These 11 Incredible Places In Cleveland Will Bring Out The Explorer In You
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Nikki Rhoades
Author
As the warmer months become more and more common in Cleveland, locals start to shake off the lingering effects of cabin fever. It can be hard to keep a clear mind throughout a gray, Lake Erie-fueled winter, but many people brush off the winter blues by embarking on adventures. There’s so much to do right here in Cleveland that adventure seekers don’t have to travel far to have a good time. Pack a camera and your sense of adventure, because we’re about to explore some of the most exciting sites in all of Northeast Ohio.
At this world-class institution, visitors can travel around the world without ever leaving Cleveland. Artifacts from a number of different cultures - including a famous collection of Ancient Egyptian and Asian art - coexist flawlessly with modern works of art. With more than 45,000 items and objects awaiting within (and free admission!), it's no wonder this museum is one of the most visited art museums in the world.
The Cleveland Grays were a volunteer private military company that once protected the city and even fought in wars, and their legacy dates back to 1837. This structure was completed as the Grays' permanent home in 1893, and it continues to house many Cleveland Grays artifacts now that it is a museum. The museum celebrates the Grays' historical and cultural influence by sharing their mementos with the public - and some visitors even insist that the site is haunted.
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Lions, and tigers, and bears... oh my! This expansive 183-acre zoo has served the area since 1882, and its efforts have helped fund conservation projects around the world. While you're traveling through the park, you'll pass through exhibits like The RainForest, Australian Adventure, and the African Savanna.
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This incredible collection of gardens infuses unique culture-specific landscaping into the expanse of Cleveland's Rockefeller Park. More than 30 gardens exist throughout the park's 276 acres, and locals are enchanted by the history and beauty of each site.
This inspiring and ever-changing urban oasis features both indoor and outdoor exhibits that are downright breathtaking. The impressive 18,000-square-foot Eleanor Armstrong Smith Glasshouse will whisk you away to Costa Rica and Madagascar, and while you're surrounded by 3,400 pieces of glass, you may also discover yourself surrounded by butterflies. Outside, 10 unique gardens provide outdoor adventures that delight visitors of all ages and from all around the world. You'll find yourself connected to nature in an incredible way, right in the heart of Cleveland's urban jungle.
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This energetic, colorful neighborhood is one of Cleveland's finest, and it's full of adventure and fun. Locals can't help but love its bakeries, restaurants, and shopping opportunities. Annual events and festivals like the Feast of the Assumption attract thousands of visitors to this friendly community. One could spend hours wandering these streets without running out of things to do.
Underwater adventures await at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium. This incredible aquatic wonderland is housed in the historic FirstEnergy Powerhouse building in the Flats and features approximately 70,000 square feet of exhibits. Fish from near and far enjoy greeting visitors, and inside sources say that these underwater cuties truly come to life when they see a camera.
Adventure lovers enjoy nothing more than a tour through time. The artifacts in the Cleveland History Center tell tales of Northeast Ohio life through the ages. From the very first map of Cleveland to modern sports memorabilia, you'll love getting to know the personality of your own community in this engaging institution.
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Do you have what it takes to escape? At Perplexity Games Escape Room, a variety of unique set-ups challenge your critical thinking skills, bringing out the investigator in you in rooms like The Clockwork Caper. The T.I.T.U.S. room is another fan favorite, featuring a set-up in which an advanced artificial intelligence system is just moments away from taking over. Bring your thinking cap, because you'll need it in these challenging escape rooms!
In 2012, the Cleveland Museum of Contemporary Art, or MOCA, moved into an incredible structure designed by renowned architect Farshid Moussavi. Since 1968, this unique museum has hosted works by artists both world-famous and largely unknown. From the works of Andy Warhol to pieces by local artists, this is one museum that encourages your imagination to run wild.
Lake View Cemetery sees more than 700 burials each year, making it something of a memorial garden celebrating more than 100,000 lives. Some very famous Clevelanders have been laid to rest here over the years, including James A. Garfield, Eliot Ness, and John D. Rockefeller. From statues to structures, there's so much to see in this iconic cemetery.
Adventure seekers can’t get enough of Cleveland, and it’s not hard to see why. There are so many incredible places to explore within city limits! Which of these exciting sites is your favorite? What would you add to this list? Let us know in the comments!
If you enjoyed these adventures, just wait until you explore the route of this wine and waterfalls road trip.
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