There Are 7 Must-See Historic Landmarks Right Here In Greater Cleveland

Cleveland is known to locals as The Best Location in the Nation… But, unfortunately, most travelers would not consider our city to be among the best historical destinations in the nation. Compared to many settlements in the U.S., Cleveland is rather young. Despite its relative youth, the city is actually overflowing with historic landmarks. Many, you’ll find, hint at a hidden or forgotten history. Are you ready to check out some of the best historic landmarks in Cleveland? Get your adventurer’s cap on, because these fascinating spots will inspire your own inner swashbuckler.

Fort Huntington Park, Cleveland, OH 44114, USA

James Gosling/Google Images

It may not look like much at first glance, but Fort Huntington Park is one of the most fascinating historical places in Cleveland. Hiding at the intersection of West 3rd and West Lakeside, this park celebrates the general location of Fort Huntington, which protected locals and even entertained a president during the War of 1812. Admiral Oliver Hazard Perry, the hero of Lake Erie, even stopped here before fighting the Battle of Lake Erie.

2516 Market Ave, Cleveland, OH 44113, USA

Great Lakes Brewing Company/Facebook

How would you like a tasty locally-brewed beer served with a side of history? Great Lakes has a charming microbrewery in the historic 1872 Market Tavern building that has plenty of both. One of their best conversation pieces is the collection of bullet holes (including one with an eye-catching and cartoony Bang! flag stuck in it) adorning their 1901 wooden bar like a masterfully-placed design. Rumor has it that these bullet holes are attributed to Eliot Ness himself. Cheers to local history! Try the Commodore Perry IPA during your visit, especially if you visit Fort Huntington Park beforehand.

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Lake View Cemetery, 12316 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA

Lake View Cemetery/Facebook

Lake View Cemetery is one of the most peaceful places in all of Cleveland. It's a historic garden-style cemetery that was founded in 1869, and its grounds are truly a work of art. In addition to serving as a final resting place for some of Cleveland's most iconic and infamous residents (including the aforementioned Eliot Ness), the cemetery is something of an art garden. Fascinating works populate the local landscape, from lion and angel statues to a stone jukebox. Plus, watching the landscape change throughout the seasons is a true treat.

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629 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44114, USA

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That stone jukebox we just mentioned in Lake View Cemetery is the headstone of DJ Alan Freed, the Cleveland disc jockey that gave rock 'n roll its everlasting name. He first uttered the iconic phrase at the Guardian Building in 1951 when the space served as the office for local radio station WJW-AM. Though it is now one of the seven wonders of Cleveland's music world, the Guardian Building has a forgotten history of its own. It was built in 1895, and at the time, its 221-foot-tall facade was among the tallest in North America. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2000, but many locals still are unaware of the history witnessed by this silent observer. If only walls could talk!

The Arcade, 401 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44115, USA

Erik Drost/Flickr

The 1890s were a boppin' time in Cleveland. In May of 1890, the Arcade opened its doors and delighted locals. By many accounts, this was one of the first shopping malls in the United States. Its design was inspired by the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan. Its construction was financed by some of Cleveland's largest industrialists and philanthropists, many of whom have influence that can be spotted elsewhere in Cleveland.

dmaraz/Google Images

Speaking of Cleveland industrialists, there are few who left quite as much of a mark on the local landscape as John D. Rockefeller. In addition to financing the construction of the Arcade, Rockefeller also donated a long chain of land to the City of Cleveland. Today, Rockefeller Park is home to a public greenhouse and the coveted Cleveland Cultural Gardens. Many of the Cultural Gardens are circa one century in age, but new ones are added almost every year, as well.

St. John's Episcopal Church, 2600, Church Ave W 26th St, Cleveland, OH 44113, USA

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This beauty is the oldest church in Cleveland, completed in 1838. Like many sites in Cleveland, it, too, has ties to Cleveland's industrial past. One of its most famous attendees was Marcus Hanna, an industrialist and politician that helped fund the Arcade's construction. There's a rich and fascinating history at this site, coupled with impressive historic architecture that stands as some of the oldest and most eye-catching in the whole city.

These incredible destinations are among the best historic landmarks in Cleveland. Are there any others you might add to our list? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

Want to explore more historic sites? Check out some surprising places on the National Register of Historic Places for more rich Cleveland history.