This Unique Road Trip From Cleveland Takes You To Some Of The Quirkiest Historical Sites

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.

Pack some road trip snacks, because we're about to traverse some of the most historic places to visit near Cleveland.

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1. Dunham Tavern Museum, Cleveland

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.

2. Great Falls of Tinkers Creek, Bedford Reservation

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.

3. The Cherry Valley Coke Ovens, Leetonia

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.

4. Beaver Creek State Park, East Liverpool

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.

5. First Ladies National Historic Site, Canton

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.

6. Farnam Manor, Richfield

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.

7. Stanford House, Cuyahoga Valley National Park

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.

8. Fort Hill Loop Trail, Rocky River Reservation

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.