5 Easy Day Trips You Can Take From Akron, My Favorite Included

Akron is best known as the "Rubber Capital of the World" due to its past as a hub for some of the globe's largest tire manufacturers. It's also the fourth-largest city in Ohio, and, with a population of nearly 190,000, it can sometimes feel crowded. If you live in or around Akron and would like to take an easy day trip, here are my top picks, and most are less than two hours away.

1. Cuyahoga Valley National Park

A quick and easy 7-mile drive north will get you to Cuyahoga Valley National Park, one of Ohio's crown jewels and its only national park. Ripe for exploration, Cuyahoga Valley has seemingly endless hiking, biking, paddling on the Cuyahoga River, horseback riding, picnicking, and birdwatching opportunities. There are 125 miles of trails, a scenic road, and a scenic train ride in the park, too. And if you thought that was all, did you know that Cuyahoga Valley National Park is also considered a dark sky location in Ohio? You can check out some of the best spots for stargazing within the park.

2. MAPS Air Museum in North Canton, OH

If you've yet to take a day trip to MAPS Air Museum, put it on your bucket list and plan to go! With a fleet of retired aircraft from 1903 to the present day. You'll see planes from the Pioneer Era of aviation, along with WWI, WWII, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. The Spirit of Akron, a blimp that crashed in Suffield Township in 1999, is also on display here. I love air museums, and since the MAPS Air Museum is so family-friendly, I picked this as my favorite day trip destination near Akron, and it's only 14 miles away.

3. Lake Erie Islands

While the Lake Erie Islands are a bit more of a trek than other locations on this list, I thought it was worth mentioning, especially for a unique adventure in Ohio. Comprised of 28 islands, 16 of which are on the Ohio side of Lake Erie, you will drive to the lake and take a ferry to one of the islands. The most popular of the Lake Erie Islands is South Bass Island, where you'll find the charming village of Put-In-Bay, and you can rent a golf cart to explore easily.

4. Mansfield

Mansfield is one of those must-visit places in Ohio. There's so much to see and do here that you can have quite an action-packed day-trip adventure. The Ohio State Reformatory is one of the best stops in town. It's the prison used as a location in the modern-day classic film, "The Shawshank Redemption," and you can stop by the on-site Shawshank Museum while you're here. Speaking of museums, you may also want to add the North Central Ohio Industrial Museum and the Buckeye Imagination Museum to your list.

For nature spots, spend some time at Kingwood Center Gardens for a stroll or at Charles Mill Lake Park for lake views. Mansfield Fire Museum is another great option—it offers free admission, too! Mansfield is only 64 miles from Akron, making it a great day trip from the city.

5. Cedar Point in Sandusky, OH

If you love old-school amusement parks as much as I do, you'll want to take a summer Ohio day trip to Cedar Point on Lake Erie in Sandusky. Open since 1870, it's one of the oldest amusement parks in the country. While it's certainly transformed over the years and added new rides and a water park, it still has that nostalgic feel, especially when you walk down its boardwalk. This day trip destination is 87 miles from Akron.

Are you ready to embark on one of these easy day trips from Akron, Ohio? While the city offers its own spectacular day trip destinations like the Akron Zoo, the Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, and the Akron Art Museum, the above options will get you out of the city to experience something different. What are your favorite day trip destinations in Ohio? Please tell us through our nomination page.