they decided to settle in quaint Seville, Ohio to live out their days. This tiny Medina County town is a true small town paradise, preserving a historic legacy (and the legacy of the famous local giants) in its quaint stretch of small town. The area's historical society preserves its history, though it's alive and well in the stretch of shops on Main Street and in the landscape of local parks like Leohr Park.
7. Chagrin Falls, Cuyahoga County
Chagrin Falls, OH 44022, USA
Tim Evanson/Flickr
There's nothing like a small town built around a mighty waterfall, am I right?! Chagrin Falls is best known for its namesake waterfall at the center of its historic downtown, but there are many other features in the area awaiting discovery. With just barely over 4,000 residents, attractions like the Chagrin Falls Popcorn Shop and fantastic dining destinations may seem surprising... but tourists and locals alike are enamored with this tiny village and Cleveland suburb.
8. Oberlin, Lorain County
Oberlin, OH 44074, USA
Jessica Sheridan/Flickr
Oberlin is a college town with a decent population of students, but barely over 8,000 people call this city southwest of Cleveland home. The area has historic roots, some of which are intertwined with the beginnings of the temperance movement... others are intertwined with abolitionism and even the Civil War. Today, the city is as vibrant as ever, and culture abounds in its restaurants and in places like Tappan Square. Whether you're getting to know the local history or the local dining scene, you'll fall in love with this petite community.
9. Fairport Harbor, Lake County
Fairport Harbor, OH 44077, USA
LASZLO ILYES/Flickr
Fairport Harbor is home to just over 3,000 residents, but this small Lake County village is also home to two lighthouses... and one is said to be home to a ghostly kitty cat that couldn't bear to leave his beloved home. Local residents understand the sentiment, as the area (which is home to a decent array of dining options, a marine museum, and the Fairport Harbor Lakefront Park) has much to offer to tourists and locals alike. Plus, there might be a mystery or two lurking in the area, if Scooby Doo has anything to say about it.

When it comes to small towns near Cleveland, these destinations are the cream of the crop. What other lovely locations would you add to this list of the best small towns near Cleveland? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Looking for more adventure near The Land? Take a lighthouse road trip along Lake Erie’s coast to add a touch of whimsy to your weekend.

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More to Explore

Small towns near Cleveland

Sarah M. | September 16, 2022

What are some other small towns near Cleveland worth visiting?

While Cleveland is often dismissed as a more urban and even dangerous place to live, the fact is that there are so many wonderful small towns that make up the Greater Cleveland area -- and they couldn't be safer, more welcoming, or more delightful. Moreland Hills is a historic village home to around 3,000 residents. This village, which was once part of Orange Township, was once well-known for its cheese factories. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints may know this site as the location of the Orange Conference, at which their leading figures were in attendance. This site is also home to the country's second settlement house, a place where well-educated middle-class locals volunteered to live to share knowledge and culture with the poorer surrounding community. Hiram House moved from the original site in the 1940s, but the Moreland Hill attraction remains a historical landmark.

Another adorable small town near Cleveland is Bay Village. This Northern Ohio locale is a small city with a tiny-town attitude. This quaint community was founded in 1810 as part of Dover Township, from which it split in 1903. There is much to do in this scenic community, from excellent dining to exploring the enchanting campus of Huntington Reservation. This area has produced some notable people over the years, including "Bates Motel" writer Bill Balas, "The Price is Right" Announcer Rich Fields, actress Patricia Heaton, and investigator Eliot Ness.

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