The Little Town Near Cleveland That Might Just Be The Most Unique Town In The World

Oberlin, Ohio, is featured in a book titled The Town that Started the Civil War by historian Nat Brandt, and its history is steeped in rebellion, political drama, and the fight for equality. It's home to about 8500 people, about 3000 of whom are students. About half an hour from Cleveland, it is now a quaint liberal college town with a vibrant young community. Oberlin's history makes it one of the most important and unique towns in the United States and the world, and its presence makes it somewhere you'll want to visit every weekend. When it comes to small towns near Cleveland, this one holds a special place in our hearts!

Oberlin’s History Still Shapes the Town Today

Oberlin is about 40 miles from Cleveland, making it an easy-to-get-to destination. But before your visit, you'll want to take a moment to appreciate this town's history. Oberlin was a unique town from the very beginning, and prior to abolition, it was a safe haven for escaped or freed slaves. In September 1858, an African-American man named James Price was kidnapped and arrested by US Marshals for violating the Federal Fugitive Slave Law. Having escaped slavery in Kentucky, Price had been living freely in Oberlin for two years when an accomplice of his former owner found him and alerted the authorities. The townspeople of Oberlin were outraged at this violation of Price's rights and plotted to free him. The rescue mission furthered the Abolitionist movement in Ohio and outraged anti-abolitionists elsewhere.

Some accounts claim that over 600 people gathered to pressure the authorities to release him. When attempts to free Price through the legal system failed, about thirty people (pictured above) rushed to the building in which he was being held and snuck him out through a window. He was spirited back to Oberlin, where he was harbored by a future president of Oberlin College, before escaping to Canada. These men, known as "The Rescuers," became local celebrities. Those released from prison were welcomed back to Oberlin with fanfare. It is this event that is credited with making Oberlin "the town that started the Civil War".

Why Oberlin Might Be the Most Unique Town Near Cleveland

Oberlin and Oberlin College are the home of many long-standing traditions. The first Illumination in Oberlin was a celebration of Abraham Lincoln's election in November 1860. A series of lanterns were lit across the town. As an abolitionist town with a large black population, Lincoln's election was a huge victory. It became a college tradition in 1903, and now occurs annually during Commencement, with tens of thousands of lanterns lighting the campus and surroundings.

Today, Oberlin is a beautiful town to explore. It's considered one of the best small towns near Cleveland with good reason! Restored heritage buildings and state-of-the-art facilities define downtown. It's a perfect stop on the way to Cedar Point, but there is so much here that it's worth a day trip (or several) on its own.

What To Do When You Visit Oberlin

Perhaps the best thing about a college town is college students' appetites, which translates to an unusually diverse array of good, reasonably-priced food for a small Midwestern town. The Feve is a favorite of both locals and those in the know who are passing through. Their brunches are famous - delicious and affordable.

Ready for a pick-me-up? It's well known that college students require a regular caffeine hit, so there are plenty of places to bunker down with a book or laptop and sip delicious coffee. The Local Coffee & Tea and Slow Train Cafe both have the best coffee in town. The Local is a hole-in-the-wall basement cafe, and it slays the latte competition. Slow Train Cafe has a bit more room to move (or, rather, to not move for several hours). Try the lavender scones with your mocha, or have a drink from their well-stocked bar. They're owned by the same people, so you know the quality is top-notch.

You can also find local organic produce at the Oberlin Farmers Market. One benefit of being surrounded by farm country is the amazing produce! Local farmers sell their produce at this weekly market. Because many small farms produce food only seasonally, you'll always get something different or unique at the market.

What Makes Oberlin Feel Different From Other Small Towns

Even the graffiti in Oberlin is beautiful. Oberlin has a large amount of rogue-knit graffiti. Not only is this graffiti totally removable, but it's also totally adorable. Public graffiti has become part of local culture in Tappan Square. There is a story that in 1882, 39 students rolled a seven-ton glacial rock from nearby Plum Creek to Tappan Square as a practical joke. There are now three boulder-sized rocks there, placed in 1882 and 1898, that have been repainted regularly since the 1960s. They are now public collaborative artworks in the truest sense: anyone can paint these boulders at any time. They've seen everything from political protests to marriage proposals. So if you're planning a trip to Oberlin, pack a can of spray paint!

There are fun multicultural dance and music events from community organizations and the Conservatorium, and collaborations between local artists. Of all the unique Ohio towns, this one is extra special because of these events.

Oberlin also hasn't forgotten its roots and remains a town that's safe for and welcoming to immigrants and refugees. Oberlin is one of only a few sanctuary cities in the area. Recently, over 2500 (around two-thirds) of the students and faculty of Oberlin College have petitioned for the college to become a sanctuary campus for undocumented immigrants. The petition was started to "honor Oberlin’s stated commitment to social justice, diversity, and inclusion while extending its history of providing refuge for those seeking freedom."

And now, just a few practical tips for making the most of your trip to Oberlin:

• Visit in the early fall for peak college vibes and stunning fall foliage.
• If it's a quieter, more peaceful visit you're after, the middle of summer is ideal.
• Parking in downtown Oberlin is relatively easy. You'll find plenty of free spots near Main Street, but please keep in mind that the 2-3 hour limit is enforced pretty strictly.

Of course, every Ohio small town has its charms. If you liked this one, you will also enjoy exploring other beautiful small towns in Ohio. Have you been to Oberlin? Do you think it's earned the title of "most unique town in the world"? Share this article with a friend and plan your visit today! To learn more, you can check out the official Oberlin visitor's guide.