This Epic Road Trip Leads To 7 Iconic Landmarks In Cleveland
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Nikki Rhoades
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Whether you’re a lifelong Clevelander or a tourist, you’ll find that the landscape of Cleveland has the power to enchant. There’s a reason we call this city the Best Location in the Nation, and that boils down to the contributions of locals and the local landscape. Our city is dotted with fascinating structures and places of interest, many of which have become some of the most iconic landmarks in Cleveland. Today, we’re going to take a virtual visit to seven of those landmarks… and each has a story to tell. Check it out:
See something interesting along the way? Be sure to budget some time for extra stops, because Cleveland is a city that's well worth exploring.
Dunham Tavern Museum & Gardens, 6709 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44103, USA
If you've never been to Dunham Tavern, then this is absolutely the first stop you'll want to take on this road trip. Built between 1824 and 1832, this incredible structure is now the oldest in Cleveland. It was once a stagecoach stop and tavern, though it did act as a home for most of its life. Today, the old tavern is now a museum... and, boy, is it interesting. Here, life is frozen in a time before Cleveland was a bustling city.
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Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, 1100 E 9th St, Cleveland, OH 44114, USA
As the birthplace of rock and roll, it's only fitting that the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is here in The Land. This awesome museum and architectural feature shine the spotlight on musicians that know the spotlight well... inside this building, guitars, cars, outfits, and more immortalize some of the biggest legends in rock 'n roll. If you're a music lover, this is a must-see destination.
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The Arcade, 401 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44115, USA
Today, the Cleveland Arcade is iconic and beautiful. It cost nearly one million dollars to construct in 1890, and it dazzled locals as one of the first shopping malls in America. Thanks to intensive preservation, it is every bit as beautiful today. This remnant of the Gilded Age is one of the most stunning structures in Cleveland, and it is the largest of three total arcades. (An arcade, by the way, is something like an indoor street. This time, we're not talking about the cool game rooms, but Cleveland does have its fair share of those!)
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Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument, 3 Public Square, Cleveland, OH 44114, USA
The Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument is an absolutely eye-catching piece of Civil War history in Downtown Cleveland. It opened to the public on July 4, 1894 to commemorate the service of Ohio soldiers and sailors during the Civil War... and all wars, for that matter. However, inside, it lists the names of Cuyahoga County residents that served during that time. In 2013, the names of nearly 150 black soldiers were found to be omitted... and were promptly added to the site, allowing those service members the recognition they deserve and firmly placing a piece of this monument's story in the 21st century.
Why, yes, that is a Venus de Milo-inspired statue. At 23,000 lbs, this landmark should be hard to miss... but it's so high over the street that many still overlook it, despite it having a birds-eye-view of the city since 2003. The building it graces opened just one year earlier, and its impressive 430-feet blend flawlessly with the historic skyscrapers in the immediate area. Believe it or not, this is one of the tallest United States courthouses in the entire nation.
Hope Memorial Bridge, Cleveland, OH 44113, USA
Shockwaves rolled through the country when the Cleveland Indians announced they were retiring Chief Wahoo. Just a few years later, they kept the conversation going when they retired their controversial name and rebranded as the Cleveland Guardians. The name nods to these iconic statues on Hope Memorial Bridge, which have their own bit of controversy. In the 1970s, county engineer Albert S. Porter threatened to remove the statues, which had grown dirty and were in need of repairs. Fortunately, the city cleaned them up when the bridge was renovated.
West Side Market, 1979 W 25th St, Cleveland, OH 44113, USA
Last but not least, we're swinging by the West Side Market for some snacks and people-watching. As the oldest continually-operating market in the city, the West Side Market is an architectural gem. Of course, the purveyors selling goods inside have their own fair share of gems. Here, visitors can grab fresh ingredients, baked goods, fancy cheeses, and so much more. Even a few presidents have stopped by! This market truly has something for everyone.
Which of these iconic landmarks in Cleveland is your favorite? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!
Love taking road trips around Ohio? Check out some budget-friendly road trip options that start in Cleveland and end somewhere magical.
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