Take a Day Trip to Akron

By Heather Rader

Posted On: Jul 1, 2025

Located in Northeast Ohio, Akron is the county seat of Summit County. It’s rich history, vibrant culture, modern innovations, and talented residents have placed this Ohio city on the world stage for decades.

Whether it’s your first time exploring or you visit frequently, the historical sights, arts and culture, local parks, and food scene make Akron a great day trip destination.

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company

As the “Rubber Capital of the World,” companies like B.F. Goodrich, Goodyear, and Firestone were founded in Akron and were instrumental in the development of tire and rubber products used throughout the world.

Alcoholics Anonymous was founded in 1935 in Akron. The K-12 public school system, which is now used across the United States, was first established in Akron in 1847.

And one of the most famous professional sports players in the world, NBA superstar LeBron James was born and raised in Akron.

Downtown Akron

Founded in 1825, this year marks Akron’s bicentennial. Celebrate 200 years of growth, from canal town to Rubber City by visiting riverside trails, cultural districts, public art, and festivals all year long.

Events like Akron’s Bicentennial Signature Celebration Week, July 1-6, visitors can attend the Goodyear Bicentennial Downtown Parade, Heart of Akron Festival, and more Bicentennial Homecoming events that feature local food, live music, exhibitions and fireworks.

I recently visited Akron for the first time and discovered that a day trip wasn’t nearly enough time to explore all that Akron and Summit County has to offer. While I’m planning a return to trip to explore more, here’s everything I did on an action-packed day trip to Akron:

Breakfast at Porchlight Coffee

To fuel up for my Akron adventures, my first stop was at Porchlight Coffee for a delicious breakfast sandwich and coffee.

Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens was my next stop. As the original home of F.A. Seiberling, the cofounder of The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, this 1915 mansion is a must-see when visiting Akron.

Stan Hywet Manor House

The Tudor Revival Manor House has 65 rooms and sits on 70-acres. The estate includes 5 historic buildings, 10 fully restored historic gardens, and 95% of the original collections and furnishings.

Stan Hywet’s English Garden

Visitors can take a self-guided manor house and gardens tour, guided manor house tour and a guided garden tour. I opted for the self-guided tour, found the volunteers extremely helpful and spent about two hours exploring the mansion and gardens.

This Ohio gem is one of the nation’s oldest private homes that ‘s open to the public.

“Iris, Aster, Lotus, and Ragwort” mural at Lock 3

After admiring one of the most spectacular homes in Ohio, downtown Akron was my next destination. I started at Lock 3, an outdoor public park with walking paths, art murals, and entertainment venue.

Lock 4

I made my way through Lock 4 and paused at the multiple waterfalls created by the Ohio-Erie Canal, then visited the new Akron History Center.

Akronites Exhibit at Akron History Center 

The Akron History Center showcases 200 years of the city’s history and Akronites who impacted the country through stories and artifacts displayed throughout three floors. This free museum features more than 60 exhibits and is a must-see for history enthusiasts!

Luigi’s restaurant 

Lunch stop was at Luigi’s, an award-winning Italian restaurant that has been an Akron tradition since 1949. Please note that it is a cash only establishment.

Located at the site of Sojourner Truth’s 1851 “Ain’t I a Woman?” speech to the Ohio Woman’s Convention, the Sojourner Truth Legacy Plaza is dedicated to the abolitionist and women’s rights activist, Sojourner Truth.

Sojourner Truth Legacy Plaza

It’s also a quiet place to reflect. Admire a life-sized bronze statue of Truth, floral motifs inspired by Truth’s family roots in Ghana, and plaques with words from her profound speech.

Akron Art Museum Lobby

My last stop of the day was at the Akron Art Museum. This world-class museum showcases an impressive collection of modern and contemporary works. More than 7,000 objects dating from 1850 to present comprise the collection and a wide array of media from sculpture to photography are displayed.

While the art is the star of the museum, the building’s architectural features like the Roof Cloud, the Crystal and Gallery Box should also be admired.

Towpath Trail Bridge. Photo courtesy of Summit Metro Parks

More attractions to add to your Akron day trip itinerary:

Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad

If you have more time to explore greater Akron and Summit County, be sure to visit:

Lock 3

For more things to do in Akron, check out #OhioTheHeartofitAll at Ohio.org.