NORTHEAST OHIO
Oberlin Ohio
ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
1. Oberlin College and Allen Memorial Art Museum
PRESTIGIOUS EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION | OBERLIN OH
Oberlin College and Allen Memorial Art Museum form the cultural heart of Oberlin. The college, founded in 1833, is renowned for its academic excellence and progressive values. The museum houses an impressive collection of over 15,000 works, including pieces by Monet, Picasso, and Mondrian, offering visitors a world-class art experience in a small-town setting.
2. Tappan Square
HISTORIC COMMUNITY PARK | OBERLIN OH
Tappan Square is a 13-acre green space at the heart of Oberlin. Once the site of the original Oberlin College campus, it now serves as a central gathering place for community events, concerts, and leisurely strolls. The square is home to several monuments and sculptures, including the iconic Oberlin Rocks, frequently painted by students to express various messages.
3. Apollo Theatre
HISTORIC CINEMA | OBERLIN OH
Apollo Theatre is a beautifully restored single-screen cinema in downtown Oberlin. Built in 1913, this historic venue offers a unique movie-going experience with a mix of first-run, independent, and classic films. The theater also serves as a hub for film education and production, hosting various events and workshops throughout the year.
4. Oberlin Heritage Center
LOCAL HISTORY MUSEUM | OBERLIN OH
Oberlin Heritage Center preserves and shares the town's fascinating history through its three historic buildings: the Monroe House, Little Red Schoolhouse, and Jewett House. Visitors can explore exhibits on Oberlin's role in the Underground Railroad, women's history, and scientific innovation. The center offers guided tours, educational programs, and special events throughout the year.
5. Frank Lloyd Wright's Weltzheimer/Johnson House
ARCHITECTURAL LANDMARK | OBERLIN OH
Frank Lloyd Wright's Weltzheimer/Johnson House is a prime example of the architect's Usonian style. Built in 1948, this single-story home features Wright's signature organic architecture, integrating the structure with its natural surroundings. The house is now owned by Oberlin College and is open for public tours, offering visitors a glimpse into Wright's innovative design philosophy.
6. Common Ground Canopy Tours
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE | OBERLIN OH
Common Ground Canopy Tours offers thrilling zipline experiences through the Vermilion River Valley. Located just outside Oberlin, this eco-adventure park features seven ziplines, three sky bridges, and two spiral staircases. Visitors can soar through the treetops while enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding forest and learning about local ecology from knowledgeable guides.
7. The Feve Restaurant
ECLECTIC DINING EXPERIENCE | OBERLIN OH
The Feve Restaurant is a beloved local eatery known for its eclectic menu and vibrant atmosphere. This gastropub offers a diverse selection of dishes, from gourmet burgers to international cuisine, along with craft beers and cocktails. The Feve's popular weekend brunch and live music events make it a favorite gathering spot for both locals and visitors.
8. Oberlin Conservatory of Music
WORLD-CLASS MUSIC VENUE | OBERLIN OH
Oberlin Conservatory of Music is the oldest continuously operating conservatory in the United States. This prestigious institution hosts numerous concerts and recitals throughout the year, showcasing talented students and renowned guest artists. Visitors can enjoy performances in various genres, from classical and jazz to contemporary and world music, in state-of-the-art venues.
9. Firelands Association for the Visual Arts (FAVA)
COMMUNITY ART CENTER | OBERLIN OH
Firelands Association for the Visual Arts (FAVA) is a vibrant community art center in downtown Oberlin. FAVA offers a diverse range of art exhibitions, classes, and workshops for all ages and skill levels. Visitors can explore rotating exhibits featuring local and regional artists, participate in art-making activities, or shop for unique handmade items in the gallery shop.
10. Ben Franklin and MindFair Books
UNIQUE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE | OBERLIN OH
Ben Franklin and MindFair Books is a charming local store that combines a variety store with a used bookshop. This unique establishment offers an eclectic mix of products, from art supplies and crafts to vintage books and local souvenirs. Visitors can browse the well-curated book selection or find quirky gifts and essentials in this Oberlin institution.
Oberlin Attractions
THINGS TO DO IN OBERLIN
Oberlin, Ohio is renowned for its rich history, vibrant arts scene, and progressive values. This charming college town is home to Oberlin College, one of the nation's top liberal arts institutions, which has played a significant role in shaping the community's cultural landscape. Oberlin is particularly famous for its early adoption of co-education and its pivotal role in the abolitionist movement, earning it the nickname "the town that started the Civil War."
One of Oberlin's most popular attractions is the Allen Memorial Art Museum, considered one of the finest college art museums in the United States. Housing works by masters such as Monet and Picasso, the museum offers a world-class art experience in a small-town setting. Another must-visit site is the Oberlin Heritage Center, which preserves and shares the town's fascinating history through its three historic buildings: the Monroe House, Little Red Schoolhouse, and Jewett House.
For music enthusiasts, the Oberlin Conservatory of Music is a true gem. As the oldest continuously operating conservatory in the United States, it hosts numerous concerts and recitals throughout the year, showcasing some of the world's most talented young musicians. The historic Apollo Theatre, a beautifully restored single-screen cinema, offers a unique movie-going experience and serves as a hub for film education and production.
Nature lovers will appreciate Oberlin's commitment to green spaces. Tappan Square, located in the heart of downtown, serves as a central gathering place for community events and leisurely strolls. For those seeking more adventure, the nearby Common Ground Canopy Tours offers thrilling zipline experiences through the Vermilion River Valley. With its blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, Oberlin provides visitors with a diverse array of attractions and activities, making it a captivating destination in Northeast Ohio.