Summit: Experience cultural history, art, and nature

Explore topics ranging from 19th-century rural life and Akron’s development to hiking trails and natural habitats. This can help you organize your travel interests before searching for hotels.

Cultural History, Architecture, and Art

Everett Covered Bridge is the only surviving covered bridge in Summit County. Hale Farm & Village is an open-air museum that brings history to life. It depicts rural life in the Western Reserve in northeastern Ohio from 1825 to 1850. Guides in historical clothing share the history, while artisans demonstrate traditional crafts.

Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens also offers a glimpse of historic architecture: the estate includes five historic buildings. The Gate Lodge is associated with the conversation that led to the founding of Alcoholics Anonymous. This detail makes it a special point of interest for visitors interested in the organization’s history.

The Akron Art Museum focuses on modern and contemporary art. Its collection includes more than 7,000 objects dating from 1850 to the present. The Akron History Center highlights Akron’s development through rediscovered artifacts, stories, and exhibits. The center also shares the city’s history through activities and events.

Hiking Trails and Nature in Cuyahoga Valley

Summit County is home to Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The park has more than 125 miles of trails through forests, wetlands, and former fields. Beaver Marsh is one of the park’s most diverse natural communities. From the Ira Trailhead, you can reach the area via an easy walk along the Towpath Trail; the route is suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.

Brandywine Falls is a 60-foot waterfall accessible via a partially accessible boardwalk. The NPS page, last updated on March 20, 2024, states that it is open daily from sunrise to sunset; the boardwalk may be closed in icy conditions. Check current conditions before your visit. The varying trail conditions and partially accessible boardwalk are useful details for planning if you want to focus your time outdoors on a particular nature experience.

Cycling, Canal History, and Getting Around

The Freedom Trail connects cyclists between downtown Akron and Kent. If you’re interested in canal history, you can see live lock demonstrations at the Canal Exploration Center during scheduled events and learn more about the canal. Such events are announced for summer and fall; check the dates if a demonstration is part of your plans.

Rockside and Akron Northside are the main stations for the Scenic Train Ride; schedules vary seasonally. The train travels through Cuyahoga Valley alongside the Cuyahoga River. It’s worth checking the current schedule before making plans. For getting around, Summit Metro Parks provides maps for every park and trail. A Summit County map also shows the locations of the Metro Parks. You can use the available maps to explore the parks and trails that suit your interests.

Discover more destinations: Fairlawn, Akron, Cuyahoga Falls, Macedonia, Stow, Twinsburg, Clinton, Barberton, Northfield.

View the broader travel overview: Ohio.